It's 2011 everybody! Count how many times someone says to you, "It's 2011! Can you believe it?" Yes, I can. It's a novel concept, people. Sure, it went by fast, but yeah, it's 2011. And on that note, let's talk about New Year's Day. An underrated sports day. Tons of bowl games, and now the Winter Classic. The rundown- what was good and what was bad:
-Great: The Rose Bowl. TCU proved, definitively, that non AQs belong in the conversation for national championships. Despite the fact that they've already won about 5 out of 6 of the last BCS bowls they were in, there was still some doubt heading in. TCU was able to get the offense they needed (especially on third and long) and was able to stop Wisconsin's offense- even though Wisconsin abandoned their run game, which was ripping up the TCU defense when they tried. Wisconsin had a chance at the end, but, once again, abandoned the run and had their two point conversion fail on a batted pass. Either way, TCU showed they were to be reckoned with. Also, it was a pretty good football game. Unfortunately, it means nothing more than...they won the Rose Bowl.
-Good: The Winter Classic. Love hockey, love it outdoors, love it on new years day. Old uniforms, and fluky play. Watch it and love it. In non outdoor hockey news, the Sabres beat the Bruins in a shootout off a sick Tyler Ennis deke.
-The Worst: The Fiesta Bowl. This is the worst of the BCS. It sets up a terrible matchup and makes it a zero sum game. No one enjoys this. All Oklahoma gets is some hats that say they won the Fiesta Bowl! But wait...who cares. What would be nice is if this was a first round playoff matchup... one can only dream.
Onto week 17, the flukiest of the season. Picks! Good thing I haven't been keeping track of my picks. It's a new year though! It's 2011 man!
Oakland at Kansas City (-3.5)
Kansas City is in the playoffs, but does have seeding to play for (3rd or 4th seed-and 3rd is an easier route-avoid the Patriots). They also have a fierce rivalry with the Raiders, who are just playing for pride. It's a game that means something to both sides, and the Chiefs superior talent and run game should be enough to get by the cagey Raiders. Chiefs win and cover.
Miami at New England (-5.5)
Not sure if New England is going to play their starters for the whole game (especially since Wes Welker was injured last year in the final game before the playoffs), so I can't say with full certainty that they should roll over the Dolphins. They're only playing for Tony Sparano...is that really so motivational? I'll take the Patriots to win, but the Dolphins will cover, because of the Patriots subs.
Tennessee at Indianapolis (-9.5)
Indy is playing for the playoffs, so I can't see them losing this game. But the Titans played the Colts close last time, and they'll do it again this time. It's a stats cushion game for Chris Johnson- Indy wins, Titans cover.
Jacksonville at Houston (-3)
It's TRENT EDWARDS time! And the playoffs are on the line! It's the perfect storm of crappiness for the Jaguars, as Maurice Jones Drew is also out-just when they need him most. I've seen Trent Edwards more than any other person, probably, so I know this won't be pretty. But he is playing against the terrible Houston secondary, which made Tim Tebow look good. Still, without Mojo D, I can't see the Jags winning. Houston wins, Jags cover. Unless the Trent Edwards era has BEGUN!!
Pittsburgh (-5.5) at Cleveland
Pittsburgh, fighting for the number 2 seed and a first round bye. Tough to see them letting this one slip, especially with that defense against the Browns offense. Steelers win and cover.
Cincinnati at Baltimore(-9.5)
Same deal- Baltimore wants a first round bye as well. Cinci's offense shouldn't be able to dent the Ravens defense. Baltimore wins and covers.
Minnesota at Detroit (-3.5)
The battle for the NFC North cellar! Despite Minnesota's pluckiness last week, I don't see it lasting. The Lions are on a bit of a roll right now (by their standards, anyway), and I see them winning and covering. The Vikings train wreck season needs to end right. Baby steps for the Lions, right out of the cellar.
NY Giants (-4) at Washington
This is the Giants playing for just a shot at the playoffs. If they drop this, against the Redskins, they really were shaken by their breakdown against the Eagles. I can't see it happening, because the Redskins are just that bad. Giants win and cover, but it won't matter in the end. Because...
Chicago at Green Bay (-9.5)
Chicago already has a first round bye and needs a lot of help for a first round bye, which I doubt they'll get. So, they'll be resting some people, especially if they see the Falcons beating up the Panthers on the scoreboard. They won't lay down too easily for their fierce rivals, though. The Packers are in a win and in situation, and are playing en fuego lately. I expect them to win, but the Bears will cover, for pride's sake.
Dallas at Philadelphia (-3)
Backups for the Eagles! Kevin Kolb will sling out there, Dallas won't be able to stop it. Eagles win and cover, because they have a potential starter as a backup QB.
Buffalo at NY Jets (-1.5)
Jets are locked into the 5th spot, so the starters will be playing lightly. This would be good for the Bills, but Brian Brohm is playing instead of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Brohm is an unknown quantity at QB besides one start last year (in which he was terrible). I can't fully back the Bills here; too many injuries, and not sure they'll be able to move the ball. Jets win, Bills cover? If the Bills lose, they are in the top 5 for the draft-perhaps Ralph Wilson won't allow them to lose, so he can save some money.
Carolina at Atlanta (-14)
Atlanta's playing for a number one seed. So yeah, this shouldn't be close. Bye John Fox! The Panthers will really miss you. They might be able to drown their sorrows in Andrew Luck...unless he doesn't come out this year (unbridled joy that at least the Bills won't be close to getting him, at least this year!)
Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-7)
New Orleans is also playing for a number one seed, albeit needing some help. If they see Carolina winning big, they'll probably rest their starters. The Bucs are playing for the playoffs too, so it won't be easy for the Saints. So, with not much certainty I can say, Saints win, Bucs cover.
Arizona at San Francisco (-6)
This abortion of a game has to exist? Yeeeeuch. San Francisco wins and covers? I wouldn't touch this game with any ridiculously lengthy object.
San Diego (-3.5) at Denver
San Diego can pretty much mail this one in, which seems like what they've been doing all season. Tim Tebow gets his chance to prove he can play against a real defense. And you know what, I think he'll do it. Football needs a new self righteous player that many will openly loathe despite his talent. It was Favre; now it's Tebow. Broncos win, Chargers cover.
St.Louis (-3) at Seattle
Seattle has no advantage besides their crowd at this playoff game (who gets to host a playoff game and lose in the first round!), which, according to a local poll, Seattle fans want them to lose. St.Louis is playing NFC West inspired football, which means good enough to stay in it against some good teams, and good enough to beat the bad teams. St. Louis should beat this bad team and punch their ticket to the playoffs, which is pretty amazing because they had the #1 draft pick THIS YEAR. Rams win and cover.
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