As was widely reported yesterday, Ron Santo, Cubs legend, died at age 70. While the older generation may remember him for his 15 year stint with the Cubs back in the 60s, my memories of him will always be for his announcing. Pat Hughes and Ron Santo made it seem like you were watching Cubs games with your grandfathers. Especially if one of your grandfathers couldn't stand to see the Cubs lose. Ron's histrionics in the booth were what every fan was thinking when the Cubs inevitably messed up. Sure, he was a homer. He couldn't contain himself. But that was exactly what we need from an announcer- someone to match our emotions pitch perfectly. I'm going to miss the cries of anguish when we lose in the bottom of the ninth, or the wild, jubilant cheers when the Cubs manage to pull it out when all hope seems lost, when they had made Ron's day absolutely perfect.
Also, he played at a high level in the MLB WITH DIABETES. What a man.
On that somber note, Week 13 of the NFL season. There are two great matchups, both in PRIMETIME. Wonderful. Finally, NFL scheduling gets it right!
Buffalo at Minnesota (-5.5)
Another week, another Bills heartbreak. Stevie Johnson, one week after a career game, makes himself more famous...for the wrong reasons. 5 drops, including the game winner, will do that for ya. It's ok to have fun when you're doing well, but Stevie's gotta make sure he focuses enough to do his job before he gets goofy. Anyway, the Bills impressed me in staying in the game against the Steelers, and now face a weaker opponent. The Vikings, now under Leslie Frazier, seem committed to the run game (big time), and that only spells doom for the Bills. Smart teams would just run the ball every down against the Bills. The Vikings should be able to move the ball, Brett Favre will probably be limited by his coach to protect the team, and the Vikings can grind out a win. Will the Bills keep it close? Yes, that's what they have a knack for. Finishing is a whole 'nother story. Bills cover, Vikings win.
Cleveland at Miami (-5)
Chad Henne's return to the Dolphins really threw a wrench into my Raiders pick last week, and now they face off against Cleveland, who are starting Jake Delhomme once again. The Browns could barely get past the Panthers last week (Panthers missed a field goal to win) even though Peyton Hillis had 3 touchdowns in the FIRST HALF. The Dolphins are still hanging on in the playoff hunt, so they should be playing harder in this game than the Browns. Plus, Jake Delhomme loves a good pick-six. Miami wins and covers.
Jacksonville at Tennessee (-3)
Tennessee returns QB Kerry Collins, which would have fans complaining if he were replacing anyone other than Rusty Smith. In addition to terrible quarterbacking, the Titans also gave up on the run early, even though Chris Johnson is their best weapon. So, suffice to say, I have no confidence in them. Jacksonville's been playing decently-to-well, and I think they have enough firepower with MOJO D to take this one. Jags cover and win.
Denver at Kansas City (-8.5)
Sure, three weeks ago, Denver ran it up against the Chiefs and beat them 49-29. But since that game, the Chiefs have exploded offensively, mostly behind the ridiculous production of Dwayne Bowe. Meanwhile the Broncos, under Josh McDaniels, are fading fast. Sure they put up points and passing yards, but they don't do much else well. Kansas City is going to be motivated to put a beating on the Broncos this time, but I don't quite see it happening. Broncos cover this big spread, Chiefs win. And maybe Todd Haley will shake McDaniel's hand. Maybe.
Washington at NY Giants (-7)
Washington must be the most mediocre team in the league. They instantly render all matchups uninteresting to me. The Giants took care of business last week after a slow start and should take this one handily. Giants cover and win. God, I almost fell asleep writing that because of the Redskins.
Chicago (-5) at Detroit
Detroit is starting Drew Stanton, so, even though the Bears abused a rule to win their last game against Detroit, it won't quite be the same this time. Bears win and cover, and Bears fans get more and more hyped up. I cannot wait for them to bomb in the playoffs.
San Francisco at Green Bay (-9.5)
Green Bay lost a close one to a great team, and now face off against the mediocrity of the NFC West. God that division is horrible. They really need to not guarantee division champs playoff spots. Anyway, Green Bay recovers from a close loss by taking it out on the hapless 49ers. Packers win and cover.
New Orleans (-6.5) at Cincinnati
The Bengals are so, so, so bad. Carson Palmer is a joke at quarterback, Cedric Benson never gets any chances to get more than 10 carries (and, sometimes, if he does, he gets like 1.8 yards per carry), and the defense fell off a cliff compared to last year. New Orleans has regained its form, and I expect them to make this one a laugher. Saints win and cover.
Atlanta (-3) at Tampa Bay
Atlanta is legit, even if they're away from home. Great run game and QB who can make throws in the clutch, along with a stingy enough defense that held the Packers to 17. The Bucs beat bad teams, and sometimes keep it close with the elite. They're about a year away. I don't think they can quite keep up with the Falcons, though, and that's why I'm confident in saying that the Falcons win and cover.
Oakland at San Diego (-13)
San Diego has gone on their patented late season run, leaving scorched earth in their path. The hapless Raiders, with Jason Campbell, are their next victim. Although the Raiders beat them a while back 35-27, they had two punt blocks, and the Chargers seem to have shored up their special teams, and their offense is clicking on all cylinders. They've been a new team the last couple of weeks in decimating the Broncos and Colts. Chargers win and cover.
Carolina at Seattle (-5)
Carolina played with my heart last week when they were oh so close to winning a second game and helping the Bills get back to the first pick. No dice, though. Kickers missing field goals is just another sign of a cursed season. Now they face off in the Game of the Week in Hell against Seattle. I am dying of apathy for this game. I hope the highlights never hit my retinas. But, I do want Carolina to win, so I'll pick them to cover? Yeah. Carolina covers and Seattle wins (because of homefield). But hopefully Jimmy Clausen goes OFF and leads them to victory. Sorry, maybe I was just dreaming there. In hell, this game is being shown on mute with bad subtitles and a mashup of Carolina Bluegrass and Seattle Grunge playing over it.
Dallas at Indianapolis (-5)
Dallas once again showed that they were a competitive team in keeping it close against the Saints. Now they play the other team from last year's Super Bowl. Peyton Manning is probably furious with himself after the last two games, and I can see him going wild on the crappy Dallas secondary, and the Colts defense stifling Jon Kitna. Indy wins and covers.
St. Louis (-3.5) at Arizona
Sam Bradford has shown the effect that an elite QB can have on a franchise in putting the Rams in the drivers seat for the worst division in football, and, miraculously, a playoff spot. The Cardinals are falling apart, and Derek Anderson's tirade after the Monday Night game, suffice to say, will not inspire them to do any better. St. Louis wins and covers.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (-3)
Ah, here's the 2nd best game of the weekend, in a glorious prime time spot. I don't think either team has looked particularly dominant the past few weeks; and both these teams were taken to overtime by the Bills. Still, there is some genuine HATE between these two sides, and these games often turn into displays of near thuggery (even though James Harrison will claim everything he does is legal). The Steelers were barely impressive last Sunday on offense, whereas the Ravens have shown a lot of ability on offense. With the defenses being almost equal, I give the advantage to the Ravens. But it will be close. Ravens win, Steelers cover.
NY Jets at New England (-3.5)
Ah, here's the primo matchup, in the primo Monday Night slot. The king of the AFC East this decade, is challenged by the loud upstart. Tom Brady has been playing out of his mind lately against quality opponents (Steelers, Colts), whereas the Jets have been unconvincingly escaping against decent teams (Browns, Texans). The Patriots will be playing for revenge after the 28-14 loss in week 2, and I expect them to beat the Jets and cover.
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