Week 16

Brooklyn Hillbilly (19-11-1)

This week Im sticking with NFC picks for the same reason I enjoy talking about the GOP presidential race: the AFC and Democratic party are both too close to home and too dysfunctional for me to properly analyze. It is interesting to note the parallels, both have a front-runner who has looked weak in recent weeks(Hill-dawg and the Pats), a strong contender that is nursing some recently inflicted wounds and is ready to explode for a big run in January(Obama/Colts), and a dark horse with solid ground game fundamentals and a populist game plan(Edwards/Jags). Ill bring you the NFC/GOP preview next week. On to the games....

Dallas(-10.5) at CAROLINA
The Thumb. The biggest question facing Dallas for the rest of the year. Now, I didn't watch all of that game, but damn did he look like he was in pain. And from what I understand, the thumb is an integral digit used in throwing a football. If you cant squeeze, you cant throw, and like it or not, this team wins or loses based on that thumb. Maybe they can squeak by Carolina and Washington to finish out the season, but they wont be able to win without Romo in the playoffs. Last time I checked, that's all that matters. The latest news is that Romo is practicing and will start. We will see how well he holds up. His teams future depends on it. As for the TO-Jessica Simpson controversy, I think her absence will mean less than Roy Williams' absence on Saturday for, shocker!, breaking the rule named after him. One day he might learn, but he will have to start next week. The Panthers are in a bad way and should be concentrating on how Matt Moore holds up vs. this defense. Decisions will be made in the off season about coaching, QBs, RBs and the (many) other problem areas on this team, and Moore has a chance to put his name front and center in the QB race for next year. I see the Cowboys winning this one, regardless of how long Romo plays, but if he sulks off the field, I would be sorry I bet on Dallas to cover. Cowboys win 21-14.

Washington at MINNESOTA(-6.5)
This should be a great match up for Sunday night. Minnesota's ground game has become a good bet to grind out significant yardage every week, and Washington's.....is, well,....spirited. Ill confess, I don't know how Washington can win this game, and I still couldn't tell you how they won vs the Giants. Sticking to your game plan and executing is the sort of pap that I normally dismiss, but it works for the Skins. I think they are still playing on an emotional high after losing Sean Taylor and everyone on that team wants to get to the playoffs for him. It is possible for one of these teams to make it, but not both. That is what makes this a potentially fantastic game. It really is crunch time for both teams and they will play accordingly (especially if the Giants lose Sunday afternoon, the Skins will leave everything on the field). Now, the Skins D can handle the Vikings running backs...for about 2.5 quarters. With about 8min left in the 3rd, this game will open up and Adrian Peterson will become even more popular than he is now. I'm not afraid to admit it, I believe the hype. I believed it when he was a freshman at OU and I believe it even more now, this guy has Barry Sanders/Jim Brown potential. But, like every great athlete, he has his Achilles Heel. For some it is painkillers, strippers or dogfighting. For Peterson, it its...his Achilles heel. The man has proven hes fragile, and he must be used efficiently for the Vikings to get into the playoffs and make a run. Luckily for them, they have Chester Taylor to help out. It is only because of these two that Tarvaris Jackson hasn't been completely destroyed this season, and they have given him a chance to develop(as much as he can). At some point, Washington's steam is going to run out, and I think it happens this week. Todd Collins has been doing better than anyone expected, but he alone cant make up for the inherent deficiencies in this team. Skins put up a valiant effort, but fall short. Vikings march toward the playoffs 27-21

Super Special College Football Comment:
Also, Id like to give a shout-out to my boy Rich Rodriguez, for making contract demands of West Virginia, then giving them no time to negotiate or consider the demands because he had already accepted Michigan's offer. A real class act. And on top of that, for thinking about suing the school to not have to pay the $4 million obligation he owes for leaving the school high and dry. You are a piece of shit RichRod(or his new name, courtesy of my brother in law, Shrivel Dick) and you will get yours. I hope this worthless turd never beats Ohio State and is kicked to the curb within 3 years. Go Buckeyes!(starting next year)