EA has announced that Baylor Quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and projected first or second overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, Robert Griffin III will grace the cover of NCAA 13. He’ll share this year’s spotlight with a previous Heisman winner, selected by the fans on Facebook.

Voting will take place on the official NCAA 13 Facebook page beginning March 12, and players will have the choice between the following college greats:

-Marcus Allen of University of Southern California
-Doug Flutie of Boston College
-Eddie George of Ohio State University
-Desmond Howard of University of Michigan
-Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State University
-Herschel Walker of University of Georgia
-Charlie Ward of Florida State University
-Andre Ware University of Houston

NCAA Football 13 hits Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii on July 10.

"Man's Best Friend" seemed to be the consensus favorite of last night's Super Bowl ads.

Without a doubt, the Super Bowl is the biggest TV event of the year. Brand name companies and their advertisers mark the day on their calendars knowing they will be paying an arm and a leg, but the exposure will be tremendous. But with every company looking to stand out, they brought their “A” game.

The Doritos contest strategy paid off immensely. According to USA Today’s Ad-Meter it was the most popular ad to air last night. Brand Bowl 2012, said it was the most tweeted about generating 48,498 tweets. “Man’s Best Friend,” a finalist in the “Crash the Super Bowl” contest, had me cracking up. The commercial centers around a cat-murdering dog who bribes his owner with a bag of Doritos to shut him up.

Also earning a lot of laughs was the other finalist, “Sling Baby.” In this one, a kid taunts his grandmother because he has a bag of Doritos’. Grandma decides she will launch the kid’s baby brother using the bungee-cord jumper to snag it from him.

More on the side of controversy was David Beckham’s risque black and white ad commercial for clothing retailer H&M. The concept is simple. Closeups of Beckham in nothing, but their new man panties, zooming in on his chiseled chest and torso (as well as his tattoos), set to porn music, basically. Although, the women in my household, and presumably all across America, were hot and bothered, this wasn’t what incited an uproar. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) demanded that CNN commentator Roland Martin be fired immediately regarding his tweet about the H&M commercial: “If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!” This angered the gay activist organization, causing them to respond: “@rolandsmartin Advocates of gay bashing have no place at @CNN #SuperBowl #LGBT.” Roland retorted, “Well you’re clearly out of touch and clueless with what I tweeted. Way to assume, but you’re way off base.” He later tried to justify his remarks to his over 94,000 followers tweeting, “It’s hilarious when idiots…see my Beckham tweet as homophobic and I rip on soccer all of the time.” Whether he meant it as a slight at soccer and his fans or as a denigration of homosexual behavior matters little. GLAAD is not letting up, still rousing supporters and gay bloggers to initiate a campaign for his termination. To get up close and personal with David, click here.

Lovers of women in lingerie were not neglected, however. Adriana Lima, Victoria’s Secret model, appeared as a spokeswoman for Teleflora, an online flower delivery service. Needless to say, it was every bit as sexy as Beckham’s. Lima seems to be getting dressed for a night on the town as we watch her hook her bra and pull on her tights. And unlike H&M’s, it included dialogue: “Guys, Valentine’s Day is not that complicated. Give, and you shall receive.” Message happily received. Pay your respects to Ms. Lima here

Brand Bowl’s third most popular was courtesy of Chrysler. Clint Eastwood waxed philosophic about the recovery of Detroit’s motor industry. Apparently, Eastwood’s rhetoric on “Halftime in America” and us rallying as a nation to “come from behind,” touched the hearts of Americans like Eminem’s ode to Detroit did (set to his “Lose Yourself”) last year.

My personal favorite was from Fiat, who equated the beauty of their new sleek and sporty model with being seduced by an Italian supermodel (picture below). The reveal that he was kissing the window of a car completely caught me off guard, and was probably the most inventive premise of the night, while still going for sex appeal. For a laugh riot, click.

Filling out the remaining contenders, I was underwhelmed by Budweiser’s contributions, but thought the dog named “Wego,” was clever. Hint: If you call the dog, you would say “Here, Wego.” “Here We Go” is the Bud slogan. Going for the nostalgia factor, Acura and Honda shelled out the big bucks for tributes to pop culture. For Acura, Jerry Seinfeld starred in a parody of his “Seinfeld” show and Matthew Broderick showed up in Honda’s homage to his 80s classic, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Yeah, I got all the references, but it just didn’t tickle my funny bone like the others.

So, note to self: Wanna make millions on ads? Include babies, attractive and scantily clad women (but you can throw in a dude), and animal personification. Nostalgia is hit or miss, and involving your customers via contests can never hurt.

I won’t mention the game itself, because I know here in Boston it is a day of mourning, but I hope you at least enjoyed some of these crowd-pleasers up until the final whistle. Was one of your favorites not mentioned? Share links and your opinions of the ads mentioned in the comments section.

My dad loves football, but he finds football video games too complicated. I can’t really blame him either; I’ve tried to get him into Madden, but when you really break the 800 LB gorilla of a gaming franchise down, it’s tough to explain; even if it is second nature when playing. That’s exactly why NFL Blitz works so well — it’s America’s favorite game (Yeah, that’s right, I said it baseball) boiled down to its most basic elements.

Now, after years of being absent, the arcade style footballer returns; in all of its glory — well, sort of. It’s still just as frantic and fun as you remember, but it also comes during a turbulent time in the NFL, once that changes the very landscape and identity of what NFL Blitz is. Still, if you have even the slightest love for NFL Football, Blitz is a blast, especially played with friends.

If you’ve never played NFL Blitz, it’s basically a suped up version of Madden. The players are bigger and ripped with muscles and the plays more explosive. The game nixes strategy and philosophy for over-the-top action and adrenaline. In Blitz, there are no penalties, teams can catch on fire and it takes 30 yards for a first down rather than the standard ten yards.

The action in Blitz is fast, fun and in-your-face. It’s not uncommon to have score upwards of 30 points in the first quarter, and you’re bound to jump off your feet at least a few times. This is where Blitz excels, there’s never really a dull moment, and it gets even better when you’re playing against friends. This is the type of game that friendships are tested on, as it’s extremely fun to play against your friends in Blitz. Think throwing the game winning hail mary in Madden is fun? Imagine the thrill of doing it in Blitz, complete with players on fire and jumping clean over their opponents.

The most impressive aspect of Blitz is how much it retains the original arcade feel. Games are quick and easy for anyone to jump in and pick up and play. Perhaps more impressive, they’re also just as easy for anyone to win. It’s this accessibility that seems to be missing from most other current gen sports games. Blitz even features the old school Midway style codes to be entered at the versus screen for effects like different stadiums, characters and effects.

This isn’t however, the NFL Blitz of old, not completely anyways. The NFL is a much different league than we saw when the last entry in the series was released and that’s something that Blitz both falls victim to and benefits from at the same time. This season, the NFL has been tougher on late hits, and as a result, you won’t be able to stop your opponent’s touchdown celebration with a late, bone jarring hit. Sure, the hits in Blitz are ferocious enough, (come on, I delivered a piledriver to a Quarterback during a sack) but the late hits were a big part of the original games.

Aside from the Play Now option, you’re bound to get the majority of playtime from the game’s Blitz Gauntlet mode. Similar to modes found in games like NBA Jam and Mortal Kombat, you’ll face off with teams in a ladder format, with bosses mixed in. These bosses range from fictional characters (zombies) to team inspired creations (my Packers for instance had to face off with guys in overalls, Packer Jerseys and cheeseheads). These boss battles also feature powerups spread throughout the field, which makes them feel different than your standard games. There’s also a trading card game similar to that found in Madden, but I didn’t like it there and I don’t here either.

Tim Kitzrow from the original Blitz and NBA Jam games makes his return, and is just as entertaining as ever. Him and his announcing partner openly mock pop culture, including games, which includes Blitz. My favorite was when the two said that next year they’re going to audition for Madden because it pays more. Visually, NFL Blitz is on par with what you’d expect, though I was a bit disappointed at the lack of detail in some of the player’s faces. Sure, sometimes Aaron Rodgers looks like himself in the game, but others he just looks like another nameless, faceless NFL Quarterback.

The Blast Factor:NFL Blitz proves that arcade style sports gaming still has a place in modern gaming. It’s a blast to play, especially with other human players, and its accessibility makes it easy for just about anyone to jump in and play. . If you’ve got even the most slightest affinity for the sport or multiplayer gaming — you owe it to yourself to check out this modern day revival.

EA Sports announced today that it will offer a premium subscription service, dubbed EA Sports Season Pass for all of the publisher’s major sports franchises. The Season Pass program will kick off this year with Madden for $25 as well as NHL and FIFA later this year, with Tiger Woods PGA Tour and NCAA Football next year.

The biggest draw of the pass is the ability to download a full  digital version of the latest EA Sports titles a full three days before they release to the public. Here’s the catch though, after those three days, the digital copy becomes void, and you’ll still have to head to the store and pick up a full retail version of the title (though save versions from the digital version will work with the physical versions).

The Season Pass also gives those who buy it a 20% discount on DLC for EA Sports titles, but the discount is very selective over what it covers.  First, it doesn’t cover DLC for previously released games; meaning that if you buy it for Madden, you won’t be able to use it on NCAA Football 2012, which was just released a month ago. Also, the pass is sold on a per console basis, so you won’t be able to use it on multiple systems to cover multiple games. The discount also doesn’t work with the Online Pass service, which is required for gamers to play online, but free with new copies of its games.

So, will you be buying the pass from EA?

This weekend is the Superbowl, the biggest game of the year, but still a dark cloud looms over the NFL, the possibility that there won’t be a 2011-2012 season thanks to a labor dispute between the NFL Players Association and owners.What does that mean for the sports famed gaming series? In a conference call with investors today, EA’s Chief Operating Officer John Schappert assured everyone that yes, there will be a Madden this year.

We, like you, are looking forward to the NFL and the [players] resolving their differences and starting the season on time this year,” said Schappert, “but in terms of a planning assumption … we’ve baked in the most conservative assumption, meaning no season. We’re optimistic it can be better than that, so there’s an upside.”

The possibility of a lockout could mean both good and bad things for the multi million dollar series, as no actual football means that more people will buy the game, but many of the franchise’s key modes are based on actual events each week in the NFL.

By the way, Packers by 10. Take that Guilfoil.

By 2015, there will be approximately 804 million smartphones worldwide. Lucky for football fans, the NFL and  mobile advertising agency Adzookie.com are already looking to the future, promising that by 2015 the Super Bowl will be streamed live via an iPhone.

Romeo Mendoza, CEO of the Orange, Calif.-based company that plans to handle the advertising, Adzookie.com, said in a statement that “Streaming the Super Bowl on a phone just makes sense. Cell phones already outnumber television sets 5-to-1.”

Given that the 2010 Super Bowl brought in 106 million viewers and earned over $300 million in network advertising sales — that’s $2.8 to $3 million per 30-second advertisement — streaming the Super Bowl on smartphones is a smart business decision. Further, through cell phones, advertisers can run multiple ads at the same time, catering to individual viewers based on age, gender, income and location, something that television ads cannot do.

“Companies prefer to promote their business via mobile ads than other forms of advertising,” Mendoza said.

Because of the increasing popularity of smartphone use and the edge that mobile advertising has over television advertising, viewers can expect to eventually watch all of their favorite shows via cell phones, said Mendoza.

“The Super Bowl is just the beginning,” he continued. “Eventually all programming will be mobile. We plan on being there when it happens.”

DALLAS — After an embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has fired head coach Wade Phillips.

Multiple reports after the game (and some during the game) suggested Phillips was on his way out. Jones had said last week that Phillips would remain the coach until the end of the season, but the Cowboys were humiliated in a 45-7 loss on Sunday, to drop to 1-7 halfway through the year. The talent-packed team is considered by many to be the worst in the NFL.

Jones said after the game that people would suffer the consequences of the loss and of the terrible season.

Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will take over in an interim role.

Garrett had been a surefire head coach and candidate for several jobs, including the Ravens, Broncos, and Rams over the last few years. He is one of the highest paid assistant coaches in the NFL.

Months after losing its Major League Baseball, and only weeks after settling a lawsuit by MLB for allegedly illegally using its trademarks anyway, news has broken that the National Football League will not renew Upper Deck’s licensing agreement.

This means no more (official) baseball or football cards from UD.

Upper Deck released the following statement:

"Over the past year, Upper Deck has attempted to negotiate a new licensing deal with NFL Properties. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach agreeable terms, and therefore will not be issuing any NFL Properties-licensed trading cards for the 2010 season. Upper Deck will continue to focus on its exclusive license agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company and co-exclusive agreements with NHL Enterprises and the NHL Players’ Association, as well as its multiple entertainment licenses.”

All ad space is officially sold out for the Super Bowl as of Monday, said CBS spokeswoman Shannon Jacobs. CBS, the broadcaster for this year’s NFL championship, had some difficulty selling the last few of more than 62 spots, according to CNN. t.

CNN reports that a 30-second spot sold for up to $3 million, and Anheuser-Busch is the top advertiser this year having purchased five minutes worth of ad time.

Several first-time advertisers are in the lineup, according to the LA Times, including Kia Motors America, Qualcomm’s Flo TV and KGB texting information service. In addition, the Christian group "Focus on the Family," will be displaying a controversial anti-abortion commercial featuring college football star Tim Tebow. In addition, CBS rejected a gay dating website advertisement for ManCrunch.com, reported the LA Times.

“This year we are going to call it the Controversy Bowl,” said Mike Sheldon, chief executive of the Los Angeles advertising firm Deutsch LA. “It used to be a championship football game, then it became an advertising showcase, and now the Super Bowl has turned into a microphone for special interests."

Last month, CBS said it was selling 62 spots, but spokesman Dana McClintock said that the number has grown and is now very close to last year’s 69 spots.

“We’re happy campers over here,” said Jo Ann Ross, the president of network sales at CBS. Ross also said that there are some spots still available during the pre-game broadcast.

Last year’s Super Bowl had a record 98.7 million viewers, according to Nielsen, and Kantar Media says ads during the 2009 game brought in $213 million.

In an odd twist of fate Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre and Commander Shepard will share the same screen this weekend.

No, I’m not talking about some strange Pro Football/Video Game gay adult film, rather that a 2-minute trailer for Mass Effect 2 will show during the NFC Championship game this weekend when the Vikings take on the Saints in front of a packed stadium and 35 million watching on FOX.

The press release issued to us said the trailer would show, as you could probably guess, during the 4th quarter.

Sounds like I’ll have to move the refrigerator in the living room tomorrow. Can’t get up to grab a beer during a commercial knowing I could possibly miss the trailer now could I?

Mass Effect 2 comes to Xbox 360 and PC this Tuesday. We’ll have a review up before you know it. Keep checking.

Football fans living in New England and rooting for the home squad, had their hearts ripped out Sunday evening, but to help dissipate that anguish, Quick Hit Football today announced its plans to add four new NFL head coaches to the browser-based title.

Starting next month, when a new update launches, Herm Edwards, Jerry Glanville, Marv Levy and Marty Schottenheimer will join Cowher, Billick, Johnson, Landry and Reeves, as the latest four NFL Legends to be added to the free-to-play game.

"Our users tell us they love testing their football skills against the true style of real coaches.  We’re all about coaching and strategy, and these four new coaches will bring even more authenticity to the single player experience," said Jeffrey Anderson, CEO at Quick Hit.  "We’ve worked hard to weave both coaches and players into the fabric of the game, which has created a unique and exciting experience for football fans who want to face off against former gridiron greats."

Check out Quick Hit Online and peruse our hands-on preview for everything about the you could imagine, unless you’re imagining dancing, magical fairies, we don’t write about those here.

Last week jerseys from all 32 NFL teams went on sale in the Xbox 360 Avatar Marketplace and today, a full 7 days later, we have a top-ten list‚  of best sellers, with the Pittsburgh Steelers riding high on top.

What does this list mean? That Steelers fan have deep pockets (each jersey is $4)? We’ll let you decide.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. N.E. Patriots

3. Dallas Cowboys

4. Philadelphia Eagles

5. NY Giants

6. Chicago Bears

7. Minnesota Vikings

8. San Francisco 49ers

9. Green Bay Packers

10. Denver Broncos

Source: Major Nelson

Tonights premieres include a riveting episode of “Alaska State Troopers” on National Geographic and the first episode of the new season of “Nip/Tuck” on FX. Both are on at 10 p.m. You can also watch “Mary Queen of Shops” on BBC America at 9.

The NFL announced yesterday that, if the Phillies make the World Series, two November 1 football games will be moved to the NFL Network: the Giants/Eagles game and the hotly anticipated Vikings/Packers.

A&E green-lighted a pilot for a drama called “The Quickening” about a female Los Angeles police detective who’s bipolar.

Matthew Perry recently signed on to star in, co-write and executive produce a new untitled comedy about a guy that turns 40 and begins to question his small town life managing a sports arena.

Finally, Richard Harris and Alan Ruck (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”) were added to ABC’s “Cougar Town,” Entertainment Weekly reported.

By the way, on this day in 1943, RCA sold off one of the two NBC radio networks. Edward J. Noble paid $8 million for the NBC Blue network. He renamed it the American Broadcasting Company — ABC.

We know gamers are also professional football watchers. Why else would Activision kick off a fierce Modern Warfare 2 ad campaign during Sunday Night Football last week?

Well, if you can’t get enough of the National Football League, Microsoft unleashed a slew of NFL jerseys into the Avatar Marketplace today.

You’ll find jerseys from all 32 teams and they look all well and good, but they’re not cheap.

360 MS Points, or $4 buys you just one outfit, compared to the normative free or $1 for most other licensed items.

But after all, fashion isn’t cheap, right?

Quick Hit Football, the free-to-play year-round gridiron game will soon expand by leaps and bounds as a host of familiar faces have are coming to the game in the form of the “NFL Legends” expansion.

Due out this Fall, NFL Legends adds nearly 100-Pro Bowl and Hall of fame players to the game including:

“¢ Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham or Dan Fouts for Passing Teams
“¢ Tony Dorsett, Eric Dickerson, or Daryl “Moose” Johnston for Running Teams
“¢ Steve Largent, James Lofton or Fred Biletnikoff as Wide Receivers
“¢ Randy White, Ed “Too Tall” Jones or Dan Hampton for Run Defense
“¢ Steve Atwater, Deacon Jones, or Jack Youngblood for Pass Defense

Additionally, the rest of the Legends are broken into categories;

The Pioneers-the men who played significant roles in the development of the modern-day NFL: Fred Belitnikoff, Lem Barney, Raymond Berry, Len Dawson, Deacon Jones, John Mackey and Merlin Olsen.

The Classics- players from the 70′s and 80′s: Roger Craig, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Dan Fouts, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Dan Hampton, Steve Largent, Andre Reed and Billy Sims.

The Contemporaries- players from the 90′s and 21st century who are undoubtedly awaiting entry to the Hall: Mike Alstott, Randall Cunningham, Ron Dayne, La’Roi Glover, Greg Lloyd, Jay Novacek and Christian Okoye.

If nothing here sparked your interest, have a look at Quick Hit’s E3 2009 debut trailer and stay with Blast for our editor Marc’s talk with Quick Hit developers later today.

John madden has retired from playcalling, but his legacy lives on in the now 21 year old Madden NFL Football franchise.‚  Today, Electronic Arts revealed a double shot of gridiron brothers set to adorn the cover of Madden NFL ’10 when the title hits shelves August 14^th.

This year brings the speedy and crafty wide receiver of the Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald and the pro-bowl defensive end Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers to the cover of Madden ’10.

In the entire storied 21 year run of the Madden series, two athletes have never garnished the same cover, but hey, change is good, right?

Fitzgerald is no stranger to the EA Sports machine as his likeness also made the cover of NCAA Football 2005, while Polamalu just has really long hair, and that’s awesome in and of itself.

Not that anyone ever really thought he was a murderer, but his name certainly came up in an investigation. A Woburn, Mass. man admitted in court that he made up his testimony regarding the 1993 murder of Dr. Linda Goudey, who was found strangled in her car back in October of that year.

Richard Chambers, 45, plead guilty on Thursday to charges of misleading police and perjury, when he told investigators that the last person he saw with the doctor was a man that looked like then NFL QB Boomer Esiason.

The case is still unsolved, but Dr. Timothy Stryker was found liable in civil court in 2006 and ordered to pay $15 million to Goudey’s family.

Boomer Esiason can finally relax.

This was one of Guilfoil’s day job stories.

More great news about the economy: the National Football League has announced that it plans to lay off 150 employees, which will equate to about 14 percent of the sports giant’s total staff of 1,100.

“These are difficult and painful steps,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a staff memo, “but they are necessary in the current economic environment.”

“I would like to be able to report that we are immune to the troubles around us, but we are not,” Goodell added.

The cuts will come at the NFL’s New York City-based headquarters, at NFL Films, and at the production facilities in Los Angeles, where NFL.com and NFL Network are located.

My idea would be to apply a little socialism to the NFL and scale back the salaries of first-round busts like JaMarcus Russell, Alex Smith and Vince Young. Pay them what they are actually worth and use the millions upon millions of dollars they get from that and give it to the poor girl who just lost her job answering phones at NFL Films. Then it would be a Merry Christmas indeed.

Voting for the NFL Pro Bowl ends on Tuesday at noon. So, I wanted to go online and vote, not so much to get my voice heard, but because I wanted to get a glimpse of the process. What did I find? The voting is completely fraudulent.

Why? Let’s take a look:

-First and foremost, the fact that fans get to vote is an unmitigated joke. Football is #1 for me, that’s what I follow the closest. And I follow the NFL as close or closer than 99% of America. That said, am I really qualified to vote on what AFC guard is having the best season? And if I’m not fit to judge, is Joe Average Fan? Of course not. So what happens then? I’ll tell you what happens, people vote for the names they know and not who is having the best season. So making the Pro Bowl has more to do with what player had their stomach circled by John Madden while he talks about how much turkey they can eat at Thanksgiving, and less to do with who is doing the best job.

It’s one thing for a fan to be able to look and see that Atlanta Falcons WR Roddy White is leading the NFC in receiving yards, but it’s another to guess what right tackle has been the most dominant. You are either guessing or regurgitating what an NFL writer or talking head has stated.

And another note on fans: how many are going to just vote for the players on their favorite teams? Lots, that’s how many. I guarantee that Detroit Lions G Gosder Cherilus gets some votes from the hometown fans despite the fact that he’s been benched this year (then again, I doubt any Lions fans are paying attention at this point).

-They don’t put any stats next to the names. There aren’t any stats for offensive lineman as it is (unless they want to include sacks given up, but that doesn’t tell the whole story) so that part of the voting is even more of a farce. I had juuuust enough brain power to know that I should check NFL.com as a refresher to see who is doing what on the stat sheet (there are always some eye openers). Will the average fan? Probably not. There is no reason not to have some information next to someone’s name besides position and team. If you don’t think to check some stats and don’t live in the Bay Area, you don’t know how good Raiders LB Kirk Morrison is.

-Even if they did have stats, stats are misleading. When voting for a punter, it’s easy to go for who has the highest net. Does that take into account the fact that a team stinks and the punter always has his feet on his own 20-yard line and just goes bombs away? Nope. How about a punter like Jeff Feagles, who is on a phenomenal team? He’s regularly asked to pooch the ball in the “coffin corner,” which is going to hurt his net. Does the NFL care about this? Apparently not.

-The players you can vote for on kick returns is not accurate. I wanted to vote for Bills rookie Leodis McKelvin as the AFC’s kick returner. I said kick returner, not punt returner. NFL.com makes no distinction between the two. My only option was to vote for Roscoe Parrish, who I love, but is the Bills punt returner. McKelvin was not even an option to vote for. Guess who won’t be making the Pro Bowl this year despite being towards the top in number of returns and second in yards-per-return (Jericho Cotchery is first, but has only one return, which disqualifies him as far as I – and anyone else that has half a brain – am concerned)?

And it’s a good thing I didn’t want to vote for Eagles safety Quinton Demps as a Pro Bowl kick returner. I couldn’t have if I wanted to because they only list DeSean Jackson as a kick returner. Jackson doesn’t return kicks for the Eagles, he returns punts.

-Here is my conclusion: Take voting away from the fans and give it to people who are educated on the subject. You could have scouts, general managers or other NFL executives cast their votes. They know the deal. They are paid to know the deal (unless you work in Cincinnati). These people study film as part of their jobs.

Like I said, I follow the NFL intensely, but I still have not watched full game footage and breakdowns of Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas. I haven’t done in-depth research on the game situations for San Diego Chargers P Mike Scifres. I, therefore, should not get a vote and help to decide who goes to the Pro Bowl and gets a nice bump in negotiations for their next contract.

Hopefully, the NFL will remove their heads from their rear ends and put the voting in the hands of those who are qualified to do so. Oh, and if you want to vote before Tuesday’s noon deadline, log on to NFL.com.

Their appeals were heard and they lost. Six players were suspended by the NFL today for four games for violation of the league’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

The six players who have been suspended are: Saints running back Deuce McAllister, Saints defensive end Charles Grant, Saints defensive end Will Smith, Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams, Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams, and Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman.

It should be clear, however, that none of these six players took steroids. The substance in question is called Bumetanide (a diuretic) and it’s found in a supplement called StarCaps, which is available by prescription only and doesn’t say “Bumetanide” on the label.

“The players specifically violated a longstanding provision of the policy relating to the use of diuretics and water pills, which serve as masking agents for steroids and are potentially dangerous to the health of players” the NFL said in a release.

In the release, the NFL talked about the allegations that Dr. John Lombardo knew that a supplement known as “StarCaps” secretly included Bumetanide.

“With respect to the question of whether a specific warning should have been given regarding Star Caps, the policy does not set forth an obligation to issue specific warnings about specific products and no testimony suggests that the NFL and NFLPA have ever contemplated imposing such a requirement on Dr. Lombardo, who oversees the development of education materials on steroids” the release says. “In keeping with that responsibility, the NFL, NFLPA, and Dr. Lombardo have emphasized the need for extreme caution in the use of any supplement, including weight reduction products, have established a Hotline for players to call for information regarding supplements, have established a Supplement Certification program with EAS to provide players with supplements that are free of banned substances, and have, in conjunction with reinforcing the strict liability rule, repeatedly warned players about the dangers of unregulated and inaccurately labeled dietary supplements. In the past, players have been suspended for using dietary supplements that contained a banned substance.”

Just a quick one for y’all that are looking for holiday gifts:

Fossil has a series of NFL and college watches out there under their Kaleido collection.

You push the button, and the watch animates and goes from your team’s logo to a mirrored finish and back again.

We got the chance to wear the Steelers and Patriots watches, and they really are cool, because it’s not just a static logo on the watch face. There’s some life to it.

So last time I came out about even. This could be the wildest NFL season that I have ever seen and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That said it doesn’t bode well for any kind of picks. Let’s see if I can better my score.

Titans v. Detroit: Titans Happy Thanksgiving! You once again get to watch the Lions get stomped on. At this point it is as much of a tradition as turkey and stuffing.

Seahawks v. Cowboys: Cowboys

Cardinals v. Eagles: Cardinals

Ravens v. Bengals: Ravens

49ers v. Bills: Bills

Panthers v. Packers: Panthers

Saints v. Bucs: Saints

Giants v. Redskins: Giants

Colts v. Browns: Colts

Dolphins v. Rams: Dolphins

Falcons v. Chargers: Falcons

Steelers v. Pats: Pats

Chiefs v. Raiders: Raiders

Broncos v. Jets: Broncos

Bears v. Vikings: Bears

Jaguars v. Texans: Texans

Are you one of those people who are convinced that the Madden football series has not changed significantly since the beginning of the decade? Are you tired of shelling out full price for a slightly glossier look, non-essential game mechanic add-ons and updated rosters, year after year? Would you like football any better if it involved power bombs and nut shots, rather than penalties straight from the “No Fun League?” These are the questions that Midway asks with the latest installment in their Blitz football series, Blitz: The League II.

Though the questions are certainly worthy of an eyebrow raise and interest from those who are disenchanted with EA Sports long running (and best-selling) franchise, there are some issues with the game. Midway manages to deliver on some of their promises, but the failure to deliver a worthwhile football experience holds the game back from being better than it is, and may keep many from trading in their freshest copies of Madden or canceling plans to reserve next year’s edition.

There is plenty that works here though, if you are in the market for some football. First of all, the ability to pull out all the stops — late hits, cheap shots, brutal tackles that look more like wrestling moves than football ones, the blatant cheating on field — is fun, because it is not real. I would not want to see any more pronounced cheating than what we are used to seeing every Sunday in the NFL on television, but when it’s in the realm of video games, it’s entertaining and a quality game hook.

The “Franchise” mode also has its merits, though you will easily beat it in a day or two if you stick with it. You create a player — one who is not nearly as fun as the mode he is a part of, but more on that later”"and then attempt to become the biggest star in the league, one who will enable the Blitz universe to live on thanks in part to it’s larger than life icon. There are ways to become famous without necessarily dominating the league: want some extra cash? Bet on the games, and keep within the spread in order to rake in money you can use to buy steroids for your team in order to improve their in-game performance.

Earn promotions and sponsorships by turning your “Franchise” player into a household name, and follow the advice of your agent, voiced excellently by Jay Mohr — in order to succeed. The gameplay is more intriguing here than it is in a random game, since there is more on the line — specifically, beating your opponent but upholding the spread, making sure your franchise player (who works on both sides of the ball) gets enough touches, and following the story, which has its moments.

As far as the gameplay goes, outside of the killer tackling and hits, you can slow down the action and maneuver around your opponents in order to gain a few extra yards or break free for a touchdown. “Unleashed” plays, which you earn by pulling off moves in your slowed down state, are momentum changes, but be warned, the AI will utilize these as often as you do, so you will need to get the hang of them quick to stay in the game.

Jay Mohr is not the only voice actor that adds to the game, as Frank Caliendo takes his Madden impression into Blitz and does a wonderful job. He’s an even more ridiculous version of Madden as usual, and his commentary adds to the in-game experience significantly; that is, until you have heard everything he has to say (which is not much at all) over and over again.

If those positives are enough to sell you on the title, consider the negatives. The graphics, while obviously an upgrade over the original version of the game on last-gen consoles, are not up to par with Madden’s offering, and the player models look odd in a glossy way, especially in the rain. Some of the gimmicks that are supposed to make the game seem more “hardcore” lose their appeal quickly.

For instance, the game zooms in on a breaking bone or torn muscle as they happen, which is effective the first few times, but when you play a team that has late hits and cheap shots on every play, you get tired of seeing the same thing repeatedly, not to mention the fact that you lose many of these players for quarters, games or weeks at a time.

Playing against the AI is another drawback. They seem to be more interested in snapping your players in half than winning, which has its positives and negatives. First off, there’s no real challenge once you pick up the basics of the game, as you can dart and weave amongst their defense at will when you start to master slow down and the Unleashed maneuvers. It’s nice to win, but it’s better to feel accomplished for doing so, and the AI does not allow that in Blitz; it’s tough to lose any game where you can easily throw a 60 yard pass at any time and succeed because they want your quarterback to be broken into pieces, and therefore keep coverage light.

Thankfully, there is an online mode that works effectively, so there is never a shortage of human opponents to play, and though they may be interested in crushing you under their cleats as much as the AI wants to, at least you know you are playing to win in this mode.

This is the downside to playing a Franchise, as the games come off as less entertaining than the other portions of the mode. It does not help things that your created player goes beyond campy and cheesy and straight into annoying when he speaks; his dialogue is awful (but thankfully offset by Mohr’s solid work much of the time) and more choices for personality would have been a positive, rather than being stuck with the one type.

Overall, Blitz: The League II is not a bad game, as there is plenty to keep you interested if you want a change of pace on the football scene. The late, cheap hits and mature setting to the story are a serious turnaround from what you are used to playing other football games, but the football itself is at times lacking in structure and effectiveness. It’s worth a purchase if you need to play football, but if you are just looking for something to play and are short on cash, this holiday season is loaded with better places to spend your money.

As I half-assed promised earlier in the week, here are my AFC mid-season report cards.

AFC East:

-New York Jets (5-3):

Say what you want about the Jets, they are still boring to watch. They added a slew of talent (what do Mangini and Tannenbaum care, if they don’t go all in, they are out of here anyway. Screw the salary cap) in the offseason including, Calvin Pace, Damien Woody, Alan Faneca, Kris Jenkins and…and…who am I forgetting? I feel like I’m forgetting someone. Anyway, considering the cost of their new additions, you’d think they’d be better than 5-3. Imagine if they didn’t blow it against the Raiders two weeks ago.

While the Jets are technically “atop” the division, they still haven’t been as good as they should be.

Grade: B-

New England Patriots:

Everyone left the Patriots for dead after Tom Brady’s knee was turned into clam chowder in week one. Matt Cassel isn’t a great QB, but the team has found ways to win. Maybe they are on to something with their six-running-back theory. The Patriots have hung tough in what has become a muddy division, and they may actually make the playoffs. With the lack of juggernauts in the NFL, they have just as good a chance as making the playoffs as anyone else.

Grade: B

Buffalo Bills (5-3):

What happened to the Bills the last two weeks? After jumping out to a 5-1 record, they took a big steamer when facing division opponents. The Bills are largely to blame for the thick, heavy slop that is the AFC East. I’d be concerned about their running game at this point, as Marshawn Lynch hasn’t had much room to run. And now, stud safety Donte Witner will be lost for at least a week, but maybe a little more with a separated shoulder. The Bills lost more than just the game on Sunday. Ouch.

The Bills are young and will need to get their stuff together. The division is awfully winnable.

Grade: B+

Miami Dolphins (4-4):

4-4?! This is a team that won a single game last year because a veteran kicker with an accurate leg missed a field goal. The Dolphins were brutal last season. So I give new head coach Tony Sparano and Co. credit for getting to four wins after just eight games. And, get this, they have inspired a league-wide trend: The Wildcat formation! That’s right, the direct snap to the running back has been sweeping across the NFL. Good stuff.

It appears that the culture is changing in Miami and that they are no longer an easy win.

Grade: A

AFC North:

-Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2):

The Steelers are a very tough team despite having a shaky offensive line. Big Ben’s shoulder should be fine provided that he doesn’t continue to get mauled. And the defense…wow. They are just downright nasty.

This has to be considered and elite team in the NFL, probably the third best.

Grade: A

Baltimore Ravens (5-3):

The Ravens entered the season with a banged up running back, a rookie head coach, a rookie quarterback and a questionable offensive line. Has it mattered? Not really. Joe Flacco has exceeded expectations so far and has done a great job for a rookie. The Ravens are riding a three-game win streak and are right in the thick of the playoff race. Do I think they will make the playoffs? No. But so what, they are doing a great job considering their expectations for this year.

Grade: A-

Cleveland Browns (3-5):

The Browns were 10-6 last year and looked poised to take the jump to the next level. This just in: they haven’t. They have benched QB Derek Anderson in favor of Brady Quinn. Kellen Winslow has been banged up (surprise), and Braylon Edwards can’t catch a cold. 3-5 is terrible and all the good will from last year has evaporated. Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage should dust off the resumes.

Grade: D+

Cincinnati Bengals (1-8):

Wow. What a big sack of garbage the Bengals are. Carson Palmer might be done for the year. The defense is putrid. The team is a collection of bad apples. They have no idea how to win. What else?

Grade: F

AFC South:

Tennessee Titans (8-0):

Who saw this coming? The Titans can and will run all over you. Chris Johnson and Lendale White will eat your children. VY is out with a broken skirt, K-Coll is the QB, they can’t throw, and it doesn’t matter. They will run all over you. And how about that defense? DT Albert Haynesworth just might be the best defensive player in all of football. I’ll go so far as to say he is. When do you see a DT get moved around so much? He plays tackle, end and even drops into coverage. He cannot be blocked. Not even Chuck Norris or Cole Hamels could block him.

This is arguably the best team in the NFL.

Grade: A

Indianapolis Colts (4-4):

Injured QB’s don’t play well and Peyton Manning’s offseason knee surgery is clearly an issue. However, the banged up offensive line isn’t helping. Neither is the fact that Joseph Addai has been hurt and sucking. Bob Sanders returned to action this week and it’s a different defense when he’s in there. His absence absolutely kills this team. They are a 4-4 team and have played like a 4-4 team. Not what we expected from the Colts.

Grade: C-

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5):

What a disappointment the Jags have been. In their defense, the interior of their offensive line has been a mess. They lost their two starting guards for the season and C Brad Meester has been hurt all year. To a team that loves the run the ball, this is almost certain death. Losing to the Bengals this past week was a disgrace.

Grade: D

Houston Texans (3-5):

What do we think of the Texans? They were terrible early on, then have been good as of late. Then they lost their starting QB for the next month to a knee injury. Rookie RB Steve Slaton has been phenomenal (kudos to those who grabbed him late in fantasy leagues) and WR Andre Johnson has shown why he is a top-three NFL receiver. It hasn’t really translated to a bunch of wins, but they are showing some promise.

Grade: C+

AFC West:

Denver Broncos (4-4):

What a mess this team is. Early on this year their offense was dynamite. Cutler threw the ball to Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal whenever he wanted to. They were on fire. But, they benefited from two games (the San Diego game in particular) with bad calls and you could easily make the case that this team should be 2-6. And now? This team is awful. The defense can’t stop anyone and the offense cooled off considerably. Good thing they are in the AFC West.

Grade: C

San Diego Chargers (3-5):

3-5?! This is an outrage. This is a team that almost beat the big, bad Patriots on the road in the AFC Championship game last year without their top running back and All-Pro tight end. Philip Rivers was playing without an ACL for crying out loud. To come out 3-5 is just awful. Very disappointing when you consider how good they were supposed to be.

Grade: D-

Oakland Raiders (2-6):

The Raiders won two games? Wow, congrats to them because they are just a miserable, miserable team. JaMarcus Russell looks like a bust. They’ve already fired their coach (and did so in a very awkward and clumsy manner) and look like they could be the worst team in the league (no offense to the Lions).

Grade: F+

Kansas City Chiefs (1-7):

Speaking of bad teams, the 2008 Chiefs have less talent than Sarah Palin in a debate about fruit flies. Yeah, it’s that bad. The team has no quarterback. Their star running back has numerous assault charges against him and keeps getting suspended. The Chiefs are terrible. We knew they’d be terrible. They didn’t disappoint. Although I will say that I think they are better than the Raiders.

Grade: D-

We’re about halfway through the season right now so I thought I’d take a look and handout my NFC mid-season report cards. As far as you know, later in the week I’ll post my AFC report cards.

NFC East:

-New York Giants (7-1):

So far, the Giants have benefited greatly from a weak first-half schedule. They played Washington and beat them before the Redskins really had their groove. They beat a Cowboys team this week that is completely putrid from top to bottom due to injuries. Their only loss came on a road game at Cleveland.

Despite the poor teams on their schedule, they’ve won. And that’s all you can ask. They are one of the top two teams in the entire NFL right now and have very few weaknesses (secondary, Plaxico’s nonsense).

Grade: A

-Washington Redskins (6-2):

The Redskins might be the biggest surprise in the conference. Jason Campbell is playing mistake-free football and you can’t say enough about that. Last season, the Redskins would stay in games until the end, only to have Campbell cough up a pick or two at a terrible time. He’s not doing that anymore.

Also, Clinton Portis is leading the NFL with 944 yards rushing. A team that doesn’t make mistakes and runs all over you is a damn good team. A big hat tip to Jim Zorn for the job that the rookie head coach has done so far. They get a higher grade considering expectations for 2008.

Grade: A

-Philadelphia Eagles (5-3):

Not a huge disappointment, but a bit of one. If you look at how they lost the games they did, it’s unacceptable. They blew a fourth-quarter lead in Dallas, couldn’t score a small handful of points in the second half to beat the Bears, and then did the same thing the next week against Washington. There are your three losses.

But that’s the difference between excellent teams like the Giants, and slightly above average teams like the Eagles. The Giants get that yard when they need that yard. The Eagles? Not necessarily.

Grade: B-

-Dallas Cowboys (5-4)

The Cowboys enter the bye week after getting trounced by the Giants in New York. To say they are decimated by injuries would be to say that Hiroshima was devastated by a big bomb. If you want to fault them for not having a better backup QB option heading into the season, then that’s fair.

But it’s not just Romo who is hurt. It’s G Kyle Kosier, P Mat McBriar, WR Sam Hurd, RB Felix Jones, CB Terrence Newman and S Roy Williams. Oh, and Pacman Jones is a colossal turd. Considering expectations this season, head coach Wade Phillips might not have a job after the bye week. And the bloom has really come off of Jason Garrett’s head coaching rose, huh?

Grade: C-

NFC North:

Chicago Bears (5-3):

The Bears are a little above where they should be. The defense hasn’t been as dominant in the past and much of that has to do to not having Tommie Harris right. I’m a big believer in defensive tackle play and when you lose one of the best in the business, it affects the whole unit.

Kyle Orton has been a little better than ok this season, but now he’s out for a month with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered against Detroit. Rex Grossman will have to lead the way, which means a reliance on rookie RB Matt Forte. Grossman can still chuck the rock around the field, but it’s not recommended.

Grade: B

Green Bay Packers (4-4):

I think this is one of the best – if not the best – 4-4 teams in the league. What’s that mean? I don’t know. What I do know is that the Packers have a damn good team, but it hasn’t always equated to wins this season.

Aaron Rodgers has been better than most predicted (not better than I predicted because I’ve liked the kid for a while now) and he came awfully close to handing the Titans their first loss of the year this past week. Keep an eye on Green Bay in the second half of the season.

Grade: B-

Minnesota Vikings (4-4):

I’m not a fan of teams with no quarterback and I don’t believe the Vikings have one. Tarvaris Jackson is garbage and Frerotte is a nice backup. Backup. Not starter. Backup.

The Viking are a 4-4 team to me. They earned that mark.

Grade: C

Detroit Lions (0-8):

How bad is this team? They can’t run, throw, block, tackle, kick, run or block. They are miserable and the front office deserves the bulk of the blame. It all starts at the top. If it wasn’t for Calvin Johnson, this team would be absolutely unwatchable. As it is, this team is unwatchable.

Grade: A (kidding, F)

NFC South:

Carolina Panthers (6-2):

The Panthers are back to being the Panthers. Their two-back system is locked and loaded with a pair of first-round picks in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart. Throw in the deep threat that is Steve Smith and you’ve got yourself a nice offense.

On defense, keep an eye on burgeoning linebacker Jon Beason. This boy can play.

Grade: A-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3):

Anyone know what to make of this team? They beat Packers and murdered the Panthers. Yet, they found a way to lose to Dallas, New Orleans and Denver. But they still found a way to win 2/3 of their games so that does warrant some respect.

Grade: B

Atlanta Falcons (5-3):

Oh boy, what got into Atlanta? This is a team that was supposed to be an absolute doormat this season.

Matt Ryan is a rookie QB that will struggle mightily as the starter. The Falcons reached on tackle Sam Baker in the draft. Michael Turner is undersized and was a backup in San Diego for a reason. This team is still wheeling from the Michael Vick fiasco.

Nope, nope, nope, and nope.

The Falcons are playing some really nice ball for a club that had no shot to do anything this season. Good for them, they get a good grade.

Grade: A

New Orleans Saints (4-4):

Drew Brees is a top-two quarterback in the NFL. In fact, I don’t know who I’d rather have this year. He’s that good.

The problem? Not much help around him. This guy makes Lance Moore and Devery Henderson look like Anthony Carter and Hassan Jones (ok, better than Hassan Jones). With Reggie Bush hurt and no real defense, well…you get a 4-4 team.

Grade: C+

NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals (5-3):

Hey look what I found! A winning team in the NFC West. Man, these teams are awful and the Cardinals are the tallest midget. They are playing decent football and have benefited from a weak schedule. They aren’t great, but they are good enough to beat crappy teams. I’ll add a + to their grade because they so often are losers.

Grade: B+

Seattle Seahawks (2-6):

The second place team in the NFC West is Two. And. Six. Wow.

The Seahawks are dreadful and now are hit with injuries. They are sans QB Matt Hasselbeck, LB Lofa Tatupu, DE Patrick Kerney and, as always, WR Deion Branch.

This past week, QB Seneca Wallace spiked the ball on third down to stop the clock so they could…punt. Uh, yeah. That’s where they are.

Grade: D+

San Francisco 49ers (2-6):

At least they are tied for second in the division, right? I love Frank Gore and Patrick Willis along with the emergence of Ray Edwards and Josh Morgan.

After that?

Grade: D+

St. Louis Rams (2-6):

The Rams are also tied for second place, so they have that going for them, which is nice. The Rams actually have a wee bit of talent, but it’s not enough. They have been blown out numerous times this year and are playing for their second coach this year.

Grade: D+

Indianapolis Colts (-3) over Houston Texans

The Colts haven’t won a game yet at Lucas Oil Stadium (0-2). I know they aren’t playing there this week, but I want to talk about their new home; specifically, what should the nickname be? Apparently, “The Luke” is out of the question because of a previous lawsuit between Lucas Oil Products and Lukoil, so we aren’t left with too many options. My suggestion would be “The Tank.” Oil is kept in a tank or a tanker. Football is compared to war and they use tanks in war. It’s two-fold. Any suggestions from our readers? Anyway, I have to take the Colts to cover three points against the Texans whether the game is at The Tank or Reliant Stadium. An extra week off for Peyton Manning to heal and game plan is nothing I want to bet against. The Texans are coming off a hard-fought game in Jacksonville where Matt Schaub had a great game. What are the chances of him playing well two straight weeks? Slim to none? Keep an eye on rookie running back Steve Slaton against the Colts’ Bob Sandersless defense. It’s tough to say ‘Sandersless.’

Baltimore Ravens (+3) over Tennessee Titans

Wow, this is a tough game. I’m actually writing my analysis before I make my pick in hopes that I talk myself into taking one of them. I really love the over (35) in this game by the way. Any time you have two play-making defenses that can take it to the house, take the over if it’s under 37. But we aren’t picking over/unders here. The Titans are bound to have a bad game sooner or later. It will either be this week at Baltimore or next week at KC. They do have a Monday Night game looming in a couple weeks against the Colts at The Tank, so I’m waiting for the let-down game. Baltimore is coming off an OT loss on Monday Night at Pittsburgh. Teams are 3-1 this year in the following week after a Monday Night loss on the road. Do I go with that trend? Do I take the Titans defense against rookie quarterback Joe Flacco or the Ravens defense against happy-hour fanatic Kerry Collins? I’m actually sold on Baltimore this year. I think they have a very solid team. This is a very hard pick to make, but I’m taking Baltimore and the points. However, I wouldn’t put real money on this game.

San Diego Chargers (-7) over Miami Dolphins

The Chargers had a bad game last Sunday minus the fourth quarter. They can’t be happy with the way they played in Oakland. They won, but it wasn’t pretty. The Dolphins are coming off a bye week after they destroyed the New England Patriots 38-13. I’m going to guess they are still pretty high from that game even though they had an extra week to settle down and prepare. Maybe that’s why Ricky Williams decided to not smoke pot this week? He was still on his natural high from the Patriots game. Let me say how proud I am of Ricky for fighting those urges. Unless Ronnie Brown can score four touchdowns and throw for another, I see San Diego coming out of the gates early and covering the seven points by halftime. Is there a spread for the first half?

Carolina Panthers (-9.5) over Kansas City Chiefs

Wow, Carolina giving 9.5 and I’m still taking them? I don’t want to, but I think I have to. Kansas City still stinks despite them beating the Broncos last week. Larry Johnson won’t run for 198 yards against the Panthers defense and KC won’t force four turnovers against the Panther’s offense. That’s not happening this week when they are on the road. They also have to be looking forward to their bye next week. The one thing about this game I don’t like is Carolina plays Tampa Bay next week in Tampa and they just beat Atlanta, another division rival, last week. This is a sandwich game that tends to be a let-down for NFL teams. If Kansas City didn’t have a big win last week, I would take KC, because the line would be a little higher. However, because KC won last week, I’m taking Carolina to cover.

Washington Redskins (+5.5) over Philadelphia Eagles

It will be tough for the Redskins to win back-to-back division games on the road, but it will also be tough for the Eagles to win without Brian Westbrook and Shawn Andrews. I’m not hearing comforting news about Westbrook at practice. It seems he is very limited and can’t make the cuts which make him so effective. I would be surprised if he plays this weekend; therefore, I’m taking the Redskins and the points assuming Westbrook and Andrews won’t be playing. Philadelphia’s defense played out of their minds last week in Chicago and gave the offense plenty of opportunities to put points on the board. However, six points off of four turnovers did not/will not get the job done. I see more of the same this week, a solid defense and a frustrating offense.

Detroit Lions (+3.5) over Chicago Bears

Chicago is on the road after a big win against the Eagles on national television. Detroit is an underdog at home coming off a bye in which their GM was fired seven years too late. Everyone in Detroit is breathing a little easier right now and that’s why I’m taking the Lions and the points. Here are some interesting stats for you. The Lion’s defense has three sacks, one forced fumble, and zero interceptions for the season. There are fourteen NFL players that have equal to or better numbers than that. So when someone tells you the Lions have a sucky defense, you should agree with them. With all that said, I’m still taking the Lions, but Matt Forte could have 200+ yards.

Seattle Seahawks (+7) over New York Giants

Both teams are coming off a bye. Both teams are coming off wins the week before the bye. Both teams blew out the Rams and held them to 13 points. Both teams are without their number one wideout. But the Giants without Plaxico will hurt them more than the Seahawks without Branch/Engram/Burleson/Largent. I expect this game to be a low-scoring, grind’em-out game. Giants still win, but they won’t cover the seven points. Actually, there’s a part of me right now that hates this pick and wants to say the Giants are going to blow them out of the water. But, I’m sticking with my guns like Travis Henry in a coke deal. I’ll take the Seahawks and the points.

Last week 3-3 (season 13-8)

Tampa Bay Bucs (+3) at Denver Broncos

I like the Bucs here because I hate that Broncos defense. I’m not sure how you can lose to team like Kansas City and still hold your head high. When you lose to KC, you should lower your head in shame for an entire week. But, the Broncos offense is just filthy. Jay Cutler looks like he is good at football and he’s got two nice WR’s to throw to in Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall. But, the Bucs are playing better defense these days and looked good last week against the Packers. The pick: Tampa Bay.

New England Patriots (-3) at San Francisco 49ers

I’m going to shock the world and take the Niners. New England just isn’t the same with Matt Cassel in there. I don’t like picking against Belichick with two weeks to prepare, but I also don’t like teams with shaky QB play and an old defense. The 49ers on the other hand, while still not very good, are better than we thought they would be with J.T. O’Sullivan. I think the Niners give the Pats a healthy dose of Frank Gore. The pick: 49ers.

Buffalo Bills (+1) at Arizona Cardinals

The 4-0 Bills just continue to win. Their defense is much better this year with guys like Marcus Stroud and Donte Whitner. Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards are coming into their own (Lynch was already in his own. Can you be in your own?) on offense and who doesn’t love a good running game to compliment a stout D? I’m still hesitant to ever pick the Cardinals to win so much as a game of Gin. Kurt Warner was the first guy in NFL history to look miserable while throwing for 472 yards last week. And, they could be sans Anquan Boldin. Or if he does play, he could be one play away from scrambled eggs. The pick: Bills.

Cincinnati Bengals (+17) at Dallas Cowboys

Wow, that’s a ton of points. Bengals QB Carson Palmer says he’s going to play, but for how long? The offensive line can’t block anyone anyway and that’s the main reason the whole offense stinks. If Ryan Fitzpatrick plays, then the Cowboys will easily cover this 17 points. That, and the fact that the Cowboys are super pissed about losing at home last week to the Redskins. I have a feeling that the Bengals are going to find out who Felix Jones is this week. Despite playing the Giants tough two weeks ago, the Bengals will take it bad this week. But by how much? I think they can cover as long as Palmer stays in. The pick: Bengals.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+4) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Boy, the Steelers are really beat up. Their offensive line has been bad and they are without their top two running backs in Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall (IR). Big Ben has been asking to go to the no-huddle offense this week and I think that might be a good idea. Bruce Arians is going to have to get creative (something most Steelers fans don’t think is achievable) to hide his deficiencies on offense. The Jags on the other hand, have started to find themselves a bit. If John Henderson and Derrick Harvey (he starts now) can get to Big Ben, it will be over quickly. If not, the Steelers will cover. I think it will be tough, but they can do it. The pick: Steelers.

Minnesota Vikings (+3) at New Orleans Saints

It’s tough to pick the Vikings when their coach is so stupid. I’m convinced that he was propped up by Andy Reid when he was the offensive coordinator in Philly. Maybe this guy is a competent offensive coordinator, but he’s no head coach. The Saints, however, have one of the best QB’s in football. Imagine if this guy had a defense or someone to throw to (no Shockey or Colston right now). The Vikings will try to keep the game close with a nasty defense and equally nasty running game. Still, the Saints are too much. The pick: Saints.

1 Dallas Cowboys: Still the team to beat. In back-to-back weeks the Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers, arguably two of the best teams in the NFC. Dallas’ first round pick (22nd overall) Felix Jones is a legitimate threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He has reached the end zone in every game to start his NFL career (11-yard run against Cleveland, 98-yard kickoff return against Philly, and 60-yard run against Green Bay). Having Felix Jones and Marion Barber in your backfield is quite the luxury, considering teams still have to deal with Jason Witten, Terrell Owens, and Tony Romo. Dallas is going to be a tough team to beat, but winning in the early part of the season has never been this team’s problem. It’s the all-important January games that still remain the hurdle.

2 Buffalo Bills: The Bills were down 23-14 to Oakland on Sunday with 6:23 left in the fourth quarter. They were supposed to lose, but after a 14-yard TD pass to Roscoe Parrish and a 38-yard FG (as time expired) by Rian Lindell, Buffalo improved to 3-0 on the season. It was their second-straight fourth-quarter comeback and this is what separates the good teams with the bad teams. Trent Edwards and the rest of the Bills have to be gaining a swagger of confidence and there’s nothing more dangerous (in a good way) for an NFL team to have. Their next two games are on the road against Atlantic 10 power St. Louis and the Arizona Cardinals.

3 New York Giants: The Cincinnati Bengals traveled to New York to win that game on Sunday (sometimes they play like they don’t care). They brought their ‘A’ game and gave the Giants all they had. It’s possible the Giants looked past this game a tiny bit heading into the bye, but Eli Manning continues to get it done in the fourth quarter. Say what you want about him, but he doesn’t make mistakes and moves the ball when the game is on the line (stemming from the end of last year). And right now he is playing better than his brother Peyton. Maybe it’s time for Eli to get more commercials?

4 Tennessee Titans: Yes, they are taking a huge leap this week from number 11. Tennessee could have the best defense in the NFL right now. They have 11 sacks, seven interceptions (one returned for a TD, Cortland Finnegan), and only have given up 29 total points for the season. There’s nothing better to compliment a knock’em out defense with than a powerful running attack, which the Titans have in LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson. This is a very physical team to play against on both sides of the ball.

5 Philadelphia Eagles: Brian Dawkins ran out of the tunnel during introductions (last one to be announced) and purposely tripped to the ground. He got up, brushed himself off, pulled his jersey number to the fans, and ran to his teammates at full speed. He was letting the fans know that he is quite capable of picking himself up after a bad game. His superman dive in the fourth quarter which resulted in a forced fumble and fumble recovery (ultimately sealing the game) was the icing on the cake. Hopefully, Brian Westbrook won’t miss any significant amount of time. The Eagles’ offense is not as intimidating when Westbrook is sidelined.

6 Green Bay Packers: Tough Monday Night loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Not only losing the game, but also losing cornerback Al Harris for the season (projected). The Packers now have to travel to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers and that will allow us to see how Aaron Rodgers can handle the pressure of playing on the road after a loss.

7 Denver Broncos: A very high-powered offense with a below-average defense. If they can continue outscoring teams, they should be fine, but when the cold weather arrives I can definitely see them slowing down. If the Denver Broncos want to be considered an elite team, their defense needs to start stopping opposing offenses. Giving up 28 points per game will eventually come back to haunt you. With that said, Brandon Marshall is the best wide receiver in the NFL right now. If Jay Cutler continues to get better and Marshall can stay out of jail, that duo will break records.

8 Pittsburgh Steelers: Exposed, exposed, exposed. I doubt the Steelers’ offensive line is as bad as they played this past weekend, but you have to agree they aren’t that good. Big Ben is not the most mobile quarterback in the league, so when he doesn’t have enough time to throw the ball he won’t be effective. And the road doesn’t get any easier for the O-line and Roethlisberger with a Week 4 match-up against the 2-0 Ravens and a Week 5 match-up against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Big Ben can get out of this three-game stretch (started last week in Philly) alive, then Steelers fan should be very happy.

9 San Diego Chargers: They have finally broken into my top 12. It was only a matter of time until they won. Yes, they could/should be 3-0, but they aren’t. In a must-needed win last night, they blew out the New York Jets. Philip Rivers is playing great and LT finally reached the endzone, but their offense isn’t the issue. It’s their Shawn Merrimanless defense that needs to step it up, which they did last night forcing turnovers and setting up scores. When this team is running on all cylinders they are one of the best teams in the AFC. Their 0-2 start should not hinder any playoff expectations.

10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A very impressive overtime win in Chicago last week has the Bucs in a three-way tie at the top of a somewhat competitive NFC South. I advertised their game last week as a ground’em and pound’em attack, but Brian Griese was able to torch the Bears’ secondary for 407 yards. Not bad for a backup quarterback. The Bucs will be tested the next three weeks with games against Green Bay, Denver, and Carolina. If they can escape with a 2-1 record in those three games I will be very impressed.

11 Washington Redskins: The NFC East is easily the toughest division in football. They have a 10-2 record and both losses are within the division. But only three of the four teams in the NFC East will be able to make the playoffs. It looks like either the Redskins or Eagles will be the odd team out. After a shaky Game 1, quarterback Jason Campbell has the lead the Redskins to two straight victories with his consistent play. Veterans Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, and Chris Cooley give the young quarterback many options. Washington can make a statement in the NFC East in the next two weeks as they travel to Dallas and then to Philly.

12 Baltimore Ravens: By default because they are 2-0. We’ll find out this weekend against Pittsburgh how good they really are.

I’m not going to do the fantasy studs, sleepers, and duds this week, because that’s all a crapshoot.

Atlanta Falcons (-5.5) over Kansas City

Speaking of crap, you know when you’re at your favorite sports bar that has all the NFL games on, but they only have seven TVs, so one of the games isn’t on? This is that game. This is that game even if you live in Atlanta or Kansas City, seriously. It’s Week 3 and KC has already gone through four quarterbacks. One of them being wide receiver Marquez Hagans who played quarterback in college for Virginia. Third-string quarterback Tyler Thigpen will get the start this week, but Damon Huard might see some time when if Thigpen struggles. Honestly though, how can you put money on quarterbacks named Tyler or Damon? Sounds more like the beginning of a boy band. I’d rather put my money on a quarterback named Matt or Ryan…or a Matt Ryan, per se. I’m taking the Falcons to cover.

Oakland Raiders (+9.5) over Buffalo Bills

Let down game for the Bills + let down game for the Raiders = ugly game during Week 3 in Buffalo. Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas haven’t practiced all week, but should play. And you know Raiders’ fans are praying that they stay healthy all year, because when in the pocket Jamarcus Russell looks like Jessica Simpson in a library. His 6-for-17 for 55 yards last Sunday (against KC) has to have the Oakland fan base a little worried about the season. That and Al Davis still owning the team. I do like Buffalo this year, but they are coming off a great fourth-quarter victory in Jacksonville, so I expect a little bit of a let down. 9.5 is a tough line to cover, so I’ll take Oakland and the points.

Tennessee Titans (-5) over Houston Texans

The Houston Texans should be well rested this week to take a beating from Kerry Collins and the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee’s front seven have been completely dominating NFL teams this year. All of two of them. Ahman Green is doubtful for the game, so rookie Steve Slaton should see a majority of the carries for the Texans. So, when he gets shut down that means Matt Schaub will have to throw the ball and his offensive line stinks, so Tennessee is gonna crush him and cover the 5 points. I really like Alge Crumpler and Bo Scaife to put up some nice numbers for the Titans. Furthermore, they have really weird names.

Cincinnati (+13.5) over New York Giants

I think the Giants are going to look past the Bengals this week and start focusing on ‘bye’ Week 4. Carson Palmer and the wide receivers have played like trash this year. Absolute trash. If they want to make any kind of statement this year there is nobody better to do it against than the Super Bowl champs. I have a strange feeling that the Bengals offense will start clicking at some point in this game and just enough to cover 13.5 points. It’s possible the Giants could be up 20 in the fourth quarter and Chad Ocho Cinco catches a 50-yard bomb from Palmer to cut the lead to 13 as the clock expires. That’s followed by Chad Ocho Cinco ripping off his jersey to reveal a recent tattoo he got of himself on his right pectoral. That’s followed by a river dance. That’s followed by an angry spike of the ball. And don’t forget Chris Henry comes back soon.

Arizona Cardinals (+3) over Washington Redskins

Yep, I like the Cardinals starting the season 3-0. Why not? Kurt Warner to Anquan Boldin. Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald. Their passing game is becoming a little dangerous and with the Seattle Seahawks tanking the Cardinals have to be thinking about a division title. This could be a very high-scoring game (maybe take the over?) with the team who has the ball last being the team that wins the game. Jason Campbell started getting into a groove last week and Chris Cooley was featured more in the offense. Speaking of Chris Cooley, did you hear that he exposed his penis on the internet? Yeah, he took a picture of his playbook on his lap while he was naked and then posted that picture on his blog. I’m serious, google it. I have a betting rule about this. When a team that is favored by three points at home has a player that exposes his penis on the internet, take the visiting team and the points.

New England Patriots (-12.5) over Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins stink. That’s really all you need to know, so I’ll take this time to go off on a tangent. Is Laurence Maroney one of the most frustrating fantasy players? Everyone views him as the starting running back for New England (which he is I guess), so when he drops to someone in the third or fourth round they take him thinking it’s a good pick, but it’s not. Maroney isn’t even a good eighth round pick. If he’s in your starting lineup, you have a really bad fantasy team. Sammy Morris will get all the goal-line touchdowns and Lamont Jordan will split the rest of the carries. Laurence Maroney could be a great running back if he was featured more and touched the ball 20+ times, but maybe he’s not good enough to touch the ball that much? I don’t know. I’m just glad I don’t have him on my team. With that said, Maroney will probably post monster numbers this week. New England definitely covers the 12.5 points. Look for Tom Brady to have a huge game.

Chicago Bears (-3) over Tampa Bay Bucanneers

If you really love offense. If you really love quarterback play. If you really love wide receiver action. If you really love aerial assaults, then don’t watch this game. Matt Forte and Earnest Graham will probably touch the ball 50 times each in this ground’em and pound’em game. Kyle Orton and Brian Griese only need to not make mistakes. That’s their only job. Both of these teams rely on their defense and running game. Matt Forte is turning into that ‘I should have drafted him three rounds earlier than when he was taken but I really had no clue he was that good’ fantasy player of the year. Not to the extent of Adrian Peterson was last year, but it looks like Chicago found themselves a great running back in the second round (pick 44) of last year’s NFL draft. I like Chicago’s D to stop the run and pressure Griese all game long. They will cover three points.

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) over Carolina Panthers

This was the toughest game to pick. I wouldn’t bet this game if I was a betting man, but for the sake of this post I will take the Vikings to cover 3.5 points, but I don’t like it. I really like the Carolina Panthers and I really dislike the Minnesota Vikings (in a how good do I think they are kinda way). In a game that I have no clue who to take, the team that I dislike usually wins. The news this week was that quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was benched and Gus Frerotte will take the helm. This clearly was a move forced by management in order to open up the play book and start winning games after the Vikings started the season 0-2. Brad Childress wouldn’t have moved up in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft to select Jackson only to bench him for the 2008 season if he didn’t feel the pressure from above (management, not God). However, Minnesota definitely has a better chance at winning with Frerotte taking the snaps if he can stay away from head-butting concrete walls.

Last week 5-2 (season 5-2)

I USED CURRENT ODDS THAT ARE BEING PLAYED AT CAESARS PALACE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

Here are my picks for Week 3 in the NFL. If you don’t take out every ounce of equity that you have in every single property you own to bet based on my picks, you are dumb.

Carolina (+3) at Minnesota:

I think I’m going with Carolina here. Yes, Gus Frerotte makes the offense better than it was with Tarvaris Jackson, but he’s hardly Joe Montana in 1988. Carolina has looked good so far without Steve Smith, and now they get him back. He’s arguably a top-three NFL receiver when Delhomme is healthy. All Day’s injury makes me like Carolina even more. The pick: Carolina.

St. Louis (+9) at Seattle:

Hmmmm….this is tough. Yes, the penis in the Rams’ mouth is bigger than the penis in the Seahawks’ mouth, but the bottom line is that these are two bad teams. Nine points is a lot to cover when you stink. Seattle’s WR’s are garbage, but they did add Koren Robinson and Keary Colbert this week. Hey, it could be worse. Despite the Seahawks being bad right now, the Rams are just so much worse. I think Seattle can cover this. The pick: Seattle.

Detroit (+4.5) at San Francisco:

Wow, these are hard, huh? Detroit likes to choke on hamster balls, but so does San Fran. I think I like Detroit here because of Megatron. Plus, Roy Williams was complaining this week and I like when people complain. Most likely, Isaac Bruce and Co. will be running free all over that horrific Detroit secondary the Niners will win by 30. But despite facts, I’m going to go with Megatron. The pick: Detroit.

New Orleans (+5.5) at Denver:

I can’t stand Jay Cutler and it has nothing with his ability to play football. He looks like an absolute dufus. He starts every play call and every snap count with “duhh..” That said, he’s actually pretty good at football these days. I love Brandon Marshall (mostly for his off-field behavior) and rookie Eddie Royal against this lousy secondary. The pick: Denver.

Pittsburgh (+3.5) at Philadelphia:

Philly has looked strong through two weeks, but Pittsburgh is usually a problem for them. In 2004, Pittsburgh was the only team that handled the Eagles in the regular season. If they didn’t rest their starters in the final two weeks, they probably go 15-1. And that 1, was a nasty loss in Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ version of the 3-4 defense is usually the biggest issue for the Birds. Big Ben has a bum shoulder, but the Steelers would rather run anyway. They haven’t won in Philly in forever, but so what. The pick: Pittsburgh.

Jacksonville (+5) at Indianapolis:

The Jags look awful through two weeks. They have lost their starting guards for the season and center Brad Meester has been out. This means they can’t run the way they want to. But, good news! Indy safety Bob Sanders is out up to six weeks. Not many players in the league impact their teams the way Sanders does. When he’s healthy (rare), Indy has a nice defense. When he’s hurt, they don’t. Jacksonville should finally be able to run a bit this week. The pick: Jacksonville.

Cleveland (+2) at Baltimore:

Cleveland looks like elephant ass so far this year, with the defense (secondary especially) playing the role of the puckered center. Baltimore stinks too, but we only have the week 1 game against the Bengals to judge them. The Ravens D isn’t what it was, but it will be good enough to cause Derek and the Dropsies problems. I just nicknamed the Cleveland offense. I don’t love rookie QB Joe Flacco in this matchup, but I don’t love the Browns either. I think it’s about time that Cleveland wins a game, but they won’t. The pick: Baltimore.

Dallas (-3) at Green Bay:

I think Dallas has enough gas to win this one despite the big Monday night showdown with the Eagles. I think Dallas wins this one by 10 or more. I just can’t see them losing this one. The pick: Dallas.

New York (+9) at San Diego:

The Chargers deserve a win and they’ll get one this week. Will they cover the spread? That’s a different question. I just can’t get in love with this Jets team. They still make stupid-assed play calls and continue to run a boring offense despite having one of the best loose cannons in NFL history. I mean that as a compliment, Brett. Sort of. I think San Diego comes out looking to hurt the Jets badly. They’ll get it done. The pick: San Diego.

I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE USED CURRENT ODDS FROM CAESAR’S.

There may have never been a better football game — sports game — than Tecmo Bowl.

It’s been too long, but Tecmo is finally bringing us some real details on the upcoming Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff for Nintendo DS.

“Yes, it’s been a while since our last update on Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff. We figured you’d want to spend some time with Madden ’09 and kick off the NFL season with some friends “" and of course you didn’t want to miss that opening concert with Usher and Keith Urban, right? (Note to NBC and NFL: Football fans like Usher and Keith Urban..really???)” Tecmo said Thursday.

“And yes, EA has done it again with Madden NFL ’09 taking 3 spots in the August 2008 Top 10 sales charts with the 360, PS3 and Wii versions. But what about the DS version?” they ask.

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff releases in November for the DS and they are banking on retro-loving players who remember the ultra addictive Tecmo Bowl.

1 Dallas Cowboys: Despite what Randy Moss says, the Cowboys are the team to beat. They are the favorites to win the Super Bowl. They have all the pieces, tons of weapons and they will only get better. I hate to say this, but I like Tony Romo as a player and an individual. He might be the only quarterback in the NFL that can deal with T.O. as a teammate.

2 Pittsburgh Steelers: Not a very impressive win against Cleveland, but it was against a divisional opponent on the road. So, maybe it was an impressive win? The AFC is up for grabs and I feel the Steelers are the front-runners because they play in the weakest division. I see them sweeping Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Cleveland.

3 Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers is a better quarterback right now than Brett Favre was last year. For a team that went 13-3 in 2007, I don’t see any reason why they can’t repeat that performance. Once Rodgers collects his first win via fourth quarter comeback, Brett Favre’s name will be forgotten in Wisconsin…forever. Alright, that’s a little too dramatic.

4 Buffalo Bills: Anyone jump on the Buffalo train with me yet? With Brady going down two weeks ago and the Jets not being able to beat New England at home, the Bills are starting to look like the team to beat in the AFC East. I’m still looking at a 5-0 start for this Bills team. Their defense is very, very good. After a Week 6 showdown with a bye, the Chargers will travel to Buffalo to give the Bills a huge test.

5 New York Giants: If you are in a survivor pool, take whoever is playing the Rams. It was New York’s turn to man-handle St. Louis last week. Speaking of looking ahead, the G-men could be looking at a 6-0 start with their next four games against Cincinnati, Seattle, Cleveland, and San Francisco.

6 Denver Broncos: They squeaked out a controversial win against the Chargers, but inadvertent whistles happen in the NFL. It’s part of the game, but it was definitely bad timing. However, don’t hold that against Denver. They are a very good, young team. Jay Cutler looks like he is the real deal and if Brandon Marshall can catch 18 passes per game from here on out, that’s 270 catches. That will shatter the all-time record.

7 Philadelphia Eagles: It’s hard to criticize Donovan’s McNabb’s performance last night against Dallas. He played brilliantly and showed all of us that he can play with anyone when he is 100% healthy. However, despite everything that happened in the first 55 minutes, McNabb had two chances to take his team down the field for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and couldn’t get it done. McNabb has to step it up at the end of games if he wants to show the NFL that the Eagles are a Super Bowl contender. He can’t fumble away losses.

8 New England: Whatever, they will start losing soon. Suck it, Boston?

9 Carolina Panthers: Carolina is 2-0 with both of those games being won in the fourth quarter. This is usually a sign of a good team. Steve Smith comes back this week for the Panthers as they travel to Minnesota to play the 0-2 Vikings. Look for him to play catch-up like Brandon Marshall did this past weekend.

10 Indianapolis Colts: They showed us nothing for six straight quarters, then they scored 18 straight points against the Vikings to avoid starting the season 1-1. This was an early must-win game for the Colts as they go home to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. It’s evident that Peyton Manning isn’t at 100%, but as the season progresses I expect him and the Colts to improve and be right in the mix.

11 Tennessee Titans: I love watching Kerry Collins play football. I was explaining to my friend Ben on Sunday that he is the only player in the NFL that is allowed to play drunk. It helps his game. He drinks before games and at halftime, and also smokes cigars on the sidelines. It’s quite phenomenal. All Tennessee needs is solid quarterback play and they will be in contention for a playoff spot. Cheers, Kerry Collins.

12 Chicago Bears: Kyle Orton hasn’t thrown a TD pass this year. That means he is on pace to not throw any TD passes for the whole year. Can the Bears stay in contention if that’s the case? With a strong running game, an even stronger defense, and solid special teams, the answer is yes. But Devin Hester must remain healthy. I don’t know what I mean by contention. As last week, I’m realizing this spot belongs to another team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After everything I’ve seen these first two weeks, the NFL is a crap shoot. There is no one dominant team and everyone looks beatable. Let’s take a look at some of the top teams and why they will and won’t make deep runs into the playoffs.

AFC:

New England Patriots

Why they will: They are a veteran team with a lot of talent. They know how to win and Belichick will keep them in most games.

Why they won’t: I do not like that defense at all. It’s old and slow. The offense was able to cover it up most of last year as it’s much easier to play D when you are up by 50 points. Regardless of what Randy Moss thinks, this team is just not a juggernaut without Brady.

Buffalo Bills

Why they will: Oh yes, this team is good at football. They have a very nice defense with Marcus Stroud (love those big nasty tackles). Marshawn Lynch and Lee Evans are excellent weapons on offense. And who can forget those special teams? Roscoe Parrish is filthy.

Why they won’t: I’m not sure that they are there yet. We’ll see if James Hardy can be a big help to Lee Evans on the other side of the field. I still need to see more of Trent Edwards.

Indianapolis Colts

Why they will: They are still loaded with talent. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai, Bob Sanders…etc.

Why they won’t: Peyton Manning’s recovery from the bursa sac removal will take some time. It’s going to take a few weeks for him to get fully comfortable again. Another problem I have with the Colts is that they have their whole payroll tied up with just a few guys. This makes them really strong at some positions, but forced to really on low-level scrubs for depth. That’s bothersome to me.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Why they will: David Garrard is an excellent QB and I still like that defense with DT John Henderson. Fred Taylor and MJD are a phenomenal one-two punch out of the backfield.

Why they won’t: I may have exaggerated in the first part. The Jags are sans their two starting guards for the season. Also, center Brad Meester has yet to play. Good luck playing without the interior of your offensive line. Garrad already has thrown as many INT’s this year as he did all of last year.

Tennessee Titans

Why they will: Like I said, I love defenses that start with great tackles. Albert Haynesworth is a beast when motivated, and since he’s playing with the franchise tag, he’s motivated. Cortland Finnegan is one of the most underrated corners in football. And how can you not like the kid Chris Johnson? He is a hell of an explosive runner.

Why they won’t: They have two QB options, they have decided that Kerry Collins is better, and they are right. I like Collins ok, but I wouldn’t him to the be the horse I’m riding to the Super Bowl. Vince Young is most likely cooked and may not play another down for the Titans.

Denver Broncos

Why they will: Jay Cutler is looking like the truth (he also looks like a bumbling dufus) this year and he has two dynamite weapons in Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal.

Why the won’t: They gave up a butt-load of points to the Chargers and should have lost that game. I do need to see Cutler do it for a full season before I can fully jump on his bandwagon.

San Diego Chargers

Why they will: They got hosed last week and should be 1-1. Philip Rivers is still a nice QB and they will be fine once their weapons get healthy (LT and Gates). This team is incredibly talented and will right their ship and be fine.

Why they won’t: They got absolutely shredded by the Broncos offense on Sunday. Antonio Cromartie, who is a superstud, looked miserable. Those injuries actually do concern me. Ladainian is starting to get nicked up and this is exactly what happens to RB’s as they get older. Especially ones that have been pounded the way LT has since 2001.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Why they will: Despite losing DE Brett Keisel for two months, I still like that front seven. James Harrison does more than just assault women, he’s ferocious on the field too. Big Ben is a horse you can ride and Willie Parker just keeps on doing it. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes give Roethlisberger some great targets in the passing game.

Why they won’t: I still worry about that o-line. They were shaky last year and then lost Pro Bowl G Alan Faneca to boot. The secondary could be an issue as well.

NFC:

New York Giants

Why they will: That defensive line is still very tough despite losing Strahan and Osi. Their offensive line is still one of the best units in the league and I’m a firm believer that it all starts up front. They also run the ball like nobody’s business and have three backs that can hurt you in Jacobs, Bradshaw and Ward. Plaxico Burress is a top five WR in the league at this point.

Why they won’t: It’s very tough to repeat, especially in the NFC East. Eli still needs to show that he can play at a high level for an entire year.

Dallas Cowboys

Why they will: They are probably the most talented team in football. They are the early-season favorites to take it all right now.

Why they won’t: Tony Romo has been dreadful the past two years in and past December. The Cowboys at the end of the year have not been the Cowboys at the beginning of the year. That is very, very troubling.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why they will: McNabb is healthy and back to being a top-three NFL quarterback. Brian Westbrook might be the best back in football and rookie DeSean Jackson has given the Birds that top-flight WR they’ve wanted so damn much. The defense has improved and will cause problems for offenses this year.

Why they won’t: Pick a reason, it’s Philly. McNabb needs to stay healthy for the entire year or none of the other stuff matters. Against Dallas, the defensive front four couldn’t generate any pass rush and that is a huge issue. There are also concerns at safety. Brian Dawkins is falling off, Quinton Mikell doesn’t cover very well, and Sean Considine should be working at Wendy’s.

Green Bay Packers

Why they will: The Packers are looking pretty tough right now. I’ve liked Aaron Rodgers for a while now and he’s finally showing that he’s good at football. They are deep at running back and wide receiver and they have playmakers all over their defense.

Why they won’t: Let’s see Rodgers do it for the whole year. Also, Ryan Grant has been battling a hamstring injury and he was incredibly important to their success last year.

Minnesota Vikings

Why they will: Plain and simple one of the best, if not the best, defenses in football. And with Adrian Peterson running the football, you can win on any given Sunday. The combination of defense and running game has won many a Super Bowl.

Why they won’t: Tarvaris Jackson is abysmal!

Carolina Panthers

Why they will: They are 2-0 this year and have won without Steve Smith. Jake Delhomme gives them a good chance to win as does the RB duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

Why they won’t: I just don’t there is enough talent on the entire roster to take down some of the other teams. That said, you never know. It’s all about playing well at the right time.

New Orleans Saints

Why they will: Drew Brees is a phenomenal QB who can kill you on any day.

Why they won’t: The defense stinks, Reggie Bush is overrated and their WR’s are depleted right now.

Arizona Cardinals

Why they will: They are the upstart team with a rejuvenated Kurt Warner at the helm. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitgerald scare the bejesus out of opposing teams. And they are in a division with three other stinkboxes.

Why they won’t: They are the Cardinals. WR’s don’t win championships. They may make the playoffs in that division, but only because someone has to.

Check back later in the year to see how stupid and off-base my analysis is.

Here are my Week 2 NFL picks. For true entertainment, match my picks with what actually happened on Monday and Tuesday. It will be good times for all I assure you.

Oakland Raiders (+3) at Kansas City Chiefs

Sweet Jesus. Basically your choices are crap sandwich or diarrhea milkshake. I think the Raiders are too fractured to win many games. Head coach Lane Kiffin is about 18-years old and I heard today that his defensive coaches don’t let him in on gameplan meetings. WOW. True? I have no idea, but I like to spread rumors. Damon Huard gets the start at QB for the Chiefs and I’ll pause while you all dive to your fantasy football waiver wire to put in a claim. Both of these teams stink, but I’m giving the nod to the Chiefs. Fantasy stud: ***crickets chirping*** Fantasy Sleeper: Zack Miller. Fantasy Dud: Darren McFadden.

Tennessee Titans (+1) at Cincinnati Bengals

Vince Young cries and threatens to quit football when he gets booed, but that’s ok, he’s not playing this week. A veteran of getting booed, Kerry Collins will command the ship and that could be a good thing. Chris Johnson and Lendale White will run all over a Bengals team that looks awful in all phases of the game. I don’t know what has happened to Carson Palmer, but he has been terrible and so has his team. I’m taking the Titans. Fantasy Stud: Chris Johnson. Fantasy Sleeper: Chris Johnson. Fantasy Dud: Carson Palmer.

Indianapolis Colts (-1.5) at Minnesota Vikings

At times last week I was impressed with the Vikings’ d-line at other times…not so much. On the other hand, I was incredibly disappointed with the Colts and Peyton Manning in particular. I spoke with a source close to a television that said Manning looks tentative. I would pick the Vikings in this game if it were not for the fact that I choose not to do so. I have to go with the Colts because the only difference between Tarvaris Jackson and a chilled jar of a giraffe’s snatch juice is the jar. Fantasy Stud: Reggie Wayne. Fantasy Sleeper: Sidney Rice. Fantasy Dud: Marvin Harrison.

New Orleans Saints at Washington Redskins

No line on this one? I know Marques Colston is out and the Saints have two crappy starting WR’s, but I still have to go with the Saints. I don’t hate the ‘Skins, but I don’t love them either. Jason Campbell is still learning his 34th system in four years, and he’ll probably struggle early. The front seven of the Redskins – Jason Taylor admits his knee is sore to quite sore – does not have the juice to get pressure on Brees, and he will hurt you with time. I’ll take the Saints. Fantasy Stud: Drew Brees. Fantasy Sleeper: Devery Henderson. Fantasy Dud: Reggie Bush.

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Detroit Lions

Hmmmm….this is a toughie. The Packers looked strong on both sides of the ball last week against a solid to quite solid Vikings team. On the other hand, the Detroit Lions looked like a warm bucket of hamster vomit against a crap-ass Falcon team. Will the Packers really be able to score at least four points more than the Lions? Geez, I don’t know. The Lions will have 5,000 screaming fans in the dome and Rogers might not be able to hear anything. Fantasy Stud: Greg Jennings. Fantasy Sleeper: Donald Lee. Fantasy Dud: Jon Kitna.

Chicago Bears (+3) at Carolina Panthers

Isn’t this interesting? Two teams winning games last week over two teams they had no business beating…on the road. How do you handicap this game? I’m going Bears because their defense looks like it could be way better than I thought. No Steve Smith? Sorry, Carolina. Fantasy Stud: Matt Forte. Fantasy Sleeper: Jonathon Stewart. Fantasy Dud: Devin Hester.

NY Giants (-8.5) at St. Louis Rams

The Rams blow goats. They are miserable and I expect nothing to change this week. Yes, 8.5 is a lot of points to give up, but the Rams are dreadful. While I don’t believe the Giants are your typical defending Super Bowl champs, do you have any idea what Justin Tuck is going to do to Marc Bulger? Bulger drops into a cocoon at the slightest hint of pressure. Well, Tuck will make sure that there is the slightest hint. Fantasy Stud: Brandon Jacobs. Fantasy Sleeper: Eli Manning. Fantasy Dud: Torry Holt/Steven Jackson. Both of them.

Philadelphia Eagles (+7) at Dallas Cowboys

This is one of the toughest games to pick of the week. My gut says that Dallas won’t manhandle the Birds, but they will win by at least 10. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Eagles won, nor would I be shocked if it was close. I just think it’s too early and Dallas is too good right now. Fantasy Stud: Jason Witten. Fantasy Sleeper: DeSean Jackson. Fantasy Dud: Eagles DEF.

National Football Conference

NFC East
*Dallas Cowboys 14-2
**Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
**New York Giants 10-6
Washington Redskins 9-7

NFC North
*Minnesota Vikings 9-7
Detroit Lions 8-8
Green Bay Packers 6-10
Chicago Bears 4-12

NFC South
*New Orleans Saints 13-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Atlanta Falcons 2-14

NFC West
*Seattle Seahawks 10-6
Arizona Cardinals 8-8
St Louis Rams 4-12
San Francisco 49ers 2-14

American Football Conference

AFC East
*New England Patriots 14-2
**New York Jets 10-6
Buffalo Bills 8-8
Miami Dolphins 3-13

AFC North
*Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Cleveland Browns 7-9
Cincinnati Bengals 4-12
Baltimore Ravens 2-14

AFC South
*Jacksonville Jaguars 13-3
**Indianapolis Colts 13-3
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Houston Texans 4-12

AFC West
*San Diego Chargers 14-2
Denver Broncos 8-8
Kansas City Chiefs 6-10
Oakland Raiders 6-10

* Division Winner

** Wild Card

Wild Card Weekend

Seattle Seahawks over New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles over Minnesota Vikings

Jacksonville Jaguars over New York Jets

Indianapolis Colts over Pittsburgh Steelers

Divisional Playoffs

Dallas Cowboys over Philadelphia Eagles

New Orleans Saints over Seattle Seahawks

San Diego Chargers over Indianapolis Colts

New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars

Conference Championships

Dallas Cowboys over New Orleans Saints

San Diego Chargers over New England Patriots

Superbowl

San Diego Chargers over Dallas Cowboys

Awards

MVP: LaDainian Tomlinson

Offensive Player of the Year: LaDainian Tomlinson

Defensive Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware

Offensive ROY: Darren McFadden

Defensive ROY: Vernon Gholston

Why only nine? Because of budget constraints. I couldn’t convince the publisher to print a Top 10 list so we had to trim it to nine. So, here are my Top Nine fantasy football impact rookies.

From back to front:

#9: DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Reggie Brown is nursing a hamstring. Meanwhile, Jackson is showing that he has the skills to play at this level. The Eagles need playmakers at WR and if he continues to play like he has, he will be on the field.

#8: James Hardy, WR, Bills: He’s huge. If he can stop pulling guns on his dad, he has a chance to get a lot of playing time. Lee Evans will open up quite a bit for him.

#7: Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers: Simply put, a perfect addition to pair up with Fast Willie. My biggest concern is that offensive line. The Steelers offense is built from the outside in.

#6: Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: If he can stay healthy (and that’s a big if), he could take over backfield duties in Houston. There are rumors that Ahman Green could get cut outright. John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has given Slaton rave reviews.

#5: Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys: I could easily put him higher up this list. This kid is damn good. Marion Barber gets the bulk of the load, but a player of this caliber finds his way onto the field.

#4: Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: How could you make him fourth!!!?? A crowded backfield will do that. This is a list for fantasy impact, not who the best player is. McFadden looks like the truth, but I don’t know that he’ll be getting the bulk of the work just yet.

#3: Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: You better believe I wanted to rank him higher. I love this kid. Word out of Baltimore is that he looks great. He could run McGahee out of town for 2009.

#2: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: This kid looks really good. I think the Titans have found a player. It concerns me that he’s splitting time with Lendale White, but he could still have a good impact.

#1: Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Because everyone else in their backfield is such garbage He looks like he can be a nice back and he’ll most likely be starting.

I just got off the phone with Garry Cobb up at Eagles training camp. He says that he got word that Eagles starting WR Reggie Brown is in danger of being passed over by Hank Baskett. This is a big story in Eagleland, as they are very concerned about their WR situation.

When I saw Brown at training camp last week, he was dropping passes. Apparently, he’s been doing quite a bit of that. Baskett catches most everything thrown his way and does have some big-play ability. In 2006, he had two plays over 80 yards that went for touchdowns.

Fantasy leaguers keep an eye on this one.

BETHLEHEM, Penn. — On Saturday, I got to spend the entire day at Lehigh University at training camp for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, I know, I should have posted this sooner. Give me a break.

As a football junkie, the sights and sounds of the opening weekend were very welcomed. This was my first camp experience as a media member so training camp was as new to me as it was to the shy rookies who were about to get hit by professionals for the first time. Here are my observations:

-Eagles camp is a bit of a circus this year. Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard isn’t happy with his contract and wants to be paid or traded. Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook is keg of dynamite on the field, and threatening to become one off of it as well; he also wants more money and has mentioned that he might leave camp if he doesn’t get it.

While these have been huge stories in the Philly media, they weren’t the biggest problem. Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews shocked everyone by not showing up to camp. More shocking is that it doesn’t seem money related. Word around camp is that he has some emotional issue. I spoke to several people that said that head coach Andy Reid is absolutely fuming. This is the weirdest hold-out story I’ve ever heard.

-Interesting note on the photography rules. During any kind of live passing drills, all photographers have to be at or behind the line of scrimmage. Apparently there was an incident years ago where a player caught a pass running out of bounds and had a collision with a photographer.

-Rookie seventh-round offensive lineman King Dunlap is a 6′ 9" mountain of a project that the coaches think they can turn into a real player. It’s only the first weekend, but it’s not looking good. He was getting smoked by everyone and anyone. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo was on him during one-on-one drills, yelling at him to explode forward before moving laterally.

-If you are imagining a quiet practice field with a few reporters looking on, you are way off. Philadelphia fans absolutely love their Eagles. Both the morning and afternoon practices drew about 5,000 screaming fans that pay attention to every play. To these loyal on-lookers, every 20-yard completion is a glimmer of hope that the team could be playing deep into January.

-I was a few yards from young running back Lorenzo Booker making a phenomenal one-handed catch on an awful Kevin Kolb throw to the sidelines. He snagged it effortlessly and then blazed up the sideline. This drew quite a cheer from the faithful.

-Speaking of which, if you’ve never been at an NFL practice or had a chance to see these guys do their thing up close, you have no idea just how big, fast and talented they are. Even the bad players are unbelievable to watch. To even get invited to an NFL training camp speaks volumes about one’s natural athleticism.

-The press and photographers are situated between the field and the fans. The fans who are pressed against the rail on the field level have to try to see through us and the players who are on the sideline watching the drills. A fan starts yelling at us, "if you aren’t taking pictures you have to move out of the way!" The photographer next to me looked at me like…"what the hell rule is that?" I know the fans want to see their favorite players, but there are some people who are actually working.

-Uh oh. Big-ticket free agent signee Asante Samuel just left practice with an apparent hamstring injury. No one knows the severity, and it’s just the latest issue the Eagles have to deal with in this camp. It turns out, it’s a mild sprain and that he is day-to-day. It looks like someone didn’t spend his big signing bonus on gym equipment.

-Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb looks sharp and fit. Although he didn’t finish the afternoon practice the way he would have wanted, the rest of the day he was throwing darts that cut through the Bethlehem, PA humidity and found their marks. He is now fully recovered from his 2006 ACL tear and looks to have a spring in his step again.

-Of course it’s all well and good for McNabb to be accurate, but there also has to be someone to catch it. And that someone doesn’t seem to be starting wide receiver Reggie Brown. He wasn’t terrible the whole day, but he did let a 40-yard McNabb bomb slide right through the eight and the six (he’s #86) and hit the turf.

-Remember those passionate fans I mentioned earlier? They kind of noticed that Brown didn’t make that grab and they let him have it. I won’t repeat some of what I heard.

-Another photography note: Don’t leave as much as a camera bag on the ground during live drills. I was lightly scolded by an Eagles employee for having a video camera bag at my feet as the live bullets started to fly on the field. I’m not sure if it’s for player safety, or so King Dunlap doesn’t fall out of bounds and obliterate someone’s $4,000 lens.

-I get a phone call from former Philadelphia Eagle and current 610 WIP sports radio host Garry "G." Cobb on my cell phone. He tells me he just walked by super agent Drew Rosenhaus down by the fields. Rosenhaus is Sheppard’s agent and stopped by for a little sit-down discussion with Reid and COO Joe Banner regarding the cornerback’s status. One fan yells, "Hey Drew, how about you get them to trade for Anquan Boldin?!" Drew says, "yeah, that sounds good."

-Andy Reid is the A1 head honcho when it comes to calling the shots at training camp. If he sees something he doesn’t like, he will let you know. Loudly. And not just football stuff. One event staffer said he got it from Reid when fans were leaning too far over an elevated railing. He laughed and said, "Oh, Andy does not discriminate when it comes to going off on people." That sounds about right, everyone in that complex is fearful of Reid. After seeing his commanding presence, even I was! I didn’t dare ask a question during the press conference lest I be the object of his ire.

-Although, that didn’t stop other reporters from doing so. A guy with a prominent sports media outlet, which will remain nameless, asks Reid about Asante Samuel’s hammy injury. He wanted to know how hamstring injuries are treated as opposed to other injuries. Are you serious? I’m not a doctor, but I’ve watched enough sports to know that each hamstring issue is different and that you have to be careful with it because it can be re-injured very quickly if you rush back too soon. How do you not know this?

-Defensive tackle Montae Reagor gets inches from picking off McNabb. Tackles rarely get the chance to make INT’s and you could tell he was upset with himself. Tra Thomas yells, "man that was your chance, Montae!"

-For all those Philly fans that are clamoring to move on and close the McNabb era, you may want to hold off on that thought. Kevin Kolb was drafted in the second round in 2007 as McNabb eventual successor, but he doesn’t remotely look ready. I saw poor decisions and scattered passes all day. He may be fine at some point, but right now is not his time.

-I think this is running back Ryan Moats’ last training camp in Philly. He still hasn’t grasped the playbook and drops too many balls out of the backfield. As Charles Barkley would say, “he looks terrble.”

-Rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson gets perhaps the most fan attention. He looks like he can really play based on what I saw Saturday and I was praising him. Just fyi, I spoke to a few people today after his hamstring injury who didn’t have great things to say about his work ethic.

-I wrapped up the day drinking Gatorade and water in the press tent with G. Cobb. We discussed what we saw and who won’t make the cut at the end of August. It’s a numbers game and we think there are going to be some pretty big names sent to the waiver wire when the final axe comes down.

I have had no interest in reporting on this obnoxious story since Brett Favre announced his retirement. I have had it with all the rumors about Favre telling his cousin’s dog that he might come back, or that Peter King thinks Favre might come back and play in Canada. But, now I actually have something substantial.

According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Favre has asked for his outright release from the team.

UPDATE: The Packers have released a statement regarding Favre. The statement reads:

“The Green Bay Packers are aware of the latest developments regarding Brett Favre.

“Brett earned and exercised the right to retire on his terms. We wanted him to return and welcomed him back on more than one occasion.”

“Brett’s press conference and subsequent conversations in the following weeks illustrated his commitment to retirement.”

“The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team.”

“As a retired player, Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with Commissioner Goodell. If that were to occur, he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always, the Packers will do what’s right and in the best interest of the team.”

“As with all Packers greats, Brett’s legacy will always be celebrated by our fans and the organization, regardless of any change in his personal intentions.”

“Brett and Deanna will always be a part of the Packers family.”

Don Imus apparently doesn’t get it. On his radio show today he had this exchange with Warner Wolf:

Wolf: "Defensive back Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones, recently signed by the Cowboys. Here’s a guy suspended all of 2007 following a shooting in a Vegas night club."

Imus: "Well, stuff happens. You’re in a night club, for God’s sake. What do you think’s gonna happen in a night club? People are drinking, they’re doing drugs. There are women there, and people have guns. So, there, go ahead."

Wolf: "He’s also been arrested six times since being drafted by Tennessee in 2005."

Imus: "What color is he?"

Wolf: "He’s African-American."

Imus: "Well, there you go. Now we know."

What in the hell is he thinking? How is this not blatantly racist? This guy is lucky to have a job after they made so much noise about his comments regarding the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Wait until they get a hold of this one. Just wait. I don’t even see where he was trying to make a joke.