The Tebow Misconception

Well, I finally heard enough. All of the hoopla and hyperbole thrown around about Tim Tebow and his last home game today has finally triggered a response from me. John Saunders, someone I respect, just said that if Tim Tebow could win a third National Title this year, he may be considered the greatest college football player ever. Did Chris Leak somehow get erased from history? If I remember correctly, he was the QB for that Florida National Championship team. He was the player who torched Ohio St. Tim Tebow is a fine football player and an even better individual. However, we need to pull in the reigns when discussing him as the greatest college player ever. Leader? Maybe. But Barry Sanders, Earl Cambell, and a slew of others take objection when pundits refer to Tebow as the greatest player. And it's not even close.

Week 12 Picks

After an atrocious day of football on Thanksgiving, it's time for me to wrap up the week 12 picks. There are some really good games this week, which culminates with New Orleans-New England on Monday night. As always, home teams in caps.

HOUSTON (+3.5) over Indianapolis

That half point is just so nice. The Colts are coming off of some lackluster performances and the Texans need this win to stay in the wild card hunt. Indy has wrapped up the division at this point.

CINCINNATI (-13.5) over Cleveland

Where's Mangini going to coach next? I'd wager on the UFL. Maybe the European NFL. It's going to be difficult to go any lower in the NFL.

MINNESOTA (-11) over Chicago

Jay Cutler showed progress last week. He only threw one interception instead of his normal 2-3. Too bad the Bears don't have an O-Line, D-Line, Secondary, or Receivers. Other than that, they're a solid team.

PHILADELPHIA (-9) over Washington

Jim Zorn's resume is on Monster. He's hoping someone else will give him a shot in a career he has no experience in.

Miami (-3) over BUFFALO

The Bills have really played hard the past few weeks. And T.O. had a monster game last week. The Dolphins though are the better team and have something to play for this week.

Arizona (+3) over TENNESSEE

I've been riding the Titans the past couple weeks lucratively. However, the Cardinals are the best team the Titans will have played. Good teams win these games and I think Arizona is a good team. Their run D is second to none and they should be able to exploit an injured Titans secondary. How's that for analysis?

ST. LOUIS (+4) over Seattle

I have no other reason to make this pick other than this: both teams stink and the Rams are due for another win at home.

Tampa Bay (+12) over ATLANTA

The Falcons bandwagon has crashed. They should beat a punchless Bucs team, but I've been disappointed in Matt Ryan's progress this year. Josh Freeman makes just enough plays to keep it close.

Carolina (+3) over NEW YORK JETS

I have a new whipping boy. Jay Cutler, you're off the hook for a week. The "Sanchise" has turned into a disaster before our eyes. Why should the Jets ever be laying points with a turnover machine at QB? At least Mangini only required a second round pick and some Jets special team players for the right to draft him.

Jacksonville (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO

If no one sees a game, does it actually count in the standings?

SAN DIEGO (-13.5) over Kansas City

The love affair continues. The Chargers do not lose games in late-November or December. It just doesn't happen. Kansas City has played better recently, but the talent gap is still huge.

BALTIMORE (-1.5) over Pittsburgh

Good luck actually getting to be on this game at this line, but it's the only one I had available. News just came out that Big Ben will not be playing and Dennis Dixon will be starting his first game. This line could easily repost at 7 or 8, and I would still take the Ravens.

New England (+2) over NEW ORLEANS

Call me skeptical, but I don't either team can stop the other from scoring. I think the Patriots have a better chance to stop the Saints than vice versa. Either way, bet the over.

Last Week: 9-7

This Week: 1-2

Season: 87-77

Thanksgiving Day Picks

Let me start by saying that Gary Williams should be ashamed of the way his Maryland team performed last night. I had a 40-1 6 team CBB parlay and everyone covered except for his Terrapins, who absolutely mailed it in in the Maui Invitational. Just embarrassing. I will never forgive him or Maryland for this transgression. Never. Now, on to the Thanksgiving Day picks. As always, home team in caps.

DETROIT (+11) over Green Bay

Matthew Stafford, thank you for making my Lions relevant again. That was a heck of a performance Sunday. I'm starting to thing that the Lions' front office made the right decision in selecting Stafford first overall. He probably won't play in this game with a separated left shoulder, but the Lions play inspired football on Thanksgiving. I like them to keep it close.

DALLAS (-13.5) over Oakland

Well, the NFL can't serve it up to the Cowboys any better. Oakland on a short week on the road. Thank goodness I'll be napping from the excess tryptophan.

New York Giants (-7) over DENVER

That was one pathetic effort against the Chargers last week. I know that the talent discrepancy was large, but the Broncos didn't even seem interested in playing the game; a game that determined the AFC West winner most likely; a game at home against a arch-rival. I don't love the Giants either, but I officially am done with the Broncos.

Last week: 9-7

Season: 86-75

Week 11 Picks

What a pathetic effort by the Panthers at home. How excited are Panther fans for Jake Delhome's extension? Four more years!! This week is again littered with double digit favorites. Great 3-team teaser possibilities. The question is who's going to screw it up. As always home teams in caps.

DETROIT (-3.5) over Cleveland

Oh the horror. This game has been (thankfully) blacked out for the local markets. Imagine having to actually watch this game. Or even worse, go to it. The Browns are a disaster at every level. Detroit only is on the field.

JACKSONVILLE (-9) over Buffalo

The Bills finally fired Dick Jauron. The Jaguars have an outside shot at the playoffs and should play with a sense of urgency. Let's just hope MJD doesn't have a flashback and takes a knee before a cover.

Pittsburgh (-10) over KANSAS CITY

Has Pittsburgh played a winning team on the road all year? Denver doesn't count Broncos fans. The Chiefs have played surprisingly decent on defense, but they won't be able to keep up with the air attack of the Steelers. Re-read that sentence; I said air attack.

Indianapolis (-1) over BALTIMORE

It is bankroll suicide to bet against Peyton Manning. Don't do it. This feels like a game where he'll have the ball for twenty minutes and carve up the Ravens defense to win in the 4th quarter.

Atlanta (+6.5) over NEW YORK GIANTS

I've driving the Falcons bandwagon straight off the cliff if necessary. I just can't get excited about this Giants team at home. Give me Matt Ryan's gun over Eli Manning throwing ducks in the Meadowlands wind.

San Francisco (+6.5) over GREEN BAY

Stay away game for me. When did Green Bay get good? Their win over the Cowboys was a result of Dallas being propped up by the media. Neither team is very good, but the 49ers defense is stout and will constantly pressure poor Aaron Rodgers.

MINNESOTA (-11) over Seattle

I'm tired of hating the old man. For a week. When I wager on him, I like him.

Washington (+11) over DALLAS

Did I sense some life in this Redskins team last week? This is a huge rivalry game and the line on this game is ridiculously high. This could be the huge upset that spoils three-team teasers across the country.

TAMPA BAY (+11.5) over New Orleans

I'm not going to lie. I had the Saints -4.5 in a tease last week. They covered by stopping a 2-pt conversion...against the Rams. The injuries have caught up to the Saints and Josh Freeman has shown a calmness and ability to make plays.

Arizona (-9) over ST. LOUIS

I'm done bashing the Rams for a week. It's the Browns turn. Steven Jackson is an animal and the defense is playing inspired ball. But Kurt Warner has the Rams number. I envision a late TD to cover the spread.

NEW ENGLAND (-10.5) over New York Jets

The crying Rex Ryan did in the locker room is nothing like the tears that will flow after the beating his team experiences this week. This is why you don't talk negatively about the Pats. It will come back to haunt you somehow.

Cincinnati (-9.5) over OAKLAND

Two words: Bruce Gradkowski.

San Diego (-3) over DENVER

Well, at least things are back to normal. The Broncos collapse, the sun rises. I like when things are normal. Orton doesn't look like he'll be playing. This line could really move if Chris Simms is named the starter.

Philadelphia (-3) over CHICAGO

Lovie Smith bought Eagles jerseys for the Bears receivers this week. He's hoping Jay Cutler will throw the ball to opposite color jersey Sunday, as he's done all year.

Tennessee (+4.5) over HOUSTON

So Tennessee is good? I'm so confused at this point. I know Chris Johnson can flat out run and the Texans can flat out miss tackles.

Last Week: 11-4

This Week: 0-1

Season: 77-68

Thursday Night Pick

I can't get too excited about these Thursday night games. San Francisco-Chicago was an embarrassing display of professional football. Miami-Carolina? Yea, there's a heated battle between two average teams. When average teams play one another on short rest, the public gets a mediocre game.

CAROLINA (-3) over Miami

Honestly, I don't care about this game one bit. Carolina is at least playing much better since its abysmal start. Factor in Ronnie Brown making his yearly IR visit and I think the Dolphins' season is cooked. Whoever wins keeps the slim hopes of a playoff appearance alive. 6-seed fodder, but a playoff check nonetheless.

Week 10 Picks

Jay Cutler has 17 interceptions through the first 9 weeks. I'm glad Chicago only gave up TWO first round picks for him. The Bears franchise has been set back a couple years because of trades for Jay Cutler and Gaines Adams that have left them without a pick in the first 2 rounds next year. Teams that are terrible on defense and the O-Line need draft picks I'd say. Anyway, home teams in Caps.

Jacksonville (+7) over NEW YORK JETS

Tricky line since it's exactly a TD +1, but I don't trust Mark Sanchez at HOME in November. This is the same player that in October said he hadn't played in poor weather. Well, it's a month later and the Jaguars are built to play well in this environment.

WASHINGTON (+3.5) over Denver

Maybe I'm crazy, but the Redskins looked better in the second half against the Falcons. This is a cross-country trip for a Broncos team that has played poorly the last two weeks. And oh yeah, Kyle Orton turned into Kyle Orton again.

Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH

Loving the Dogs this week. The Bengals are really good and have a defense that is on par with the Steelers. The difference between these teams is the Bengals are the team that can run the football and control the clock, while Pittsburgh will depend on "Big Ben" to carry the offense.

TENNESSEE (-7) over Buffalo

Vince Young IS walking through that door! Apparently, all it took was 2 years of sitting, suicide thoughts, and being outcast from the team for Young to turn into a game management QB.

Detroit (+17) over MINNESOTA

I can't reasonable justify laying 17 points, I don't care how big a gap there is in talent discrepancy. On a side not, why does Brett Favre feel the need to "mention" to the media all his injuries. And the media just laps it up.

New Orleans (-13.5) over ST. LOUIS

The Saints. On turf. Against the Rams. I feel like Ernest Hemmingway with those sentences.

Atlanta (-1.5) over CAROLINA

So Vegas is buying into the resurgent Panthers? I'm not and look for this one to get ugly. It's time for the Falcons to prove they are a playoff caliber team. Oh yea, Jake Delhomme plays for the Panthers.

Tampa Bay (+10) over MIAMI

Not really a home or road game for either team. I think this Bucs team is frisky and can keep it close against a Dolphins team that just doesn't move the ball very well. Josh Freeman looked really good after getting settled in and Chad Henne has more ups and downs than Apollo's Chariot roller coaster.

Kansas City (+2) over OAKLAND

Ummmm, yea.

ARIZONA (-8.5) over Seattle

Maybe the Cardinals can convince themselves that they are on the road this week. 4-0 on the road, 1-3 at home. Still, Seattle didn't inspire much confidence against the Lions last week and Kurt Warner has the Arizona offense clicking.

Philadelphia (+1.5) over SAN DIEGO

My yearly Super Bowl pick. Both teams need it and the Chargers are hot. So why am I taking the Eagles on the road? Norv Turner. The Chargers have only beat one good team this year (the Giants and it's debatable if they are good).

GREEN BAY (+3) over Dallas

Call me skeptical. Call me a hater. Call me whatever, but I don't think this Dallas team is division-winning caliber. A bad spot last week was the turning point in a big road win. The Packers are desperate and need this one to stay in the playoff hunt. Desperate teams win at home.

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over New England

An annual ritual at this point. The Patriots are playing excellent on offense, but there is no comparison to Peyton Manning. And in Manning I trust (with my money at least). Expect points and big plays all night. I'm guessing the Colts have the ball last.

Baltimore (-11) over CLEVELAND

Why is Cleveland on MNF? Would ESPN be better off running World Series of Poker reruns?

Last Week: 6-7

This Week: 1-0

Season: 66-64

Thursday Night Pick

Well, for some odd reason the NFL has started playing regular season games on Thursday night in early November. Besides the horribly unfair advantage of 2 teams playing on 3 days rest, it reeks of corporate influence. Why not just let college football have Thursday nights until December? Give America a chance to see the future NFL players and keep an even playing field for all 32 NFL teams. Oh well.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3) over Chicago

Well, these Bears look lifeless after a drubbing at home from the Cardinals. Traveling out west on a short week is not the answer. Poor Lovie Smith is entering his final days as a head coach in the NFL I think.

Week 9 Picks

We've reached the point in the season where the bad teams have nothing to play for and a few teams are still optimistic enough to give full effort. This week has several games of such ilk. As always, home teams in caps.

JACKSONVILLE (-6.5) over Kansas City

An example of my above premise. The Jaguars need this one to get to .500 and give themselves a sense of false hope. The Chiefs personnel staff will actually be scouting the top college players. They're mostly better than the players they would have to watch if at the game.

CINCINNATI (+3) over Baltimore

Why are the Ravens suddenly unbeatable in the media? Carson Palmer has the Ravens' number and coming off a bye week, the Bengals will be well rested and prepared for an important division game.

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) over Houston

I will continue to pick the Colts, especially against a Texans team whose defense is the liability. I expect Peyton Manning to have a monster day at home.

ATLANTA (-10) over Washington

There is nothing funnier than living in the D.C. area and not being a fan of the team. Talk radio is littered with people bashing Daniel Snyder in every way possible. It's hard not to make fun of this team though at this point.

Green Bay (-9.5) over TAMPA BAY

The Bucs are my last hope for an 0-16 team. The Josh's make that entirely possible.

Arizona (+3) over CHICAGO

The Cardinals are 3-0 on the road. Go figure. I have a sneaky suspicion that the Bears just aren't very good. Their O-Line is crumbling in front of Cutler.

Miami (+10.5) over NEW ENGLAND

I like what the Dolphins are doing and I expect their array of offensive sets will give the Patriots trouble. The first meeting last year resulted in a dismantling by the Dolphins. I don't think it will be the same, but Miami should keep it close.

NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Carolina

Another team that I will continue to back until they lose. Vegas can't make this line high enough. By the way, do the Saints ever play on the road anymore?

Detroit (+10) over SEATTLE

I cannot justify taking Seattle and giving 10 points no matter how bad the Lions are playing. When two below average teams are playing, take the points and run.

SAN FRANCISCO (-4) over Tennessee

Really? Vince Young against a really good defense on the road? This is free money it would appear. I guess Vegas still thinks the Titans care about the season. I've got news for Vegas; they don't.

San Diego (+5) over NEW YORK GIANTS

More free money it seems. I will caution you that no matter which side I take with the Chargers, the other happens. I will continue to ride them though as I still think they are the best team in the league. Eli at home is never a good thing and Phillip Rivers will have a field day with the vulnerable Giants secondary.

PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Dallas

Low line. Dallas has yet to beat anyone, especially on the road. The Eagles appear to be soaring high after dismantling the Giants last week. Expect more of the same.

Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER

I can't get over the schedule the Broncos have had to play the past few weeks. No wonder I never pick them. They're continuously playing the best teams in football.

Last Week: 6-7

Season: 59-57

A sickening congratulations

Well, I guess it's time for me to do the unthinkable. I will congratulate the New York Yankees for winning their record 27th World Series Title. I neglected to write a World Series preview due to the fact that I am an unabashed Yankee hater and because they were prohibitive favorites all year and in every playoff series. The series wasn't played overly well. The starting pitching was not exactly World Series caliber save Cliff Lee being Steve Carlton in Game 1 and AJ Burnett forgetting it was a big game in Game 2 (he quickly reaffirmed my belief that he stinks in Game 5 though). Half of the Phillies hitters decided not to show up for the entire series (Ryan Howard would have been more productive standing at the plate and not swinging. Maybe he could have driven pitch counts up that way).

I won't spend this time criticizing the Phillies and what they didn't accomplish. I'd like to commend the Yankees for the way they operate, especially this year. Instead of spending money recklessly on older free agents, Brian Cashman went after the upper echelon of free agents, namely CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira. In a sport where revenue sharing does occur and a majority of owners pocket their profits, the Yankees reinvest in the well-being of the team and its fans. I might not like the fact they can outspend every other team, but I admire them for having the wherewithal to do it. The Twins or Pirates could easily double their payrolls, but they have owners who choose not to do so. I also commend them for the fact that they are supposed to win the World Series every year. That's an enormous amount of pressure to put on a team yearly. But the players delivered this year after Brian Cashman and management delivered in the offseason. And when everyone delivers, good things happen.