Cavs Reach A New Low In Futility:

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their 25 straight game yesterday, setting the record for most consecutive losses ever. Not only the Cavs hold the record (and continue to add to it every game) for most losses in a single season, but they now hold the consecutive loss record for any point of time, including those teams that spanned two seasons. Cleveland right now has nothing going for them, and they look to be in complete disarray. The Cavs should begin to look to make some big moves at the trade deadline to start the post-Lebron rebuilding process, though at this point they don’t have a lot in the way of commodities to deal. Regardless, of how bad of a team the Cavs are, there is no reason they should have 25 straight losses, one can only hope they pull themselves together soon and find a way out of this.

Super Bowl XLV Sets Rating Mark:

Over 111 million people tuned into Packers beating the Steelers on Sunday, as this year’s Super Bowl set the record for most viewed television show in history. It represented a 4.5 million jump from last season, and showed once again why the NFL is the strongest sports league, and that football has taken over as America’s pastime. Overall this season the NFL’s viewership was up 13 percent, and is up 24 percent over the last half decade. This shows once again why I don’t believe that either the Owners or Players will look to have any sort of work stoppage in the coming months, as there is too much on the line. Sure the NFL would still get next year’s TV revenue, but they’d have to pay it back eventually and a lockout would upset quite a few sponsors. As for the players they wouldn’t be paid this year, and if a lockout starting hurting viewership, it will affect future TV deals and sponsorship dollars, which ends up hurting the players as well since their amount of money is predicated on an overall percentage of revenues. I believe cooler heads will prevail, but the Super Bowl ratings are hopefully a sobering reminder of what is at stake for both the League and the Players.

By Guest Blogger Brandon Parro (“Superfan”):

I’ve hit my breaking point. The hate, born of regret and jealousy, are now too much to ignore — especially during this week, this moment. Please read carefully, because there are no words being minced here: Ben Roethlisberger is one of the all-time greats at quarterback in NFL history.

It amuses me how many dismiss Roethlisberger’s impact at quarterback due to the fact that he plays with a dominant defense and a solid run game. They say he manages the game and isn’t required to do too much. That the defense covers for his mistakes. That anybody behind center could win with that defense and run game.

I pose this question: Did the Steelers suddenly change their identity to defense and running the ball when Paul Tagliabue announced Roethlisberger’s name as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft? Did Pittsburgh miraculously acquire Troy Polamalu, James Farrior, Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Ike Taylor, Joey Porter, etc. the same year it drafted Big Ben? Did Bill Cowher/Mike Tomlin awake from a dream one night and proclaim to use Jerome Bettis/Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall more in the offense? I don’t think so. The personnel and the philosophy were already in place before Roethlisberger joined the Black & Gold. Pittsburgh’s ferocious defense and snow-plow run game have been staples of the Steelers for decades and, after a tumultuous 1980’s, were fiercely reborn in the early 90’s with Cowher’s hire.

The point is that through Cowher’s first 13 years on the Pittsburgh sideline, the Steelers were the same gritty bunch as they are today with the same philosophy. However, the Steelers only started collecting post-1970’s Lombardi Trophies when No. 7 arrived on the scene. Why couldn’t Neil O’Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Jim Miller, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham or Tommy Maddox capture Lombardi with that world-class defense and rush attack? It just might be the biggest coincidence in NFL history that the Steelers started winning championships upon Roethlisberger’s employment.

There was a reason that Pittsburgh held the No. 11 pick in that ‘04 Draft to select Roethlisberger: it was a bad team with a 6-10 record in 2003. A year later, Pittsburgh becomes the first AFC team ever to win 15 games and earns a berth in the AFC Championship Game. The biggest personnel adjustment that season: a first-year quarterback out of Miami (Ohio) who set rookie records in completion percentage and passer rating…along with becoming the first QB in league history to go 13-0 during the regular season. It must be a coincidence…

“But he didn’t have to do anything but hand off to the Bus his rookie year.” Morons. Roethlisberger won every kind of game his rookie year when the pressure was on his shoulders. Won in monsoon conditions his first start at Miami. Engineered a fourth-quarter comeback at Dallas, down 10 points in the fourth quarter. Upended previously unbeaten New England and Philadelphia in back-to-back weeks at midseason. Worked the two-minute drill to perfection in setting up late, go-ahead field goal at Jacksonville. Passed for 300-plus in a shootout at Giants Stadium.

Roethlisberger, like most rookies, was finally exposed in his first postseason, bowing out to the Patriots in the conference title game en route to their third title in four years (see SpyGate).

So with a season of experience under his belt, Roethlisberger ranked third in passer rating in 2005 and the Steelers made NFL history as the first No. 6 seed to appear in the conference championship game, let alone winning the Super Bowl. Their fifth Lombardi Trophy did not come easy, having to knock off the AFC’s top three seeds away from Heinz Field.

“Ben sucked in the Super Bowl…they won despite Roethlisberger.” Yes it’s true, Roethlisberger struggled in Super Bowl XL versus Seattle, but there is no way the Steelers would have even been in that game without him. Nobody outside of Pittsburgh seems to remember the three AFC playoff games that preceded the Super Bowl, on the road at Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver. The second-year signal caller averaged 227 yards/game with a 68.1 completion percentage, a 7-1 TD-INT ratio and a QB rating of 123.

If the NFL handed out an AFC Playoff MVP award, much like baseball’s LCS MVP honors, Roethlisberger would have easily garnered that accolade. Had Hines Ward’s game-sealing TD reception come from Roethlisberger’s hand rather than Antwaan Randle El’s, Ben’s legacy may be different. But because many “fans” only pay attention to the Super Bowl and not the whole body of work, the credit isn’t given.

Not a bad way to start a career, becoming the first QB in league annals to appear in the conference championship in his first two seasons and the youngest at the position to win the Super Bowl.

The motorcycle accident, emergency appendectomy and general “Super Bowl Hangover” by the entire team kept Pittsburgh out of the playoffs in 2006. The team rebounded in ‘07 as Roethlisberger threw for a club-record 32 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions to reclaim the AFC North title, laying the foundation for another championship run in 2008.

Roethlisberger became just the 10th quarterback ever to win multiple Super Bowl titles. This time there were no naysayers as Big Ben made the greatest pass in Super Bowl history, finding Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone for a come-from-behind win with :35 on the clock, cementing perhaps the most exciting Super Bowl ever. The 78-yard drive leading up to the game-winning TD pass was perhaps even more impressive and lends credence to the notion that he is the most clutch quarterback of this generation.

And that running game that carries Roethlisberger? Ranked only 23rd during the ‘08 championship season.

The Steelers failed once again to qualify for the postseason in 2009 to defend their title, but Roethlisberger posted a career-high 4,328 yards with a 100.5 passer rating. This time, the defense had questions to answer as it blew several fourth-quarter leads. Obviously by now everybody knows about the 37-36 win versus Green Bay that season. Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards with a TD strike to Mike Wallace as time expired for the win. Defense? Run Game?

So, as No. 7 leads the Steelers toward Vince Lombardi Trophy No. 7 on Sunday, how this man does not get the credit he deserves is beyond me. Maybe I’ll have to wait until Monday morning or perhaps until he brings title No. 8 to the Steel City. All I do know is that Roethlisberger makes plays. He is the modern day John Elway: the fourth quarter is his. He continues to make clutch play after clutch play. He makes season-saving tackles in the playoffs. He doesn’t lose to his biggest rival, Baltimore, winning his last seven games versus the Ravens while his backups have gone 0-3. He set an NFL record for most wins through five seasons to start a career and is 69-27 (.719) in the regular season and 10-2 (.833) in the postseason.

What more does the guy have to do??? HE JUST WINS GAMES.

There are 10 teams who passed on Roethlisberger in the ‘04 Draft. Ten teams who forever altered their futures and that of the Steelers, and I would like to thank them for overlooking the small-school quarterback. NYG, OAK, ARZ, SD, WSH, CLE, DET, ATL, JAX and HOU. Thank you for not having the vision and skill that the Steelers front office has.

Obviously, football is not a one-man game and every unit on this team contributes to the numerous division, conference and league titles this franchise collects. But it’s not just coincidence that the Steelers are playing in their third Super Bowl in the seven years Roethlisberger has been the quarterback. His addition put an already formidable football team over the top – and it’s time that he received his due.

By Guest Blogger John Manuel:

How does Bruce Pearl still have a job?  Or maybe it’s just a matter of time until the NCAA cracks down on Pearl and Tennessee.  Pearl clearly cheated in recruiting, got caught lying and worst of all, has a terrible past.  Pearl was considered a top coach who did a great job making Tennessee a contender, now he is a joke.  I know there are coaches who cheat and nobody is probably 100% clean, but a coach to attempt to turn in a rival school for cheating twenty years ago as an assistant to get caught now is bad.  If you’re not familiar with that, check the Bruce Pearl Wikipedia page under Pearl/ Thomas incident.  I thought Pearl couldn’t be more of an idiot than the time he painted himself orange for a Tennessee women’s game.  And I thought John Calipari was the biggest ahole in the SEC.

I have to admit I have not been 100% in on college hoops so far.  Got multiple texts from the Matzie talking up the Big East this season–although the Matzie went to a Big Ten school?  Since his text barrage, Pitt lost to Notre Dame and Syracuse dropped three in a row including at home to Seton Hall.  Right now the Big East is the best conference, but it helps when you do have 959659 teams in it.   It’s got so many, solid teams like Marquette get forgotten.  How can one conference be so loaded in basketball, yet so pathetic in football in the same year?  The real question is what happens in March with the Big East.  Can any of the 589985 teams win a title?

I watched a rerun last week of the ESPN 30 for 30 when the Red Sox came back from 3-0 to the Yankees.  I hate both the Yankees and the Red Sox very, very, very much.  But this one might be my favorite because they had Lenny Clarke and Bill Simmons commenting on it.  If you ever want a reason to hate Alex Rodriguez, just watch this again.  With failed steroid test and the orange faced interview, you forgot about the play where he intentionally knocked the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s glove at first base.  From Simmons and Clarkes commentary to Orlando Cabrera’s wiping his eyes to the Yankees fans this is great.  Plus it showed the class of some Yankees fans throwing stuff onto the field.  Sorry for all the hate, but A-Rod and Bruce Pearl should hang together, they would probably get along great like Chunk and Sloth.

I applaud Boomer Esiason this week for standing up for Jay Cutler and attacking Deion Sanders.  Deion questioned Jay Cutler’s heart.  I agree with Boomer in that Deion wouldn’t make contact or hit anyone.  I am sick of Deion Sanders and probably will stay away from the NFL Network shows because of him.  I was almost all in on the Skins drafting Eric Berry last year just because he ripped Deion.   Although I have never had any issues with Maurice Jones Drew, what was with his questioning of Cutler?  He said he played with an injured knee all season?  He missed the last two games when the Jags were battling for a division title.  I heard he then said he was joking, hope so.  Its true, Cutler should have acted better on the sidelines, but that flat out sucks to be knocked out of a NFC championship game.

I hope the Packers take down the Steelers next week.  Should be a good game.  Will be ready game day to make some solid in game wagers like will the next commercial be a Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie or Steve Carrell movie?  Will the Black Eyed Peas screw up a miss a line?  Or the over/under on when Troy Aikman forgets where he is.  Calling first touchdown to John Kuhn.

The Packers Head To Their 5th Super Bowl: The Packers drove down and scored on their first drive, on the arm of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay continued to keep the pressure up with another touchdown drive, and they looked firmly in control through three quarters. In the 4th quarter though they needed their defense to come up with big plays to win the game.

It was the most unlikely of scenarios, as the Bears were down to their 3rd string emergency quarterback, Caleb Hanie. Starter Jay Cutler got injured in a first half, where he was constantly under pressure. He did try to play the 2nd half, but it was apparent that he didn’t look or feel alright. Veteran backup Todd Collins replaced him, but he was no more effective and he too got banged up against the Packers defense. That meant that everything rested on the shoulders of a 3rd year undrafted rookie free agent out of Colorado State. And due to the rules of inactive players, by putting Hanie in the Bears ensured they couldn’t turn back to Cutler or Collins no matter what happened.

While he was the unlikeliest of heroes Hanie answered the call for the Bears. Completing a crucial 2nd and 13 pass from the 33 yard line, that went 32 yards and set up a one yard touchdown run. Despite the Packers having everything go right up until that point, the Bears were just one score away from tying the game. You could see the momentum switch at that point, as the Bears defense allowed just 17 offensive yards in three 4th quarter drives (not counting the kneel down at the end of the game), the Bears did have 30 yards in penalties, but even with two free first downs the Packers couldn’t move the ball. Hanie wasn’t perfect though, as he threw a costly pick 6 with six minutes to go. The young quarterback rebounded though, as on the Bears ensuing drive he completed four straight passes to go 60 yards in a 1:20, and put the Bears back within one score.

Hanie would lead one more drive for the Bears, and he got them down deep into Packers territory, but threw a decisive interception on a 4th and 5 play from the 29 yard line. While some people may question Hanie on that last drive, the real questions should be directed at HC Lovie Smith and OC Mike Martz. Facing a 3rd and 3, they called a timeout, switching away from a run that looked like it was going to work, for an end around play that lost two yards. That put Hanie in a bad situation and further away from the first down. Not to take away from the Packers defense, but that timeout just didn’t make sense as it allowed Green Bay some time to think and come up with the big play. The result could have been the same regardless, but there is no doubt that it didn’t help Hanie’s odds of converting the 4th down.

The Packers will now head to Dallas to take on the Steelers, and while they’ve been impressive for the majority of the postseason, they will need to answer why they were so bad in the 4th quarter yesterday.

Pittsburgh Survives A New York Comeback Attempt: It really was the tale of two halves, as the Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead, and the Jets answered with 19 straight points, 16 of which came in the 2nd half. In the first half the Steelers were able to run and throw at will, and their defense completely had the Jets number.

The 2nd half belonged to the Jets as they moved the ball pretty effectively against the Steelers defense. Mark Sanchez looked very poised and in control in the 2nd half and hit on the throws that he was throwing incomplete in the first half. Although the Steelers still stopped the run, Shonn Greene had some nice gains on crucial plays for the Jets, setting up 3rd and short situations, and making things easier for the offense. On defense the Jets finally had an answer for the Steelers running game, and came up with some big sacks against Roethlisberger as well. A crucial interception on a broken play, kept the Steelers from scoring and putting the game out of reach. After being stopped on a 4th and goal at the one yard line, the Jets defense showed blitz and a bad snap led to a safety.

While the Jets dominated the majority of the 2nd half a few little victories were the difference in this game for the Steelers. While the 4th and goal stop was wasted with safety, and ensuing drive in which the Jets scored, the Steelers defense made them fight for every yard each drive. Combined the two drives for the Jets took over twelve and a half minutes, which resulted in 9 points (2 of which weren’t the fault of the defense). That 4th and goal stop was crucial as it forced the Jets to ‘regain’ the yards they already had and waste more time off the clock. And while the Pittsburgh offense was ineffective for much of the 2nd half, Roethlisberger came up big when it mattered. He completed two big first down passes, that ensured that the Jets would never get the ball back, and sent the Steelers to their 8th Super Bowl.

New York Jets:

1. Run The Ball: It’s not going to be easy as the Steelers have the best run defense in the league, but the Jets bread and butter is running the ball. If the Jets have any shot of winning this game, they have to be able to move the ball on the ground. If they can get 100+ yards they have a good chance of winning this game.

2. Mark Sanchez Needs To Play Like A Franchise QB: The Jets are a great football team despite having average (at best) quarterback play. For the Jets to win this championship game they need Sanchez to live up to the hype and have a great game. He stepped up in the second half of the Patriots game and he will need to do the same today. If Sanchez has a big game, then New York could upset the Steelers.

3. Attack The Offense: The Jets need their defense to come up with some big plays. New York doesn’t have the offense to win this game on their own, so this defense will need to step up to slow down the Steelers offense. Not only will the Jets have to slow down the Steelers offense, but I think they will need a couple big turnovers to win this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. Blitzburgh: Mark Sanchez really has been pretty average thus far in his career, and when you put pressure on him he will make big time mistakes. The Steelers need to do what they do best and blitz him nonstop. Pittsburgh needs to keep the pressure on the young quarterback, and they should expect a couple of turnovers.

2. Attack the Safeties: The Jets have the best corners in the league, but their safeties can be beaten. The Steelers need to attack the center of the field and get some big plays against those safeties.

3. Stop The Run Cold: The Steelers have the best run defense in the league, and they have to ensure they get the job done today. If the Jets find a way to run tonight, it could be a long day in Pittsburgh, but if the run defense comes though then Mark Sanchez has to win this game, which he probably isn’t capable of doing.

Prediction: Steelers 27-17

Green Bay Packers:

1. Use the Deep Passing Game as A Decoy: After last week’s game against the Falcons, everyone in Chicago is expecting Aaron Rodgers to air this ball out and try to get the big play. If I’m the Packers I’d use those expectations to my advantage. I would continuously send receivers on deep routes and run a series of draws and short passing routes underneath. If Chicago commits the safety to stopping the deep pass, then the field will be open to turn a short 6 yard pass into a big gain. Conversely if they give their corners safety help then I’d attack deep to Greg Jennings. I’m guessing they won’t want to get beat by the pass, so you probably will have some openings underneath. The Packers have to take advantage of that and force the Bears into changing their defensive strategy.

2. Attack The Bears Offensive Line: In two games against the Bears, the Packers have 9 sacks on Jay Cutler, yet they only split the series and barely beat them the last week of the season. The sacks though did kill a number of drives for the Bears, and the constant pressure did slow them down somewhat. Green Bay has to keep the pressure on, and not let Cutler feel comfortable at home.

3. Run the Ball Effectively: The Packers just haven’t been able to move the ball on the ground against the Bears defense, and that has to change if they want to win today. Green Bay will need both Starks and Kuhn to pick up the tough yards, and extend drives for them. They simply can’t continuously get stuffed, forcing 2nd and 3rd and long plays. The Packers could also use some long drives to eat up the clock. The Packers don’t need a huge game on the ground, but I’d say they have to pick up 80+ to win today.

Chicago Bears:

1. Get Devin Hester Involved: Unfortunately I don’t really see Hester getting an opportunity to contribute on punt returns, so you will have to find even more ways to get him involved. I would first and foremost make him your primary kick returner today. Daniel Manning does a nice job, but Hester is something special. And if they are going to be kicking away from him in the punting game, Hester should’t get too tired fielding kickoffs, and the Packers either concede good field position or put it in Hester’s hands. I’d also try to get Hester on some crossing routes in the open field with other receivers running routes to clear out the zone. If the Bears utilize Hester as a weapon, they could really open up this game, and force the Packers to change their strategy.

2. Run the Ball/Rely On the Screen: That Packers pass rush is incredible so the Bears have to find a way to keep Cutler from being killed back there. I would use the run and short screen passes to slow down the Packers blitz. Matt Forte is extremely effective catching the ball out of the backfield, so I’d make him one of your offensive centerpieces early on in the game.

3. Control the Line of Scrimmage on Defense With Your Front Seven: The Bears have to be able to both stop the run and get pressure on Aaron Rodgers solely with their front seven if they want to win. The Packers wide receivers are too good to offer safety help in the running game, or pull someone off coverage for a blitz. If Chicago can win the battle up front then they have a real shot in this game.

Prediction: Packers 23-20

Colts Set To Show Manning The Money: This year’s biggest NFL free agent isn’t going anywhere as the Colts have made it abundantly clear they will pay Peyton Manning whatever he is worth. My guess is it will be bigger than Tom Brady’s deal and carry more guaranteed money, but don’t be shocked if its more creative as well. I think that without a doubt the salary cap will be back next season, and it is even possible that the NFL slows its growth rate. Regardless of how large it is, and how much it will grow each season, it is in the Colts best interest to find ways to defer costs into the future. Look for extra years to be tacked on with some of the money guaranteed, well past when they’d want to pay Manning so that they can lower his costs now. Sure the money will accelerate when Manning retires, and there could be a significant dead money amount that season, but its the smart play. What would you rather have one year of a big dead money hit, during a season where I’m guessing the playoffs will be a longshot without Manning, or paying an extra $2-3 million over 4-6 years, while you are a viable playoff and Super Bowl contender with Manning. Those extra million per year would be the equivalent of another solid starter compared to a minimum salary guy, and that could be the difference. Manning’s contract will be a fun story to watch, but there really isn’t any suspense involved, he will be a Colt well into the future.

Rumors Persist That The League Will Force The Players Hand: While there has been a number of accusations on both sides during this posturing period of labor talks, this is one story that could hold water. Basically instead of the league ‘locking out’ the players over contract negotiations, they will publicly announce their final offer, and force the players to decide whether to accept it or ‘strike’. That is the only feasible way I could see a work stoppage in the NFL. While neither side wins in a labor dispute, the owners and league have more on the line. Even if a work stoppage doesn’t affect one single game next season, they would have to deal with the process stories all year long. How they couldn’t sign/trade a certain player because of the work stoppage, or that a player got injured because he didn’t have a full offseason workout plan. And finally certain teams went to the playoffs, because they didn’t have a significant amount of turnover, and other teams couldn’t compete because they did. If the players strike you will still have stories, but the main culprit won’t be the owners. And lets face it the owners can’t face the bad press in a down economy. When unemployment rate is at an all-time high, no one wins in a battle between billionaires and millionaires. And the billionaires even get a bigger share of the blame as they need to now go out and sell season tickets and merchandise. Unlike the NHL which had a lockout and has recovered nicely, there was an actual reason for the lockout as salaries were exceeding revenues and could have become a real solvency issue for the league. There is no solvency issue for the NFL as even the poorest teams are quite capable of paying their bills. Look for an agreement to be reached, but if not don’t look for the NFL and the owners to take the fall.

Matt Szczur Chooses MLB Over the NFL: Villanova star wide receiver Matt Szczur will commit fully to the Chicago Cubs, and forgo his NFL career at this time. Szczur was a 5th round pick last season by the Chicago Cubs and signed for a bonus of $100K, with an additional $400K (or $500K) if he choose baseball over football by this February. Szczur played rookie ball for the Cubs last summer, and looked really good and was even named the Cubs 7th best prospect according to Baseball America. At the same time though he went back to Villanova for his senior season, and had another impressive year. He was projected to be drafted in the 4-5th round based on workouts, but given his work ethic and character (which are both off the charts) he could have heard his name called much sooner. Szczur seemed likely to choose football over baseball, so the Cubs stepped up their offer to $1.5 million. Szczur will now be heading to Spring Training as opposed to the NFL Combine this spring. He is still a bit raw as a prospect since he split time between two sports, but he has a ton of potential. He profiles as a starting center field prospect, who could be up within 2-3 seasons. Its a bold move for Chicago, and one that I’m sure many an NFL G.M. hates to see.

By Guest Blogger John Manuel:

Since the Red Sox felt that Cliff Lee is going to end up with the Yankees, they went out and got Adrian Gonzalez and now Carl Crawford.  Now its the Yankees turn.  Guess they will up their offer significantly to lock up Lee, but where will it stop?  This has replacing an injured Aaron Boone with an A-Rod trade written all over it.  Yankees probably won’t stop at Lee now with Crawford on the Bo Sox.  So who will it be?  Can they reshuffle to get Prince Fielder somewhere?  Would he DH for the Yankees?  Pujols has one year left, can the Yankees trade for him?  Then what?  Will the Red Sox then go get the kid from “Rookie of the Year” who threw smoke and was unhitable?  Then the Yankees have to one up them next.   Many are killing the Nationals for the contact they gave Jayson Werth, but they wanted him and had no choice.  Otherwise he would have been a Red Sox or Yankee for sure.  Can you imagine if Joe Mauer didn’t resign in Minnesota.  What would he get from the Yankees or Red Sox?  As an Orioles fan, all I can say is that I hope I get hit with a Mark Reynolds bomb outta Camden Yards while I am walking from bar to bar in Federal Hill next season.

Many are gearing up this weekend for fantasy football playoff games.  Both my teams made the playoffs, one was quality and one with some luck.  But its a new season once the playoffs come.  Random teams can win with schmos like James Starks or Tashard Choice.  And what the f on Matt Cassel’s appendix bursting.  My money team has Dwayne Bowe and now its a tough call to even go with him this weekend.  My favorite part of fantasy is still the sh*t talk.  Crushing someone is almost as good as winning your league.  You have to jump at your opportunities like having someone else in the league ask you for lineup suggestions.  Automatic kill them…you just don’t do that.  Its fantasy football, not the Middle East Peace Process, make the decision on your own.  And you need help, read some of the 949955 different sit or start articles or at least ask someone not in your league.  Just another call out to my favorite fantasy warrior “Matzie.”   Maybe by 2014 “Matzie” will be famous for his legendary fantasy moves.

The college basketball season is young, but regretfully I have to say that Duke looks tough to take down.  I hate Duke.  I hate Coach K, respect but hate.  I hate their fans.  Kyle Singler should have been a man and declared for the draft after winning the title.  I am pretty sure he probably got his degree by now. Kyrie Irving although currently hurt looks a like a solid one and done.  The horrible rule that a player must play one year in college is a joke.  Why shouldn’t they be able to go pro out of high school?  Many are ready and going for a year is worthless.  I heard Bob Knight breakdown what it took to be eligible for the 2nd semester and you would be shocked.  Some of these guys are probably going to class and working, but why would you if you know your leaving?  I went to college.  I had better things to do than go to class.   Now back to Duke.  I look forward to the February 2nd game at Comcast.  Hopefully they come in undefeated.  Maryland is no where close to as talented as Duke right now, but with the Terps style and the Comcast energy I know we can knock them off.   My final thought on college basketball goes to ESPN.  Can you please start replacing Dick Vitale on big games with Bob Knight?  Or at least Jay Bilas?  But preferably Knight.  His game insight destroys Vitale telling us how many time Coach K is a hall of famer, or Kyle Singler is the best forward in the country.

I tried to get through this without any comment on Albert Haynesworth, but guess I can’t make it.  He sucks in all aspects.  I have no problem with anyone who blames Shanahan, but Haynesworth is the most selfish athlete I can remember.  On one side I hope they get some of the guaranteed money back, but on the other I hope they don’t.  Just to have the memory of this disaster of an acquisition.  #92 jerseys to soon be in the redskins.com store $5 bargain bin next to #55 Jason Taylors, #85 Brandon Lloyds, #40 Adam Archuletas and #30 Trung Canidates jerseys.

Patriots -6.5 @ Lions- I’m going with the upset pick today that I’m sure I’ll regret by halftime, but I’ll take the Lions getting the points. I know, I know, it is the mighty Patriots going up against the hapless Lions, but Detroit is better than you think. They have been in just about every game this season, and have taken some very good teams down to the wire. Even with their backup quarterback at the helm the Lions can give the Patriots a game. Now I haven’t gone so crazy to believe the Lions will win (though wouldn’t that be sweet), but I think they will keep it close enough to cover. Brady and the Pats might have trouble finding the endzone and I think they will have to settle for a couple of FG’s. Patriots win 27-21.

Saints -3.5 @ Cowboys- Dallas has looked like a brand new team with Wade Phillips out as their head coach, and that is without their quarterback Tony Romo. Backup Jon Kitna has filled in wonderfully, and the ‘Boys are once again a force to be reckoned with. Now it may be too late for their playoff hopes, but Dallas can play spoiler down the stretch. The Cowboys first chance to upset the apple cart will come today, when the Saints come into to town. New Orleans might have 7 wins, but they are far from a lock for the playoffs. They are a game back against the Falcons and essentially tied with the Buccaneers, so a loss today would really set them back. Dallas is never easy to play on Thanksgiving, so I look for this one to be a battle, and a bit of a shootout. I have cautious optimism that the Saints can pull this out and cover the spread, but Dallas should keep it close. Brees prevails in the end, 34-28.

Bengals +9.0 @ Jets- In a rematch of the first round of last years AFC Playoffs, the Jets should have no trouble replicating what they did last season. The Bengals looked to be a force in the AFC this season, building on their success from a year ago, but it is very likely they end up 4th in the North division this season. Despite adding all sorts of talent to their receivers and tight ends, Cincinnati finds a way to lose. Carson Palmer has become incredibly inconsistent, and it is costing the Bengals games. Nine points are usually a big enough spread that you’d consider taking the Bengals, but I don’t see any logical reason why anyone should play them. Sure the Jets have been a bit inconsistent this year, going down to the wire against the Browns and Lions, but I think they win this game easily. Jets 35-20.

Happy Thanksgiving and Enjoy the Games!

There are a number of contenders for oddest game yesterday, but which was the most surprising:

Steelers, Giants and Chiefs getting blown out:

The Jets needing overtime (again) to knock off an opponent on the road:

The Bengals negative 5 in the turnover battle yet still with a chance to win the game at the end:

The Bills getting their first win by forcing an incomplete two point conversion on the final play of regulation:

The Jaguars winning on a last second Hail Mary after a Texan defender batted the ball into a Jaguar’s receivers hands:

No one team separating themselves in the NFC West:

There were no doubt a number of crazy storylines from yesterday, which helps make the NFL one of the most unpredictable sports (and popular to boot). I think my two favorite ones were the Browns taking the Jets into overtime, and the final play of the Jaguars-Texans game. What was your favorite game or games from yesterday?