NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 1

By Dan Rodgers

Week 15 in the NFL was absolutely out of control. Nothing too out of the ordinary happened in the two games before Sunday, but then things let loose.

Carolina went into Houston and just owned the Texans. There is no reason that the Texans, with a bye on the line, should have let down against a team that has made headlines all season.

Staying in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts played incredibly well against the Titans and will not be the second team ever to 0-16. Donald Brown dominated the Tennessee defense, including an 80-yard touchdown run.

Speaking of a one appearing in place of a zero, the Packers pursuit of perfection was put to an end by the... Kansas City Chiefs. I kid you not, the same team that lost to the Jets by more than 20 beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers.

I couldn't get over the fact that KC won the game. Seriously, throughout the rest of the day and all day on Monday I was so stunned. The Packers just couldn't get anything going offensively and the Packers defense was bad enough to let the Chiefs score 19.

Lastly, the New York Giants decided to wet the bed after putting up impressive offensive performances against the Packers and Cowboys. In a game that would have put the Giants in great position to make the playoffs, they couldn't get it together at home against a below average Redskins team.

The Giants loss has set up an ever-so-important game on Christmas Eve. But we'll get into that in the next post.

RECAP: The only undefeated team lost and the only defeated team won. Two teams who could have used a win lost to below average teams.

All of this commotion is just what happened early on Sunday. Ugh... I lost on GB, HOU, and TEN...

Rodgers That

Week 13 Picks

By Dan Rodgers

OK, so I was hoping to get this out earlier but the Towson game was nuts. As a Jets fan, I thought I had seen all of the possible ways of losing, but my Towson Tigers showed me something new.

Anyway, I am actually supposed to be in Virginia right now because I'm going to the Jets @ Redskins game today. I couldn't find my wallet so I couldn't leave last night, but I finally found it so I'm going to spit out my picks and then hit the road for some tailgating and football.

Ten/Buf 2.5 It's games like this you think the Titans would be favored...
KC/Chi 7 This SHOULD be a slaughter, but we saw what happened with Pittsburgh
Oak/Mia 3 You might be thinking, "Why isn't Oakland favored?" You're about to find out why
Cin/Pit 6.5 Cincy didn't play that well last week against Cleveland and I think Pittsburgh will rebound from last week's game
NYJ 3/Was Huge letdown spot for the Jets, but if they want to make their late season playoff push, they will get the job done
Atl 3/Hou Good team playing with rookie QB, look for the defense to step up big: Houston SU
Car/TB 3 Freeman is better than Newton, even if he isn't playing that way
Den/Min 1 I can't wait to see how many people took Denver in my book
Ind/NE 20 I didn't think I would ever pick a team favored by this much, but Indy takes losing to a whole new level... (SURVIVOR 9-3)
Bal 6.5/Cle I can't believe I'm picking the Ravens, on the road, against a bad team
Dal 5/Ari For some reason, everyone loves Arizona here. This is a huge game for Dallas as they can pull ahead of the Giants by two games...
Stl/SF 13 This matchup isn't even fair
GB 7/NYG This is why the Cowboys can go ahead by two games... I can't believe this line is so low considering how good Green Bay looked against Detroit, how bad NY looked, and the extra time to prepare for the Pack
Det/NO 9 I can't pick against Brees when he is as on fire as he is, the defense better step up
SD 3/Jax New owner, new coach, the team should get up for this game on MNF: JAX 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
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Week 12: 8-7-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Total: 100-70-5 ATS 123-52 SU

You can tell that I didn't feel like actually picking a survivor, so I just went with New England...

As you can tell, the last time I had a solid week was back in Week 7. I have a good feeling about this week though.

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NFL Week 3: Steelers suck

By Dan Rodgers

This will be a short post because I really just need to update the Dallas/Washington line.

Dallas has opened at -4, but I've found it interesting that the line has already moved to Dallas -2.5 and I won't pick the game until tomorrow night. The spread is freaking me out and I want to see how the public reacts to everyone betting the Skins this hard. I'll update this post later with my thoughts on the game...if I have any.

UPDATE: I've decided I like the Skins tonight. I've been reading up on some things and I think they will stay competitive enough to cover the four points. Dallas has enough injuries that Washington should be able to at least keep it close. Also, a fun fact is that the road team has covered in six of the previous seven meetings. Make sure you root for Tim Hightower so I can lock it up in fantasy this week.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers... they can go to hell. They come out firing and they look phenomenal in the first quarter, and then they just suck the rest of the game. I don't understand if an 85-yard bomb to Mike Wallace worked once, it should work again. Also, how do you not change your protection scheme when Freeney and Mathis are feasting on your offensive line? Big Ben is partly at fault, but Tomlin needed to put extra tight ends or something to help block. The Colts get rocked week one by Houston and couldn't keep up with Cleveland, but the Steelers allow them to drive right down the field on them for the tie?

Anyway, the Steelers are overrated and I will not fall for that one again. The Ravens performed as expected. Tennessee didn't cover, but they won so I'm still alive. It was a crazy week because Detroit, Tennessee, Carolina, San Diego and Pittsburgh all played close games and were choices in survivor. Only three of 21 people were eliminated this week: New England (road and divisional), Arizona (road) and a guy who didn't pick.

Next week, an early look-ahead: the only two games I'm even considering are Chicago at home against Carolina and Green Bay at home against Denver.

Be back with more on the MNF game later. CHECK UP TOP.

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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...

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

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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

Mini NFL Draft Preview

By Dan Rodgers

This is a very interesting draft. There are numerous players on the trading block that could drastically change the outcome of each pick.

Players possibly on the move:

• DT Albert Haynesworth - WAS
  
• QB Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
  
• OL Alan Faneca - NYJ
  
• RB Marion Barber - DAL
  
• OL Jared Gaither - BAL
  
• RB Marshawn Lynch - BUF

I would do a mock draft, but it is nearly impossible to predict when there are so many unexpected trades.

Some rumors:

• The Jets and Ravens, depending on the players available may trade up or down from their pick.
• The Redskins and Browns have contacted the Rams about trading up.
• The Steelers have contacted the Rams about trading Ben Roethlisberger.
• The Redskins are considering Eric Berry instead of a QB or OL.
• The Cowboys are also looking to trade up.
  

It should be an awesome draft. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings...enjoy

Look for a post-draft analysis later.

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.