Eagles Edge Broncos 30-27- Broncos On the Verge of Another Disaster

Denver's 30-27 loss to Philly on Sunday was another tough defeat at the hands of a quality opponent. Denver trailed 27-10 late in the third quarter, but they were able fight back and tie the game up valiantly at 27 late in the fourth quarter. The key play was Donovan McNabb's scramble for a first down on 3rd and 25 from his on ten yard line. The Eagles eventually punted, but that play flipped field position and it backed Denver up. The Broncos were forced to punt, and the Eagles got the game-winning field goal with four seconds left. The field goal was set up by a dynamic McNabb to Jeremy Maclin throw and catch on a second and eight to give the Eagles the ball at the Bronco 11 yard line. It was a fantastic throw by McNabb and an even better catch by Maclin. David Akers' game winner gave the Eagles the victory and sent the Broncos hobbling into the last game in the season. Denver's playoff chances took a big hit, and the Broncos now have to rely on the following unlikely scenarios to make the playoffs: A Denver win over KC (Not a formality), and either a Jets loss (Unlikely since the Bengals are going to rest their starters) and a Pittsburgh loss (50/50 shot at Miami) or a Baltimore loss (Highly unlikely as they head to Oakland). The Broncos could also get in by beating KC, having Houston beat New England and getting either a Jet loss or a Baltimore loss. The bottom line is Denver should not be in this position because it should have found a way to defeat the Raiders last week. With that said, I'm not going to go into all the details of this latest Broncos' collapse until after the season is completed. I'll save that column for another day because that will break the record for longest column of my career and the number of expletives uttered in my column. I will say this: The Broncos swoon at the end of the season simply comes down to execution and making the plays at the opportune time of the game. They made those plays in wins over Dallas (Champ Bailey's goal-line stand on Romo), New England (Orton's big throws late in the game and in OT), and San Diego (The defense shutting down Rivers in the 2nd half). The Broncos could not make those same type of plays in losses to Pittsburgh (Big Ben's late 3rd and long TD pass), Washington, Indy (Giving up a game clinching TD to Manning), Oakland (JaMarcus Russel's game winning drive late in the fourth) and Philly (McNabb's two big plays). Bill Parcells always said that you are what your record says you are, and the Broncos are 8-7 and that is basically what they should be. The difference is that Denver started out 6-0, and by going 2-7 since it then confirms the fact that this season is a huge disappointment and another second half collapse.

Here are my other random thoughts on the playoffs and the Colts lack of perfection technique.

1) I understand the fact that the Colts don't care about going 16-0, and that their philosophy dictates that they would rather rest players than risk injury when everything is locked up, but what transpired on Sunday was a crime. The fact that Jim Caldwell pulled Peyton Manning and the rest of the starts when they were winning 15-10 midway through the fourth quarter at home was a disgrace. If he was going to do that, then just let Peyton start the game, run the ball three times, punt and then call off the dogs. I really hope the Colts lose in the playoffs. I think team's should embrace the 16-0, and at least give your home fans the chance to close out their home schedule with a win. It was awkward, weird, and it felt like it was shady. I don't like it, and I hope it comes back to bite them in the playoffs.

2) The Jets will go down as the luckiest team ever to make the playoffs. They were given a gift by the Colts. I'm not saying it isn't fair to Denver because if Denver didn't lose to the Raiders, then they wouldn't be in this mess, but the Jets are so lucky it isn't even funny. I don't want to hear Rex Ryan talk about respect and how the Jets earned the victory over the Colts. The bottom line is that the Jets would have lost to the Colts in that game. There is no doubt in my mind. The Jets got lucky and got a forfeit from the Colts. They also will get another break this week because they play Cincy, who also will rest their starters with nothing to play for as well. So, the Jets, who were 7-7 after losing at home to Atlanta, now will make the playoffs at 9-7 by beating the Colts and Bengals, who both rested their starters. All I will say is that I can't wait to be against Mark Sanchez in the first round of the playoffs. The Jets will be at Cincy in the first round, and they will be one and done. You can mark it down now.

3) The Ravens are also lucky to be in a win and in game at Oakland. The Raiders won't show up, and for the second year in a row, the Ravens will have an easy opponent to beat in Week 17 to get in the playoffs. The Ravens haven't looked like a playoff the second half of the season, but they will get in because they played Detroit, Chicago, and Oakland in three of their last four games.

4) The Eagles are flying and the Chargers are rolling right now, so my Super Bowl prediction looks like it has a very good chance of actually taking place.

5) The NFC is wide open, and the AFC looks like a two horse race, but watch out for New England in the AFC. Everyone has kind of forgotten about them.

6) If next week's games play out like they should here is what the playoff schedule for the Wild Card will probably look like:

Saturday 1/9/2010

4:00 pm (NBC) Green Bay (5) at Arizona (4)

8:00 pm (NBC) Baltimore (6) at New England (3)

Sunday 1/10/2010

1:00 pm (FOX) Dallas (6) at Minnesota (3)

4:00 pm (CBS) Jets (5) at Cincy (4)

*If Dallas beats Philly in Week 17, then just insert Philly (5) at Dallas (4) on Sunday at 1: 00pm on FOX

I'll be back later in the week with my Week 17 picks!

Broncos Ready To Collapse Again

Once again the Denver Broncos are hitting full stride in their annual December collapse. Sunday's 20-19 loss to Oakland in Denver was a carbon copy loss of the other brutal and dissapointing losses the Broncos have suffered since 2006. This was just as bad as the '06 Niner Game, the '07 Bears defeat, and the '08 Raiders and Bills games. I was just numb as JaMarcus Russell drove his team down the field late in the game to bury the Broncos. It doesn't matter if it is a different head coach, defensive coordinator, quarterback or anyone else, this collection of Broncos from the last four years is nothing but choke artists. My one suggestion for the organization is that the Broncos should draft a quarterback in the first round this year. That is the way you win and how you win big games in the NFL. You need a game changer at QB. Ask the Chargers about that. Look how good they've become with Philip Rivers calling signals for their franchise. I don't care if it is Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford, Ryan Mallet, Colt McCoy or even Tim Tebow. Give us some hope for the future please. Anyway here are my Week 16 picks....

Last Week's Record: 6-9-1
Overall Record: 107-110-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

TENNESSEE (-2) over San Diego
Seattle (+15) over GREEN BAY
Oakland (+3) over CLEVELAND
CINCINNATI (-13) over Kansas City
ATLANTA (-7) over Buffalo
MIAMI (-3) over Houston
NY GIANTS (-3) over Carolina
NEW ORLEANS (-14) over Tampa Bay
Jacksonville (+8) over NEW ENGLAND
PITTSBURGH (-2) over Baltimore
St. Louis (+15) over ARIZONA
SAN FRANCISCO (-10) over Detroit
INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over New York Jets
Dallas (-4) over WASHINGTON
Minnesota (-6) over CHICAGO

PHILADELPHIA (-7) over Denver: The Broncos are done. They are walking into a lion's den this week in Philly. Another December collapse will be complete on Sunday. Eagles-31 Denver-10

Playoff Itinerary

With the Broncos at 8-5 and looking to secure a playoff berth, I decided to play around with the Yahoo playoff generator. This is one of the greatest technological devices ever created. Seriously, this is up there with NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL Redzone channel. Anyway, after playing around with different results and combinations, I came up with a realistic view of what could take place the last three weeks. Also, I broke down what teams we should root against and what games will have the most significance.

Here is what I came up with:

1-Denver could go 10-6 and not qualify for the playoffs. If we go 10-6, then the best situation for us is to win the games against Oakland and KC and lose the Philly game. The Oakland and KC wins would help us in tiebreakers because of conference record.

2-Root for Miami to lose this week at Tennessee. The Dolphins have a better chance of losing this week at Tennessee than losing at home to Houston in Week 16 and Pittsburgh in Week 17.

3- Root for Pittsburgh to play spoiler against Baltimore in Week 16 and at Miami in Week 17. Even if the Steelers win out, it will be hard for them to get a wild card berth based on tiebreakers, but the Steelers still have pride and are the defending Super Bowl Champs. Hopefully, they can play like it the last two weeks.

4-Root for Atlanta to upset the Jets this week or Indy to play their starters and defeat the Jets in Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 16.

Week 15 Picks!

Here we go with Week 15 picks in the National...........Football.............League......

Last Week's Record: 11-5

Overall Record: 101-101-7

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Dallas: It is hard to pick against the Saints in the Dome. The Cowboys aren't totally dead in the NFC playoff picture, but it is hard to see them picking off the Saints this Saturday.

PITTSBURGH (-1) over Green Bay: The Packers are going to win 10 games and get the 5th seed in the NFC, but they will fall at Heinz Field this week. The Steelers should play hard until the end of the season.

TENNESSEE (-2) over Miami: The Fins will have a chance to make the playoffs after starting -3, but they will fall to the Titans this week. Chris Johnson will make too many plays to help the Titans keep their faint playoff hopes alive.

New England (-7) over BUFFALO: The Pats get it going this week with a rare and solid road win in Buffalo.

Arizona (-10) over DETROIT: The Lions can't stop anyone, and the Cards will be ready for a big bounce back game after their loss to the Niners on Monday Night.

San Francisco (+9) over PHILLY: The Eagles should win, but this game will be closer then you think. Philly is hot right now, but don't you get the sense they are suckering in their fans for another January disappointment?

Atlanta (+4) over NY JETS: The Jet fans are already figuring out how they are going to make the playoffs with Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan leading the way. I think their dreams end this week at the hands of the banged up Falcons. Call it the "Hunch of the Week."

BALTIMORE (-10) over Chicago: The lock of the week in the NFL. This line can't be high enough. The Bears are done, and Jay Cutler is one of the biggest disappointments of the 2009 season. The Ravens have a very viable chance of running the table and making the playoffs.

KANSAS CITY (-2) over Cleveland: The Chiefs are in danger of not selling out Arrowhead for the first time since 1990. Plus, doesn't it seem that every home game the Chiefs played this year was a dark, cloudy, and cold day? It is symbolic of the Todd Haley Era.

Houston (-10) over ST.LOUIS: Do you wish the Giants and Steve Spagnuolo were still together on the same sidelines. Of course the Texans will play hard and win this week. There is no pressure on them. They will crumble next week at Miami to put an end to their playoff dreams.

SAN DIEGO (-5) over Cincy: The battle for the number 2 seed in the AFC goes to the Chargers. The Bengals lack the big play and big score ability on offense and the Chargers are flying right now. Indy wants no part of SD in the playoffs.

SEATTLE (-6) over Tampa Bay: Josh Freeman looks very JaMarcus Russell-like the last few weeks. The Seahawks are better at home and get the job done this week.

Minnesota (-8) over CAROLINA: The Panthers will play hard and this game has all the makings of a back door cover, but the Vikings want to keep the train rolling and they will this week. Why was this game not flexed out by NBC and the NFL. SNF should be Dolphins-Titans this week.

WASHINGTON (+3) over New York Giants: The 'Skins have played hard the last four games, and Jason Campbell has played well. They will give the Giants all they can handle in this NFC East rivalry on MNF.

Oakland (+13) over DENVER: How bad is JaMarcus Russell? The Raiders are starting 3rd stringer Charlie Frye this week in Mile High. I know this is great matchup for Denver, but divisional and rivalry games make me nervous. The Broncos should win, but it will be closer than people think. Final Score: Denver-17 Oakland-10

Thursday Night Pick!

Indy (-3) over Jacksonville

Week 15 Picks!

Broncos Fall to 8-5 with Loss at Indy

The Broncos bid to topple undefeated Indianapolis did not come to fruition as the Colts beat Denver 28-16 in Indy on Sunday. The Colts raced out to a 21-0 lead early into the second quarter. The Broncos rallied to make the game a 21-16 affair with just over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. From there it was all Peyton Manning. He directed an 80 yard drive and nailed Dallas Clark with the game-clinching touchdown pass. The loss puts Denver at 8-5, but the Broncos still hold on to one of the wild card spots in the AFC. Here are some of my game points regarding Sunday's game against Indy.....

1) I don't understand all of the hoopla surrounding Josh McDaniels' decision to defer to the second half and give Peyton Manning the ball to start the game. The Broncos even had an opportunity to take advantage of that decision because they were trailing 21-7 with the ball at the end of the half, and they received the ball first in the second half. The Broncos failed to convert those opportunities into points. If they did, they might have won this game.

2) The Broncos offense has been inconsistent all season long, and it will prevent them from beating a good team on the road or in the playoffs. The Broncos moved the ball up and down the field on the Colts, but the same miscues keep stalling drives. Penalties, short-yardage issues, a turnover, and a missed field goal really killed Denver in the second half. Their offense really had the chance to win this game, and they weren't able to capitalize.

3) Kudos to Brandon Marshall for breaking the NFL single game record for receptions. Marshall's 21 catches were amazing, and it seemed like he was open every throw. Now, please pay the man this offseason, and give him an offer more than someone like Roddy White in Atlanta got.

4) Tip your cap to the Broncos defense. They picked off Manning three times and really kept him and the Colts offense out of rhythm from the beginning of the second quarter until the last drive of the game in the fourth quarter. If the Bronco defense can play like this, especially their secondary, they will have a very good chance of making the playoffs.

5) Josh McDaniels didn't have his best day calling a football game. When you play Indy, you have to take chances and play for touchdowns and not field goals. You have to call plays with a gambler mentality- high risk and high reward. McD failed to do that. Twice he was conservative on third down calls the first three series of the game. At that point the Broncos were down 21-0. Also, his play calling on short-yardage situations was awful. It was obvious that they weren't going to be able to run the ball in those key moments on the Colts defense, and he still called runs up the middle, and Indy stuffed it every time.

6) Denver now stands at 8-5. Three games left and two of those three games are at home against Oakland and Kansas City. If they can't beat the Raiders and Chiefs at home, then they don't deserve to make the playoffs.

Week 14 Picks!

As we head into the last four games of the NFL season, here is the playoff landscape up to date:

AFC
1-Indy
2-Cincy
3-San Diego
4-New England
5-Denver
6-Jacksonville

NFC
1-New Orleans
2-Minnesota
3-Arizona
4-Dallas
5-Philly
6-Green Bay

The one thing to be aware of is that this is not how the final playoff structure will pan out. Although there are four games left, people get caught up in the moment. Just because Green Bay is playing well right now, doesn't mean they are going to finish off their last four games like that. Just because Denver leads the wild card race right now in Week 14, doesn't mean it is going to end up like that. Some of those teams will not be there at the end of the regular season. It is hard to believe with how some of them are playing right now, but it is the reality. It is going to get very interesting the next four weeks. Onto this week's picks......

Last Week's Record: 5-11
Thursday Night's Record: 1-0
Overall Record: 90-96-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

MINNESOTA (-6) over Cincy: The Vikings come back home after a tough loss at Arizona. I can't see Minnesota losing back-to-back games. Cincy gets a little break with Pittsburgh and Baltimore falling back in the pack. The Vikes take care of business in the Metrodome.

TAMPA BAY (+4) over New York Jets: Kellen Clemens on the road in a big game is a scary thought. The worst news the Jet fans could have heard this week was that Clemens would be starting a must win for them this week. Tampa Bay is terrible, but you just can't trust Clemens right now for the Jets.

KANSAS CITY (PICK) over Buffalo: Arrowhead Stadium was like a morgue last week against Denver. The Chiefs used to be a solid franchise. I know that haven't won a Super Bowl since 1970, but they were always in playoff contention during the Marty Schottenheimer Era, and Dick Vermeil always had them as contenders in the AFC West a few years ago. The last three years have been horrific for the Chiefs and their fans. It is actually kind of sad. Who is calling this game? It's gotta be Don Criqui and Randy Cross.

CHICAGO (+3) over Green Bay: This is the Bears moment this year. They will put everything they can into beating the Packers. You can't trust the Bears, but this is a rivalry game, and the Bears will treat this as their Super Bowl.

ATLANTA (+11) over New Orleans: I'm done picking huge favorites this year. It's just not working. The Falcons will probably be without Matt Ryan, and Michael Turner is questionable, but they will keep it closer than people expect.

BALTIMORE (-11) over Detroit: I know I said I'm done picking huge favorites, but this is the lock of the week. The Ravens have to be ecstatic that Pittsburgh keeps losing, and the Ravens still have a good shot to make the playoffs. They get it going at home against the Lions and Daunte Culpepper.

Miami (+4) over JACKSONVILLE: For the sake of every NFL fan out there, please let the Dolphins beat the Jags. Nobody wants to see Jax in the playoffs. There is zero interest in that team or that franchise. The Fins are a better team, and they prove with a big win in Jacksonville. Serious question: How many fans show up for the game on Sunday in Jacksonville?

NEW ENGLAND (-12) over Carolina: It is gut check time for the Pats. No way the Patriots lose this game at home. They are a very different team in Foxboro. The Pats get back on track.

HOUSTON (-5) over Seattle: The Seahawks are playing for the future. Adding Mike Holmgren this week as a team president was a very solid move. The Texans are playing for their coach this week. At 5-7, the Texans have proven to be the frauds that many people expected-including myself- this year. They get the win at home vs. Seattle, but the questions will still linger about Gary Kubiak's job security.

TENNESSEE (-12) over St. Louis: A rematch of Super Bowl XXXVI! The Titans will win this one, but their train has been derailed a bit after last week's loss at Indy. They will still play hard down the stretch, but now need a minor miracle to make the playoffs.

Washington (-1) over OAKLAND: Jason Campbell hasn't played that bad as of late. The Raiders shocked the world by beating Pittsburgh in Heinz Field last week, but they come back to Earth this week.

DALLAS (-3) over San Diego: The Chargers are playing great but look who they have beaten during their seven game winning streak: KC, Oak, Giants by 1, Philly at home, Denver with Chris Simms starting, KC, and Cleveland. Everyone is already predicting the Cowboys' demise in December, but I'm not so sold that it is going to happen. The Cowboys edge the Chargers in a great matchup.

Philly (+2) over NEW YORK GIANTS: I thought the Giants were done, but they found a way to beat the Cowboys last week. They won't be so fortunate this time. The Eagles will find a way to beat the Giants on SNF.

San Francisco (+4) over Arizona: The Cards will start to take it easy the next few weeks and glide into the playoffs. No one in the NFC wants to see Arizona in the playoffs.

INDY (-7) over Denver: This would be a perfect spot for Indy to lose their first game, but I don't see it happening. The Broncos offense will not be able to keep up with Indy. The Colts will stuff the box and stop the run, and Denver's passing game will have trouble against that Indy pass rush. Defensively, Denver can think of every scheme possible to stop Peyton Manning, but he is just too good. The Colts are going for homefield advantage and a NFL record 22 game winning streak. I think they get it done: Colts-31- Denver-20

Thursday Night Football Pick!

Pick for Thursday Night Football

CLEVELAND (+14) over Pittsburgh

Broncos Bury Chiefs in Arrowhead to get to 8-4

Put it this way, the Denver Broncos never have any success at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. They were 1-15 all time there in games in the month of December. The key word is were. The Broncos buried the Kansas City Chiefs 44-13 on Sunday to move to 8-4 and take command of one of the two wildcard spots in the AFC. The win also keeps Denver only a game out of the lead in the AFC West with four games to play. This was a game that you never really felt worried about as the game started and progressed. Even after Kyle Orton threw an interception in the end zone on Denver's opening drive of the game, did it feel like Kansas City was going to upset the Broncos. The key moments in this game involved the Broncos defense and special teams units. With Denver up 7-0, the Chiefs put together a long drive to set up a first and goal at the Denver one yard line. Brian Dawkins stopped Jamal Charles for a three yard loss on first down, and then Dawkins hit Matt Cassel and forced an errant throw in the end zone on third and goal. The Chiefs settled for a field goal and Denver still maintained a 7-3 lead. The other moment came in the first series of the second half. The Chiefs had cut the lead to 14-6 at the half, and they faced a fourth down in their own territory. Chiefs coach Todd Haley elected to go with a fake punt and inserted backup QB Brodie Croyle into the game to throw the ball. Although it appeared that Denver was outflanked, backup TE Richard Quinn rushed Croyle and deflected the ball giving the Broncos possession deep in KC territory. The Broncos settled for a field goal and a seemingly insurmountable 17-6 lead. From there it was all fun and games for Denver. A TD pass from Kyle Orton to Brandon Marshall, an Andre Goodman fumble return for a TD, two interceptions by the defense, another Elvis Dumervil sack, two Matt Prater field goals, and a final nail in the coffin on a touchdown run by Knowshon Moreno. It was a terrific effort by the Broncos, and a completely dominating performance over an inferior team.

It now sets up Denver at 8-4. With the Ravens losing on MNF to the Packers, the Broncos stand alone as the top wildcard in the AFC. Denver has a one game lead over Jacksonville, and a two game lead over Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Miami, and the Jets, all of them have 6-6 records. The Broncos remaining schedule is not easy. They hit the road for Indy this week, come home to play Oakland, hit the road to play Philly, and finish the season at Mile High against the Chiefs. If they win the games they are supposed to win, and lose the games they are supposed to lose, they will finish 10-6 and that should be enough to get in. The bottom line is just getting into the playoffs. At this point, no Bronco fan cares about where they end up or seeding- just get in the tournament. By gaining entry to the playoffs, the Broncos would have officially exceeded all expectations for this season, and it has been way too long without playoff football in Denver. Last year, the Broncos were 8-5, and lost their last three games to finish 8-8 and out of the playoffs. This year, they stand at 8-4, and now they need to finish the job. In 2006 and 2008, the Broncos didn't finish, and they led to the dismissal of Mike Shanahan. It is the time to finish, there is no other option. Finish the job and get into the dance because we all know that if you just get into the playoffs, anything can happen.

Week 13 Picks!

The playoff picture will start to come into full bloom as we hit the month of December. Just remember that it is too early to start looking at seeding and potential playoff matchups right now. I looked back to this point in the season a year ago. What I found was that in the NFC the Eagles were out of the playoff picture, and the Redskins were firmly in the wildcard spot. The Buccaneers were battling for homefield advantage and a first round bye. In the AFC, the Broncos looked like they were about to wrap up the West, and San Diego looked like it was headed to a disappointing season. The AFC East was a two horse race between the Patriots and the Jets. Those same Jets were looking like a lock for the #2 seed in the AFC. The Dolphins weren't really a threat in the East or in the wildcard picture for that matter. We saw how much changed after Thanksgiving last year. Don't count out a 6-5 team like Baltimore and Jacksonville or a 5-6 team like Tennessee or Miami. Also, could an 8-3 team like Cincy fall apart and miss the playoffs? Look for a team like Atlanta at 6-5 to make a run or a team like 5-6 San Francisco to make some noise. This time of year in the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. On to the picks for Week 13.....

Last Week's Record: 8-7-1

Overall Record: 84-85-7

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

New York Jets (-3) over BUFFALO: This game takes place in Toronto. Sunday's Grey Cup will be more exciting than this AFC East clunker. The Jets win in a snoozefest.

Oakland (+14) over PITTSBURGH: I see this one 23-10 Steelers. Although they lost on SNF at Baltimore, the Steelers are in prime position to make a wild card run. They get it going this week versus the Raiders. This isn't exactly Chuck Noll and the Steel Curtian vs. John Madden and his renegade Raiders from the 70s.

Houston (PICK) over JACKSONVILLE: Both of these teams are tough to figure out. A lot of people are going to count out the Texans after last week's loss to Indy, but I think they bounce back and knock off the Jags.

Tennessee (+7) over INDY: This is the one that Indy loses. The Titans always play Indy tough, and they are playing so well right now. I say it every week: I love watching Chris Johnson play. Vince Young established himself as a viable NFL QB with his performance against Arizona last week. The Colts' undefeated run ends here.

Philadelphia (-4) over ATLANTA: I don't trust the Eagles at all, especially on the road, but the Falcons are too banged up for me to pick them. Without Matt Ryan and a beat up Michael Turner, the Falcons are not a threat. They will get healthy, and they will make a run at the Wild Card, but I think they fall to the Eagles this week.

CINCY (-13) over Detroit: The Bengals take care of business in one of those humdrum, matter-of-fact wins over the Lions. Call it Bengals-24 Lions-7.

New Orleans (-8) over WASHINGTON: The Redskins have played hard the last three games, but I think they are in over their head this week. The Saints are rolling towards the #1 seed in the NFC. The Saints will lose a game this season, but it won't be this week.

CAROLINA (-5) over Tampa Bay: It might be a blessing for Carolina if Jake Delhomme can't play due to injury. The Panthers are playing out the string, and John Fox is coaching for his job. As for the Bucs, Raheem Morris is just in over his head. The fact that he was so well thought of after his interviews, shows that he is just that- a good interviewer.

CHICAGO (-9) over St. Louis: This is a Jay Cutler special. Against an awful team and a depleted defense, Cutler will go 24-31 for 330 yards and 3 TDs on Sunday.

San Diego (-13) over CLEVELAND: The Chargers got the Chiefs last week and the Browns this week. What a gift from the scheduling gods! The Chargers are steamrolling for the #2 seed in the AFC and that quest continues with a pounding of the Browns in Cleveland this week.

San Francisco (PICK) over SEATTLE: I know Seattle is good at home, but the 49ers are just a better team. San Fran stays in the playoff picture with a gutty win at Quest Field.

ARIZONA (+5) over Minnesota: I have the right to change this pick if Kurt Warner doesn't play. If he plays, I like the Cardinals in an upset at home. Minnesota is due for a slip up, and the Cardinals can match score for score with the Vikings.

Dallas (-2) over NEW YORK GIANTS: The G-Men are finished for 2009. I would like to congratulate myself for picking the Giants to go 8-8 when I made my season predictions back in August. The Cowboys roll into to the Meadowlands and bury the Giants.

New England (-5) over MIAMI: Miami is still only two games out of the division, but the Pats will be focused and ready to roll in Miami this week. New England won't lose two in a row.

Baltimore (+3) over GREEN BAY: Everyone is talking about how the Packers are on a tear towards the playoffs. I'm not so sure. They were due to play well when they beat the Cowboys at home, just held on to beat SF at home, and pounded the beat up and inept Lions on Thanksgiving. The Ravens got a huge win over Pittsburgh on SNF, and now they will make their run for the wild card. The Ravens beat up Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and win in Lambeau.

KANSAS CITY (+4) over Denver: As much as I wanted to take the Broncos, the specter of Arrowhead looms too large for me. Arrowhead Stadium has been a graveyard for the Broncos in my lifetime. Many great Bronco teams couldn't win there, so I'm going with history on this one. I know the Chiefs aren't very good, but I still can't trust Denver even after their dominating performance over the Giants on Thanksgiving. This will be close, but the Chiefs win late in another Arrowhead nightmare. FINAL SCORE: Chiefs-26 Denver-23.