Yes, I realize that this feels eerily similar to the 2007-2008 season, where the Giants defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl. But the result will be different this time around, and let me tell you why by disproving some fallacies of this years rematch.

Statement: How can you pick against Eli Manning? In 2012 it’s pretty simple, you can’t spell elite without Eli.

Rebuttal: It is true that Eli Manning has had a great season that resembles his older brother. But that doesn’t change the fact that he is the second best quarterback in this game. On the season, Tom Brady has thrown for eight more touchdowns despite playing in one game less. Not only has Brady had a better 2011-2012 season, his past achievements (Three Super Bowls) speak for themselves.

Statement: The Giants have the best trio of wide receivers in the NFL. Even if you like Brady more than Manning, the Giants receiving core is good enough to overcome the difference.

Rebuttal: By definition the Giants have a great receiving core, but I’m more worried about pass catchers. Statistically speaking, the combination of Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker, and Aaron Hernandez has been superior compared to Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks. The Patriots combined for 3,806 yards and 33 touchdowns and 16 regular season games, while the Giants accounted for 3,261 yards and 20 scores.

Statement: Rob Gronkowski certainly had a great year, but that was at full strength. The All Pro tight end has missed practice the last two weeks with a high ankle sprain and cannot possibly be the same force he has been all season.

Rebuttal: Valid point but Gronk isn’t like most. The physical specimen brings back memories of Terrell Owens in 2004 when playing with a fractured fibula. TO received a cortisone shot and was the best receiver on the field as he caught nine balls for 122 yards. This injury may keep Gronkowski from being 100% , however, if the past has taught us anything, doctors have the ability to ‘hide’ an injury in a one game season.  Brady will continue to look for Gronkowski and he should have a TO-esque game on Sunday.

Statement: The Giants are streaking right now, reminiscent of the Packers 2010-2011 run. They struggled early in the season but have been unbeatable in the last six weeks.

Rebuttal: I’ve got two issues with this train of thought. First, the Patriots had won 18 straight games previous to being defeated by these Giants in the 2007 Super Bowl. No team has ever been hotter than 18 consecutive wins in the history of the NFL. Second, the Patriots could be considered the hotter of the two teams heading into Sunday’s game. They have rattled off ten consecutive wins and while the Giants have recorded more style points, this isn’t the BCS and that doesn’t help.

Statement: Julian Eldeman played quarterback in college and receiver first few years in NFL; What is he doing playing defensive back for the Patriots? One of the Giants studs will create a mismatch and exploit this weakness all night.

Rebuttal: Eldeman guarding receivers is far from ideal and obviously not how Bill Belichick drew it up. But I trust “The Hoodie” to put his utility man in a position to succeed as a result of two weeks of preparation. Recall, that the Patriots won Super Bowls with Troy Brown playing on both sides of the ball. Plain and simple Belichick doesn’t get out-coached and will find a way to make the Eldeman experiment work.

Silly Stat: Make sure to watch the coin toss this year as the NFC has won 14 straight. If this trend continues, the Patriots are in an even better position to win, as the AFC has won nine of those 14 Super Bowls.

Soppe Score: The Brady/Belichick era earns a fourth ring with a 34-24 victory.

And then there were four. After the NFC gave us two upsets and chalk held in the AFC, we are left with two great games that will determine who will play on February 5th for the Lombardi Trophy. Everybody is picking the favored Patriots and red hot Giants, and I am hear to tell you why neither team will win on Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

Let’s start with New England, who shut down Tebowmania last weekend and has been the best team in the AFC for the majority of the season (after the first month or so). First of all, shutting down that Bronco offense isn’t exactly reason to believe that this porous unit has cured what ailed them in the regular season. They got a lead early on Denver, and forced them out of their element, something the stingy Ravens defense won’t allow. Speaking of the Ravens, everybody is down on them for awful road losses, but how about looking at the flip side? Whenever an elite opponent crossed the path of the Ravens (we all considered the Steelers to be elite), Baltimore stepped up to the challenge in a big way.

The Ravens offense, while not a juggernaut, is good enough to win a Super Bowl. They have the game’s best dual threat back, and a QB who has been winning games for all of his career. Anybody else recall another AFC North QB who won a lot the second he entered the league, got a ring, and is now considered a top 5 QB by most? Big Ben was a game manager at one time, and earned a ring by guiding an offense, much like Joe Flacco can do this year. He can’t make all the plays, but he can make enough of them to put up 27 points on an average at best Pats defense. If one WR can step up, the Ravens are a powerhouse that can upset the Golden Boy Tom Brady.

Soppe Score: Ravens 27-24

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

The current Giants feel much like the 2007 G-men that upset the 18-0 Patriots in the super bowl, an underachieving regular season followed by a smoking hot postseason. That being said,  the journey ends at Candlestick this weekend, as the surprise 49ers have the formula to stopping the potent Giants attack.

San Fran is the best team in the league at stopping the run, and I don’t see this week any different. By locking down Bradshaw and Jacobs, they will force the Giants to be a one dimensional attack. While Eli Manning has had his best season as a pro, one dimensional offenses have failed in a big way this postseason (just ask Packers, Saints, or Texans fans). Another cause for concern for New York is the health of TE Jake Ballard, who underwent a knee operation on Thursday. While safe money is on him playing this weekend, he certainly will not be 100%, allowing San Fran to game plan for the elite pass catching tandem of Nicks and Cruz.

When San Fran has the ball, the comfort of Alex Smith will go along ways toward determining how many points that can score on the suddenly furious Giants D. He displayed great poise last week in a shootout with Drew Bress, but this defense is far better. If he can avoid getting sacked 4+ times, he has what it takes to beat the aggressive Giants. He doesn’t turn the ball over through the air (only six INT’s in the regular season), and the Giants thrive on takeaways. I like the 49ers to pound Frank Gore, and take a shot or two down the field to Vernon Davis or Michael Crabtree, and dictate the pace of the game. The X-factor could be David Akers, the games best kicker this season. If the game is on the line, I trust “Green” Akers more than anybody else in this game, and I’ve got him down for a 40+ game winner.

Soppe Score: 49ers 23-20

A solid week last week sets the stage for an intriguing quartet of NFL games. Here is a preview of how each team can win this weekend, as well as my picks.

New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers

Why the Saints could win: They have the most statistically impressive QB of all time playing at a superior level. Drew Brees is on a roll better than anything we have ever seen, and last week’s beat down of the Lions only gave him confidence. The Saints established a bit of a run game last weekend, something they have never really attempted to do this season. Darren Sproles is a unique talent that fits this pass oriented offense perfectly.Their defense is an opportunistic one, with the potential to make a given Alex Smith pass six points.The 49ers were the worst team in the NFL (yes, the same league that has the Colts, Rams, and Vikings) in red zone efficiency.

Why the 49ers will win: I made the argument that the “Year of the Quarterback” is a a deceiving title for the 2011-2012 NFL season, and here is a chance to prove it. San Fran locks down opponents, and makes them one dimensional. While that one dimension will be Drew Brees, it still takes the guess work out of the defense. I love Patrick Willis patrolling the center of the field, and believe he can keep Jimmy Graham from dominating. The size of Frank Gore and Vernon Davis will provide mismatches in short yardage situations. Should win the battle of time of possession and won’t turn the ball over much, two key ingredients for winning in January.

Soppe Score: 49ers 24-20

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots

Why the Broncos could win: They have Tim Tebow, and the mania that will not die. They have a solid run game that is led by Willis McGahee. Demarius Thomas has stepped up in the absence of Eric Decker, and has the ability to take any pass to pay dirt. Their defense has come a long ways since the Packers hung 49 on them early in the year. While they were beat by the Pats not long ago, they did get a look at them and an idea of what they are up against.

Why the Patriots will win: Tom Brady and Bill Belichek were given a week off. That alone gives them a six point advantage, but don’t stop there. Their offense is remarkably efficient, revolutionizing the game with their two TE sets. They will benefit from watching Pittsburgh fail last week. They have the ability to score on every single possession, and even with a porous defense, the Broncos don’t figure to score much more than 21 points.

Soppe Score: Pats 31-17

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

Why the Texans could win: They have the best tandem at tailback left in the postseason (Foster and Tate). TJ Yates appeared to be healthy and targeted Andre Johnson often in their first round win over the Bengals. Their defense isn’t like the Ravens, but it is one of the best remaining in the postseason. They have the ability to control clock and make this a low scoring affair. Thanks to their duo in the backfield, they are tough to beat when they jump out to an early advantage.

Why the Ravens will win: My preseason AFC champion have an advantage at QB, something they rarely have. Ray Rice’s ability to catch passes makes him impossible to shut down. Rice has tallied 15 touchdowns this season, a previous weakness. Vonte Leach is an animal at fullback and will create holes for Rice and Rick Williams. Torrey Smith has the ability to stretch the defense. Ray Lewis still mans the middle of the field.

Soppe Score: Ravens 20-16

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

Why the Giants could win: Despite the Packers 15-1 mark, the Giants are the team with the momentum. Eli Manning is playing as well as he ever has, and appears to have out grown the stupid mistake. Hakeem Nicks emerged last week as the great receiver that he is. Pro Bowl snub Victor Cruz has been a consistent weapon out of the slot. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs give them balance. They have the most talented front four in all of football.

Why my Packers will win: Aaron Rodgers has lit up defense all year, and is well rested after sitting out week 17 and the bye last week. Greg Jennings is back to full health and figures to find his groove as the game progresses. Jermichael Finley is to big/athletic when they approach the red zone. Jordy Nelson’s style fits the Packer offense perfectly, and should create openings for Jennings and James Jones. Opportunistic defense scored against the G-men last time they met. Home field advantage never hurt.

Soppe Score: Packers 34-24

Who ya got?

By Kyle Soppe

And then there were 12.

We start the 2012 NFL playoffs with four games that should all be entertaining. The AFC games figure to be running and defense oriented while the NFC games look to be QB oriented, where the team with the ball last may win. Here’s a quick preview of Saturday’s and Sunday’s games, and what each team has to do to win.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans

Why the Bengals can win: The Bengals have a workhorse in Cedric Benson, and need to establish a run game early and often. The Texans QB woes are well documented, so stopping the run is key for the Bengals. The Bengals offense is more explosive than the Texans, giving them the edge in potential to overcome a slow start

Why the Texans will win: Arian Foster and Ben Tate are punching every defense in the mouth, and I don’t see that stopping this week. TJ Yates figures to be back in action, and has proven capable of managing games. They have the two toughest match ups (Andre Jonson and Foster) and that should be enough to win a seemingly low scoring game. They defend opposing TE’s as good as anybody in the league, so stopping AJ Green is the only challenge.

Soppe Score: Texans 24-17

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Why the Broncos can win: They have Tim Tebow and a dominate running game. Willis McGahee is ready for 25 carries and is very good in short yardage situations. The Broncos can keep this game in the teens by holding the ball for 40+ minutes. They are trending in the wrong decision, and need things to go their way in the early going.

Why the Steelers will win: They are simply the better and more experienced team. Injuries will come back to haunt them, but not this week. Big Ben is playing at 70% strength, but has the guts to make enough plays this weekend. I like Issac Redman more than most, and believe that he can approach 100 rushing yards with Mendenhall (torn ACL) out for the season. Troy Polamalu figures to spy Tebow, and I trust him to contain the most polarizing player in sports.

Soppe Score: Steelers 20-16

Detriot Lions @ New Orleans Saints

Why the Lions can win: Matthew Stafford is going to be an elite QB sooner rather than later, and he can use the 2012 playoffs as a spring board. The SAints pass game is great, but the Lions have the games best receiver in Calvin Johnson. Detroit’s lack of a consistent run game shouldn’t hurt them in what figures to be a shootout. A motivated Suh chasing Brees could disrupt the Saints high flying act.

Why the Saints will win: Drew Brees isn’t satisfied with the NFL single season passing record. They have the most complete offense in the game, and the leagues top TE in Jimmy Graham. Mark Ingram is out for the season, but Christopher Ivory has stepped into the featured back role nicely. Darren Sproles is often the X factor, as he is a mismatch every week. The Saints defense is opportunistic enough and figures to make a big play or two.

Soppe Score: Saints 35-31

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants

Why the Falcons can win: Michael Turner can control the clock, even given the ball consistently. Matt Ryan hasn’t really progressed the way most projected, but he is good enough to lead a team. Roddy White is an elite talent, and Julio Jones is a nice Robin to White’s Batman. Tony Gonzalez is in the twilight of his career, but far from finished. Atlanta is playing as good as any team in the NFL at this very moment.

Why the Giants will win: Eli Manning has been the best QB outside of the big three (Rodgers, Brady, Brees). Victor Cruz has emerged as the teams top target. The pro bowl snub figures to make voters regret their decision by continuing to produce at an elite level. Hakeem Nicks is still a very good WR, and is dangerous near the goal line. Their two headed running tandem of Jacobs and Bradshaw gives the G-men the ability to physically dominate. This will be the weekends top game.

Soppe Score: Giants 27-24

Elsa/Getty Images

By: Breanna Jacobs

It was confirmed today that Penn State University will officially hire current New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien as the new head football coach.
O’Brien will be formally introduced as the new head coach of the Nittany Lions in a press conference on Saturday. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.
Former head coach Joe Paterno was fired on Nov. 9 in wake of the sexual abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. After Paterno’s firing, defensive coordinator Tom Bradley took over Paterno’s position in the interim and a special committee was formed to search for a new head coach.
Many names were blasted through the rumor mill, but Penn State remained mum about who they would be hiring until today.
Penn State has not had to hire a head football coach in 46 years and O’Brien will replace the winningest coach in Division I football history, but it seems he is ready for the challenge.
“I am thrilled to be the head coach of the Penn State football program,” O’Brien said in a statement. “As head coach of this special football program, it is my responsibility to ensure that this program represents the highest level of character, respect and integrity in everything we do.”
This was O’Brien’s first season as offensive coordinator for the Patriots. He has been coaching star quarterback Tom Brady since 2009 and coached wide receivers in 2008. O’Brien will remain with the Patriots through the NFL play-offs.
“Needless to say, we have been looking for someone with some very special qualities, beginning with a heart that beats to the values and vision of Penn State University and our Penn State football legacy and tradition,” said Penn State’s Acting Athletic Director David Joyner.
Even Paterno is optimistic that O’Brien will be able to uphold the legacy of the Penn State football program.
“”Despite recent commentary to the contrary, Penn State football has always been about more than winning,” Paterno said in a statement his family provided to the Associated Press.”I am hopeful this tradition will continue.”

By Kyle Soppe

Say what you will about me, but if I am the Colts, I am announcing Peyton Manning as my 2012 starting QB. In addition to sticking by Manning, I am dealing the number one overall pick (essentially the rights to Andrew Luck) to the highest bidder.

Let’s assume that Manning, whose past would indicate nothing but an honest person, is telling the truth when he says he could have played in the Colts final two games this season. I realize that my suggestion would include paying a large bonus for a 35 year old QB coming off of three neck surgeries, but he is an elite talent with plenty left in the tank. Would he have gone through numerous procedures if he didn’t think he could still contribute at a high level?

Peyton Manning is an experienced quarterback with a super bowl ring and hall of fame credentials, not something that is easy to come by. If Indy can sign a veteran backup (maybe David Garrard), they should let Manning play out his career with the team that drafted him. Success after the age of 35 isn’t a rare as you might think.

Dan Marino went 31-25 after he turned 35. He averaged over 3,000 yards per season and tallied 68 TD’s in those four seasons.

But Marino wasn’t banged up like Manning. He aged more gracefully. Point well taken. Let’s look at a few “tough guys” after turning 35 years of age.

Steve Young wasn’t all that young when he had his best season, statistically, of his storied career. In 1998, at the age of 37, Young threw for 4,170 yards and fired 36 TD’s. In fact, #8 torched defenses for 72 TD’s after his 35th birthday (ask the defenses in the late 90′s if he was too old to produce). The legs may have been tired, but the winning spirit didn’t die, as Young won 34 of his final 45 games.

But Young could run around, it’s not the same thing. Manning is a one dimensional QB who hasn’t ever been a threat to run. The simple threat of Young taking off exposed defenses, and Manning won’t have that luxury.

OK, then we can take a look at Brett Favre. He posted three 10 win seasons after turning 35, not to mention he gunned at least 28 TD passes in each of those seasons. He led the Vikings to a 12-4 record, and was one pass away from a serious super bowl run. Take into account that the Packers only won six games, and the impact of Favre was a great one.

For every argument, there is an exceptional QB who bucked the trend. Assuming that Manning is finished is a mistake, as he is the elite talent that may have the ability to overcome all odds and continue to produce. Manning’s absence crippled the Colts this year, but this is not a two win football team. By bringing back Manning, the Colts can sell free agent Reggie Wayne on a “win now” mentality. If they decline Manning’s bonus, it seems unlikely that the aging Wayne will want to stick around to see Andrew Luck progress. Also, by stock piling high draft picks from trading the 2012 top pick, the Colts are also building for future success.

Lastly, while Andrew Luck has been super impressive and has done nothing to lower his stock, he is still an unknown commodity. I don’t care how “NFL ready” a player looks, I just care about if the player is actually ready for he NFL. I don’t think Luck will be a bust, but the perception of him as the greatest thing since sliced bread will land the Colts tremendous value come the April draft.

Worst case scenario would be a Manning injury, which would effectively end his career. However, if this were the case, would it not be possible that the Colts have the 2013 top overall selection? If that is the case, Matt Barkley (USC) would be there for the taking, along with all of the picks acquired from this trade.

Best case scenario would be a return to respectability, and possibly the playoffs. If Manning can offer up three more solid seasons, Indy will have the opportunity to rebuild around a competitive football team.

Thoughts? How should the new Colts brass handle this unique situation?

David Duprey/Asscociated Press

By: Breanna Jacobs
The Buffalo Bills shocked football fans everywhere by starting the 2011 season off 5-2. The team broke their 15 game losing streak to the New England Patriots and had a few incredible come-from-behind victories. Under head coach Chan Gailey, the Bills looked like they were a new and improved team; early on in the season they led the AFC East and there was chatter of a long overdue play-off berth.
However, as the season went on, the chances of making it to the play-offs became dismal. The Bills lost seven games in a row and finished the season 6-10. Although unimpressive, their record was an improvement on their 4-12 record in 2010.
The rough end to the season (a 49-21 loss to the Patriots) has left many questioning what went wrong, and where the Bills are headed in the future. So, we’ll start with what went wrong:
1. Injuries
The Bills finished the season with a total of 17 players on Injured Reserve. There were four different starting centers and three different starting kickers over the course of the season. The Bills also went through various offensive line combinations after losing OL Eric Wood. But perhaps the biggest loss on offense was RB Fred Jackson, who was one of the top RBs in the NFL when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. The loss of Jackson temporarily halted the running game of the Bills. On defense, the Bills lost NT Kyle Williams and LB Shawne Merriman, two of the strongest and most efficient defensive players on the roster. With such a high injury count, it was difficult for the Bills to put together a string of wins.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Although he is, without a doubt, the quarterback of the future in Buffalo, “Fitzpanic,” as a friend so affectionately calls it, started to set in mid-season. After signing a $59 million contract extension when the Bills were hot, it was expected that Fitzpatrick would continue to come out with guns blazing but, instead, he began to look tentative in the pocket, reminding this Bills fan, at some times, of a certain Trent Edwards. Fitzpatrick began throwing errant passes, often times missing his receivers altogether. And while he showed a spark of the quarterback that was toward the end of the season, he often times looked skittish. He has the vote of confidence with Gailey, and it can be imagined that it was hard to play successfully when the offensive line he was playing behind was constantly changing. Fitzpatrick has a promising future with Buffalo, as long as he loses the “Fitzpanic” and regains the “Fitzmagic.”
3. Penalties
While they used to be one of the least penalized teams in the NFL, this season, the Bills racked up penalties this season like it was nobody’s business. Many of the Buffalo players are young and inexperienced, but it is important that they play disciplined football. While penalties are inevitable, they can certainly be avoided, especially penalties such as Excessive Celebration (yes, Stevie Johnson, I’m talking about you).
Although the Bills’ season did not go as planned, there are a number of bright spots for the future:
1. Defense
This season, the Bills played phenomenal defense; they were aggressive and disciplined and capitalized on turnover opportunities. Many veteran players, such as S George Wilson, DE/LB Spencer Johnson and LB Nick Barnett, really stepped up this season, making big plays and an even bigger impact on the team. Rookie defensive players also impressed. First round draft pick Marcell Dareus (DE) proved why he was a first round pick, showing himself as a powerful defensive force. Former Texas Longhorn Aaron Williams (CB) also showed his play making ability. Although he missed time early in the season after suffering an injury in training camp, Williams came in looking great. He shows a great deal of athletic ability and I believe he’ll be an absolute star for the Bills in the future.
2. The Run Game
When they lost Jackson to a knee injury, the Bills showed perhaps one of the best run games in the NFL. Jackson is a powerful runner and his ability to power over defenders earned him extra yardage. Without Jackson, the Bills turned to C.J. Spiller. Although he doesn’t possess the same size as Jackson, Spiller is an agile runner with gazelle-like speed, which also gives him the ability to evade defenders. Earning his first 100-yard rushing game at home against the Denver Broncos, Spiller proved that he is a valuable part of the Bills offense. In a league that has increasingly become all about the passing game, the Bills could have one of the most dominant run games in the NFL, as long as they are able to use both Jackson and Spiller effectively and in some sort of tandem.
3. Chan Gailey
In his second year as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Gailey has shown his leadership abilities. Gailey, who also calls the offense, challenges this team to play like professionals, a sentiment that often motivates his team and encourages them to play better football. And while the past two seasons did not end as Gailey would have liked, he knows what needs to be done to improve the team and get them to where they want to be. I look forward to what Gailey will do in his third season, because I have no doubt that he is the man to lead this team to success.

By Kyle Soppe

The final week of the NFL regular season is here. There are relatively few teams still fighting for a playoff berth, but many teams are still positioning themselves for a run at the Lombardi Trophy. This is the toughest week of the year for Vegas, as they must determine how much a team needs/wants to win. With that said, here are my week 17 picks.

Washington (+8) @ Philadelphia – Eagles 24-23 (Dream Team concludes nightmare with win)

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta (-10.5) – Falcons 31-13 (Bucs checked out weeks ago, Falcons beginning to peak)

San Francisco (-10.5) @ St. Louis – 49ers 27-10 (hate these big spreads, but SF is at least 17 points better)

Chicago (+1.5) @ Minnesota – Bears 24-17 (I don’t care how big of a fan you are, this is tough to watch)

Detroit (-4.5) @ Green Bay – Lions 27-20 (Matt Flynn against Suh)

Carolina (+7.5) @ New Orleans – Saints 28-24 (Newton wraps up ROY honors with solid performance)

Tennessee @ Houston (-1.5) – Texans 24-20 (Lots of running of the football. Texans want to gain momentum)

Baltimore (-2) @ Cincinnati – Ravens 23-20 (Bengals will battle, but Ravens win big games)

Pittsburgh (-6.5) @ Cleveland – Steelers 27-14 (Steelers want to win division)

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville (-3.5) – Jags 21-17 (Colts won’t win 3 in a row to lose Luck, will they?)

NYJ (+3) @ Miami – NYJ 24-17 (My lock of the week, Jets need a win and lotssss of help)

Buffalo @ New England (-10.5) – Patriots 35-20 (Brady challenges Brees’ record)

San Diego (+3) @ Oakland – Chargers 27-24 (Rare meaningless win over desperate team)

Kansas City (+3) @ Denver – Chiefs 20-17 (Would love to see Orton get revenge on Broncos)

Seattle (+3) @ Arizona – Seahawks 24-21 (Lynch on a role right now, Seattle is simply better)

Win and you’re in

Dallas @ NYG (-3) – Giants 31-27 (As a Packer fan, I’m rooting for Dallas, but Eli Manning has been to good)

Who's gonna deliver gifts for their fans this weekend? How about the coal givers? Let's hear it!

By Kyle Soppe

Happy holiday’s to all you faithful Pickin Splinters followers. We truly appreciate your loyalty and will continue to work hard on improving our coverage of college basketball as well as NBA, NFL, and MLB coverage. Feel free to leave feed back under posts and we will surely respond. With that said, here are my picks that, if bet, should make your holiday experience an even better one

Christmas Eve

Oakland (+2.5) @ Kansas City – Raiders 24-17 (I’ll admit it, sour grapes towards KC)

Denver (-3) @ Buffalo – Broncos 24-13 (Rare match up for Tebow in which he may be an equal QB to his opponent)

Jacksonville @ Tennessee (-7) – Titans 27-13 (No wayyyy the Titans drop 2 in a row to awful teams)

Arizona @ Cincinnati (-4) – Bengals 31-20 (Cardinals win the close game, upset alert if it’s close late)

Miami (+10) @ New England – Patriots 30-21 (The Pats defense isn’t fun to bet on against a big number)

Cleveland @ Baltimore (-13) – Ravens 34-10 (Don’t overreact to Ravens occasional weekend off)

New York Giants (+3) vs New York Jets – Giants 21-20 (I’ll take the points for the “road” team)

Minnesota (+6.5) @ Washington – Redskins 24-20 (Vikings don’t want to win, but will keep it tight)

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-7.5) – Panthers 27-14 (Bucs treated this as a shortened season, quit a month ago)

Saint Louis (+13) @ Pittsburgh – Steelers 21-10 (Charlie Batch can’t mess this up)

San Diego (+2.5) @ Detroit – Chargers 27-24 (Betting on the Chargers in December is protocol)

San Francisco (-2) @ Seattle – 49ers 24-16 (Seahawks tough at home, but NFC 2 seed at stake)

Philadelphia (+1.5) @ Dallas – Eagles 34-31 (They either need the game, or want to play spoiler)

Christmas Day

Chicago @ Green Bay (-13) – Packers 38-17 (19 wins followed by a loss. Not losing again)

Monday Night Football

Atlanta (+6.5) @ New Orleans – Saints 31-27 (winner is my pick to play GB for NFC title)

Thanks again for the viewership up to this point and going forward. Hopefully you spend the holidays with your loved ones and have a great few days ahead. Great football games this weekend as well as opening day in the NBA.

Every team has played 14 games, and here are how I rank the NFL’s 32 teams. The wild card battles are neck and neck, as is the division race in the NFC East. The final weeks will not lack drama, especially week 17 when divisional games dominate the NFL schedule. My preseason pick was Green Bay vs Baltimore in the 2012 Super Bowl. Who do you think will win the big one? Will the Colts get hot and lose the rights to the number one pick (the Rams play San Fran and Pittsburgh the final two weeks)?