NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 2

By Dan Rodgers

We will start with my team for Part 2. The Jets were in prime position to make the playoffs after needing help, yet again. Just like two seasons ago, the Jets needed a lot of help to make the playoffs, and took advantage of the help they got.

A few weeks ago, Oakland, Cincinnati, and Tennessee lost to give the Jets the lead for the sixth seed. They controlled their own destiny to make the playoffs, but instead they felt like making it interesting by losing and giving the teams a chance. Not only did they lose to the Eagles, whom they've NEVER beaten (0-9), but they got incredibly embarrassed on offense and defense. Santonio Holmes got a taunting penalty after catching a touchdown to cut the lead to 28-10. All of this after the receiver let a ball go through his hands that was intercepted and fumbled the ball that was returned for a touchdown.

The Jets play the Giants in a game that will most likely decide both team's playoff fate. Surprisingly enough, the Jets still control their destiny based on a lucky tiebreaker with the Bengals. The Giants play the Cowboys in the final week of the season, if they win both games, they are playoff bound.

This madness was just the beginning of the late games. The Raiders scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to take a 13-point lead on the Lions. Matt Stafford led the Lions on a 71-yard drive in under three minutes to cut the lead to six. After forcing a punt, Shane Lechler did what he does best, and pinned the Lions at the two yard-line with just over two minutes to play. Unfortunately, that was way too much time for Detroit.

The game-winning touchdown drive included a 48-yard completion to Calvin Johnson. Megatron also caught the game-winning touchdown, his second on the day. The Lions left over a minute for the Raiders to attempt the tying field goal, which they did. Sebastian Janikowski attempted a 65-yard field goal, which was blocked. If Oakland had won the game, they would have the tiebreaker over the Jets, so New York caught another huge break.

The Cardinals were wetting the bed against Cleveland, but were able to come back and kick the game-winning field goal in OT. I'm not going to spend too much time on this, but it was an incredible game, and the Cards kept their playoff chances alive by getting to 7-7.

The final late game was Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow, and the game did not live up to the hype. The Broncos actually took a 16-7 lead in the second quarter, but we all know that you can't kick field goals if you want to beat the Pats. After the 16-7 lead, the Pats responded with 20 unanswered points, with three Denver fumbles in the mix. The Denver offense isn't built for huge comebacks, especially when the defense is struggling to stop the opposition.

The Pats scored a touchdown in the third, and everyone thought it was "Tebow Time" when the Broncos cut the lead back to 11. Brady responded with a touchdown drive of his own that killed way too much clock. Tebow and two other Broncos lost fumbles, and the Pats didn't turn the ball over. I hate the Pats, but they shut up the Broncos, Tebow and all of his followers of Tebowism.

The night games only made everything else even more interesting... but we'll get to those tomorrow.

Rodgers That

Note to self:

The Philadelphia Eagles suck, so stop picking them to cover.

NFL Week 10: picks and preview

By Dan Rodgers

Last week was frustrating because of all the backdoor covers and terrible play by some of the teams. I still ended up over .500 ATS and SU. So far, I'm picking about 60% ATS and 70% SU. I would like to up both of those by at least five percent by season's end.

The reason I'm posting the games so early is because there was a death in the family and I will be out of town. I'm not sure if I will be able to post or update these, but this is how I feel about them right now.

Oak/SD 7 So this game was last night, but honestly I thought San Diego was going to cover ... They clearly suck
Hou 3/TB I'm hearing a lot of mixed opinions on this game, but I think Tampa is so inconsistent and Houston is the better team...
Ari/Phi The line has yet to be released for this game, but it doesn't matter because the Eagles should kill the Cards (SURVIVOR 8-1)
Was/Mia 4 The Skins have shown their true colors recently and I think Miami gets two in a row
Den/KC 4 This is divisional game in a division that sucks and is sometimes tough to predict. Denver SU
Jax 3/Ind Another awful game this weekend that people have mixed opinions about. This is one of four games left that I think Indy has a chance to win... but they won't
Buf/Dal 5.5 I love the Cowboys in this game. Buffalo is coming off a bad loss and is not good on the road
Stl/Cle 3 As I said right above, another awful game. I think St. Louis is going to be pissed about last week and will take this one SU.
NO 1/Atl Finally, a better game... people have mixed opinions on this one as well. I think Atlanta needs to get back on track at home
Ten/Car 3 Tennessee doesn't have much going for them and I think Carolina should take care of business at home... Cam makes plays
Pit 3/Cin While this is a good game, it is tough to read. Cincy has only played one good team, a 5-point loss to San Fran... I think Pittsburgh is too good for them
Det/Chi 3 I was confused by this because Detroit is young and talented and the Bears are inconsistent. I think it will be a close game and I like the upset Detroit SU
NYG/SF 3.5 The 49ers are playing fairly well and I think the Giants are a bit overrated. I think San Fran will pull this one out
Bal 7/Sea Seattle usually plays tough at home and Baltimore might come out flat after an emotional last second win against Pittsburgh... Ravens SU
NE/NYJ 1 A lot of people are not sure why the Jets are favored here, but New England is struggling and the Jets are playing well... I think they take the division lead
Min/GB 13 Last time these two played Minnesota came back and only lost by six, and I think they play them tough again. The Packers defense isn't that good GB SU

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Total: 77-51-2 ATS 91-39 SU

This is a tough week for survivor, but the Philly spread should be more than seven and I think they are safe even though they are struggling. Arizona is just plain bad, which I am surprised by, but they've be consistently bad so we must take advantage of that.

This should be an interesting week and unfortunately, I don't feel too confident. We shall see.

@dhrodgers52

Rodgers That

NFL history made, good or bad?

By Dan Rodgers

The Sunday night football game was left open so that the NFL could put whatever game they wanted there based on how important it was. Well, the game that was moved was the St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks. The winner of the game would win the division and the loser would go home.

To my surprise, Seattle played fairly well and their defense came to life. The Rams couldn't do much on offense, even though it didn't look like they even tried. It wasn't an offensive explosion or anything, but the game was still exciting because of what it meant.

Many people were rooting for St. Louis because if they had won the game they would have finished 8-8. However, because Seattle won the game, they finished the season 7-9 and won the division. This is the first time in NFL history that a sub-.500 team has made the playoffs. Twice before an 8-8 team won their division.

Due to this, talk has emerged regarding reorganizing the divisions (this would never happen); there has also been talks about where the Wild Card games are played. There are discussions about allowing whichever team has a better record host the game. I would definitely not be opposed to that.

Saints @ Seahawks 4:30 Sat. NBC
Jets @ Colts 8:00 Sat. NBC

Ravens @ Chiefs 1:00 Sun. CBS
Packers @ Eagles 4:30 Sun. Fox

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

NFL Week 12: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so my girlfriend was in town for Thanksgiving weekend and she just left so I didn't have time to do the post before the early set of games. However, the only one I would have included would be Green Bay at Atlanta and since it's early I'll still include it. Just so you know, there are quite a bit of good games this week so I'll be writing about four today.

Game 1

Green Bay at Atlanta - This is a NFC Championship preview. These two teams are the cream of the crop in the NFC and this game is going to play a huge factor in home field advantage/seeding. If Atlanta wins: commanding lead and just about a lock for the one seed. If Green Bay wins: holds tie-breaker over Atlanta and will have the same record. As for the game, Atlanta is clearly the safe pick because Matt Ryan has only lost one career game at home. I think this could be number two. Green Bay has a high-powered offense and a play-making defense, a combination (other than Saints?) that the Falcons haven't really seen this season. Look for a one possession game down until the end.

My Prediction: Green Bay (+2) 23 Atlanta 20

Game 2

Tampa Bay at Baltimore - This game is between a young, over-achieving team against an older, more experienced team. Clearly no one expected the Bucs to be 7-3 with a serious chance at the playoffs. The Ravens are tied with the Steelers for the lead in the division and currently hold the tie-breaker. I think this will be a close, low-scoring game. The Ravens should be able to pull it out because they are at home. Not much else to say about this; I would be surprised to see a sloppy game full of turnovers.

My Prediction: Tampa Bay (+7.5) 13 Baltimore 17

Game 3

Philly at Chicago - This is another game that will play a large roll in determining the NFC playoff picture. Both teams are 7-3 and have a slim lead in their division. I think Philly is just too good and Michael Vick is just playing too well for the Bears to stop him. IF they do, you can bet that Julius Peppers will play a large roll in it. I am curious to see what they do to try to contain Vick because it might a good idea to just spy him the entire game. Look for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to make some big plays deep.

My Prediction: Philly (-3.5) 27 Chicago 20

Game 4

San Diego at Indianapolis - This is the Sunday night game and is more important than usual for both teams. Jacksonville is tied with Indy for the division, has the tie-breaker and is currently ahead of the Giants. San Diego is 5-5 and needs a win to stay pace with Oakland and KC. They have also been hot and I like them to upset the Colts and put both teams at 6-5. Looks for Rivers to tear up the Indy secondary. The Colts will have to put up a ton of points to stick with the Chargers and I think the SD defense will be able to make a play.

My Prediction: San Diego (+3) 37 Indianapolis 28

Rodgers That

NFL Week 11: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Game 1

Packers at Vikes - This game has to be on the list due to the ever-popular Brett Favre factor. However, it should be different from how it was last season when Brett came out and played like a champ. The Vikings have been struggling all season and Green Bay is starting to get into a rhythm. Look for A-Rod to put up big numbers as usual, but especially because the Packers aren't a running team and Minnesota's strength on defense is against the run. Brett will probably do what we expect and throw two INTs. Look for Jennings to catch a deep ball or two.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 27 Vikings 16


Game 2

Indianapolis at New England - This is clearly the game of the week, as it has been every season for a while. Some how, even though these teams aren't in the same division, they manage to play every season. Brady vs. Manning is what everyone wants to see. Personally, Manning is a much better QB, but Brady has benefitted more from a better team and especially a better defense. Manning would have at least two more rings if his defense had been decent. Today is an interesting matchup because Brady doesn't have Moss and have of the Colts team is on the IR. Manning will have to win this on his own, but he has won five of the last six.

My Prediction: Pats 30 Colts (+3.5) 28


Game 3

Giants at Eagles - I'm going to keep this one short. New York played awful last week against a disgraceful Dallas team. Philly set records in a rout of the Redskins last week; Vick is playing out of his mind. The Eagles are at home, and they're going to win. Period, the end.

My Prediction: Eagles (-3) 34 Giants 23

Rodgers That

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

Rodgers That

Romo out, Cowboys done

By Dan Rodgers

Tony Romo, on a hit by Michael Boley, broke his collarbone. He will be out 10 weeks, so basically the rest of the season because the Cowboys are as good as eliminated from post-season play. Jon Kitna takes over the starting job. Kitna isn't a terrible QB as he never really had any talent around him when he started for Detroit. He just isn't good enough to bring Big D back from this sh!t storm of a mess.

The Giants would be in prime position to win the division at 5-2 even though they would only be one game up on the 4-3 Eagles and Redskins. The Skins are sneaking away with wins when other teams are making tons of mistakes and the Eagles have been extremely inconsistent; who knows if Vick will be back starting again.

The Giants have scored 17 unanswered points (and are driving) since the 'Boys took a 20-7 lead following the Dez Bryant punt-return touchdown.

Note: Great play by Mario Manningham to score the touchdown. 31-20 Giants

Rodgers That

NFL Week 6: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

So we have reached week six, which means: Big Ben is back, Favre is injured, and we have some do-or-die games...

Game 1

Ravens at Pats - I will thoroughly enjoy watching this game because if all goes well, the Pats will fall to 3-2. I understand they are at home, but the loss of Randy Moss combined with a weak defense should be enough for a loss. The Ravens have been playing fairly well, nothing super impressive, but enough to win the game. Boldin and Heap should have nice days against the Pats defense and that will likely open up some holes for Ray Rice. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats were able to sneak away with the win at home, but in order to do that Brady will most likely have to have a big day. It is not unheard of, as others have semi-exploited the Ravens secondary, but he will need some time in the pocket against their vicious pass rush.

My Prediction: Ravens (+2.5) 24 Pats 20

Game 2

Falcons at Eagles - This game isn't as intriguing as it should have been because if Vick was playing it would be interesting to see his reception in Atlanta. However, he isn't playing, so you can take away the emotional aspect of the game. Due to that, Atlanta should take care of business. Philly has been decent, but Kolb hasn't developed that chemistry with his receivers yet to really take advantage of the ATL secondary. Don't be surprised if speedsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin grab a couple deep balls though. I still like Atlanta to take care of business on the road.

My Prediction: Falcons (+2.5) 27 Eagles 21

Game 3 after I get some lunch...

Game 3

Cowboys at Vikes - This game is labeled "You lose, your season's over." Basically, these two 1-3 teams face off in a 2009 playoff rematch. The loser will have a 5 % chance of making the post-season. I believe it's been six years since a 1-4 team has made the playoffs. I think that 1-4 team will be the Vikings. While they showed signs of life against the Jets, Favre is hurt and Big D has something more to prove. Look for a convincing win by Dallas as they look to turn their season around.

My Prediction: Cowboys (+2) 34 Vikes 24

Enjoy the week six action!

Rodgers That

NFL Week 4: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Another Sunday has graced us, and I'm pumped. The Jets face the Bills today and if all is right in the football world, they will be 3-1 at days end.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everything goes pink in the NFL and I love it. My Jets hat is the sideline one from last year with the pink brim. I think it's great that the NFL participates and sells the gear.

Well, here are my three games to watch this week, so far this year I'm 6-3.

Game 1

Ravens at Steelers - Pittsburgh looks to improve to 4-0 without star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. That would be extremely impressive for a Pittsburgh team that seemed to struggle mightily at times last year. It has been an interesting start for both teams, the Ravens were able to squeak out a win against a Jets team that only beat themselves. They looked awful against the Bengals and only beat the Browns by a touchdown. The Steelers defense has looked phenomenal and their offense had a breakout game last week against Tampa Bay. I think Pitt's defense will give Flacco trouble, just like Cincy did, and that is going to lead to a few turnovers for Bmore. The Steelers remarkable run will continue at home against a team that hasn't beat them at Heinz field since the Harbaugh-Flacco combo started.

My Prediction: Steelers (-1) 23 Ravens 16


Game 2

Redskins at Eagles - You might be curious why this game is on here. One reason: Donovan McNabb. He is once again playing at Lincoln Financial Field, but for the other team and that makes for great headlines. Typically when a star player returns to play his former team, he beats them. This is going to be a different story, the Redskins aren't playing good football and they just aren't good in general. Vick is playing out of his mind and the Eagles just seem to be rolling on all cylinders on offense. The Skins will probably look to control the ball and run a lot more than they have. I don't think Washington has enough talent to compete with an Eagles team that seems to be clicking. Look for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin to have big games for the Iggles.

My Prediction: Eagles (-5.5) 27 Redskins 17


Game 3

Pats at Fins - As a Jets fan, this is an interesting game. I think I've decided I would rather New England win (if a tie doesn't happen), because I feel like Miami could be more dangerous if they stick around. So putting them at 2-2 and 1-2 in the division would be a pretty solid hole. Everyone knows what the Pats are made of, and I think they are going to make the playoffs anyway. The Pats are extremely one-dimensional, much like the Colts, but they are so good at that dimension that it doesn't matter. Look for Chad Henne to try and duplicate a Mark Sanchez performance in week two, and Tom Brady will also try to duplicate Sanchez's week three performance. So basically, in the crazy world we live in, everyone is trying to be like QB Nacho Taco.

My Prediction: Patriots (-1) 27 Dolphins 23

NFL Week 1: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Folks, that time of the year has finally arrived, NFL football is back!

Listed below are my three games to watch during the day. I'll also update how my fantasy teams are doing later on today.

Game 1

Bengals at Pats - This game is very intriguing to me and not just because I'm a Jets fan. This will be a big game for New England to prove that they haven't gone anywhere and are still the team to beat in the ACFE. The Bengals had a very good year last season with a powerful running game and a good defense. Carson Palmer is always dangerous and look for him to test his new toy (T.O.), but don't expect Cinci to stray too far from their running game. As for the Pats, a lot of people are writing them off and saying their defense isn't at all good. If the Pats can shut down the Bengals offense, it won't be a good sign for the rest of the AFC.

My Prediction: Bengals (+5) 24 Cheatriots 20

Game 2

Colts at Texans - This game five years ago would be a blowout. However, in recent seasons Houston has been slowly but surely improving. Last season was their first over the .500 mark, and I couldn't be happier for them. Peyton Manning looks to improve his record against the Texans to 16-1, and Houston looks to shock the football world by beating Manning. This could be the most important game in Texans history. They will be without Brian Cushing, due to suspension, and look for Manning to go after rookie CB Kareem Jackson. Schaub should have a good game, and look for surprisingly good numbers from Texan RB Arian Foster.

My Prediction: Texans (+2) 30 Colts 28

^Going for the upset pick here, more likely to happen is - Colts (-2) 30 Texans 24
Game 3

Packers at Eagles - A member of the Rodgers clan goes to work today. Aaron Rodgers should have a good day against what seems to be a weak Philly secondary. Look for Rodgers to eclipse the 300-yard mark with ease, and in doing so, Ryan Grant should have a good game. I'm very interested to see what Kolb can do in his first start. The Packers secondary got lit up to end their post-season run last year. Kolb will likely try to do the same considering his coach is Andy "I never run the ball" Reid. I don't see any reason why the Packers don't take this one handily.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 34 Eagles 23


Should be a great first week since we have some intriguing matchups. Check back later for an update, fantasy update and SNF preview.

Rodgers That

Moves around the NFL

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, this post is solely going to be about relatively significant moves made around the NFL, and my opinion about them if I feel necessary.

1. If you didn't know Donovan McNabb was a Redskin by now, quit life. If you were trying to ignore the fact that he wants T.O. to join him in D.C. I can't blame you. The Skins are bad enough, imagine that plus Owens...
2. The Broncos dealt Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins so he could get lost on Revis Island. At least the Broncos made out well getting a second round pick in this and next year's draft.
   
3. The Eagles acquired LB Ernie Sims from Detroit, sent a late round pick to the Broncos, who then sent TE Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Hmm, kind of confusing...Eagles easily got the best end in a good young backer.
   
4. Jason Taylor to the Jets...in the words of the Mighty Ducks, "Just because you wear the uniform, doesn't mean you're a real Duck."
   
5. Rams trade DT Adam Carriker to Skins...who cares?
6. Pats sign WR Holt...ugh, just the Pats bringing another old guy who is going to look like a pro-bowler in that offense?
7. Steelers bring back Byron Leftwich...enough said

I'll post any more as they happen

Rodgers That

An open letter to Donovan McNabb

Dear Mr. McNabb,

I’m sorry. On behalf of all Eagles fans everywhere, I’m so, so sorry. I know you’ve been booed since your selection as the number 2 pick in 1999 to play for the city of brotherly love. That you were never surrounded with enough talent to play to your ultimate potential, and that when you finally were given those weapons it was your first Superbowl appearance. And I know that it’s awful to finally have so many new weapons in Brent Celek, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and Jeremy Maclin. That being traded to play from Andy Reid, who doesn’t know that a run game exists, to Mike Shanahan, the man who basically invented the greatest running scheme known to modern NFL, must feel like heaven for your not-even-close to weary 33 year old frame. So how do you feel, Mr. McNabb? You’re being put in the middle of another offense that will ask too much of you, with Santana Moss and Chris Cooley to serve as your new Robin and Batgirl. Your net worth to the franchise that you brought to the NFC Championship Game 5 times and one Superbowl? A second round draft pick. Sure, you could be worth another pick next year. But ultimately you were just told, as the face of the franchise, that your worth is a backup middle linebacker. Ouch man. On a better note, you muscled your way to being in the same division. I hope you make the Eagles front office remember that you were the best player in Eagles history for a reason.

Best of luck, you’ll be missed,

-Dr. Jekyll.

NFL Saturday Recap

By Dan Rodgers

I just want to apologize to the Dallas Cowboys and their fans for the lack of faith I had in them. I do want to say I was thoroughly convinced that they can win in the playoffs now with that blow out win over division rival Philly. Not only did the Cowboys win, but they did so over a division foe for the third time this season. Beating a team three times in one season is extremely difficult to thing to accomplish.

AFC Wild-Card:

New York Jets (+2.5) 24 Cincinnati Bengals 14

My prediction: Jets 26 Bengals 17

I would say that I was fairly accurate in my prediction with this game. I said that Mark Sanchez was the difference and I was right. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he did not turn the ball over, and he wasn't even close. Sanchez played smart football and handed the ball off like a pro. Thomas Jones had limited action due to injury, but they Jets didn't miss a beat because rookie Shonn Greene ran for 135 yards including a 39-yard touchdown. I also said the defense would have to control Benson, which they absolutely did not. I have to give Benson credit because he is the only one that showed up. He had a phenomenal game breaking the Bengals franchise post-season record for rushing yards in a single game. Carson Palmer was the lesser of the USC quarterbacks as he only completed 18 of 36 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown to ex-Jet Laverneous Coles and an interception to Darrelle Revis.

Simply, the Jets outplayed the Bengals (again) in every aspect of the game. Look for an interesting matchup next week against either the Colts or Chargers.

NFC Wild-Card

Philadelphia Eagles (+4) 14 Dallas Cowboys 34

My prediction: Eagles 30 Cowboys 23

Basically, I expected the Eagles to show up. Plain and simple, they didn't. The Cowboys dominated the entire game on both sides of the ball. Tony Romo looked as good as he's ever looked and even Roy Williams contributed. The Cowboys won their first playoff game since 1996 and have been on fire of recent. They really proved that tonight with their domination over a division rival for the second time in as many weeks. I was correct with a 40-plus yard touchdown but it was to Jeremy Maclin and not DeSean Jackson. Jackson did catch a meaningless three yard touchdown. On a note for next week's games, I love the Cowboys to upset the reeling Vikings. Minnesota has been inconsistent of recent, especially the play of Brett Favre, who thankfully didn't win MVP this year.

Look out later for Sunday's predictions.

Rodgers That

January Football

By Dan Rodgers

My sincerest apologies. It has been quite a while since I've posted, but by now you must be up to date with the NFL playoff situation.

Today the Jets travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. Later the Eagles take a trip to Dallas to battle their division rival. Both games are rematches of week 17. The Jets beat the Bengals and the Cowboys beat the Eagles. Both games were shut outs.

Many people figure Wild-Card Weekend to be a different story in both games. The "experts" seem to think that Cincinnati laid down for New York and that the Jets showed every trick in their book and that the Bengals will be ready. It is also tough to think that the Cowboys can beat the Eagles three times in one season. However, if you remember back to last season, the Steelers reached the Super Bowl by beating the Ravens for a third time in the AFC Championship.

Personally, I believe that if the Jets can stop Cedric Benson they should be able to keep the Bengals in check. However, Mark Sanchez proves to be the wild card pick every week. If he doesn't turn the ball over the Jets are 5-2 when Sanchez doesn't turn the ball over, both of those losses were to Miami and by a combined total of eight points. So if Sanchez can protect the ball and the defense can stop the run, I believe the Jets have a realistic chance to win.

Jets (+2.5) 26 Bengals 17

The Eagles go to Dallas with the hopes of developing some sort of momentum. They've lost the last two to the Cowboys and face them for a third time tonight. I think the Eagles will come out strong because they were shut out last week in Dallas. It is also unbelievably difficult to beat a division rival three times in one season. I like the Eagles to not only cover the spread in this game by also win the game out right. The defense will be ready and their offense will finds way to strike deep. Look for a 40-plus yard touchdown from DeSean Jackson.

Eagles (+4) 30 Cowboys 24

Look back tomorrow because I will have a blurb on the Sunday games.


Rodgers That

NFL Week 10 Preview

By Toddy. P

As I promised, my weekly NFL preview will highlight the great games, the sure things, and my own fantasy watch list.

My games to watch this week are Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia vs. San Diego. I predict them to be the most competitive and exciting for all 60 minutes.

The Cincinnati Bengals vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers- This is my game of the week. AFC North matchups, excluding the Browns of course, always turn out to be a battle. These games are always won in the trenches. Both teams come into this at 6-2.

The Bengals are undefeated in the division and are showing no signs of slowing down. Carson Palmer has finally stepped up to his true potential following that devastating knee injury. Cedric Benson has proven he is not just a talentless thug. He can actually run the football and really well. He has run for 837 yards and 6 touchdowns. Even more impressive is the teams he has ran well against. He rushed for 237 yards in two victories over the Ravens and 189 against the Bears. Not only have the Bengals been winning games, but they are doing so without having to score 50 points a game. Their defense has been shocking to the point where they are only allowing 16.9 points per game on average.

The Steelers started off nothing like you would expect from the Super Bowl champions. Troy Polamalu went down with a knee injury week 1 and missed the next four games. In the first three games, the Steelers barely snuck by the Titans, lost to the Bears and then again to the Bengals. Since then, they have won 5 straight, and are back to their normal Pittsburgh style of football. Their ground game is not what it used to be, but is looking better every week. Rashard Mendenhall has proven he has what it takes to be the feature back. He ran for 165 yards against a stout San Diego D-line and 155 last week against Mike Nolan’s revamped Denver defense. Big Ben has been Big Ben, and Hines Ward is still Hines Ward.

This game is crucial for both teams. If the Bengals were to win, they would not only be leading the division but they will have swept the Steel City for the first time since ’98. If the Steelers win they then take over the division and have a serious momentum with a 6-game winning streak. I am going to go with the last decade on this one. Pittsburgh scores another two defensive touchdowns and wins 28-21.

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. The San Diego Chargers- Best of the afternoon games. Both teams are extremely similar and show up when they feel like it.

The Eagles offense has been arguably one of the most inconsistent in the NFL. I just don’t understand how one week they didn’t get in the endzone against Oakland yet they can put up 40 points against the Giants. DeSean Jackson may very well be the key to this team. How about this stat from NFL.com: when DeSean scores, the eagles are 4-1 averaging 32.2 points per game, but when he doesn’t they are only 1-2 averaging 19.3. The Philly defense has been better than expected but not great. They currently stand 10^th against the run and 11^th against the pass. Another key to this game for Philadelphia could be how many touches Brian Westbrook gets. This will be his first week back from the concussion.

The Chargers are similarly inconsistent all around. The real game plan for them is 3 step drops for Philip Rivers and a quick release. The Eagles like to send chaotic blitz packages and constantly pack 8 into the box. If River’s can manage to get the ball out to Sproles quickly and efficiently, they should be able to control the pace of this game. Vincent Jackson won’t be much of a factor paired up against Samuel, so look for quick screens and short passes all game. The Chargers are ranked 5^th in the league and are getting healthy. Don’t expect them to give up much in any form.

I expect this to be the most exciting games of the week. Both of the teams are more than capable on scoring on the big plays. All 6 of DeSean Jackson’s TDs have came from atleast 50 yards out so I expect nothing less. Everyone knows what Darren Sproles can do in the open field so this will come as no surprise. My thoughts are that the Eagles don’t have an answer for Sproles and he runs for 1 TD and receives 2 more. San Diego wins a close one over Philly 34-31.

Sure Things against the spread:

Denver (-3.5) @ Washington

Kansas City (+2) @ Oakland

New York (A) (-7) vs. Jacksonville

Fantasy Predictions:

Start 'Em

Drew Brees against the lack of defense in St. Louis. I wouldn’t be shocked if he throws for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. Expect huge production.

Ray Rice against Cleveland on Monday Night. In front of a national crowd, he will catch and run for possible season high numbers against the abysmal Browns.

Sit 'Em

Jason Campbell. Expect 2-3 interceptions and under 200 yards passing.

Mike Sims-Walker. David Garrard will have no time to throw against the Jets D and no time means minuscule catches. He better hope for some YAC if he wants any production at all. Good Luck.