1- Ben Roethlisberger- What can you say? Like him or not when this pick was made I am sure a few were scratching their head. I relatively unknown from a college that most did not know had a football program. Now a two time Superbowl Champ whether they actually won the games with help from the officials or not. He did get them there.

2- L.T.- Maybe he doesn’t have a Superbowl ring but there is no denying what this guy has done on the field. I would like to see him get one ring at least because in his prime he was the most feared weapon on the field.

3- Adrian Peterson- Wow is all I can say. This guy has made an impact from day one. No one wants to see the Vikes on there schedule now that they have a Quarterback that can throw a pass and this beast running the ball. My only concern is can he last more than five years given his running style. Watch out Emmit, if anyone can challenge for the title it is A.P.

4- Ed Reed- The man has been able to score from anywhere he ended up with the ball since he arrived in the league. When he was added to that defense it was almost completed instantly. He is the best center fielder in the league and a major threat once the ball is in his hands.

5- Troy Polamalu – This guy sells out every single play and you see a different defense all the way around when he is not in the line up. No Troy I am no talking about your hair, seriously I’m not, well yes I am. This guy is dangerous the only reason I place read above him is for his ball carrying abilities after the the turnover. Plus Reed has been use effectively as a kick returner.

6-Terrell Suggs- Began where he left off in college, placing fear in offenses after his second game. When he was added to that defense it went from great to dominant. When you can rush three or four guys and know you will get pressure it makes everything easier for the Defensive Coordinator.

7- Richard Seymour- It is unbelievable that the cornerstone of the feared Patriot defense is no longer there. He dominated the the line of scrimmage in the AFC east for many years and was one key to the Superbowl parades in Boston. The only way he could have had more of an impact for them would be if he owned his own video equipment (sorry couldn’t resist).

8-  Chris Johnson – If you haven’t seen the Titans play due to their record this year you might want to catch Monday night football this week. With Vince in the line up this guy is only going to be better. He has speed and is deceptively strong. I like him with the combination of Lindell White if only they had a receiver. I see Johnson having at least two more two hundred yard games this year and probably several throughout his career. He doesn’t takes shots mainly because he is faster than anyone trying to catch him so he should be around for a while. two more years he will probably be number one on this list.

9- Demarcus Ware- How could they pass up Shawne Merriman and take this guy out of Troy? I’ll tell you how Character. He is humble and one hell of a hard worker. His immediate impact was not as great but he has remained on the field for every game and he has not been suspended for violating drug policies. Year one it didn’t seem like a great idea but in the fifth season it appears to be a close to genius move. He can cover and is one of the most feared pass rushers in the game today, not to mention he plays the run well too.

10- Mario Williams- Looking back at this one the “experts” are eating crow. I mean Reggie Bush, Vince Young and Matt Leinart were all there at number one but the Texans “wasted” the number one pick on this guy. Well show me which of the aforementioned other choices has been more value able to his team. He is a solid pass rusher and an plays the run well also. He is an every down defensive end not a back up quarterback or a third down back he is a football player.

I know there are others but this is my top ten. Let me know who you think I missed.

2- Bobby Carpenter- Really Jerry/ Bill? Number 18? He was injured and benefited from having three other linebackers that worried defenses more than he did at Ohio State. I agree with most of Parcells moves but this was definitely a miss. Granite he was not really over hyped but after being in the league for four years you expect a first round draft pick to break into the starting line up.

3-  Kyle Boller- The only real miss the Ravens have had that I can remember. Did this guy ever win a game? Is he even on a roster anywhere these days? I mean come on, even Jon Kitna still has a job. At least they had two and grabbed Suggs first.

4- Jamarcus Russell- Al, you could have had Calvin Johnson and Trent Edwards early in the second. So why did you go with and in accurate, project quarterback and no one to develop him? I am still baffled that Al Davis makes these decisions for himself.

5- J.P. Losman- I’m lost man. So he never had talent around him but wow I don’t even remember him completing a pass. I have lost track of him but he still has time to be the comeback player of the year if he ever resurfaces.

6-  Cedric Benson- I guess if you want to become productive hope Chicago drafts you high and releases you a couple years later. He looks great in Cincy doesn’t he? Not sure what happened here but what a difference another team makes.

7- Brady Quinn- I could have probably used the Browns first round picks from this decade for this entire article but what fun would that be? I mean at least Winslow and Edwards made a few plays while they were there. So they didn’t draft him early and he was passed over by sixteen other teams then they traded up, gave up several draft pics to do this and he still sucks three years later. What were they thinking. I mean look at the talent he had around him at ND, I can only throw the ball about fifteen yards and I may have had similar success with that offense. At least Gruden loves him.

8- Willie Middlebrooks- I know what you’re saying, who? Exactly my point. Denver drafted him in the first round in 2001 and I have never heard of him. Must have been a winner.

9- Charlie Rogers and Mike Williams- I know there are two here but they were the same move just a year a part and both were wide receivers with major issues drafted by the king of draft blunders Matt Millen and the Lions. It was like a broken record with him there. I bet Detroit will never draft another wide receiver in the first round. Oh, wait they did draft Calvin Johnson but really I can’t hold that against them. He will be worth it soon.

10- Reggie Bush- He has not produced near what he was supposed to and to be honest he looks like a second or third round pick at best. I know he was fast and made a week PAC 10 look stupid but he had not prov en he could take a shot. They will catch you in the NFL unlike the PAC 10 and when they do it hurts. Hopefully one day I will see something besides an uncontested jump from the five yard line and maybe he will drop out of the top ten. Right now it appears that he will have to take a back seat to the less hyped talent they have in N.O.

I realize that the draft is not an exact science but it seems that with all of the years it has been going on someone would have developed something to let you know you are getting value. If not then do what the Patriots do and stock up on a bunch of second round pics. It will save money in the future and lets face it, it has payed off for them. Don’t worry the best draft picks of this decade will be coming next.

Saturday night saw the return of a regular unlicensed boxing event to Cheshunt, Herts, UK. The event, put on by Mehmet, a personal and boxing trainer at Ripped Gym in Harlow, Essex, is held approximately every three months. Mehmet’s the man responsible for organising and promoting the entire event, and setting up fights between suitable amateur boxers.

Being an unlicensed event there are no drug-tests and some fighters appeared to be heavy steroid users (how else do they get their necks wider than their heads?), although they could easily be taking far more dangerous substances with no-one being any the wiser (imagine a boxer on PCP!).

The most entertaining fight of the night – with the exception of an unexpected kick-boxing match – was between Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster, of Cheshunt, Herts, and his new-comer opponent from Harlow, Essex. At the first bell Mad-Dog flew out of his corner like a raging animal, knocking his stunned opponent to the floor before inflicting a series of heavy blows to his head from above, while the floored man struggled to get back to his feet. Shockingly, the referee didn’t see a problem with this abhorrent behaviour and allowed the fight to continue, rather than taking the usual step of disqualifying the cheater. Later in the match ex-convict Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster’s classy corner-men were seen entering the opposite corner to swear at and generally abuse his opponent and corner-men on at least one occasion. Again, the events regular referee (if that’s what you can call him), did nothing.

Spectators claim Mad-Dog hit his opponent while he was down on at least another two, possibly three, occasions, but at no point was he disqualified. The fight was stopped in the third and final round, with Mad-Dog disgustingly hailed as winner. Several spectators questioned whether he’d had been taking something before the fight, saying he looked “wild,” or “had a crazy look in his eyes.” Others were heard to exclaim “That wasn’t a boxing match – that man was trying to batter him!” or “The referee’s a joker”. Many said they wouldn’t return to future events, having wasted money on an obvious farce, or expressing concerned at the lack of safety for the boxers involved (all of whom are unpaid).

It’s interesting to note that nineteen year-old Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster not only had more experience than his opponent – having won six out of six fights, whilst his opponent made his debut appearance that very night – but also had a clear advantage regarding height and age. Despite all this being in his favour he refused to fight fairly, cheating in every round, against am absolute beginner old enough to b his father. Why such a fight was arranged in the first place remains a mystery: the aggressive Mad-Dog should obviously have been fighting someone younger, bigger, and with far more experience than his opponent on Saturday night (although it has to be said the Harlow man held his own, getting back to his feet and standing his ground until the fight was eventually stopped). There was nothing challenging about the fight as far as Mad-Dog was concerned., and if his reputation for winning thus far was built by beating up old men with no experience – and by cheating to do so – then perhaps a better name for him is Rob “Sad-Pussy” Wooster.

Other matches saw obvious fixes, with draws and wins for Cheshunt fighters who’d obviously lost to their Harlow opponents – sometimes having been knocked down twice during the three rounds. The kick-boxing match was also a farce with the clear winner from West Ham being forced to accept a draw, despite flooring his Cheshunt opponent.

The whole night was nothing more than a money-making exercise for the promoter, who charges between £20 and £50 for entrance, and makes no attempt to match opponents fairly, or even safely. The majority of the crowd were aggressive men from the Cheshunt area and judges clearly found in favour of their fighters in order to avoid violence – leaving Harlow fighters without a chance in hell of winning, unless they knocked their opponents out cold.

The night was a bitter disappointment for many boxers and spectators and the Ripped Gym in Harlow is buzzing with stories of unfair refereeing and the unreasonable matching of certain boxers. The general consensus is that Mad-Dog and his father (the abusive corner-man) embarrassed themselves with their appalling behaviour, and it’s hoped he’ll experience his comeuppance in the next event. If the promoter is reading this article he would be advised to ensure all future events are refereed by someone more competent and that judges aren’t so obviously biased. Currently the event is a joke.

For anyone wanting to watch a good fight, or to fight a fair one, unlicensed boxing (especially the Cheshunt event) comes highly unrecommended…

The comeback against the Pats was simply epic.

2. New Orleans Saints (9-0) (last wk #2)

The Saints haven’t been all that impressive, but 9-0 is 9-0.  Any given Sunday, right?

3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1) (last wk #3)

They just keep rolling, and the team becomes more Favre’s and less Peterson’s.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) (last wk #7)

I guess we can’t deny it any more.  The bungles are no more.

5. New England Patriots (6-3) (last wk #6)

I know, everybody hates the Pats.  Hell, I hate the Pats.  But when you take the best in the league to the wire in their house…

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) (last wk #4)

Can’t say it enough… Bengals may think think they just won the super bowl, but this is a team built to get there.

7. Arizona Cardinals (6-3) (last wk #10)

The offense is looking like it did last year, and Beanie is coming on.

8. San Diego Chargers (6-3) (last wk #11)

L.T.’s wife should get pregnant more often.

9. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) (last wk #5)

Ok, they looked bad at Lambeau.  But some weeks it’s like that;  the wheels just fall off.  As bad as they looked, they were still in the game going into the fourth quarter.

10. Green Bay Packers  (5-4) (last wk #17)

They may be the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs with no offensive line whatsoever.

11. Baltimore Ravens (5-4) (last wk #12)

If they ever get this thing running smoothly…

12. Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) (last wk #9)

450 yards… and you lose?

13. Tennessee Titans (3-6) (last wk #15)

3-6, maybe.  But right now they’re playing as well as anyone.

14. Houston Texans (5-4) (last wk #11)

This week is must win, if they finally want a sniff of the post season.

15. Miami Dolphins (4-5) (last wk #16)

They just keep finding ways.

16. Atlanta Falcons (5-4) (last wk #8)

Still fading.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4) (last wk #18)

Still hanging in there.

18. Carolina Panthers (4-5) (last wk #22)

The bad start might just be too much to overcome, but they’re making it interesting.

19. Denver Broncos (6-3) (last wk #13)

The Deadskins?  I’ve been hollering over rated all year, but they might actually suck.

20. San Fransisco 49ers (4-5) (last wk #20)

Winning a game in which you pick off 5 passes 10-6 is pitiful.

21. New York Giants (5-4) (last week #21) 

It’s all about pride for the Giants; we know now they aren’t great… they now will fight to be good.

22. New York Jets (4-5) (last wk #19)

This year is pretty much a done deal, but this team is going to be good for a while.

23. Washington Redskins (3-6) (last wk #28)

That was probably the highlight of the season.

24. Kansas City Chiefs (2-7) (last wk #25)

Hey… they did win.

25. Seattle Seahawks (3-6) (last wk #24)

AThey played the Cards tough.  It’s something.

26. Chicago Bears (4-5) (last wk #23)

Getting progressively worse.

27. Buffalo Bills (3-6) (last wk #27)

Yeah, they got whooped.  But they aren’t as bad as the bottom feeders, so there’s no where to go.

28. Tampa Bay Succaneers (1-8) (last wk #26)

They look about as good as a 1-8 team can.

30. St Louis Rams  (1-8) (last week #26)

Imagine if they’d beaten the Saints.

30. Oakland Raiders  (2-7) (last week #30)

Think they might draft a quarterback?

31. Detroit Lions (1-8) (last wk #31)

Life is bad when 1-15 is a step up.

32. Cleveland Browns (1-8) (last week #32)

The Puppy Pound.

Lions beat the Browns 27-17. Does it really matter? Anyway Stafford and Johnson are developing some chemistry and they are at home in the dome. They played well for three quarters against a Vikes team that has been outstanding this year.

Jags win over the Bills 24-10. The Jaguars have hit their stride against middle of the pack teams and to call Buffalo a middle of the pack team is a gross over statement.

Steelers beat the Chiefs 20-17. I am going to call this one close. The Chiefs have momentum and the Steelers are going to have a hard time swallowing the physical beating they took against the Bengals in week 10. In the end they will win but I think it will be surprisingly close.

Colts defeat the Ravens 28-24. This will be a good game to watch early but the defense in Baltimore has lost it’s luster and let’s face it Manning has never been afraid of them. Baltimore will get a late touchdown to make the score look better than it should.

Falcons beat the Giants 24- 17. The falcons will not drop two in a row his time. The Giants can’t run the ball consistently and can’t stop a team that can. Now Mr. turner comes to town and let’s not forget the other running back in ATL. They are not super stars but they are good enough to run through the defense of the Giants.

Pack wins over the 49ers 17-10. I think Green Bay is still suspect but their defense is too tough for an offense that struggles a lot. I think this is where we see if Crabtree has the wheels to challenge an all pro corner or two. Rogers will be sacked but he is doing better I mean he “only” suffered five against Dallas.

Vikes beat the Seahawks 31-20. a beat up D from Seattle vs a very balanced and efficient offense in Minnesota not to mention the Dominant D from Minn vs the not so efficient O from Seattle. They are out matched across the board.

Cowboys win over the Skins 20-16. I am shaky on this one but Garret soon has to figure out that Williams is a number three at best and that he has more weapons than he has been willing to use this far. If he would demote Roy and throw this rookie Ogletree in the game I think he would actually have a terrifying receiver duo in three weeks. Not to mention that maybe he will figure out that you could run the ball when you are at first and one from the one yard line.

Saints beat the Bucs 42- 24. I like this rookie QB from Tampa but he is a little young to expect him to flourish against a Gregg Williams D that over achieves. Brees will throw a couple of pics but he will throw more touchdowns. Bush might actually finally live up to his hype and produce something as well.

Rams beat the Cards 31-24. Yes I called it and I know it seems bold. Warner is going up against a coach that has dialed up defenses that have neutralized him on a few occasions. Not to mention the crowd will be hyped as he returns home. The Rams seem to be improving and Jackson has shown flashes of his old self. I realize the receiving threats that the Cards have but just don’t think Warner will ever get settled.

Jets defeat the Pats 23-21. I know you think I am crazy now but I have stewed on this and honestly I dont see the Pats bouncing back as they have in the past. A huge fourth Qtr let down at Indy and a weakening defense are major faults for them. Age is catching this team and Rex Ryan will not let Tommy boy rest in the pocket. It will look a lot like the first meeting (ping pong with Brady).

Bengals route the Raiders 31-10. This is an easy call but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it a little closer but should be an easy victory for the Bengals. Way to go Marvin now work on your grown up voice.

Chargers beat the Broncos 27-7. The only reason this won’t be 49 to seven is because the Broncos still have a defense but they will spend the whole game on the field. so by the third quarter they will be worn out. I mean I never thought I would think that Orton being injured would be a handicap for a team until I saw Sims as his back up.

Eagles win at the Bears 17-14. Is this really a Sunday Night Game? Looking at this week 1 it seemed like a good idea but do we really need to embarrass Cutler in front of a national audience? McNabb comes home again and wins a close one but they better find a possession receiver.

Titans beat the Texans 17-10. Vince is being Vince and to be honest who really wants to see this team right now? I know what their records says but a clear head has got Young winning again. Brace your self for this team when they come to town for the rest of the season. I like Andre Johnson and think Schaub is a Decent QB but they seem lost without their tight end to check down to and Slaton fumbles a little much for my taste. I like his ability and have since he was at WV but he needs to secure the ball. I am actually excited to watch Monday Night Football for the First time since the Cowboys and Panthers.

Like it or not these are my pics but nothing is guaranteed.

The Swiss U-17 football team realized the first World Champion title in football for Switzerland. In the group games of the tournament they clocked up three wins to top their group. They won their encounters against Mexico, Japan, and Brazil to top the ranking. On their way to the final against Nigeria, they eliminated Germany, Italy, and Columbia for their final’s encounter with Nigeria.

The Swiss win, though unexpected, is not coincidental. The Swiss Football Association had instigated a talent spotting and training program on a vast scale in the 1990s. The program not only spots any emerging talent playing in Switzerland but also actively seeks out and brings back to Switzerland vast numbers of Swiss nationals living abroad. The talent spotting is concentrating on the age group of 13 to 15 year olds and involves the parents of prospected talents in a major degree.

Football is a major integrating force for Swiss society in general, too. It is not only the Swiss that fan for their national team, but the migrants as well. This is due to the fact that a lot of names found in the players lists are not of Swiss origin. As Switzerland has attracted many migrants since the Second World War, you will find names typical for just about any European country when checking the lists of players, and some from even farther away. And as Switzerland allows its nationals to be citizens of other countries at the same time, the talent pool is open for youngsters with Swiss ancestry just anywhere in the world.

It was probably this mixture of cultures in the team which carried it through the chaos that surrounded the championship. Arriving at their hotel, the youngsters found no beds in the rooms as delivery had been delayed. Missing transport, flights going to wrong airports, chaos on the training grounds as well as in and around the stadiums where games were held didn’t frazzle the players. They just shrugged it off and laughed about it, making the best out of every challenging situation. As many of the young players come from families who had fled war and poverty somewhere in the world, they just adapted to the inconveniences.

This resilience and the tendency to take things as they are endeared them to local Nigerians. When they played their first match against Mexico, they noticed with surprise that they already had a large fan-base and were treated to the full fan blast normally reserved for the Eagles, the Nigerian national team. “It was like playing at home.” Already after this first match, they were tipped by Nigerians as the favourite to play against the Little Eagles in the final in Lagos.

After the chaotic event, many might question the decision to hold such tournaments in a country like Nigeria, where the infrastructure is not top standard. I think it is the right decision, though. How many spectators would these youngsters have drawn in Britain or Germany? A few thousand hardcore fans would have turned up for their own team, but others would be almost ignored. In Nigeria, the stadiums were packed, and this not only for the Little Eagles, but for every match. This is an appreciation that makes a tournament like this memorable. The inconveniences will become the comic relief in the re-telling of it.

For a country like Nigeria such events are essential to learn the trade and prepare them to one day host the real thing. This chance should be given to them and others in the future as well.

In Switzerland, the World Champion title already had political repercussions. The Swiss parliament is currently preparing a change in the Swiss constitution to make it easier for migrants in the third generation to become citizens. As 13 out of the 21 players of the team are citizens from migrant families, this changes the demographic outlook for the change.

A change in the constitution of Switzerland has to be approved by voters in a ballot, and it needs not only the majority of votes overall, but also in a majority of Cantons. If politicians from the far right are too senile to accept change, the voters usually aren’t. Voters are watching television, and over 50 percent watched the final in Nigeria. The youngsters not only gained a title of historical proportions for Switzerland, they influence the future of the Switzerland as well.

     But on to week 11…. my guaranteed picks…

Miami Dolphins (4-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-5)

Both teams are playoff long shots at this point;  the loser becomes a playoff no shot.

Prediction:  The Dolphins keep hope alive.  Dolphins 31 Panthers 21

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-7)

The Seelers may have (gasp!) fallen behind Cincy for now, but rest easy, Pittsburgh fans.  There’s still no team in the league as built for post season success.

Prediction: No contest here.  Steelers 34 Chiefs 10

Atlanta Falcons (5-4) at New York Giants (5-4)

A battle of 5-4 teams we all thought were much better a month ago.

Prediction:  You have to figure Coughlin will have the giants up for this one, especially off of a bye.  Falcons lousy defense helps.  Giants 31 Falcons 21

San Fransisco 49ers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-4)

We’ll see if the Packers’ domination of the Cowboys was a fluke; for now, Capers looks like a genius.

Prediction:  Packers roll.  Packers 27 49ers 10.

Washington Redskins (3-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-3)

The Skins should be just what the cowboys need to get the taste of Lambeau sod out of their mouth.

Prediction:  Redemtion for Romo.  Cowboys 38 Skins 14

Cleveland Browns (1-7) at Detroit Lions (1-8)

Probably the last chance at a win for either team.

Prediction:  No Comment.  Lions 13 Browns 10.

New Orleans Saints (9-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8)

It’s hard to say a 9-0 team is struggling, but the Saints march hasn’t been so completely dominating of late.  The Succaneers should fix that.

Prediction:  Whoopin’ time.  Saints 45 Bucs 10

Buffalo Bills (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)

The Jags just keep hanging around.

Prediction:  Seems like I’ve said this before, but…. Jags stay in the picture for one more week. Jags 27 Bills 14

Seattle Seahawks (3-6) at Minnesota Vikings (8-1)

Did we really believe that with the gunslinger back there, this would be A.P.’s team?

Prediction:  The old man leads on.  Vikings 38 Seahawks 17

Indianapolis Colts (9-0) at Baltimore Ravens (4-4)

Baltimore was a trap when the Broncos were 6-0.

Prediction:  Not this week.  Just another stop on the Pony Express.  Colts 41 Ravens 21

Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at St Louis Rams (1-8)

Cardinals are about to run away to an NFC west crown.  By Default.

Prediction:  Warner goes to town.  Cardinals 35 Rams 10

New York Jets (4-5) at New England Patriots (6-3)

The Pats were a Belichick head scratcher from knocking off the Colts.

Prediction:  Pats bounce back.  Pats 27 Jets 21

Cincinatti Bengals (7-2) at Oakland Raiders (2-7)

It just feels wrong saying ‘First place Bengals’ this late in the year.

Prediction:  First is where they remain.   Bengals 31 Raiders 6

San Diego Chargers (6-3) at Denver Broncos (6-3)

Broncos fading fast…

Prediction:  Chargers make it 5 straight.  Bolts 31 Broncos 24

Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Chicago Bears (4-5)

Bears never fooled us; no one believed they were any good.  Jury’s out on Philly.

Prediction:  Eagles, but close.  Eagles 27 Bears 24.

Tennessee Titans (3-6) at Houston Texans (5-4)

The Titans will keep rolling…

Prediction:  This is the week that people will start noticing.  Titans 38 Texans 21

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Week 10 in Review;  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

*******************************************

Chicago Bears (4-4) at San Fransisco 49ers (3-5)

Remember a few weeks back when these two teams were ‘going places’? Neither one can beat a good team.  Should be fun to see what they do with each other.

Prediction:  Niners in a shootout. 49ers 35 Bears 31

Results: 49ers 10 Bears 6.  That wasn’t fun at all. Good

Detroit Lions (1-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-1)

We’ll see how Favre holds up as time goes on, but not this week.

Prediction:  It’s the Lions.  Vikings 38 Lions 10

Results: Vikings 27 Lions 10.  Is Favre getting better?  Good

Denver Broncos (6-1) at Washington Redskins (2-6)

The Broncos aren’t quite as good as we thought.  No one thinks the Deadskins are any good at all.

Prediction:  Yawn.  Broncos 27 Deadskins 7

Results: Redskins 27 Broncos 17.  Turns out the Broncos were really over rated.  Bad

Cincinatti Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

Ok, I’m buying.  The Bengals don’t suck.  But at Pittsburgh?  This is the time of year the Steelers start to roll.

Prediction:  Don’t see it.  Steelers 24 Bengals 14

Results:  Bengals 18 Steelers 12.  Anyone still doubting the Bungles?  Bad

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) at New York Jets (4-4)

The team that loses this game will already be exiting the playoff race.

Prediction:  Jags have been lucky.  Always roll with the best D.  J-E-T-S 23 Jags 14

Resilts: Jags 24 Jets 22.  Say g’night to the J-E-T-S.  Jags somehow still alive.  Bad

New Orleans Saints (8-0) at St Louis Rams (1-7)

No mystery here.

Prediction:  Saints could score 60.  Saints 49 Rams 

Results:  Saints 28 Rams 23.  Ok, maybe a little.  Saints still go marching to 9-0.  Good.

Buffalo Bills (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-6)

Why the hell did they wait so long for Vince?!

Prediction:  Just wait… we’ll be talking playoffs for the Titans in a month.  Titans 34 Bills 17

Results:  Titans 41 Bills 17.  People laughed.  I’m still sayin’ it…. 3 in a row for Vince and the boys.  And is Chris Henry not the most underrated running back in the game?  Here they come… All Pro

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-5)

I really thought the ‘Fins were going to pull it off against the Pats, even in the fourth quarter.  They may not be the Succaneers any more (thanks to the worst coach in the NFL), but the Bucs will be outmatched here.

Prediction:  Wildcatted to death.  Dolphins 34 Bucs 14

Results:  Dolphins 25 Bucs 23.  Ok, not outmatched, but again, the ‘Fins just don’t quit.  Good

Atlanta Falcons (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-5)

It’s hard to tell if the Panthers are dead or not.  Upset special #1.

Prediction:  Rumors of Carolina’s demise are exaggerated. Panthers 28 Falcons 24

Results:  Panthers 28 Falcons 19.  Exaggerated, indeed.  All Pro

Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) at Oakland Raiders (2-6)

The battle for the cellar in the AFC west.

Prediction:  I will never pick a team with Jamarcus starting again.  Chiefs 21 Raiders 13

Results: Chiefs 16 Raiders 10.  Yup.  Good

Dallas Cowboys (3-6-2) at Green Bay Packers (4-4)

Jobs are about to be on the line in Titletown.  Upset special #2

Prediction:  With the season effectively on the line, the Cheeseheads come up with the first real important victory of Rodgers’ career.  Packers 38 Cowboys 35

Results:  Packers 17 Cowboys 7.  Not a shootout, but dammit, I called it.  The Packers defense hasn’t looked that good since a certain minister was suiting up.  All Pro

Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3)

This is the week where the Cards start to pull away with the division.

Prediction: Blowout.  Cards 38 Seahawks 10

Results:  Cards 31 Seahawks 20.  Ok, not quite a blowout.  Good.

Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) at San Diego Chargers (5-3)

Settle down, Bolts fans.  Beating the Giants isn’t near as impressive as it would have been a year ago.

Prediction: No string of NFC East wins here.   Eagles 34 Chargers 21

Results:  Chargers 31 Eagles 23.  How in the hell do you throw for 450 yards… and lose?  4 in a row for the Bolts… latest team in the ‘Are they really that good?’ sweepstakes.  (Don’t bet on it)  Bad

New England Patriots (6-2) at Indianapolis Colts (8-0)

This one never disappoints.

Prediction:  Not in Peyton’s Place.  Colts 31 Patriots 27

Results: Colts 35 Patriots 34.  Wow. All I can say.  All Pro.

Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7)

Can anyone tell me why the hell this is a Monday night game?

Prediction: Uh…. Ravens 38 Browns 6

2- BAMA- Look great at times and OMG seriously? At times as well. They do have an awesome defense and a great running game which I think will end Fla’s win streak.

3- Texas- Obviously benefiting from light competition inside their division. Most teams get to schedule one or two cupcakes but they were blessed with the Big 12.

4- TCU- I believe these guys to be for real. I know, I know the MWC, but have you watched these guys. After watching them against UTAH who oh by the way handle Bama last year. I am looking at this team and trying to figure out if Fla or Bama could handle them. I think they would handle Texas pretty easily.

5- Cincy- defense is questionable but you cannot deny this offenses production. I really like this team as well. Watching the WV game they have shown when they are backed into a corner they will fight.

6- Boise St.- I am not sure what to make of these guys. All I know is if you want to see speed watch them play if you can. Lightning on blue turf is all I can say and I believe they can hang with a couple of the big boys above them.

7- Georgia Tech-  Are we talking about an option team from a division that is not quite back to it’s old self? Really I think every defense above them and probably three to four below them in the rankings will shut them down and their defense is hit or miss. I know they only have one loss but that was to a Miami team that is reeling to finish in the top 25.

8- LSU- I would definitely have them at seven. There two loses were close hard fought battles against number one and number two. These guys are much better than GT so give them the credit they deserve. Who is in charge of these computers anyway?

9- Pitt- This one I like. I could take them or Ohio State here. Pitt hasn’t really played the best of their schedule yet but if they win out by beating a decent WV and Cincy there is no reason they should not be talked about at the top of the Chart.

10- Ohio State- Wait until next year. This team has already got me worried. I believe Jim will have another National Title next year. These guys are young and with another year under their belt on the offensive side, watch out. I think them being ranked here or at nine is right. The Big Ten is not what it used to be so to be ranked number ten is not bad for this team.

All in all it is still another sad year without a playoff. I know it is like beating a dead cow (everyone says horse, be different) but seriously no matter how it shakes up and pans out we college football fans are being ripped off. However the players are the real losers here. I mean they train and play this game their whole life. At every level their fate has always been decided on the field and now it is decided by a computer. Undefeated or not who is the real champion? Did you play the best week in and week out? Imagine being undefeated and Ranked number three with no shot to prove that you are the better football team. I know that the polls have a little influence but seriously we are all human and who out there can pick who would win every single game? If your that good, go to Vegas.

  If you are not aware of the ”incident” here is what happened. Chad caught a pass from Palmer on the sideline. Initailly it appeared that he had the ball with both feet in bounds but after a closer look his right toe (I believe) was on the boundary. The play was challenged by the Ravens. As the official was under the hood Chad went over to a member of the Bengals staff and took one dollar from him. He walked toward another official with the dollar in his hand ($1.00) and began to try to get his attention. The official walked away and Chad took the dollar back to the gentleman he retrieved it from. The play was over turned and the game resumed.

  Personally I believe this to be one of the most entertaining moments in recent history. Given the rules that govern the game these days when it comes to celebrations and such it is tough for me to look at this as anything more than a joke. We all know Chad and I am personally happy to see him return to his former self. Last year the NFL seemed dull without his antics. I am not a Bengals fan and really don’t care if they win or lose. I do however watch their games when I can just to see what Ochocinco will do next. I personally feel that his little gags are good for the sport and hope they continue until he retires.

  I believe that he will be punished but not because of what he did or said. I feel it will be due to the timing. I mean the Falcons slash Redskins incident, the Harris punch  and with LJ’s recent slurs I know that Chad will be a victim of timing.

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-0) (last wk #2)

Knocked off a decent team in the Texans; again, passed a tough test.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-0) (last wk #1)

Struggled a bit against the Panthers; still won by double digits and put up ‘only’ 30.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1) (last wk #3)

A very well timed week off for Favre and the Vikes… a breather before the stretch run.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) (last wk #5)

Steelers starting to roll; must be November.

5. Dallas Cowboys (6-2) (last wk #7)

Romo proving naysayers wrong. 

6. New England Patriots (6-2) (last wk #6)

If you were ready to write off the Pats…

7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) (last wk #9)

OK, I’m convinced.  Now if they manage to beat the Steelers this week…

8. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) (last wk #12)

The cream of the middle of the pack.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) (last wk #4)

You gotta win the big ones at home.

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-3) (last wk #18)

This isthe team that almost won the Super Bowl last year… finally starting to look like it.

11. San Diego Chargers (5-3) (last wk #13)

Kind of hard to tell if they’re that good; they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record besides the struggling Giants.

12. Baltimore Ravens (4-4) (last wk #8)

I’m sure I’ll catch hell for having them this high, but their 4 losses were to the Pats, Vikings, and twice to the Bengals, and all but this week were by less than a TD.

13. Denver Broncos (6-2) (last wk #10)

I’ve been hollering ‘overrated’ all damn year…

14. Houston Texans (5-4) (last wk #11)

Gave the Colts all they could handle.

15. Tennessee Titans (2-6) (last wk #31)

2-6 and #15?  Am I drunk?  Mark my words… in a month we’ll be talking about the Titans as a playoff contender.  This is the Titans team we expected before the season started.

16. Miami Dolphins (3-5) (last wk #15)

Best 3-5 team I’ve ever seen; or at least the most resilient.

17. Green Bay Packers (4-4) (last wk #14)

Possibly the worst coached team in the NFL.  If McCarthy pulls his head out of his ass and goes to some form of a quick hit offence to counteract the sad O line, this would be a playoff team.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) (last wk #24)

Somehow this team is still in the picture…

19. New York Jets (4-4) (last wk #20)

We now find out just how cool Sanchez is.

20. San Fransisco 49ers (3-5) (last wk #16)

Looks like they were still a year away after all.

21. New York Giants (5-4) (last week #17)

Were we actually thinking this was one of the NFL’s best a month ago?

22. Carolina Panthers (3-5) (last wk #21)

They did go toe to toe with the Saints…

23. Chicago Bears (4-4) (last wk #19)

They aren’t necessarily bad…they just can’t beat good teams.

24. Seattle Seahawks (3-5) (last wk #25)

It was the Lions, but when you suck you take wins where they come.

25. Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) (last wk #29)

At least they’re competitive most weeks.

26. Tampa Bay Succaneers (1-7) (last wk #31)

They’re still not very good, although Freeman looks promising.  The get their B back… Succaneers no more.

27. Buffalo Bills (3-5) (last wk #23)

Next in line for the Titans revival tour.

28. Washington Redskins (2-6) (last wk #28)

Only a plethora of bad NFL teams this year keeps them from sitting at the bottom.  May not win another game.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-6) (last week #30)

Jamarcus is the QB of the future… a dismal future.

30. St Louis Rams (1-7) (last week #26)

Might give up a hundred against the Saints.

31. Detroit Lions (1-7) (last wk #27)

At least they’re not as bad as last year.

32. Cleveland Browns (1-7) (last week #32)

Even their one win was an embarrassment.