Recently in NFL Category

Ryan Clady, the All-Pro third-year offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos and Eisenhower High School graduate, underwent surgery to repair an injured left patellar tendon he suffered while playing pickup basketball and will be out three months according to this story by the Denver Post.

Clady, who was selected with the No. 12 pick by the Broncos in 2008, graduated from Eisenhower in 2004 and was inducted into Ike's initial Hall of Fame class this past October along with seven other Ike alums, including Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.

It's late and I've been terrible in the NFL playoffs, so I'm not going to mince words.

Indianapolis (-5) over New Orleans. For those of you who want a score, let's say Indy 34, New Orleans 24.

I would take these picks with a grain of salt because, quite frankly, I've stunk during the playoffs thus far. That being said, I have a theory on picking Super Bowl participants which I call "The Middle Ground Theory."

I've noticed that in recent years that of the final four NFL teams, the Super Bowl matchup tends to not me the least desirable or most-desirable matchup according to ratings. For example, the ideal matchup last year would have been Pittsburgh-Philadelphia (battle of Pennsylvania, Steelers vs. McNabb, etc.) and the least-desirable matchup would have been Arizona-Baltimore. While Pittsburgh-Philly was the favored matchup according to point spreads, Pittsburgh-Arizona is what we got.

In 2007, New England-Green Bay was the most desirable matchup and the favored matchup according to point spreads, as it would have been the undefeated Patriots playing Brett Favre in perhaps Favre's final game (yeah right) in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXI. The least desirable matchup would have been San Diego-N.Y. Giants more than likely, even though I guess you could hype the Rivers-Manning draft day trade drama. So what did we get? New England-New York Giants.

Wildcard week was unkind, as only Arizona's OT win prevented me from getting the goose-egg. I feel as if I'll be better this week. Or more accurately, hope I will be.

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Arizona
Baltimore (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS
Dallas (+2.5) over MINNESOTA
SAN DIEGO (-7.5) over N.Y. Jets

Last week: 1-3
Overall: 128-127-4

Nice final week got me before .500. Was going to write more on these picks, but it's late and I just want to get them in.

CINCINNATI (-2.5) over N.Y. Jets
Philadelphia (+3.5) over DALLAS
NEW ENGLAND (-3) over Baltimore
ARIZONA (even) over Green Bay

Week: 9-5-2
Overall: 127-124-4

So close to .500 I can feel it. And I also left these in the drafts folder.

BUFFALO (-8) over Indianapolis
CAROLINA (-9) over New Orleans
Jacksonville (+2) over CLEVELAND
DETROIT (+3) over Chicago
New England (+7) over HOUSTON
Pittsburgh (-3) over MIAMI
MINNESOTA (-8) over N.Y. Giants
San Francisco (-8) over ST. LOUIS
Atlanta (-2) over TAMPA BAY
Philadelphia (+3) over DALLAS
ARIZONA (-3) over Green Bay
Kansas City (+10) over DENVER
OAKLAND (+10) over Baltimore
SAN DIEGO (-3) over Washington
Tennessee (-6) over SEATTLE
Cincinnati (+10) over N.Y. JETS

Week: 9-7
Overall: 118-119-2

Taking time out of Christmas in Houston to do these up. Hopefully I get a little holiday luck going.

San Diego (+2) over TENNESSEEE
GREEN BAY (-14) over Seattle
Oakland (+3) over CLEVELAND
Kansas City (+13.5) over CINCINNATI
ATLANTA (-9) over Buffalo
MIAMI (-3) over Houston
Carolina (+7) over N.Y. GIANTS
NEW ORLEANS (-14) over Tampa Bay
Jacksonville (+8) over NEW ENGLAND
PITTSBURGH (-2.5) over Baltimore
PHILADELPHIA (-7) over Denver
ARIZONA (-14) over St. Louis
Detroit (+12.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
N.Y. Jets (+5.5) over INDIANAPOLIS
WASHINGTON (+6.5) over Dallas
CHICAGO (+7) over Minnesota

Week: 6-9-1
Overall: 109-112-2

Back to .500 after a pretty good week. Let's get this done.

Indianapolis (-3) over JACKSONVILLE
NEW ORLEANS (-7.5) over Dallas
Green Bay (+1.5) over PITTSBURGH
TENNESSEE (no line) over Miami
BUFFALO (+7) over New England
Arizona (-12) over DETROIT
PHILADELPHIA (-7.5) over San Francisco
N.Y. JETS (no line) over Atlanta
Chicago (+11) over BALTIMORE
KANSAS CITY (-2) over Cleveland
Houston (no line) over ST. LOUIS
SAN DIEGO (-6.5) over Cincinnati
DENVER (-14) over Oakland
SEATTLE (-6.5) over Tampa Bay
CAROLINA (+9) over Minnesota
WASHINGTON (+3) over N.Y. Giants

Week: 10-6
Overall: 103-103-1

Fell back a bit this week. Oh well.

Pittsburgh (-9.5) over CLEVELAND
INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Denver
Cincinnati (+6.5) over MINNESOTA
N.Y. Jets (-3) over TAMPA BAY
KANSAS CITY (+1) over Buffalo
Green Bay (-3) over CHICAGO
ATLANTA (+10.5) over New Orleans
BALTIMORE (-13.5) over Detroit
Miami (+3) over JACKSONVILLE
Carolina (+13.5) over NEW ENGLAND
HOUSTON (-6.5) over Seattle
TENNESSEE (-13) over St. Louis
OAKLAND (+1) over Washington
San Diego (+3) over DALLAS
N.Y. GIANTS (-1) over Philadelphia
Arizona (-3.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

Week: 7-9
Overall: 93-97-1

I stopped the slide for a week, as I actually went above .500. I credit the Thanksgiving turkey.

N.Y. Jets (-3) over BUFFALO
Denver (-4.5) over KANSAS CITY
PITTSBURGH (-14.5) over Oakland
Houston (even) over JACKSONVILLE
Tennessee (+6.5) over INDIANAPOLIS
ATLANTA (+5.5) over Philadelphia
CINCINNATI (-13) over Detroit
New Orleans (-9.5) over WASHINGTON
Tampa Bay (+6.5) over CAROLINA
CHICAGO (-9) over St. Louis
San Diego (-13) over CLEVELAND
San Francisco (even) over SEATTLE
Minnesota (-5) over ARIZONA
N.Y. GIANTS (+2.5) over Dallas
MIAMI (+5.5) over New England
GREEN BAY (-3) over Baltimore

Week: 9-7
Overall: 86-88-1

I really think that the Thursday games have messed up my mojo. Maybe more of them is what I need.

Green Bay (-11) over DETROIT
DALLAS (-13.5) over Oakland
DENVER (+6.5) over N.Y. Giants
HOUSTON (+3.5) over Indianapolis
CINCINNATI (-14) over Cleveland
MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Chicago
Washington (+9) over PHILADELPHIA
Miami (-3) over BUFFALO
Arizona (even) over TENNESSEE
Seattle (-3) over ST. LOUIS
ATLANTA (-11.5) over Tampa Bay
Carolina (+3) over N.Y. JETS
Jacksonville (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO (-13.5) over Kansas City
BALTIMORE (even) over Pittsburgh
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over New England

Week: 6-10
Overall: 77-81-1

Bad week last week, as I'm at .500 for the first time since really early in the season. Time to turn this back up.

Carolina (-3) over MIAMI
DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland
Buffalo (+8.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Pittsburgh (-10) over KANSAS CITY
BALTIMORE (+1) over Indianapolis
Atlanta (+6.5) over N.Y. GIANTS
GREEN BAY (-6.5) over San Francisco
MINNESOTA (-10.5) over Seattle
DALLAS (-11) over Washington
TAMPA BAY (+11) over New Orleans
Arizona (-9.5) over ST. LOUIS
N.Y. Jets (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND
Cincinnati (+9.5) over OAKLAND
San Diego (no line) over DENVER
Philadelphia (-3) over CHICAGO
Tennessee (+4.5) over HOUSTON

Week: 5-10
Overall: 71-71-1

With Thursday games starting this week and lasting the rest of the season, I'm moving up my NFL picks. Just in case you were having a "What the hell?" moment.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Chicago
N.Y. JETS (-7) over Jacksonville
Denver (-3.5) over WASHINGTON
Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH
Buffalo (+6.5) over TENNESSEE
MINNESOTA (-16.5) over Detroit
New Orleans (-14) over ST. LOUIS
Atlanta (-1.5) over CAROLINA
Tampa Bay (+10) over MIAMI
OAKLAND (-2) over Kansas City
Seattle (+9) over ARIZONA
Philadelphia (+1.5) over SAN DIEGO
Dallas (-3) over GREEN BAY
INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over New England
Baltimore (-10.5) over CLEVELAND

Week: 7-6
Overall: 66-61-1

Another crappy week. Starting to slip guys.

Kansas City (+6.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Baltimore (-3) over CINCINNATI
INDIANAPOLIS (-8) over Houston
ATLANTA (-9) over Washington
Green Bay (-10) over TAMPA BAY
Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO
Miami (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND
NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Carolina
SEATTLE (-10) over Detroit
SAN FRANCISCO (-5) over Tennessee
San Diego (+4.5) over N.Y. GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Dallas
Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER

Week: 5-8
Overall: 59-55-1

Not a great week last week. Apparently picking from a hotel room in Tucson doesn't suit me too well.

Denver (+3.5) over BALTIMORE
Cleveland (+13.5) over CHICAGO
Houston (-3) over BUFFALO
GREEN BAY (-3) over Minnesota
San Francisco (+13) over INDIANAPOLIS
N.Y. JETS (-3.5) over Miami
DETROIT (off) over St. Louis
Seattle (+10) over DALLAS
SAN DIEGO (-17) over Oakland
Jacksonville (+3) over TENNESSEE
Carolina (+10) over ARIZONA
PHILADELPHIA (+2) over N.Y. Giants
Atlanta (+10.5) over NEW ORLEANS

Week: 5-7-1
Overall: 54-47-1

Back above .500 last week. Don't know why it happened, but I'm happy it did.

San Diego (-5.5) over KANSAS CITY
Indianapolis (-14.5) over ST. LOUIS
Chicago (even) over CINCINNATI
CLEVELAND (+9) over Green Bay
Minnesota (+6) over PITTSBURGH
TAMPA BAY (+15.5) over New England
HOUSTON (-3) over San Francisco
N.Y. Jets (-6) over OAKLAND
Buffalo (+7) over CAROLINA
MIAMI (+6.5) over New Orleans
Atlanta (+4) over DALLAS
N.Y. GIANTS (-7) over Arizona
Philadelphia (-7) over WASHINGTON

Last week: 8-6
Overall: 49-40

Back to .500 this week, which I'll take after getting smacked around in week 4.

Kansas City (+6) over WASHINGTON
Houston (+5) over CINCINNATI
PITTSBURGH (-14) over Cleveland
Baltimore (+3) over MINNESOTA
JACKSONVILLE (-9.5) over St. Louis
N.Y. Giants (+3) over NEW ORLEANS
Carolina (-3) over TAMPA BAY
GREEN BAY (-14) over Detroit
Philadelphia (-14) over OAKLAND
SEATTLE (-3) over Arizona
N.Y. JETS (-9.5) over Buffalo
NEW ENGLAND (-9) over Tennessee
ATLANTA (-3) over Chicago
Denver (+3.5) over SAN DIEGO

Week: 7-7
Overall: 41-34

I got cocky last week and paid the price. I've learned my lesson and hope to get back above .500 again this week.

Minnesota (-10) over ST. LOUIS
KANSAS CITY (+8) over Dallas
Washington (+4) over CAROLINA
PHILADELPHIA (-15) over Tampa Bay
Oakland (+15.5) over N.Y. GIANTS
BUFFALO (-6) over Cleveland
BALTIMORE (-9) over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh (-10.5) over DETROIT
Atlanta (+2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
New England (-3) over DENVER
Houston (+5.5) over ARIZONA
Jacksonville (+1) over SEATTLE
Indianapolis (-3.5) over TENNESSEE
MIAMI (+2) over N.Y. Jets

Week: 5-9
Overall: 34-27

So far so good in the pros, with another 10-win week making me feel cocky. We'll see if cockiness turns into covers. If not, I'll just pretend I stink again.

Oakland (+8.5) over HOUSTON
Tennessee (-3) over JACKSONVILLE
NEW ENGLAND (-2) over Baltimore
Cincinnati (-6) over CLEVELAND
N.Y. Giants (-9) over KANSAS CITY
Detroit (+10) over CHICAGO
WASHINGTON (-7.5) over Tampa Bay
INDIANAPOLIS (-10) over Seattle
N.Y. Jets (+7.5) over NEW ORLEANS
MIAMI (even) over Buffalo
St. Louis (+9.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
Dallas (-3) over DENVER
San Diego (+6.5) over PITTSBURGH
MINNESOTA (-4) over Green Bay

Last week: 10-6
Overall: 29-18

Another winning week for me, putting up nine wins after getting 10 in week one. I hope this is a trend and not an aberration.

N.Y. JETS (-2) over Tennessee
HOUSTON (-3.5) over Jacksonville
Kansas City (+8) over PHILADELPHIA
BALTIMORE (-13.5) over Cleveland
N.Y. Giants (-6.5) over TAMPA BAY
DETROIT (+6.5) over Washington
Green Bay (-6.5) over ST. LOUIS
San Francisco (+7) over MINNESOTA
NEW ENGLAND (-4.5) over Atlanta
SEATTLE (+2.5) over Chicago
BUFFALO (+6) over New Orleans
Miami (+6) over SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh (-3.5) over CINCINNATI
Denver (-2) over OAKLAND
Indianapolis (+2.5) over ARIZONA
DALLAS (-8.5) over Carolina

Week: 9-7
Overall: 19-12

Got off to an awesome start, hitting two-thirds of my picks last week. Let's not jinx this.

Oakland (+3) over KANSAS CITY
Houston (+7) over TENNESSEE
New England (-3.5) over N.Y. JETS
GREEN BAY (-9) over Cincinnati
Minnesota (-10) over DETROIT
PHILADELPHIA (+1) over New Orleans
ATLANTA (-6) over Carolina
St. Louis (+10) over WASHINGTON
Arizona (+3) over JACKSONVILLE
Seattle (+1) over SAN FRANCISCO
BUFFALO (-4.5) over Tampa Bay
DENVER (-3) over Cleveland
SAN DIEGO (-3) over Baltimore
Pittsburgh (-3) over CHICAGO
N.Y. Giants (+3) over DALLAS
MIAMI (+3) over Indianapolis

Last week: 10-5
Overall: 10-5

Doing these a bit early because I'm catching a flight to Ann Arbor right after I cover Vista Murrieta-Colton tonight. Considering how bad my high school and college first week predictions were, I'd take these with a grain of salt. In other words, don't put your car note up as collateral on any of these.

ATLANTA (-4) over Miami
Kansas City (+13) over BALTIMORE
CAROLINA (+2.5) over Philadelphia
Denver (+4.5) over CINCINNATI
Minnesota (-4.5) over CLEVELAND
HOUSTON (-4.5) over N.Y. Jets
Jacksonville (+7) over INDIANAPOLIS
NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Detroit
Dallas (-5) over TAMPA BAY
San Francisco (+6.5) over ARIZONA
N.Y. GIANTS (-6.5) over Washington
SEATTLE (-8) over St. Louis
GREEN BAY (-3.5) over Chicago
NEW ENGLAND (-11) over Buffalo
San Diego (-9.5) over OAKLAND

New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas, a Rancho Cucamonga High School and USC graduate, is holding the Terrell Thomas Football Camp this Saturday at Rancho Cucamonga High School. The free camp will run from 9 a.m to 4 p.m., is in conjunction with Rancho Cucamonga Pop Warner for kids ages 5-15 in that program.

Along with Thomas, the camp will feature Rancho graduate and current Detroit Lions safety Gerald Alexander, current New York Giants and former USC wide receiver Steve Smith and former USC defensive backs Kevin Thomas and Josh Pinkard, among others.

Former Damien running back Ian Johnson, who played at Boise State, has signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings according to this article by the Idaho Statesman. Johnson was a highly-productive player at Boise State and joins drafted players Patrick Chung (2nd round, New England), Jarron Gilbert (3rd round, Chicago) and Cameron Morrah (7th round, Seattle) as local products catching on with new NFL teams this weekend.

A couple of former Inland Valley standouts saw their names called in the NFL Draft Sunday, one fairly early this morning and one just about 10-15 minutes ago.

San Jose State defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, a Chino High School graduate, was picked by the Chicago Bears with the fourth selection of the third round (68th overall). Gilbert, who can play both end and tackle, was the Bears' first selection of the 2009 Draft and the second Chino grad to be picked in the last two years - joining defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, the first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints a year ago.

California tight end Cameron Morrah, a Claremont High School graduate, was recently picked by the Seattle Seahawks with the 39th pick in the seventh round (248th overall). Morrah, the ninth-to-last selection, was the second Baseline League alum to be drafted this season, along with Rancho Cucamonga's Patrick Chung, and the fifth to be drafted in the last three years (Morrah, Chung, Rancho Cucamonga's Gerald Alexander, Rancho Cucamonga's Terrell Thomas and Alta Loma's Eric Weddle).

Not drafted today, but likely to be signed as a rookie free agent, is Boise State running back Ian Johnson, a Damien graduate. Johnson, a native of San Dimas, is most famous for scoring the winning 2-point conversion in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma and proposing to Boise State cheerleader Chrissy Popadics on national television after the postgame interview.

Oregon safety Patrick Chung, a Rancho Cucamonga High School graduate, has just been drafted by the New England Patriots with the second pick of the second round (34th overall). Chung, a four-year starter for the Ducks, is the third Cougar defensive back to be a second-round pick during the last three years, joining the Detroit Lions' Gerald Alexander (2007) and the New York Giants' Terrell Thomas (2008).

San Jose State defensive end Jarron Gilbert should also be drafted before the end of the second round today. Gilbert is a graduate of Chino High, just like Sedrick Ellis, the New Orleans Saints' first-round draft pick a year ago.

With as fantastically horrible as I have been in the postseason, I almost didn't pick this game. But I figure a season of comic relief (or shaking of the head) needs to be ended well. So here we go.

Pittsburgh (-7) vs. Arizona
Well, I picked Carolina over Tennessee in this game, which shows how incredibly stupid I was this postseason. I'm 0 for 3 on the Cardinals, so one would expect me to go with Arizona here out of pure desperation. But I refuse to do it. If history has taught us anything, it's to bet big on defense. Last year's Super Bowl, where the Giants blitzed and battered the 18-0, NFL-record setting Patriot offense, was another in a long line in examples of this.

The Cardinals have the best wide receiver in the game right now in Larry Fitzgerald, who fittingly went to the University of Pittsburgh. It would be easy to go with Kurt Warner to Larry Fitz in the upset special. But the Steelers have the No. 1 defense in the league for a reason and I think it will be on full display. With James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley providing pass rush, Larry Foote and James Farrior hitting everything in sight and Troy Polamalu cleaning up the mess in the secondary, the Steelers will be unlike anything the Cardinals have seen. Santonio Holmes has emerged as a big-play threat in the playoffs, giving the Steeler offense enough juice to generate some points.

The Steelers, who were the first to win four Vince Lombardi Trophies, will be the first to hoist a sixth later today.

Pittsburgh 27, Arizona 14

I must say that my picks so far have been brutal. If you are using these for anything more than amusement, then stop. Please.

I will press on anyway, just because I'm contractually obligated at this point.

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Arizona
It's the classic matchup between the team on a late-season tear (Philly) against the team that is rallying due to a 'no respect' battle cry (Zona). I've picked against both in both of their games thus far, so I'm probably not the person to ask here. But honestly, can you really see the Cardinals in the Super Bowl? Seriously? I can't either. A Super Bowl victory would cement Donovan McNabb's legacy as a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback and while I'm not ready to call that, I'll take Philly to make it to Tampa.
Philadelphia 28, Arizona 23

Baltimore (+6) at Pittsburgh
To be honest, the best bet in this game is to take the under. The current over/under is 33.5, but with the two best defenses in the NFL, the only way that this game goes over is if the defenses score on their own. With that said, I think the Ravens are being sold short in this game. They are banged up, but the Ravens have been tooth-and-nail with the Steelers in their previous two meetings, losing the last one on a controversial touchdown by Santonio Holmes. I'm getting a 2000 feeling about the Ravens, so I'm calling the upset.
Baltimore 14, Pittsburgh 13

Overall: 149-107-1. Record against spread: 119-135-3.

Well, that was a crappy start to the playoffs for me, as I lost the Colts (who I had going to the AFC title game) along with two other games. Moving on and trying to avoid the doughnut.

Baltimore (+3) at Tennessee
The only winner I did get right, the Ravens are looking a lot like they did in 2000 - dominating, big-play defense with a punishing running game and a unspectacular quarterback who avoids the big mistake. I'm tempted to pick them to beat the Titans, as Kerry Collins doesn't quite breed confidence in me. However, I did pick Tennessee to make the Super Bowl, so I can't go back now. I'll hedge my bet and take the points.
Tennessee 16, Baltimore 14

Arizona (+10) at Carolina
The Cardinals looked good for the first time in a month, as their defense shut out Atlanta's running game and made Matt Ryan look like a rookie, which is pretty rare. But putting that type of effort out two weeks in a row - especially against a well-rested, playoff-tested team like the Panthers - is easier said than done. I'm taking the Panthers big here.
Carolina 28, Arizona 13

Philadelphia (+4) at N.Y. Giants
The weather outside could be pretty frightful, as the New York metro area is supposed to be buried in 6-8 inches of snow between now and gametime Sunday. That bodes much better for the Giants, who have a healthy Brandon Jacobs ready to pound. That rest, plus the revenge factor toward an Eagles win at New York in early December, should be enough.
N.Y. Giants 21, Philadelphia 14

San Diego (+6) at Pittsburgh
Ready or not, the Chargers are coming. They proved me wrong against Indy last week and could give the Steelers a hassle this week. Pittsburgh's D is top notch, but Ben Roethlisberger and the offense have struggled to string together touchdowns offensively. I'll take the home team again, with the road team covering.
Pittsburgh 17, San Diego 13

Overall: 148-104-1. Record against spread: 118-132-3.

I made a nice little comeback last week, but still am guaranteed to finish below .500 for the season. Those are the breaks. We'll see if I can't be somewhat unterrible during the playoffs.

Atlanta (-1) at Arizona
If you took either one of these teams, especially the Falcons, to make the playoffs before the season started you'd be paid off pretty handsomely right about now. However, the NFC West champion Cardinals have been sluggish since winning the NFC West and will be going against Atlanta's bruising rush offense of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. The first playoff game in Arizona (involving the Cardinals at least) will be the last until at least next year.
Atlanta 28, Arizona 21

Indianapolis (-2) at San Diego
The Colts might be the hottest team in the NFL right now, winning nine straight. However, the Chargers aren't that far behind, winning four straight to become the first team in NFL history to make up a three-game deficit to win a division in the final three weeks. In other words, this matchup is two locomotives ready to pulverize each other. The Chargers pulled the upset in Indy last year, but I still don't trust Norv Turner. Going with the Colts here.
Indianapolis 30, San Diego 26

Baltimore (-3.5) at Miami
The Ravens made it here with a rookie quarterback and a great defense, while Miami somehow went from a one-win team to the winners of the AFC East. These teams met in the regular season, with Baltimore romping, and I see much of the same happening in this matchup. Look out for the Ravens as a darkhorse Super Bowl team.
Baltimore 23, Miami 10

Philadelphia (-3) at Minnesota
It's pretty unheard of to see all of the home teams as underdogs. It would be equally as unheard of for the road team to win all four wild card games. The home team will get one, and I believe this is the one. The Vikings run the ball and can stop the run, two prerequisties for playoff success. Plus, the Eagles have been up and down all season. After killing Dallas, they are due for a letdown in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota 24, Philadelphia 17

Here's a quickie forecast for the rest of the playoffs.

AFC
Divisional
Tennessee over Baltimore
Indianapolis over Pittsburgh
Championship
Tennessee over Indianapolis

NFC
Divisional
N.Y. Giants over Atlanta
Carolina over Minnesota
Championship
Carolina over N.Y. Giants

Super Bowl
Carolina over Tennessee

Overall: 147-101-1. Record against spread: 117-129-3.

Edit: forgot to get these out of unpublished mode, that's why they are late.

After two straight winning weeks, I fell back to being crappy last week. Probably for the best.

Oakland (+13) at Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay 28, Oakland 10
Detroit (+10.5) at Green Bay: Detroit 21, Green Bay 17
Dallas (+1.5) at Philadelphia: Philadelphia 23, Dallas 20
N.Y. Giants (+7) at Minnesota: Minnesota 24, N.Y. Giants 19
Chicago (+2.5) at Houston: Houston 31, Chicago 26
Carolina (-3) at New Orleans: Carolina 27, New Orleans 20
St. Louis (+14.5) at Atlanta: Atlanta 34, St. Louis 10
Kansas City (+3) at Cincinnati: Cincinnati 24, Kansas City 17
Jacksonville (+12.5) at Baltimore: Baltimore 27, Jacksonville 9
Tennessee (-3) at Indianapolis: Indianapolis 24, Tennessee 20
Cleveland (+10.5) at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh 21, Cleveland 3
Miami (+3) at N.Y. Jets: N.Y. Jets 24, Miami 20
New England (+6.5) at Buffalo: New England 30, Buffalo 17
Seattle (+6) at Arizona: Arizona 27, Seattle 23
Washington (+3) at San Francisco: San Francisco 17, Washington 16
Denver (+8) at San Diego: San Diego 33, Denver 20

Overall: 134-98-1. Record against spread: 106-124-3.

I forgot there was a game tonight. I'm heading out of town for a few days for the holidays, so everyone have a great one.

Pittsburgh (-2) at Tennessee: Tennessee 17, Pittsburgh 13
Miami (-4) at Kansas City: Miami 24, Kansas City 16
Arizona (+7.5) at New England: New England 28, Arizona 20
Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland: Cincinnati 16, Cleveland 12
Philadelphia (-5) at Washington: Philadelphia 23, Washington 17
San Francisco (-5) at St. Louis: San Francisco 27, St. Louis 16
Atlanta (+3) at Minnesota: Atlanta 21, Minnesota 20
New Orleans (-7) at Detroit: Detroit 27, New Orleans 24 (yeah, I'm an idiot)
N.Y. Jets (-3.5) at Seattle: N.Y. Jets 27, Seattle 21
Houston (-7) at Oakland: Houston 31, Oakland 13
Buffalo (+6) at Denver: Denver 24, Buffalo 20
San Diego (+3.5) at Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay 24, San Diego 17
Carolina (+3.5) at N.Y. Giants: N.Y. Giants 20, Carolina 17
Green Bay (+4) at Chicago: Chicago 16, Green Bay 7

Overall: 126-92-1. Record against spread: 100-116-3.

Likely going to Vegas after covering the Barstow game tonight, so hopefully I have a 10-5 week like I did last week instead of the crap that I've had in virtually every other week.

Green Bay (-2) at Jacksonville: Green Bay 27, Jacksonville 23
Detroit (+17) at Indianapolis: Indianapolis 31, Detroit 16
Washington (-6.5) at Cincinnati: Washington 27, Cincinnati 9
Tampa Bay (+3) at Atlanta: Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 20
San Francisco (+6) at Miami: Miami 21, San Francisco 17
Seattle (-2.5) at St. Louis: Seattle 17, St. Louis 13
Buffalo (+7.5) at N.Y. Jets: N.Y. Jets 23, Buffalo 16
Tennessee (-3) at Houston: Tennessee 28, Houston 10
Pittsburgh (+2.5) at Baltimore: Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 17
Denver (+7.5) at Carolina: Carolina 31, Denver 26
San Diego (-6) at Kansas City: San Diego 27, Kansas City 23
Minnesota (+3) at Arizona: Arizona 28, Minnesota 17
New England (-7) at Oakland: New England 30, Oakland 17
N.Y. Giants (+3) at Dallas: N.Y. Giants 28, Dallas 21
Cleveland (+14) at Philadelphia: Philadelphia 24, Cleveland 6

Overall: 116-87-1. Record against spread: 92-110-2.

Take these with a grain of salt as always. Or get a good laugh from them.

Cincinnati (+13.5) at Indianapolis: Indianapolis 28, Cincinnati 10
Jacksonville (+6.5) at Chicago: Chicago 27, Jacksonville 17
Houston (+6) at Green Bay: Green Bay 28, Houston 23
Cleveland (+14) at Tennessee: Tennessee 31, Cleveland 6
Minnesota (-10) at Detroit: Minnesota 30, Detroit 10
Philadelphia (+6.5) at N.Y. Giants: N.Y. Giants 28, Philadelphia 14
Atlanta (+3) at New Orleans: Atlanta 31, New Orleans 24
N.Y. Jets (-4) at San Francisco: San Francisco 21, N.Y. Jets 17
Miami (even) vs. Buffalo (at Toronto): Miami 24, Buffalo 16
Kansas City (+9) at Denver: Denver 30, Kansas City 23
St. Louis (+14) at Arizona: Arizona 31, St. Louis 20
Dallas (+3) at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh 26, Dallas 17
New England (-7) at Seattle: New England 27, Seattle 13
Washington (+5.5) at Baltimore: Baltimore 21, Washington 13
Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina: Carolina 27, Tampa Bay 23

Overall: 104-84-1. Record against spread: 82-105-2.

Went 2-1 on Thanksgiving. Sweet. Let's keep it up.

Denver (+8) at N.Y. Jets - N.Y. Jets 31, Denver 17
San Francisco (+6.5) at Buffalo - Buffalo 30, San Francisco 21
New Orleans (+4) at Tampa Bay - Tampa Bay 28, New Orleans 20
Carolina (+3) at Green Bay - Carolina 24, Green Bay 23
N.Y. Giants (-3.5) at Washington - N.Y. Giants 27, Washington 17
Miami (-8) at St. Louis - Miami 24, St. Louis 17
Baltimore (-7) at Cincinnati - Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 9
Indianapolis (-5) at Cleveland - Indianapolis 34, Cleveland 21
Atlanta (+5) at San Diego - San Diego 27, Atlanta 23
Pittsburgh (+1) at New England - New England 28, Pittsburgh 17
Kansas City (+3) at Oakland - Oakland 24, Kansas City 16
Chicago (+3.5) at Minnesota - Minnesota 23, Chicago 20
Jacksonville (+3) at Houston - Houston 28, Jacksonville 23

Don't really got time to do the whole slate now, so here's the quickie. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

College
Texas A&M (+35) at Texas: Texas 40, Texas A&M 13

Pro
Tennessee (-10.5) at Detroit: Tennessee 34, Detroit 13
Seattle (+12) at Dallas: Dallas 31, Seattle 10
Arizona (+3) at Philadelphia: Arizona 27, Philadelphia 21

I really should stop publishing my record against the spread. It sucks. But I'm pretty much obligated at this point.

Houston (+3) at Cleveland
Well, Brady Quinn was rolling along, then he gets hurt against the Bills. Houston is scrappy, but I think Cleveland takes this and keeps its playoff hopes barely alive.
Cleveland 27, Houston 23

Buffalo (-3) at Kansas City
I took a shot for the Chiefs last week and fell short. Against a Buffalo team that's lost four straight, I'm taking another one for KC.
Kansas City 24, Buffalo 17

N.Y. Jets (+5.5) at Tennessee
Huge win for the Jets last week in New England and at 7-3, they are red hot. But Tennessee still is unscathed and you know what they say - don't mess with a streak.
Tennessee 20, N.Y. Jets 13

New England (even) at Miami
The winner here remains in good position for a wild-card spot or a divison title - the loser goes into scramble mode a bit. After being shellacked the last time, you know the Patriots have been studying up on the "Wildcat" formation quite a bit. Give Belichick 10 days and good things usually happen.
New England 21, Miami 17

San Francisco (+9.5) at Dallas
Uh, oh TO is starting to get a little anxious. Dallas' offense wasn't great against Washington, but it got the job done. The Cowboys will win this, but it won't be a pretty win.
Dallas 24, San Francisco 16

Tampa Bay (-8) at Detroit
Lions had their shot at Carolina, but a muffed 2-point conversion and a bad interception sealed their fate. I think they'll give Tampa a run, but there's no way you can actually pick Detroit to win straight up.
Tampa Bay 28, Detroit 21

Philadelphia (+1.5) at Baltimore
Well, at least Donovan McNabb knows that NFL games can end in a tie. If there's anything positive that comes out of the 2008 NFL season, its that. Eagles are struggling and I can't see McNabb finding his rhythm against the Ravens.
Baltimore 21, Philadelphia 16

Chicago (-7.5) at St. Louis
The Rams, after a few good performances under Jim Haslett, have gone back to being the Rams of September. That's exactly what the Bears need after a rough trip to Green Bay last week.
Chicago 31, St. Louis 14

Minnesota (+2.5) at Jacksonville
I finally got a Vikings game right last week. So of course they play the Jaguars in a virtual coin-flip scenario this week. I think Jacksonville is a bit more desperate and pulls out the win.
Jacksonville 23, Minnesota 20

Carolina (+1) at Atlanta
Finally I join the Falcons' bandwagon. Finally, the Falcons lose. It's funny how that happens. Well, I'm back off, which means the Falcons have a better shot of winning than they did before I wrote this.
Carolina 27, Atlanta 20

Oakland (+9) at Denver
The Raiders actually gave the Dolphins a tussle last week. However, Denver seems to be getting its mojo back on offense, which is a horrible sign for Oakland.
Denver 30, Oakland 14

Washington (-3.5) at Seattle
The Redskins sure could use a break after two straight home losses. So they go to Seattle and face the feckless Seahawks. I'm all about using the word feckless.
Washington 27, Seattle 17

N.Y. Giants (-3) at Arizona
Brandon Jacobs may be a bit gimpy and Arizona may be a pretty solid team, but its hard to go against the defending champs in this spot - especially in the stadium where they shocked the world and defeated the unbeaten Patriots.
N.Y. Giants 28, Arizona 20

Indianapolis (+3) at San Diego
Well, its officially desperation time for the Chargers. They are at home against a Colts team who they've had great success again, so San Diego will tease its fans one more time.
San Diego 31, Indianapolis 24

Green Bay (+2.5) at New Orleans
Neither of these teams have been able to put a real streak of above-average play together. They both won last week, but I think the Packers are slightly more solid.
Green Bay 28, New Orleans 26

Overall: 87-70-1. Record against spread: 68-88-2.

Not a great week last week, but what else is new? At least I'm safely above .500 straight up at this point.

Denver (+6.5) at Atlanta
I've resisted the Falcons all year and have paid for it in my crappy record. So I'm on board Atlanta. Plus, Denver's porous run D + Atlanta's running game equals a big day in the Dirty South.
Atlanta 30, Denver 20

Oakland (+10) at Miami
The Raiders pick off four passes last week and still lose by double-digits? Yikes. Against a good Miami team, this could get ugly quick.
Miami 27, Oakland 6

Baltimore (+7) at N.Y. Giants
It's amazing how well Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan have played as rookie quarterbacks. Playing the defending champs will be tough on Flacco, but I think the Ravens hang around enough to cover.
N.Y. Giants 23, Baltimore 17

Houston (+8) at Indianapolis
Are the Colts truly back to being the Colts? Well, wins over the Patriots and Steelers aren't to be taken lightly. I can't see Houston being much of a road threat.
Indianapolis 31, Houston 16

Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville
I realize the Jags killed the Lions, but I don't think they are still all the way back. Tennessee tends to play well against Jacksonville even when they aren't unbeaten.
Tennessee 20, Jacksonville 14

Chicago (+3.5) at Green Bay
The Packers have got to be pretty desperate at this point. However, desperation doesn't matter when you can't stop the run. With Miller grad Nick Barnett out for the season, a thin Green Bay D gets thinner.
Chicago 24, Green Bay 21

Philadelphia (-9) at Cincinnati
The Eagles beat the crap out of bad teams, lose to good teams. Cincinnati is definitely a bad team.
Philadelphia 33, Cincinnati 17

New Orleans (-5) at Kansas City
The Chiefs have shown some spunk lately, taking the Bucs to OT and coming a 2-point conversion short of shocking the Chargers. I'm taking the upset here.
Kansas City 24, New Orleans 20

Detroit (+14) at Carolina
The Lions very well could go 0-16. I'm not kidding, I don't see a win on their schedule from here on out. Carolina certainly isn't going to be the win.
Carolina 35, Detroit 13

Minnesota (+4) at Tampa Bay
I don't think its possible for the Vikings to go on a winning streak. Therefore, I don't see this win happening.
Tampa Bay 21, Minnesota 14

St. Louis (+6.5) at San Francisco
I don't trust either team at this point. How can you? I'll go with the underdog to cover just cause.
San Francisco 20, St. Louis 17

Arizona (-3) at Seattle
The good news for the Seahawks is that Matt Hasselbeck is back. The bad news is that Seattle is still lacking good wide receiver play.
Arizona 24, Seattle 14

San Diego (+5) at Pittsburgh
The Chargers have to come on sometime right? This is way too talented to be an 4-5 team. However, I don't see the Steelers losing two in a row at home. So we'll go with Pittsburgh to win, the Diego to cover.
Pittsburgh 26, San Diego 24

Dallas (-1.5) at Washington
Tony Romo is back. Clinton Portis is not playing. But are the Cowboys really capable mentally of making a run? There's no questioning the talent. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Dallas 27, Washington 19

Cleveland (+5) at Buffalo
Two teams that need a win bad. I was impressed with Brady Quinn in his first start - the Cleveland D, not so much. I think this battle of Lake Erie could be entertaining.
Buffalo 24, Cleveland 21

Overall: 77-66. Record against spread: 62-79-2.

Internet in the Berka household is flighty tonight. So here are quickie picks.

Jacksonville (-6.5) at Detroit: Detroit 23, Jacksonville 20
Baltimore (-1) at Houston: Houston 21, Baltimore 17
Tennessee (-3) at Chicago: Tennessee 24, Chicago 14
Buffalo (+4) at New England: New England 21, Buffalo 13
New Orleans (+1.5) at Atlanta: New Orleans 24, Atlanta 21
St. Louis (+9) at N.Y. Jets: N.Y. Jets 28, St. Louis 20
Seattle (+7.5) at Miami: Miami 24, Seattle 17
Green Bay (+2.5) at Minnesota: Green Bay 23, Minnesota 21
Carolina (-9.5) at Oakland: Carolina 30, Oakland 10
Kansas City (+15) at San Diego: San Diego 38, Kansas City 20
Indianapolis (+4.5) at Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh 26, Indianapolis 20
N.Y. Giants (+3) at Philadelphia: Philadelphia 24, N.Y. Giants 20
San Francisco (+9.5) at Arizona: Arizona 31, San Francisco 14

Overall: 70-60. Record against spread: 57-71-2.

Terrible week against the spread, but better overall. I don't know, I still stink at this. We'll try harder this week.

Houston (+4.5) at Minnesota
If you are a Texans fan, you have to be just sick about the loss to the Colts where Sage Rosenfels turned into Santa Claus. Without that, you'd have a Houston team with a four-game win streak. Now they have three, but I don't see them getting a fourth in the dome.
Minnesota 24, Houston 17

Jacksonville (-7.5) at Cincinnati
The Jags have been one of the most maddeningly inconsistent teams in the NFL. Winless Cincinnati, not so much. With Ryan Fitzpatrick still captaining the Bengals and Jacksonville desperate, you know how I'm calling this.
Jacksonville 26, Cincinnati 10

Tampa Bay (-9) at Kansas City
The Chiefs showed some spunk last week. Of course, it helped to have Brett Favre gift-wrap a pick six. I don't see the Buccaneers gunslinging that much in this game, therefore, I don't see KC managing much of anything.
Tampa Bay 24, Kansas City 13

Baltimore (+1.5) at Cleveland
I must admit, Joe Flacco's diving catch against the Raiders last week was pretty sweet. Cleveland has quietly played much better lately and could be in line to get back in the wild-card hunt. The Browns will have to beat the Ravens to do that, something I think they can handle.
Cleveland 17, Baltimore 14

N.Y, Jets (+5) at Buffalo
This is a huge game for the Jets, who have struggled since coming back from their bye week. Buffalo dropped a division game to Miami as well and might be reeling a little bit. I'll go with the home team here in a close, but no cover, situation.
Buffalo 21, N.Y. Jets 19

Arizona (-3) at St. Louis
This was a no-brainer Cardinals pick a couple weeks ago, but the resurgent Rams are 2-1 since Jim Haslett took over despite playing three quality teams in the Redskins, Cowboys and Patriots. However, I like Kurt Warner to have a big game against his old team.
Arizona 28, St. Louis 21

Detroit (+12.5) at Chicago
Yes, the Lions are winless and most likely hopeless. But Detroit has been more competitive of late, almost beating Minnesota and Houston on the road and giving Washington a decent game at home. I'm not picking a Lions win, but they'll cover.
Chicago 23, Detroit 14

Green Bay (+4) at Tennessee
Is it me, or are the Titans the most anonymous 7-0 team in recent memory? Tennessee isn't flashy at all - it just wins by running the ball and playing outstanding defense. The Packers have been good under Aaron Rodgers, but its hard to pick against the Titans here. I'm learning my lesson from last week.
Tennessee 24, Green Bay 14

Miami (+3.5) at Denver
I've had a hard time getting a handle on the Dolphins. They have some great wins against AFC contenders, but they are just as likely to stink up the joint. The bloom is off the Denver rose a bit and the Broncos' defense is a walking disaster area. I think the Wildcat offense leads the Dolphins to the road upset.
Miami 28, Denver 20

Atlanta (-3) at Oakland
The Falcons are the type of team that should annoy a Raiders fan. They looked hopeless coming in, but thanks to a few good draft picks and a solid coaching hire in Mike Smith, look like players in the NFC. The Raiders aren't players, haven't been players for a while and probably won't be until Al Davis ceases to have his hands on the franchise.
Atlanta 21, Oakland 10

Dallas (+8.5) at N.Y. Giants
You got to hand it to the Cowboys defense, which gutted out a victory over Tampa Bay despite getting no help from the offense. With Brooks Bollinger possibly starting and injured TE Jason Witten possibly sitting, it'll be more of the same. I think the Cowboys keep it close but fall.
N.Y. Giants 23, Dallas 16

Philadelphia (-7) at Seattle
I just hope Andy Reid doesn't feel the need to drop his pants at any time during this game, like Mike Singletary did last week. Would be bad times for everyone. Even with a win last week, this season has been bad times for the Seahawks and Philly won't help it get any better.
Philadelphia 31, Seattle 19

New England (+6) at Indianapolis
What was thought to be a battle of elite Super Bowl contenders has Matt Cassel playing against a Colts team that can't stop the run and can't quite get untracked. Joseph Addai comes back for Indy though, giving them a much-needed win over their archrivals.
Indianapolis 27, New England 17

Pittsburgh (+2) at Washington
Apparently Chris Berman is going to interview Barack Obama and John McCain at halftime of this game. The only thing I can think of that would be worse than that is Stuart Scott interviewing Sarah Palin. I get the shakes just thinking about it. Oh yeah, the game. I like the home team in what should be an entertaining one.
Washington 24, Pittsburgh 21

Overall record: 60-56. Against the spread: 50-64-2