The final week of the regular season….Can’t believe its already here and the Superbowl is just around the corner.  Heres a list of week 17 matchups with spreads and totals as well as my picks.  Stay tuned for playoff picks and betting odds coming soon as well as updated futures odds.

Saturday Night

New England -14  46.5
NY Giants

This may be perhaps the most watched game of the week and its not hard to picture as this game will be simulcasted on 3 networks, NFL, CBS, and NBC.  The Pats will not be resting starters even though they have already locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs, oh no they are chasing down the perfect season and it will come at the expense fo the Giants who last week clinched a playoff spot with a comeback last week over Buffalo.  Los Gigantes may be resting some key defensive players and I would not be surprised to see Brandon Jacobs get pulled after the first half.  The Giants don’t have to win, but the Pats do the play is New England giving the points, Tom Brady will break the regular season TD record against the less than impressive Giants secondary.

Sunday

Buffalo
Philadelphia  -7.5  36.5

Philly came out strong last week and crushed the Saints, the Bills blew the lead and guareenteed the Giants a playoff spot.  This could be McNabbs last game in Philly and I expect him to come out and give a good showing, reports list him as fully healthy and if anything he will want a win on the way out.  The Bills can’t get into the endzone and they constantly blow big drives by settling for field goals after getting shut down in the redzone.  If Philly doesn’t turn the ball over then they should win quite handidly at home, expect McNabb to put on a show and give the points.

Carolina  -2.5  36
Tampa Bay

Carolina put on a show last week agaisnt the Cowboys and will look to keep the momentum going this week, only one problem……they are playing the Bucs at Tampa.  Tampa has already clinched the NFC South, but I wouldn’t count Garcia getting the hook early, he needs all the reps he can get with his WR’s.  I think the spread is reversed and the Panthers are getting waaay more credit then they deserve for merely slowing down the Cowboys.  The Play is Tampa at home plus the points, Garcia will throw up a couple TD’s and then Ernest Graham will grind out the clock. 

Cincinnati  -2.5  45.5
Miami

Cincy surprised everyone last week when they beat the Brownies and I’m sure they will look to keep it going against the Fins whose only positive note this season is that Bill Parcells will be coming over to take head of operations and rebuild a team that has had nothing positive happen for them in years.  The Bengals will also be in the rebuilding game in the offseason so it is fair to say that they will be playing for their jobs and there will be no letting up in the final week.  The play is the Bengals giving the points.

Dallas
Washington  -9  39.5

Dallas will be resting everyone and the Skins are flying high after a trouncing of Minnesota last week.  This is one of the classic rivalrys and I like Washington to come in strong and finish the year on a high note leading into next season.  Dallas might play their starters for the first half and maybe a little longer seeing as how they have a first round bye and will not want to lose their rythem.  Washington is playing tough and with a win and Minnesota loss they can make the playoffs and I don’t think the Cowboys will risk injury for too long, the play is Washington giving the points.

Detroit
Green Bay  -4  38.5

Green Bay suffered a crushing loss last week at the hands of Da Bears it was the second time that the Pack has fallen to Chicago this year which put them out of first round bye contention that has now gone to the Cowboys.  Detroit has been going down hill ever since week 8 and since then have gone 1-6.  Jon Kitna’s prophecy of getting 10 wins this year is now only a false vision and it seems there is still alot of work to be done in Detroit before they can field a playoof caliber team.  Green Bay will need to rest the starters and there is really no point in forcing the issue.  Detroit will not fair well in the frozen tundra and the 1st half that the starters will play will be enough to put the Lions away for the rest of the game.  Take the Pack and give the points.  

Jacksonville
Houston  -6.5  41

As much as Jacksonville will want to win and finish strong I think they slack a little this week and stay healthy for the playoffs.  Houston is building a better and better club each year and had it not been for a few close loss’ they would have been in the playoffs.  Jacksonville has been underestimated this whole year and have fought really hard in a tough division to get to the postseason.  This spread seems high and I think that Houston will win, but the 6.5 is way too much and I like the Jags plus the points. 

New Orleans -2  40
Chicago

Both teams are playing for pride and jobs.  Chicagos inability to field a winning QB sapped all their hopes eariler in the season and New Orleans proved everybody right by not living up to the hype that was the New Orleans Saints, this is a rematch of the NFC championship game last year and with the Bears at home I like a stadium team to at home in the late december weather to roll on a dome team that really isn’t that good.  Brees will attack the secondary, but I think that may be a mistake when you consider what the Bears did against Favre and company last week.  The play is Chicago at home.

Pittsburgh  -3.5  35
Baltimore

Baltimore is just all kinds of bad and it seems like a coaching change is in order as well as an overhaul of just about every position except the place kicker…Pittsburgh has already clinched the division and while I expect Big Ben to get a rest early in the game everyone loves to beat up Baltimore and I think they will stick it to them and more than cover the spread.  Baltimore has no identity and they should be playing everyone on the roster this week to see whos worth keeping in the offseason.  Willie Parker is hurt, but Najeh Davenport should be able to handle the load against the uninspired Baltimore defense. Take the Steelers and their terrible towelies.

Seattle
Atlanta  -2  38

Seattle thumped Baltimore last week to get back to winning ways which was interrupted by an unnessesary loss to the Panthers the week before.  Seattle is peaking right now and the last thing they should do is start benching starters and jeoparadize losing the last game of the season heading into the playoffs.  But thats exactly what the handicappers are counting on, with the Falcons 2 point favorites, they are sure that Holmgren will pull a jackass move and start benching guys early and letting the game slip away.  Seattle can roll on these guys if they let Alexander and Morris split carries and grind the clock on these guys.  The Falcons D is appalling and they have had nothing good going for them lately.  If Holmgren doesn’t try to sabbotage them then the ground and pound game will not only give Seattle the win, but good practice for the 1st round at home. 

San Francisco
Cleveland  -10  40

Cleveland has put itself in a jam by losing to Cincy last week, now they have to win and Tennessee has to lose to Indy.  Cleveland looked really weak last week and I’m not sure if its because they underestimated Cincy or they have lost their rythem that got them this far.  If its windy then expect Jamal Lewis to carry the work load, and Frank Gore to do the same on San Frans side of the ball, in fact expect Gore to get it no matter what when Shaun Hill is at the QB spot.  Cleveland desperatly needs this win and I think they will get it, but their inability to finish a game and put their opponent away makes San Fran the play plus the points, the Brownies are just playing too inconsitantly to give 10 points. 

Tennessee  -6.5  39
Indianapolis

Its now or never for the Titans who must win in order to make the playoffs and if they don’t get in their own way then their chances are good, Indy will be sitting just about everyone after the 1st half and this will give the Titans there chance, but don’t think it will be all gravy because I think the Indy D keeps their starters in, they aren’t just going to accept losing at home without a fight.  This is a tough one to judge because there is no telling what Indy team is coming to play, are they going to be cautious and not mind the loss at home or are they going to finish strong and keep the starters in to prove a point.  Regardless of all that I like Indy plus the points at home, if they lose it will be a close one.

Minnesota  -3  42
Denver

Minnesota screwed themselves royally last week when they fell to the Redskins, this is due in part to a change in game plan in which Tavaris Jackson was allowed to throw the ball 41 times!  They totally abandoned the run which is what got them to within reach of the postseason.  This week will be different when they play one of the worst run D’s in the league as Purple Jesus will get back to big numbers and assume the identity of the offense. This will be a onesided beat down and the play is definantly the Vikings lead by the 2 pronged attack of Purple Jesus and Chester Taylor.

San Diego  -8  43
Oakland

San Diego needs this win going in as the number 3 seed in the AFC to get some momentum going into the playoffs, but at the same time they need to avoid injury risk so I would expect a 1st half appearance by LT  and then see some backup help from the likes of Michael Turner for the rest of the game.  Oakland is just not good at all, but at home and the Chargers playing less than complete football I like the plus 8 points, more Oakland needs something positive to happen leading into the offseason. 

St. Louis
Arizona  -6  48

This divisional matchup will have no consequence on the playoffs, but each need a win desperately to have something good to look forward to next season, Arizona came through with an over time win last week and it was the Falcons that pushed it.  St Louis has suffered alot of injuries this year, but a healthy Rams team is waaaay better than the Cardinals and I think they get all they can handle this week, which makes the Rams the play plus the points. 

Kansas City
NY Jets  -6  34

Both of these teams are mediocre at best and both have a staff who need to be playing for their jobs next year.  I think that the Jets are simply a better team in a tougher division and this justifys the -6 spread.  Thomas Jones is finally coming to play which will distract the Kansas City D and allow Clemens to attack the secondary.  This will be a fairly uneventful game, but in the end the play is the Jets.

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Heres a run down of all the 2007 BCS Bowl games with spreads, totals and my picks.  More and more picks will be added every day so keep checking back in.

Poinsettia Bowl

Qualcomm Stadium

Thursday Dec 20th, San Diego

Utah Utes vs Navy Midshipmen

Spread:  Utah -7.5
Over/Under Total:  65

Newly appointed navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will not be changing anything this Thursday when he will continue to use his 3 pronged rushing offense to execute the option continuously with Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada (wow that was exhausting) getting most of the work load.  The Utes who have gone 6 for 6 in recent bowl game history will be relying on Darrell Mack to carry out the ground and pound approach.  I think that Utah is getting in on name recognition alone and although they have experience I think Navy has the talent and have been underrated the entire year.   The play is Navy plus the points. 

New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana Superdome
Friday Dec. 21^st, New Orleans
Florida Atlantic Owls vs Memphis Tigers
Spread:  FL ATL -2.5
Over/Under Total:  66.5Florida Atlantic has played excellent considering that they have only had a football program since 2001 and now they are in a bowl.  Sophomore QB Rusty Smith while been shaky at times has at least done what he had to do to get them this far so I guess there is credit due, but I’m not sure he’s ready for the pressure yet.  Which is fine because he has Junior RB Charles Pierre to keep opposing defenses busy having racked up a 4.6 ypc average and 7 TD’s.  Memphis seems to be the better team on paper and have had quite a season comeback starting 2-4 only to end 7-5.  Veteran QB Martin Hankins is playing way better down the stretch and I think Memphis is not getting enough credit.  I like the Tigers plus the points; better yet I like them on the moneyline.  PapaJohns.Com Bowl
Legion Field
Saturday Dec. 22^nd, Birmingham
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Spread:  Cincinnati -10.5
Over/Under Total:  55.51^st year Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly has been to a bowl already and after leading his Bearcats to their best season in 54 years I’m sure there is no pressure and the -10.5 spread is a testament to that.  The Golden Eagles at 7-5 seemed to have just barely slipped in.  They don’t spread the ball out enough and stud sophomore RB Damion Fletcher is saddled with the entire burden.  The Bearcats have beaten tougher opponents in the regular season; they are going to roll on these scrubs. Give the points!  New Mexico Bowl
University Stadium
Saturday Dec. 22^nd, Albuquerque
Nevada Wolf Pack vs New Mexico Lobos
Spread:  New Mexico -2.5
Over/Under Total:  58 Ok pay attention everybody this spread is backwards!!!  New Mexico’s leading rusher Rodney Ferguson has been named academically ineligible to play this week!  Nevada looks waaaaay better on paper and New Mexico is only giving those points because it is a home game for them and they don’t even seem excited.  Take this quote for instance from NMU receiver Travis Brown, “In a sense we felt we should have had – for lack of a better word—a better bowl game.” These guys are not even pumped plus they will be without the star RB.  Nevada will come hungry take them on the moneyline and the points!  Las Vegas Bowl
Sam Boyd Stadium
Saturday Dec 22^nd, Las Vegas
Brigham Young Cougars vs UCLA Bruins
Spread:  BYU -5.5
Over/Under Total:  46.5 This is a total mismatch.  BYU is tough and on a 9 game winning streak I don’t think they will be slowing down anytime soon.  The defense has stayed injury free and constantly stuffs opposing rush offenses not having allowed a 100yard rusher all year. BYU qb Max Hall has been stellar in the pocket and spreads the ball out evenly making all his guys threats.  UCLA at 6-6 this season is not looking like much of a threat, I mean the numbers these guys put up look like stats from my high school team… That being said the Bruins did already beat the Cougars in week 2 of the season and this fact alone is keeping the bookmakers a little weary otherwise that spread would be at least 9.  Hint Hint that’s my pick, take the Cougars and give the points.  Hawaii Bowl
Aloha Stadium
Sunday Dec. 23^rd, Honolulu
Boise State Broncos vs East Carolina Pirates
Spread:  Boise State -10.5
Over/Under Total:  69.5 I have to think about Boise State beating Oklahoma last year in overtime that was great I made a killing!!!  The Broncos have a lot of those same players from last year and they are still the high powered run/pass combo that ranked 5^th in the nation in points scored.  WR’s Jeremy Childs and Titus Young are always money and Senior QB Taylor Tharp knows how to cash in.  Eastern Carolina is a tough team to gauge they did lose to 2 ranked teams this year and when I say they lost I mean they got pummeled!  I don’t think the defense can handle the high velocity Broncos offense they just seem kind of slow to me.  The Pirate offense is very steady like the choo choo train going up a hill, it just doesn’t ever seem to get to the top and come racing down with big action plays, I’m not saying that the Broncos D will shut them down, because honestly they haven’t impressed me this year, but the fact is that the Pirates can’t keep up on the offensive side of the ball and that’s why the play is the Broncos giving the points. Motor City Bowl
Ford Field
Wednesday Dec. 26^th, Detroit
Purdue Boilermakers vs Central Michigan Chippewas
Spread:  Purdue -8
Over/Under Total:  71.5This will be the second time that these 2 teams meet this year, the 1^st was a resounding defeat of the Chippewas on Sept 15^th when Purdue crushed CMU 45-22 at home.  Purdue is no stranger to bowl games as they have appeared 10 time in the last 11 years and perhaps this is the reason for the high spread as well as Purdue QB Curtis Painter who has thrown for over 3000 yards this year with 26 TD’s and only 9 INT’s.  There seems to be good conituity flowing right now for them despite the 7-5 record.  On paper it is a whole other story CMU out ranks Purdue is just about every category except passing yards per game.  Most of this is due to the fact that CMU relies heavily on the run game with a 2 pronged attack from Dan Lefevour who has over 1000 yards rushing with 17 TD’s and his colleague Justin Hoskins.  Bottom line CMU is gonna run it down their throats and Purdue will go to the air and test the CMU secondary.  If the defensive backs come to play then I like CMU to grind out the clock on them. Take CMU and the points.  Holiday Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium
Thursday Dec. 27^th, San Diego
Arizona State Sun Devils vs Texas Long Horns
Spread:  Texas -2.5
Over/Under Total:  62 Run COLT RUN!!!  Well he is the 2^nd leading rusher on the team…oh yeah and he is the quarterback for the Long Horns also.  After throwing 18 INT’s this season I would expect McCoy to give his arm a rest against the Sun Devil secondary who has 17 INT’s with safety Troy Nolan having 6 alone.  The Long Horns started out well and everyone was thinking they would get back to the big game, but sure enough McCoy proved not to be ready, but he still has a bright future just not enough snaps under his belt yet.  This puts the pressure squarely on All Big-12 Tailback Jamaal Charles whose 1400 yards and 16 TD’s was a big reason for their record.  No doubt ASU QB Rudy Carpenter will be looking to expose the weak Texas secondary and let it fly all day long.  On this one you have to ask yourself which conference is stronger, Pac 10 or Big 12, the answer is the Pac 10 and at 10-2 ASU looks good, take the points.  Champs Sports Bowl
Citrus Bowl Stadium
Friday Dec. 28^th, Orlando
Michigan State Spartans vs Boston College Eagles
Spread:  Boston College -3.5
Over/Under Total:  56BC is looking to extend their bowl game win streak to 8 when they travel to Orlando to take on the Spartans who at 7-5 are just happy to be there. For BC it’s all about Senior QB Matt Ryan who has thrown for over 4000 yards and 28 TD’s, his main targets will be Rich Gunnell and Brandon Robinson who both have nearly 800 yards receiving this season.  The Spartans will look to counter on the ground with Junior RB Javon Ringer who at over 1300 yards has a 6 yard per carry average.  The Eagles were looking forward to the Orange Bowl and for them this is sort of a second place prize, but nonetheless I think their offense is way too much for the Spartan D and with the spread so low at 3.5 the play is defiantly Boston College giving the points.  Texas Bowl
Reliant Stadium
Friday Dec. 28^th, Houston
TCU Horned Frogs vs Houston U Cougars
Spread:  TCU -4
Over/Under Total:  59.5 Houston is horrible in bowl games having lost their last 7 straight in postseason while the Horned Frogs have lost 8 in a row to the Cougars, this seems like an uneasy matchup from the psychological stand point.  After you ignore all that crap and take a look at the numbers you can see that Houston is elite in the rankings on paper when compared to TCU,(by the way Houston is ranked 4^th in the nation in total yards) and this being a home game for Houston the spread seems backwards.  I’m not sure what the handicappers see in TCU, there is no standout player, no one is killing it in the stats department and although TCU is close to Houston, bottom line home field advantage goes to the Cougars.  I got to go again with the dog on this and take Houston and the points.    Emerald Bowl
AT&T Park
Friday Dec. 28^th, San Francisco
Maryland Terrapins vs Oregon State Beavers
Spread:  Oregon State -5
Over/Under Total:  48I think this game will be a lot closer than it might seem.  Maryland has a knack for upsetting superior teams in big games and the -5 seems high.  Statically OSU is the better team and they did play a tougher schedule, Senior RB Yvenson Bernard will be too much for the Maryland run D and begin and end with a ground and pound run game to wear out the D and chew up the clock.  OSU QB Sean Canfield should be laying low and try not to improve his INT’s tally that already stands at 14.  The OSU defense is just too much for these guys, but of course this is all based on paper stats that when set aside I like Maryland just for value on the moneyline.  The safe play is to buy OSU down to -4 points, but if your already up for the month and want to bet something for sentimental value then take Maryland and the 5 points.   Meineke Car Care Bowl

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Last week was filled with piss poor playing by top tier teams losing to scrubs.  I’m a little short with words this week and I am feverishly racing to catchup on my Bowl game predictions, the boss is working me like a mule!  Click here for a link to BCS BOWL game picks. 

Thursday Night

Pittsburgh  -7.5  43.5
St. Louis

Pitt is still reeling from a loss at home last week and are short on prep time this week, but they are playing at St. Louis who is a ghastly 1-6 at home this week.  Stephen Jackson is running better and better every week since his return and I think he takes it up a notch this week at home, Bulger as well if he can keep from getting hurt.  Take the Rams and the points!

Saturday Night

Dallas  -10.5  43
Carolina 

Don’t give Carolina alot of credit for their win last week, Seattle beat themselves!  Dallas needs this win to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, so I expect the Boys’ to get the job done, but more on the ground with Jones and Barber and take pressure and injury risk away from Romo and Owens.  Dallas is the play give the points, Carolina still has no offense. 

Sunday

Cleveland -2.5  43.5
Cincinnati

Cincinnati has lost all my respect and they need a definant attitude and staff adjustment.  Cleveland is on a roll and these guys and are breathing down Pittsburghs neck so expect them to bring their A game.  Cleveland is gonna win by a whole lot more than 2.5, take the points and the moneyline. 

Green Bay  -9  36
Chicago

Green Bay is looking for revenge for a loss to Da’ Bears at home earlier in the season, Kyle Orton is nothing to get excited about so I would think the Pack who is chasing home field advantage will be playing extra tough and the Bears D will have their hands full with Ryan Grant, the play is the Packers -9!

Houston
Indianapolis  -7  45

Houston has a chance to make the playoffs and they nearly beat the Colts last year, you can bet that earlier in the year this spread would have been alot higher, but after 2 wins in a row Houston is starting to gel.  I think Indy having already secured a 1st round bye will be playing some backup guys to avoid injury, this could be te break Houston needed, take the points!

Kansas City
Detroit  -4.5  43.5

Kitna had perhaps his worst game of the season last week and all this after guareenteeing 10 wins this season….ooops!  Kansas City is not looking any better.  Neither of these teams have anything to play for and I rather doubt we will see much fireworks, but I like the Lions at home.  Give the points.

Oakland
Jacksonville  -13  38.5

The Jags are the hottest team going right now, David Gerrard is performing way beyond at least what I thought he could do, and the Jones-Drew/Taylor rushing tandom is winning them games.  Oakland has shown some improvement, but still have alot of young guys they need to develop, but hey at least they got a coach that will most likely be there for more than 1 season so thats a plus.  Regardless, the Jags need the win to stay in the top wildcard spot so they will be all business and no rest for the starters, take the Jags give the points. 

Miami
New England  -21.5  45

This could get ugly….I am really happy that Miami finally got a win and it was a good win too.  New England let down all the bettors last week who were rooting for a total and complete war of attrition on the Jets, but the weather was a bitch and forced the run game which in turn took away fantasy points from Brady and Welker which ultimately led to my demise in fantasy football this year…..DAMNIT!!!  Thats waaaaay too many points to give with a defense that looks a little tired, (they really need their 1st round bye to rest up.)  Miami actually had a positive game and Cleo Lemon wants a job next season so I think that weather permitting you should take Miami and the points!

NY Giants  -2.5  32.5
Buffalo

This game has Buffalo written all over it.  The Giants got beat at home last week byt the Redskins no less.  The Bills are playing tough and I just don’t think the Gigantes are playing like they want it and it will be yet another poor showing by Manning and Co.  

Philadelphia
New Orleans  -3  46.5

The Saints are fighting for their playoff lives and the passing game which has been their bread and butter lately will meet much resistence against an angry Philly secondary which has only their pride and perhaps their jobs to play for.  McNabb could be on his way out after this season and will want to make the best of it.  New Orleans has just been a head case of a team this season and I think they blow it in the home stretch.  Take Philly and the points. 

Washington
Minnesota  -6.5  40.5

Purple Jesus!!! I think thats all there is to say.  Washington kept the dream alive last week after beating the Giants, but they got nothing to throw at the Vikes who are playing fan-freakin-tastic!!!  I think AP is waay too much for the Skin’s run D and Tavaris Jackson has gotten comfortable enough throwing to take the pressure off the running backs who besides AP Chester Taylor has definantly gotten his numbers up enogh to garner a handsome contract from any NFL team.  This game is going to be onesided and its Minnesota all the way, this spread is waay too low and Minnesota should be giving at least 9 points!

Baltimore
Seattle

No spread out yet, but stay tuned for injury report, regardless of what happens I like Seattle to win at home.

Atlanta
Arizona  -10  43.5

Atlanta’s season has been full of disappointments and last minute adjustments which always makes for losing season and as they are looking forward to next year I would expect them to pull all the stops and at least take some chances.  Arizona is also looking forward and needs to finish strong to garner some respect heading into next season where they may actually challenge for the NFC West.  This game should be full of exciting plays if Atlanta comes to play, even if they don’t AZ should light them up, but not by 10 points.  The play is ATL plus the points.

NY Jets
Tennessee  -8.5  37

The Titans are do or die this week and the Jets looked tough last week in the snow against the all mighty 14-0 Patriots.  The Titans will most likely rely on the run game agaisnt a soft Jets run D and keep the pressure off of Young who has helped rally his team to tis last minute playoff oppotunity which is only adding years to his development.  The Jets are playing for pride and are on the road, they are playing smarter and should be quite good next year barring injury.  I like the Titans to win, but the 8.5 is waaay too much take the Jets and the points. 

Tampa Bay  -6  36.5
San Francisco

This game is gonna go 1 of 2 ways.  Either Tampa is going to go in feeling like this is just a tune up game and they underestimate the 9er’s and get pumped, or they go into San Fran feeling like this is a tune up game and the 9er’s lay down like lil bitches……It is my professional (and unprofessional) opinion that the 9er’s want to upset these fools and stuff them like they did against the Begals.  San Fran at home is the play take the points and perhaps the money line.

Monday Night

Denver
San Diego  -8.5  47

Christmas eve in San Diego, not bad, not bad at all… The Chargers already whipped up on the Broncos earlier this season and they are picking up full steam now that Norv Turner has abandoned his plan for total self destruction of the San Diego Chargers and put the ball back into LT’s hands I really like the Chargers to do well for the rest of the year, but doubt that Rivers has the stones to go far in the playoffs.  Denver is still dealing with their own issues and Jay Cutler is still unreliable and against a resurgent Charger D I expect him to struggle.  The play is San Diego at home, but I would buy the half point down to -8 just for shiggles. 

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Yeah I know I have slacked off this week and already missed one game which was a total drubbing of Denver dished out surprisingly by the Texans. Heres the rest of the games and the spreads with commentary on the matchups and if you are lucky enough to be in your fantasy football playoffs I have some comments on what you can expect from your starters.

Saturday Night

Cincinnati  -8.5  42
San Francisco

I am officially on a Carson (Rosy) Palmer hate binge.  That scrub put up a measley 3.5 fantasy points last week and got me knocked out of the playoffs last week.  SCRUB!!!  At 5-8 the Bengals have nothing to play for except pride and although they won last week they still look shabadooooo.  Now they head to San Fran where things are spiraling out of control and they seem to go for it on every 4th down, head coach Mike Nolan seems to be forcing the issue just trying to make things happen in an otherwise useless offense.  This week Palmer will probably bust out and put up big points against the ineffective San Fran defense, but otherwise I think this will be a one sided drubbing, but nothing spectacular will happen.  *Fantasy Impact:  Palmer will blow up and for some reason Chad Johnson has been getting most of the looks which is odd because there are rumors circulating that he will be gone next season.  TJ PLEASE!!! get open more often.   

Sunday

Arizona
New Orleans  -3.5  48

Both teams are at 6-7 and a loss this week will throw them out of the playoff race.  In addition to being constantly inconsistent this season both teams are pretty banged up.  The Saints will be relying on 3rd or 4th stringer (not sure) Aaron Stecker to be the work horse and the Cards usually potent pass game is now on the shoulders of backups Jerheme Urban and Steve Breston as Anquan Boldin’s injury prone season continues with his dislocated toe and Larry Fitzy’s groin is still sore.  New Orleans played well last week, but ATL really isn’t that good so not sure how to gauge them this week.  AZ will put the burden on Edge and I expect 20 – 30 carries out of him, however the Saints secondary has been known to give up big plays so look for Kurt Warner to expose them at least once.  Its do or die this week for both so it should be an exciting game nontheless.   *Fantasy Impact:  Edge will get alot of work, I don’t believe in thei Stecker guy yet so don’t pick him up and hope for a miracle especially in the playoffs, START YOUR STARTERS!!!  Fitzy is sore, but I expect him to play regardless just like he did last week in Seattle.  Boldin is out so forget about it.  Brees will have a decent day, but I hope the Cards can keep the pressure on him.

Atlanta
Tampa Bay  -13.5  39

Baltimore  -3  37.5
Miami

Buffalo
Cleveland  -5.5  42

Green Bay  -9  45
St. Louis

Jacksonville
Pittsburgh  -3  36

NY Jets
New England  -23.5  45

Seattle  -7.5  37
Carolina

Tennessee  -3.5  34
Kansas City

Indianapolis  -10.5  45
Oakland

Detroit
San Diego  -10  45.5

Philadelphia
Dallas  -10.5  48.5

Washington
NY Giants  -4.5  36.6

Monday Night

Chicago
Minnesota  -10  43

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Man did I have it wrong last week!  My apologies…..by the way did anyone get a video tape of Belichicks aide handing an envelope to one fo the refs on Monday Night.  I mean c’mon!!! I know that a Patriots undefeated record is good for the NFL and in particular the bookies, but even a half blind geriatric with cataracs and blood shot eyes from smoking a medical grade blunt could see that Gaffney did not have control of that ball before getting 2 feet in the endzone.  All that aside it was a great week last week, the Cowboys reaffrimed the case for NFC supremecy, the Seahawks just barely eeked out a win in Philly and rookie sensation Adrian Peterson aka “Purple Jesus” came back in a big way, silencing any doubts about his fragility and rebound capabilites.  Heres this weeks matchups with the spread and totals as well as the fantasy impact esch matchup has on your fantasy starters as fantasy playoffs are in full swing.

Thursday Night

Chicago
Washington  -3  37

The Bears continued to let the lead slip away last week as they dropped another game against the Giants of New York.  Rex just isn’t that good and you have to wonder how they ever managed to get to the Superbowl last year.  I mean he is putting up the numbers, he threw for almost 300 yds and 0 INT’s last week, but yet could not lead the bears to victory, Rex is just not the right guy for that team.  Washington was playing for a fallen teammate, but fell short against the Bills who managed a last possesion drive to get into fieldgoal range and Rian Lindell sealed the Skins fate with a FG.  The Bears have all but shut themselves out of the post season barring an act of god and I think they start experiment more with their young talent or at least start taking more risks.  The Skins have to stay committed to Jason Campbell who is the future for Joe Gibbs and surprisingly Portis has stayed healthy throughout the season, but at 5-7 they only have pride to play for and I like them at home.  Take the Skins and give the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  Adrian Peterson is the man in Chicago and should continue to put up numbers justifying a start.   Portis can no doubt navigate the Bears run D and Chris Cooley should continue to be the first look for Campbell, all this said, you no doubt have to start the Bears D is you have them.  In reality if you own any of these guys in the playoffs it is tough to start them, but fantasy rule #1  START YOUR STARTERS!

Sunday

Carolina
Jacksonville  -10.5  37.5

Carolina finally broke that daunting winless at home streak and was lead by no other than 44 year old Vinny Testaverde.  It did help that Trent Dilfer threw 4 INT’s one of which was returned for a TD.  Now Carolina travels to Jacksonville where the Jags are hell bent on making the playoffs and narrowly beat out Indy in a nail bitter of a game.  David Garrard was very efficient going 24 for 29 with 257 yds and 2 TD’s with only 1 INT. The Jags run defense kept Addai limited and kept the pressure on Manning, however the secondary was still suspect as Manning threw 4 TD’s and Reggie Wayne had 158 yds rec. This week I highly doubt that Carolina can contain the Jags offense while the Defense should have no trouble with Vinny(even though I will be rooting him).  10.5 points seem like alot, but at home the Jags are too tough, give the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  The Jags players are looking good Garrard is a great start, if you stuck it out with him throughout the whole injury ordeal.  MJD is not that great, he was a total draft bust and add to the fact that Carolina held Gore to only 58 yds.  Steve Smiff owners should be very concerned, but if Vinny watches the game tape he might be able to turn Smiff into a Reggie Wayne, but don’t get too excitied about it.  

Dallas  -11  51.5
Detroit

Tony Romo was all smiles last week as he put the whooping on his “supposed” idol Brett Favre and I will say it again, “The Cowboys are having way too much fun!”  I mean they are no doubt the top team in the NFC and at their current pace should be able to lock up home field advantage.  Romo went 19 for 30, 309 yards 4 TD’s and only 1 INT.  Jon Kitna had a different outcome against the Viks and the return of Adrian Peterson.  Kitna could only manage 260 yds in the air with only 1 TD against a less than noticed Vikings pass D.  The Lions have turned themselves into a one sided pass offense which is ok against the Dallas D, but will not have enough fireworks going to beat the Cowboys.  Although Dallas will no doubt win I really don’t like going against double digit dogs at home.  The play is Detroit plus the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  All your Cowboys are good starts, the Detroit D has nothing going to make me think otherwise and if you had to choose between Marion Barber and Frank Gore, then Barber is definantly the play.  If you own Detroit players and are in the playoffs then the Lions WR’s should have a decent game as well as Kevin Jones, if hes healthy, look the numbers the Pack players put up last week and you will know what I mean.

Miami
Buffalo  -7  36

Boy was I wrong about John Beck, I thought he would be the guy to break the losing streak, but last week against the Jets he looked awful! 5 turnovers!  plus add to the fact that there is really no one there to take the pressure off him and I gotta say I fell for the guy, he is the future of the team, but right now he is going through baptism by fire.  Now he has to head to cold ass Buffalo and take on a D that has of late has been reinvigorated(but they still aren’t that great).  Edwards is back in the saddle in Buffalo, but he still isn’t putting up the kind of numbers he needs to even start thinking about postseason.  Marshawn Lynch is still hurt, (I think) and there is virtually nothing to get excitied about in Buffalo, at least this season.  As bad as Miami is playing I have to go with the home team here and 7 points should be manageable for Edwards.  *Fantasy Impact:  I wouldn’t start any players from either of these teams and if your in the playoffs I highly doubt you have any of them. 

NY Giants
Philadelphia  -2.5  42.5

All the praise and high expectations were wiped away last week after he threw 3 picks and failed to cap a gaming winning drive by throwing a pick on the 5 yard line.  This is good news for McScrub owners who probably wouldn’t be very many of you.  Westbrook was surprising held, but then again the Seattle D has been stepping up lately.  I think that the Giants are turning mediocre real fast and with Brandon Jacobs still a little iffy I don’t like their chances.  Philly will no doubt get it together this week and grind on the Giants.  The play is Philly, but not because they are good, but that the Giants are really bad and seem to set themselves up for sabotage continueosly.  *Fantasy Impact:  If your in the playoffs there is a really good chance you have Westbrook and thats a good thing this week.  Brandon Jacobs is looking like he will be sidelined, but keep checking the injury report.  Burress is always a starter and if McScrub starts and you have to choose between him and Kurt Warner, start Warner! 

Oakland
Green Bay  -10.5  41

Favre is hurt as of this posting and although he is expected to start backup Aaron Rodgers proved last week against Dallas that he is up to the challenge should Favre get pulled.  Oakland is coing off their second win in a roll and I’m sure they are feeling pretty good about themselves, but that could just very well be their undoing.  McCown is not doing anything particularly spectacular and Fargas has been getting some favorable matchups against shabby run D’s. (What happened to Lamont Jordan?)  I think the Pack are waay too tough in the pass game for the Oakland secondary to deal with and Fargas will not have that great a day against the stingy Pack run D, so the play here is the Pack at home, give the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  Ryan Grant had a decent day against the Dallas D and is now facing a really subpar Oakland run D so he should eat plenty.  Do not start Favre if you can help it, if they get up by a couple TD’s then he will no doubt get pulled.  The Packers D is a good start as well.

St. Louis
Cincinnati  -6.5  47.5

Gus Frerotte lead the Rams to their first home win this season and even though it was against the ghastly Falcons it is progress.  Stephen Jackson seems to be healthy and getting back to full form.  Cincy really let me down last week and Palmer looked uncharacteristcally off target, not sure what his deal is.  Frerotte has filled in nicely in Bulgers absense, but if Bulger is healthy then he gets the start which may take a new rythem to work correctly, so they could have another hiccup, this makes me think that Cincy gets it together this week and uses that home field advantage to roll on them.  Take Cincy give the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  Chad Johnson has been getting more and more looks lately which sucks for TJ owners, but I guess he had to come around sooner or later, Rudi Johnson should get some good stats and hopefully for my sake and my playoff aspirations Carson Palmer has a huge day!  S Jax,  and Tory Holt are great plays against the Cincy D.

Pittsburgh
New England  -10.5  50

It got real scary on Monday Night for all the Pats fans out there and personally I think there was a payoff in the mix somewhere, Gaffney clearly did not have possession of the ball in that last TD.  Anyways, this is the second time in a row that NE has almost blew it and neither Baltimore nor Philly is the caliber of team that the Steelers are.  Pitt is not really blowing teams out of the water, but they are playing solid and consistant football, basically they are getting the job done no matter what.  Brady and Ross have been off balance lately and I think that since they became a pass only team the balance has been shaken, Maroney is a jabroney and even the little giant Welker is getting held up lately.  All this and I have to say that the spread is waay too big, the Pats have won their last 2 games by a combined total of 7 points!  The play is Pitt plus the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  If your in the playoffs then you undoubtedly have Brady so keep the faith that he will get it down, but the days of averaging 30+ fantasy points is over so pick your lineup accordingly, not to mention the Pitt D is no slouch.  Willie Parker is a great play based on the success that McGahee enjoyed last week against a usually respected Pats run D.   

San Diego  -1  41
Tennessee

San Diego is finally atop the West at 7-5, which is where they were supposed to be a long time ago, LT is finally getting the ball and Norv Turner has stopped trying to reinvent the wheel which is what was killing them earlier in the season.  Rivers has stopped turning over the ball every chance he gets and is finally just doing enough to get the W.  Young really came through last week for the Titans who were on kind of a skid lately.  Lendale White finally had a ok game last week and now hes injured which sucks for me, but I really didn’t like his matchup against the San Diego D anyhow.  If Young can keep finding Williams and Gage despite the tough Charger secondary then I think they can make a game of it, this could be one of those 30-31 games so the 1.5 points could come into play which would make the play the Titans at home.  *Fantasy Impact:  If your in the playoffs with these guys then keep starting them, Lendale White is looking hurt and he split carries with Chris Henry anyways so its assumable that Henry will get all the carries this week.  For some strange reason I like Bo Scaife this week to have a more than decent game. 

Tampa Bay  -3  40.5
Houston 

Who the hell is Luke McCown???  Throwing for over 300 yards and 2 TD’s in his debut, this guy is pretty good and when Ernest Graham steps up and plays and takes the pressure off him, the Bucs are looking really good.  At 8-4 the Bucs playoff plans are looking inevitable, they are on fire and they are doing it with a bunch of backup guys!  It almost makes me think of John Madden’s Raiders who won the big game with a bunch of guys that nobody wanted.  Houston is still plauged by injuries and they need to finish strong to have something positive to look forward to next season, they have all the tools now they just need to keep the starters off the IR list and get some coheision going.  I don’t see it happening this week and so I like the Bucs to continue their playoff run and roll on Houston.  *Fantasy Impact:  If you have been starting Graham keep doing it.  Old man Galloway has decided to start playing again so he might be a good pickup if you can find him on the waiver wire.  Your rolling the dice if you play Houston players, but at this point you might not have a choice.

Arizona
Seattle  -7  44.5

Seattle has been playing tough lately with 2 wins in a row on the road, but they just can’t seem to put teams away which is scary considering that Dallas and Green Bay are in the same division.  The defense is playing the best they have all season and even the run game which is normally criticized held Westbrook to under 100yds on the ground, and Lofa Tatupu is leading the defense on terrorizing opposing QB’s with INT’s.  Alexander is back, but I think they should stick with Morris(he is the future).  Arizona is all beat up, both Fitzy and Boldin are hurt and will most likely be ineffective this week, which means Kurt Warner will be spreading it out with no real “go to” guy.  Edge will most likely have to carry the load which is not good when playing in Seattle.  Bottom line, Seattle is looking for revenge after losing to these scrubs eariler in the season and now are in the position to put the hurt on them.  Seattle is the play, give the 7 points.  *Fantasy Impact:  Hackett is out for the season so Engram is the man, I just wish he would stop fumbling the damn ball, I lost my matchup last week by 1 point and guess what, every fumble is -2 points!!!  Alexander will most likely get the start, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him split carries with Morris.  I also really like the Seattle D at home, they have been great on the road.  Kurt Warner is a tough start, but if you had to choose between him and Bulger then Warner is your man.  Edge will also be limited. 

Minnesota  -8.5  39
San Francisco

Purple Jesus, what more can I say.  Minnesota looks prime for a playoff run and it is something quite amazing seeing as who they don’t pass the ball.  Adrian Peterson has recovered nicely and will lead a stoomping on the 9er’s this week who are so bad right now that it looks they don’t even want to be out on the field and I don’t blame them.  The only thing I can think of to say is that Minnesota is not about to lose steam in San Fran and this should be treated as a tuneup game to get T Jackson more and more comfortable with the pass….baby steps.  8.5  is an unnatural number so buy it down to 8 and then relax, the buy down is just for insurance and it only costs an extra 10 cents.  *Fantasy Impact:  Don’t play anyone from San Fran, I don’t care if you have Gore.  Peterson is huge this week in the playoffs and the Vikings D could break records! 

Cleveland  -3  47.5
NY Jets

Cleveland faultered last week against the Cards, but I don’t think it has much face value.  They are still the feel good team of the year.  Anderson will rebound and Lewis still takes the pressure off at the right moments.  The Jets are coming off a win, but it was against the 0-11 Dolphins so I wouldn’t read too much into it.  Thomas Jones finally came to play and Leon Washinton made more of a case for himself.  Clemens didn’t do too bad and I think he is finally getting comfortable with the idea that he is the starter.  The Jets season is over and Cleveland has way more to play for, that will alone give the Brownies the extra umff to get it done.  Take Cleveland, give the points.  *Fantasy Impact:  You gotta start Anderson, Lewis, Edwards and Winslow, while on the other side I think that Leon Washington contiues to get goal line carries and vulture the TD’s from Jones.  The Jets WR’s are all pretty banged up so I would stay away.

Kansas City
Denver  -6.5  37

Niether of these teams are very good and both are plagued by injuries.  I doubt this will be an explosive game and I foresee a ground and pound approach.  Javon Walker is ready to play, but its tough to gauge his recovery, he hasn’t done much.  Kolby Smith should enjoy limited resistance against the Denver D.   The spread is this high for a couple reasons, Mile High, Cutler is better than Huard and the Broncos O line is better than the KC D line.  the play is Denver.  *Fantasy Impact:  Travis Henry looks determined to no get suspended and is healthy so he will most likely be splitting carries with Selvin Young who is complaining about a sore elbow, but he will play.  Stokley is still Cutlers #1 guy, but with the return of Walker its worth the gamble to start him, in my case I have no choice.  Kolby Smith obviously, but I doubt you have him if your in the playoffs. 

Sunday Night 

Indianapolis  -9.5  43.5
Baltimore

Baltimore is mad! They got robbed last week and I feel for them.  Now its time to get back to business and play for the pride they have left, it can’t be easy playing the Pats on Monday and then follow it up with Indy on the short week.  The Balt D played like they did when they were #1, but I don’t think that will last long.  Indy got a scare from the jags last week and Addai was less then inspirational.  I like Balt to win this one basically because I think Indy doesn’t want it bad enough.  *Fantasy Impact:  You have to start your starters and I’m sure you have plenty of them from Indy, they will have decent numbers, but nothing spectacular against this mean and angry Balt D looking for revenge.

Monday Night

New Orleans  -4.5  43
Atlanta

This Saints gave up a tough loss at home and it was their defense that gave it away.  Atlanta is absolutley horrible and the only signs of life seem to be Crumpler who was a big bust at the beginning of the season.  This will be an ugly game no doubt, but the Saints have more talent which is the reason they will win and cover.  *Fantasy Impact:  I like the Saints running game this week so depending on how deep your league is Reggie Bush should eat and I like Brees to go for 300+ yds with a couple TD’s and as always a couple INT’s. 

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