NFL Starts Today

Can you believe it?  The NFL season has finally come!  Like many of you I wait in anticipation of what might be one of the more exciting years in recent memory.  I cannot remember a time when so much has happened in the offseason.  One thing is for sure, it will be a fun ride.

Since we are heading into this season I wanted to give you my list of predictions as far as division winners and such.  So, here they are:

AFC East – New England Patriots          AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South – Indianapolis Colts               AFC West – San Diego Chargers

NFC East – Philadelphia Eagles             NFC North – Chicago Bears

NFC South – New Orleans Saints           NFC West – Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl – Indianapolis 27, Philadelphia 24

Dark Horse to make playoffs – Houston Texans

There you have it…my predictions!  Feel free to comment!

Welcome Back

I’m back!  After a nice layoff over the last few months it is time to resume my blogging!  I’m excited to say that I have enjoyed my summer and I am looking forward to another great season of NFL football.

Over this coming season I will be changing what I typically blog on.  Last season I spent much time discussing the games and picks.  This year I will be taking a more editorial approach to the season.  While I will continue to supply you with my picks I will also be doing more commentary on the issues in the NFL and less breaking down of each game that is played. I’m hoping that this will ignite much more discussion and draw more people to the site.

I’m interested even to hear your thoughts on this idea, so please feel free to comment.

With that, here are some articles that I will be sharing in the next few days:

Brett Favre, Michael Vick, The Cowboys Scoreboard, and Picks for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned!

ATRAIN

Super Bowl 09

I apologize for my infrequency in writing on this site, but it appears that the business of life has caught up with me.  But I have found time to carve out a moment to write my thoughts on the Super Bowl.

Arizona Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Pitt -7)

This season’s biggest game comes down to these two teams.  On the one hand you have the consistently pathetic Cardinals who have shocked the entire football world by advancing to this, the biggest game in the season.  The Cardinals were the early season “sexy” pick to win their division.  They looked great.  QB Kurt Warner could do no wrong.  The offense was on fire.  The biggest surprise was the defense.  The Cardinals defense was not on anybodies’ fantasy teams, hardly recognized in the league, and looked more like a collection of college washouts than NFL stars in previous seasons.  Now, they looked like a top unit.  Then we got half way through the season and the wheels seemed to fall off.  It looked as though they would return to their true nature of previous years…laughable.  That all changed once the playoffs hit.  The Cardinals have evolved into an actual championship team.  My hat goes off to Head Coach Ken Wisenhunt who has done a remarkable job, not only winning, but changing a culture held in Arizona.  The Culture?  Losing.  Finally, pride has been restored to the desert.  A win on Sunday, and the whole state might party it’s way into Texas.  For the Cardinals to win, however, they need to be able to do something they really haven’t done very consistently all season.  Run the ball.  The Steelers have a ferocious pass rush and would love nothing more than to get their claws on an almost 40-year-old quarterback in Warner.  Look for Arizona to use plenty of runs and play-action passing to try to get the Steelers defense to back off.

On the other hand we have the Steelers.  The Steelers have been to so many Super Bowls I’ve lost count.  I know they are tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the most ever Super Bowl wins with five.  The Steelers are a team of monsters.  They survive on their defense.  What a defense it is too!  They will come after the Cardinals all game and make life extremely difficult for them.  On offense, Pittsburgh has a great running attack, supported by a strong passing game.  They will look to pound the ball as well as stretch the field against the Cards.  The Steelers deserve to be where they are.  They have a great team and this will be a great game.

In my usual A-train style, I call the winner you all need to know.  Steelers, but hang on, they will win by 5 points, not 7.

Go Cardinals!!

Atrain Is Back

I apologize for my long hiatus.  I was off on Christmas break and the New Year has been off to a blistering pace that I just haven’t had a chance to blog on my entries.  I did miss a week there and I apologize.  As many of you all know we have some monstrous games this weekend with the NFL Divisional Playoff Round.  Let’s take a look:

Saturday’s Games:

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers  (Car -9.5)

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a very impressive performance in a game than few thought they would win.  QB Kurt Warner out performed his rookie counterpart Matt Ryan.  The Cardinals have the best trio of receivers in the league.  When they spread out they are very tough to stop.  The Falcons had a real hard time stopping the big play and that is what cost them.  Do not think the Panthers were not paying attention.  Carolina has a very tough defense and Warner will not have time nor the luxury of sitting back and finding the big play.  The Panthers will attack and try to force Warner into making bad decisions.  On offense, the Panthers have the best running duo in the playoffs and arguably the league.  They will utilize that against a weaker Cardinals defense.  The spread on this game is huge, but I think the Panthers will pull it out.  Go with the Panthers to win and to cover.

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (Ten-2.5)

This is the game that we are all excited about.  Both these teams sport really good defenses and really powerful running games.  Neither team wants to rely on their quarterback to have to win this game.  Baltimore’s rookie QB Joe Flacco had some great success last week against Miami and the Ravens made it look easy on the road.  This week will be much tougher.  The Titans sport one of the toughest challenges they will face all season.  With the size and speed of Tennessee’s defense it will be tough for the Ravens to get much going, especially on the road.  Baltimore will force feed the running game with RB’s Willis McGahee and LeRon MacLain.  Both runners are tough to bring down.  Look for the Ravens to sneak in some play-action passing to keep the Titans off balance.  Funny enough, the Titans will probably exercise the same attack on Baltimore and pound the rock with running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson.  This game will come down to defense and who stops the run.  I look to the Titans defense to hold down the Ravens more than the other way around.  Go with the Titans at home to win and cover.

Sunday’s Games:

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers  (Pit -6.5)

The big question going into this game is how healthy is Pittsburgh QB Ben Rothlisberger after he got his bell rung pretty good in the season finale against Cleveland.  Coach Mike Tomlin has taken considerable heat for even having Ben in a meaningless game to finish the season.  Tomlin says that “Big Ben” is fine and will look to start on Sunday.  The Chargers are coming in on a crazy 5 game winning streak including a playoff win over the Colts last week.  The Chargers have been very explosive on offense and RB Darren Sproles has been the workhorse and a pleasant surprise.  RB Tomlinson had been the star for the last few years but now might not even be able to play in a playoff game for  the second year in a row.  Tomlinson pulled a groin muscle last week in the first half.  The Chargers will face a mammoth task of trying to overcome the intense pressure from the Steelers.  Look for the Chargers to take some heat of QB Phillip Rivers with some screen passes and aggressive running plays.  If the Steelers can stop the run, it will be a long day for the Chargers.  On the other side, the Chargers defense has also been a big reason for their streak of late.  The Steelers offense doesn’t really strike fear into many of the Chargers players.  The Steelers will try to muscle their offense down the field against a smaller Chargers defense.  This will be a slug fest.  Give it to the Steelers but the Chargers will cover the spread.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants  (NY -5.5)

The Giants limped into the playoffs while the Eagles have been riding high ever since they trounced the Cowboys to finish off the regular season.  Many doubt the Giants are for real after they have lost their threatening vertical game.  If the Giants want to win they need to be able to establish the run with RB Brandon Jacobs.  When he isn’t rolling, neither are the Giants.  QB Eli Manning will have a hard time finding open receivers with the Eagles jamming them at the line and sending a crazy barrage of blitzes from Defensive Co-ordinator Jim Johnson.  These teams know each other well after splitting the season series, so Manning won’t see much in the way of the new.  The Eagles are very explosive on offense.  The Giants have proven to be vulnerable against speedy, quick hitting offenses.  The Eagles will go as far as RB Brian Westbrook takes them.  But not in the run, but the pass.  If Westbrook can get involved in the passing game the Giants will be in for a long day.  Nothing like a playoff game between division rivals.  I think the Giants are this year’s version of last year’s Cowboys.  The shoe fits.  Go with the Eagles to upset the Giants.

There you go!  Enjoy some serious playoff football!  Happy New Year.

NFL Playoff Picture Set; Embarassment Abounds

While yesterday gave us a clear picture as to who will be playing in January, it also gave us some insight into the most embarrassing performances throughout this season, and some will surprise you.

Congratulations are in order for Minnesota, San Diego, Miami and Philadelphia who all made impressive wins and got some help to get in to the tournament.  The biggest surprise has to be the Eagles who needed hell to freeze over in order to get in.  Guess what?  Hell froze over.  After getting help from both the Houston Texans (beating the Bears) and the unlikely Oakland Raiders (beating the Bucs) the Eagles humiliated the Dallas Cowboys on national television to get to the playoffs. How about the Chargers who also took a page from the Eagles’ book and blew out the divisional-rival Broncos?

Now the real season begins.  Now we find out who has it, deep down, to get to the biggest game in professional sports.  Will it be the Giants? how about the upstart Panthers?  the Colts?  maybe the dangerous Chargers?  The stage is set.  The lights are on.  Who will emerge come February?

For my Superbowl pick from the beginning of the season I had the Cowboys beating the Colts.  That obviously won’t happen.  Now that the playoffs are here, I’m sticking with the Colts and going with the Panthers to meet them in the Superbowl, with the Colts winning.

Embarrassment

Many fans are embarrassed by their teams performance throughout the season.  I’m going to list the three biggest embarrassments of the 2008 regular season.  This is not an exhaustive list, just my top 3 embarrassing teams.

3) Denver Broncos

While this team had an up and down season and at times looked very good, they proved to be in the top three when they blew a 3 game lead in the division during the last three weeks of the season.  This is the first time in NFL history that a team blew a division lead of that magnitude with 3 weeks left.  That is embarrassing.  The worst part about this is the teams that they played down the stretch.  They had every chance to clinch the division against a far inferior opponent (Bills) last week, even blowing a 13 point lead in that game.  The Denver Broncos layed down and let the Charger roll over them for the division, hence the number 3 biggest embarrassment of the season.

2) Detroit Lions

Now, I know everyone is surprised by the Lions being only number two.  After all, they did not win a game this season.  But really, did we expect much from the Lions?  I did not.  The only thing that I expected was for them to play rookie QB Drew Stanton.  They didn’t even do that which should make them the biggest embarrassment.  Why not get your rookie some experience, especially if you think he is the future of your franchise?  The refusal of the Lions to look forward has been their downfall for years, it will continue. Head Coach Rod Marinelli was fired today.  Honestly, he should be.  But the problems are much deeper than the coaching staff.  This hole organization is an embarrassment and until wholesale changes are made, starting at the top with the president, things will never turn around for the Lions. Hey, at least they get the number one pick.

1) Dallas Cowboys

It is hard to justify putting the Dallas Cowboys (9-7) as the number one embarrassment this season when you look at their record.  But it isn’t so much the amount of losses that is embarrassing, but rather the continual soap opera and the way they lost those games.  No finer example then the effort they put forth yesterday against the Eagles with the playoffs on the line.  This team has serious issues, one being they aren’t a team.  I know I’m biased because I am a fan of the Cowboys, but really, to have the players they have and to play the way they did, everyone was surprised.  Most of all the Eagles.  The Cowboys also need to make wholesale changes, to their organization, coaches, and players.  God was not looking down on the Cowboys yesterday.  If anything, God left them alone and allowed the league to humble their arrogance, strip their prestige, and crumple their unity.  This team is a mess.  Their quarterback chokes when the game is important, the defense cannot stop anyone when it matters, and the coach thinks everything is “honky dory”.  Please.  They have earned Atrain’s number one embarrassment of the year award.

News

Some firings to make you aware of, in case you have not heard:

* Lions fire head coach Rod Marinelli and hired a new GM in Martin Mayhew.

* Browns fire head coach Romeo Crennel and GM Phil Savage; Bill Cowher turned down the job when he was offered it on Sunday night.

* Jets fire head coach Eric Mangini.

Now the real season begins, what can we expect in the playoffs?  Hopefully some wildly entertaining football!

NFL Picks Week 17

We are heading into the final week of the regular season and there is a lot to be decided.  Since this is the last week I will give you my pics for every game that is on the schedule instead of my usual four.  My record has not been great this season but hopefully this will turn it right around.

SU: 19-15  ATS: 15-20

Without further ado, here are the picks for the finale of the regular season:

Tennessee Titans (13-2) at Indianapolis (11-4)   (Ten -2.5)

This is a tough game to pick.  Neither team can change their situation heading into the playoffs in this game.  Meaning that this game is meaningless.  The only thing that is on the line here is the Colts’ eight game winning streak.  Really, this game doesn’t mean anything except getting momentum for the playoffs.  Tennessee might look to QB Kerry Collins to just manage this game and pound the Colts defense with the running game.  The Titans want to remind everyone that they can beat anyone, anywhere.  A win against the Colts means that they would have knocked off the other top teams in the conference.  The Colts are also looking to make a statement and give the Titans a little something extra to think about going into the playoffs.  If the Colts have a chance to avenge their loss to the Titans earlier in the season, it starts at the top with QB Peyton Manning.  Manning is the key to how far the Colts will go in any game from here on out.  Look for the Colts to run a lot of “quick hitters” to keep Manning away from that ferocious pass rush of the Titans.  This game means nothing except pride for the Colts.  The Colts will win and cover.

Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-6-1)  (Phi -0.5)

How huge is that tie on the Eagles record right now?  Even if it was a win the Cowboys hold the tie breaker over the Eagles but it has huge implications in the tie breaker with the Bucs.  For the Eagles it is win and then hope that the Bucs had lost when they hosted Oakland in the earlier game.  No doubt the Eagles will know the outcome of that game when they take the field against the Cowboys, though the Eagles do not need any extra motivation to play the Cowboys.  These two teams hate each other more than any other combination in the NFC East.  This is the new version of the ol’ Cowboys vs. Redskins of the 70’s & 80’s.  For the Cowboys it is easy, win and your in the playoffs, lose and your home for the holidays.  If the Cowboys are going to have any chance QB Tony Romo cannot turn the ball over.  Last week against the Ravens, it was Romo’s poor play and decision making that dug the Cowboys into an hole.  The Cowboys need a fast start to take the fans and the Eagles hopes out of the game.  The Eagles will look to also get off to a quick start for the exact opposite reason.  They need their fans to make this a difficult game for the Cowboys.  Coach Andy Reid has been under a lot of fire this week for not getting the running game going last week in Washington.  The Cowboys can bet they will see a lot of no. 36 this week.  RB Brian Westbrook is the key to the Eagles offense.  When he touches the ball more than 15 times in a game the Eagles are 7-1 this season.  Expect the Eagles defense to get after QB Tony Romo and try to force him to make some mistakes.  This will be a hard fought, very physical game.  The Cowboys absolutely need this one, and I think they will dig deep and pull it out.  Go with the ‘Boys to win and cover.

Denver Broncos (8-7) at San Diego (7-8) (SD -8.5)

The spread in this game is huge so whoever does win will not cover.  The Broncos do not even deserve to make the playoffs after blowing a 3 game lead in the division.  If the Broncos lose this game they will be the first team in NFL history to blow a three game divisional lead with three games to go.  If they have any hope of winning all of it falls on QB Jay Cutler.  The Broncos go as far as he does.  If hey plays well they have a chance.  Look for the Chargers to get after him with a lot of blitzes and try to force him into some mistakes early.  The Broncos are down to their 7th and 8th string running backs.  That will not put fear into any defense.  The Chargers have been on a crazy streak.  They were sitting at 4-8 and we all had them written off, but nobody wants to play the Chargers now or in the playoffs so most teams will be pulling for Denver in the AFC West.  The Chargers need their stars to shine.  QB Philip Rivers needs to play smart ball, RB LaDanian Tomlinson needs to get back to the hard running he showed last year, and TE Antonio Gates need to establish himself in the passing game.  I think Denver is over matched in this game so I will go with the home team Chargers to win and the Broncos to cover the spread.

Miami Dolphins (10-5) at New York Jets (9-6) (NYJ -2.5)

No one would have seen the Dolphins turn around a 1-15 record last season to be in the place they are this season.  Coach Tony Sparano and VP Bill Parcells have done an excellent job and the players have bought in.  They are now in the position every team wants to be “win and your in”.  QB Chad Pennington will be making a return trip to the city that basically would have dropped him at the bus station on his way out.  Now, the Jets are kicking themselves because he has rejuvinated his career with the Dolphins.  Like most players, he seems to excell outside of the Jets organization.  While the Dolphins likely will not go far if they make the playoffs, they have lots to motivate them in this game.  If the Dolphins are to win they need to control the line of scrimmage.  The offensive and defensive lines need to establish themselves if they are going to have any chance.  While the Jets are favored to win, I cannot see them doing so.  QB Brett Farve has given away more games than he has won and with the exception of the Bills’ game, the defense cannot seem to stop anyone when it counts.  If the Jets have any chance they cannot afford to turn the ball over and they need to get RB Thomas Jones the ball early and often.  Close game but the Dolphins want it more.  Go with the fins to win.

Atrain’s Picks:

* New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings (Min -5.5)  -  Take the Giants to win

* Kansas City Chiefs at Cinncinatti Bengals (Cin -2.5)  -  Take the Chiefs to win

* Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (Car -4.5) – Take the Saints to upset at home

* St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons (Atl -14.5) – Take the Falcons despite the huge spread

* Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (Pit -10.5) – Take the Steelers

* New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (NE -6.5) – Take the Pats

* Chicago Bears at Houston Texans (Hou -2.5) – Take the Bears they need it

* Oakland Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB -13.5) – Take the Bucs

* Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (GB – 9.5) – Lions remain winless, take the Pack

* Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens (Bal -12.5) – Take the Ravens but the Jags cover

* Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (Ar -5.5) – Take the Cards

* Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers (SF -2.5) – Take the Niners

Enjoy this special post of my picks and enjoy the last week of the regular season!

Atrain’s Powerpoll

Well it is that time again.  While we are all getting fat on turkey and stuffing, and gaining our continental average of 7 lbs/person over the holidays I thought I would chime in with my weekly powerpoll as we head into the final week of the season:

Top 5

1. Tennessee Titans – They may not be the classiest team in the league, but after they put up 31 points on the leagues best defense it is hard to argue with their position.

2. New York Giants – Very impressive overtime win against Carolina and now have secured home-field advantage through the playoffs.

3. Carolina Panthers – They hung in there against the defending champs and if not for a missed field goal they would have won.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers – They may have lost home-field throughout the playoffs but I wouldn’t want to play them.

5. Indianapolis Colts – 8 in a row and counting…watch out for them in the “tourney”.

Other notables: Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons.

Worst 5:

5. Kansas City Chiefs – As much as I like them, they seem to have no defense and that is hurting them.  Tyler Thigpen has been great this season, a pleasant surprise.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - They have now gone on a winning streak…that still only gives them 3 wins on the year.

3. Cleveland Browns – Without a quarterback they haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in 2 1/2 games…yikes!

2. St. Louis Rams – What can you say but “wow”.  They find ways to lose.

1. Detroit Lions – You will soon be looking at the worst team in NFL history.  They will lose this weekend…play Drew Stanton!!!

There you go, enjoy the holidays and have a Merry Christmas!

Atrain!

NFL Week 16 Review: So Much For A Clear Picture

What a great weekend of NFL football we were able to witness.  Some teams are battling for their playoff lives while others are just playing out the string.  There were some serious matchups this weekend.  Many teams had a chance to clinch a playoff spot or at least solidify their spot in the race.  Let’s take a look at some of those games:

Baltimore Ravens 33 at Dallas Cowboys 24

This was supposed to be the game that the Cowboys would give a mighty farewell to Texas Stadium, the problem was no one told the Baltimore Ravens.  The game was built up as a colossal matchup between two great teams trying to get into the “tournament”.  Dallas QB Tony Romo had a distastorous first half giving Baltimore S Ed Reed two early Christmas gifts in the form of interceptions.  The second interception allowed Baltimore to kick a field-goal and head into the half with a 9-7 lead.  As the game was nearing the end, the Cowboys had fought back to only trail 19-17 with a few minutes left to play.  The Cowboys looked like they had the momentum and just needed to hold the Ravens get the ball back and win the game.  An exhausted Cowboys defense took the field only to give up a 77-yard touchdown run to RB Willis MacGahee.  When the Cowboys received the ball back they scored to draw back within 2 points at 26-24.  Needing once again to stop the Ravens, who everyone in the world knew was going to run the ball, the Cowboys again gave up a ridiculous 82-yard run to LeRon McClain.  Are you kidding me?  Never before have I seen a team blow such a good chance to not only win, not only clinch a playoff spot, but to send their storied home building out into the sunset with a stunning come from behind victory, only to watch the Ravens send it out for them.  This Cowboys team in dysfunctional.  The sad part is, most of the teams chasing for that final playoff spot also lost, so the Cowboys can be let off the hook if they win next week in Philadelphia.  Ridiculous.  As for the Ravens, what a performance when they needed it.  The best team truly won the game and LB Ray Lewis and his crew gave the Cowboys fits all game.  They deserved the win and hopefully they can use this as a catalyst to get them into the postseason.

Game Highlights

Carolina Panthers 28 at New York Giants 34

What a football game this was.  With home-field advantage on the line, both teams came in knowing it would be a tough and close game.  Each team traded many punches through the running game.  Gaints RB Derrick Ward had 215 yards rushing while their other RB Brandon Jacobs ran over people on route to a 3 touchdown night.  But it was RB DeAngelo Williams from the Panters side that rushed for 108 yards and 4 touchdowns, giving him 18 touchdowns on the season.  This game truly was a slug fest, but the Panthers had no solution to stopping the Giants running attack that ended up being the dagger with RB Brandon Jacobs getting his last touchdown in overtime to seal the fate of the game.  The Panthers had a shot to win with :09 remaining in the fourth quarter but the wind pushed K John Kasay’s 51-yard field-goal wide.  For the Giants it was a huge game that showed they can win without WR Plaxico Burress.  After dropping two games in a row, this was a game the Giants needed.  The Panthers have to be excited as well.  They went into the Meadowlands and hung right with the Champs.  This could be a possible NFC championship preveiw game.  We will see.  Great game though!

Game Highlights

Pittsburgh Steelers 14 at Tennessee Titans 31

After all the talk about the demise of the Titans no one asked the Titans how they felt about it.  Obviously, those rumors were greatly exaggerated as the Titans came out and thrashed the number one defense in the NFL 31-14.  The Steelers looked out of sync the whole game.  For as good as they have been, their offense has played very poorly the second half of the season.  Titans QB Kerry Collins had a point to make this week as he picked apart the number one defense through the air.  RB’s Chris Johnson and LenDale White also got into the fun combining for over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The real story of this game is that the victory gives the Titans home-field throughout the playoffs.  That is a scary task having to go to Memphis to play these guys.  The Steelers will look to rebound and end the regular season on a good note since they have already secured a first round bye and clinched their division.  Keep an eye on the Titans, after losing to the Texans, it looks like their back!

Game Highlights

San Diego Chargers 41 at Tampa Bay 24

The Bucs came in with an excellent chance to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the final playoff spot in the NFC.  Instead, the Chargers decided they wanted to play in January more.  After being 4-8 with only 4 games to play the Chargers have won 3 in a row and now put themselves in a chance to win their division if they beat Denver next week in San Diego.  QB Philip Rivers made a case for why he should be in the Pro Bowl and not Brett Favre.  Rivers was excellent in this game and made some outstanding passes.  This team is on a roll now and if the defense can hold up, they can be very dangerous if they get into the playoffs.  The Bucs, they have the Raiders coming up in a must-win game if they want any chance to make the post-season.  Bucs QB Jeff Garcia continues to get zero respect around the league.  After scrambling on a play, Garcia started to slide for the first down when Chargers CB Quinton Jammer absolutely buried his shoulder into Garcia’s head.  The hit drew a steady stream of blood down Garcia’s face.  He stayed in.  If that was any other quarterback in the league there would have been a flag thrown on that play.  But, because it was Garcia, no flag.   Huge win for the Chargers, huge loss for the Bucs who now do not control their own destiny.

Game Highlights

Atlanta Falcons 24 at Minnesota Vikings 17

If you would like to win a game you cannot have 4 lost fumbles in the first half of said game.  The Vikings looked like a comedy act in the beginning of their game against the Falcons.  They could not hang on to the football and the Falcons made them pay.  Vikes QB Tavaris Jackson was guilty of two of the fumbles while sure handed RB Adrian Peterson also put the ball on the turf.  The Vikings came in knowing if they won this game they would clinch their division.  Now they are tied with the Bears, who won on Monday night.  Atlanta did clinch a playoff spot with this win.  QB Matt Ryan continues to amaze me with his poise and ability.  He really keeps his team moving and in the game.  Very big win for the Falcons.

Game Highlights

Green Bay Packers 17 at Chicago Bears 20

The final Monday Night Football Game of the season ended with a bang.  After sporting the Packers a 14-3 lead in the first half, the Bears came from behind in dramatic fashion, aided by a blocked field-goal, and stole one from the Packers.  The win means that if the Bears win next week at Houston and the Vikings lose to the Giants, the Bears will win the AFC North division.  The Bears have been all over the map this season so seeing them win a game where they came from behind, blocked the game winning field-goal by the Packers, then kicked one to win themselves, is a breath of fresh air.  Maybe the breaks are starting to go the Bears way.  QB Kyle Orton was not overly impressive but he played well when it counted and that helped the team get in position to win.  Rookie RB Matt Forte is a candidate for rookie of the year, although there is tough competition he still has a shot.  What has happened to the Packers?  They looked decent early on and this loss was their only loss to a divisional opponent all season.  They just have not looked good in the second half of the season.  They might be looking for a new coach next year.

Atrain’s Additions:

* Cincinnati shutout the Browns 14-0.  How bad do you have to be to get shutout by the Bengals?

* Detroit lost at home to the Saints in a game everyone thought might be the one they win their first. The got creamed 42-7.  When will the Lions’ play Drew Stanton?

* New England proved the Cardinals might be one and done in the playoffs after they continued to expose how bad the Cardinals have been the last few weeks.  The Pats blew them apart 47-7.  I don’t think Cards’ QB Kurt Warner has a shot at MVP now…too many bad games.

* San Francisco came back in dramatic fashion to beat the Rams 17-16.  The Rams are awful.

* The poor Chiefs have come so close in every game but just keep getting let down by their defense.  I’ve endeared myself to the Chiefs, maybe they will win one next week.  Tyler Thigpen continues to look very good.

* Denver blew another chance to clinch their division, not to mention a 13-point lead to Buffalo in Denver.  The Bills finally won one again 30-23.

* Brett Favre and the Jets continue to look uninspiring as they flopped in Seattle 10-3.  The Jets have done a great job of playing themselves out of the playoffs.  Hang ‘em up Brett, you’re done!

* Oakland looked impressive against the Texans who had been on a roll but forgot to show up to play against the Raiders.  Maybe Jamarcus Russell can play a little after all.  Not really a tough test though.

* Washington righted the ship to beat hated rivals the Eagles in a yawner 10-3.  Washington can win if they don’t need more than 13 points to do so.

My record fell again this week: Straight up: 19-16  Against the Spread: 15-20.  Ouch…

NFL Week 16 Picks

Wow, did you see the game last night.  What a great way to get the week started.  I’ll take a look at Thursday nights game as well as look ahead to this weekend’s big games.

Indianapolis Colts 31 at Jacksonville Jaguars 24

What a great game last night.  After Jacksonville scored on both of their first two possessions and put the Colts down into a 14-point hole, i thought the game was over.  Should have known that with Colts QB Petyon Manning playing the game is never over.   Jacksonville started the game with great defense and QB David Garrard was playing extremely well.  They were getting great production from their RB Maurice Jones-Drew, and they seemed to be clicking like we thought they would at the beginning of the season.  Then the second half started and it was all Indianapolis.  The Jags led 17-7 at halftime and just about had all the momentum after a third quarter touchdown by Montrell Ownes made the score 24-14.  The fourth quarter was all Colts.  Peyton Manning led a very impressive touchdown drive to tie the game at 24.  Once the Jags got the ball, David Garrad made his only real mistake of the game when he threw a pass that was picked off by CB Keiwan Ratliff who raced 35 yards for the winning touchdown.  The game was not over until the final play of the game.  With the Jags facing second-and-goal from the Colts 7 yard-line, Garrad dropped back to pass and was sacked by Colts DE Dwight Freeney which ran out the clock.  The Colts played a very impressive second half and just goes to show you that the game is never over when you have Peyton Manning.

Game Highlights

I’m heading into this week on a little bit of a down turn.  My record heading into the second last week of the regular season… SU: 18-14  ATS 14-18

My Picks this week:

Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)  (Dal -4.5)

The odds makers like the Cowboys to win this very important game for both teams.  This is the last game at Texas Stadium as the Cowboys are heading into their new stadium in Arlington, TX next year. With such an emotional game, I’m sure the Cowboys were wishing their roster was not so banged up.  QB Tony Romo and RB Marion Barber headline a list of injuries 9 deep.  Romo hurt his back last week in the very big win over the Giants.  Barber has been battling a dislocated little toe and a calf strain since Thanksgiving.  Both teams need to win this game or their seasons are pretty much over.  Both are neck deep in a close playoff race in both conferences. For Baltimore to win they need to get their running game going and not rely on rookie QB Joe Flacco.  Dallas leads the league in sacks, so if the Ravens become one dimensional it will play right into the strength of the Cowboys defense.  The Ravens have a defense that is no slouch either.  The rank 2nd in the league and also have a fierce pass rush.  Running on the Ravens is next to impossible.  Look for the Cowboys to throw a bunch of quick passes and try to loosen the Ravens up a bit.  Close game, but the Cowboys win in the final game at Texas Stadium and cover the spread.

Carolina Panthers (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)  (NY -3.5)

Both these teams are coming into the game on a streak.  The Panthers are hot, while the Giants are cold, losing their last two games.  With the loss of WR Plaxico Buress, the Giants opposition no longer fears their passing attack.  QB Eli Manning is not afforded the same amount of time to throw as he was and teams are jamming the Giants wide-outs at the line.  The Giants defense remains solid but they need help from their offense.  The Panthers have a lot of confidence coming into this game.  They have rediscovered their running game in recent weeks and that has helped them get into this battle for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It comes down to who wins this game.  The Panthers will try to unleash that running game while sprinkling in some passes to WR Steve Smith.  The Giants will look to get RB Brandon Jacobs involved in the game early and hope they do not need to rely on their passing game to move the ball.  This is an intense game and I think the Giants will hold their ground at home.  They win, but it will be by a field goal.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (11-2)  (Pit -1.5)

The Titans just cannot get any respect this season.  They have the best record in the league but they are ranked the underdogs this week when they host the Steelers.  The Titans will be without their defensive anchor DT Albert Haynesworth who will be out fo the final two games of the regular season with an knee injury.  He is really the glue that holds that solid defense together.  I’m not sure how the Titans will respond without him.  The Steelers offense is not the high powered threat that it is on paper.  In fact, the Steelers have struggled against good teams.  Look for the Steelers to get RB Willie Parker the ball often in this game.  They will run with him but also try to get him the ball through screens and short dump offs.  The Titans will also try to use the running back duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White to pound on this vaunted Steelers defense.  Another close game with home-field advantage on the line.  Go with the Steelers to win and cover.

Enjoy these great games this weekend.  Feel free to comment on what you think.

Atrain’s Power Poll Week 16

Well it is that time of the week again…the Power Poll.  Some changes at the top this week:

Top 5

1. Pittsburgh Steelers – There defense is staggering!  They may have won on a controversy but it still counts as a win.

2. Carolina Panthers - Perhaps the hottest team right now.  They have a monster matchup against New York on Sunday night.

3. Tennessee Titans - What happened on Sunday?  Kerry Collins has to play better to keep the wins coming.

4. Indianapolis Colts – They are on a 7 game win streak, but the Lions gave them all they could handle at home.  Need to be better.

5. New York Giants – Still have a good record, but they have now lost 2 in a row and are dropping faster than the temperature.

Other notables: Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Bucs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles

Worst 5

5. Oakland Raiders - Tough to beat New England, but really 49 points?  at least Oakland was able to get 26 this week.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Didn’t win pretty but they won.  They are still not a good team.

3. Cincinnati Bengals - Impressive victory over the Washington Redskins.  Maybe they are starting to figure things out there…better late than never.

2. St. Louis Rams - Terrible.  They continue to find ways to give away games.  Should have beat Seattle.

1. Detroit Lions – I actually think the Lions could beat the other four teams on this list, but until they win a game they don’t leave bottom spot.  Drew Stanton?

There you have it!