Over the next several weeks, we’re going to look at several different positions (I can’t yet promise all) to identify the best players wearing each jersey number at each position. If this goes as planned, we’ll then compile a list of the best player wearing each jersey number in the league.

If you have quibbles, or want to add someone I forgot, leave a comment and we’ll update this post. And please have patience – this is a big job.

We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post and running backs in this post. Now we move to offensive linemen, who wear numbers between 60 and 79, although some wear numbers in the 50s.

One more thing: Because offensive linemen are harder to evaluate statistically, my choices may be different than yours. We’ve tried to at least mention each lineman who has started a game this season plus a few significant guys who have not played yet this season due to injury. Leave a comment to let me know where I’m crazy, and we may change the jersey number winners when we make a final judgment of the best players league-wide by number.

50 – Ben Hamilton, Broncos – Hamilton has been with the Broncos for nine years and is still a starter, with seven starts this year at left guard. He’s also started at  center in his career for a line that is almost always above-average. Other notable 50: Edwin Williams, Redskins

51 – Dominic Raiola, Lions – Raiola has been with the Lions since 2001 as a center, and he continues to serve as a full-time starter. The team re-signed him to a four-year deal in the offseason. Other notable 51: Chris Morris, Raiders

54 – Brian Waters, Chiefs – Waters joined the Chiefs in 2000 as an undrafted free agent, and he has become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard. Although his performance is slowly starting to slip with age, Waters still earned Pro Bowl honors last season (for the fourth time) and has started all 11 games this season. Other notable 54: Eugene Amano, Titans

55 – Alex Mack, Browns - Mack was the Browns’ first-round pick last April, and he has started all 11 games this season at center for Cleveland. He’s one of just five rookie linemen to start every game this season. Other notable 55: Chris Myers, Texans

57 – Olin Kreutz, Bears - Kreutz has long been one of the league’s top centers, and he has started almost since he first entered the league back in 1998. The six-time Pro Bowler is also considered one of the leaders of the Chicago locker room.

59 – Nick Cole, Eagles – Cole has emerged as a full-time starter this season for the first time, seizing the right guard job from Max Jean-Gilles and starting every game thus far.

60 – Chris Samuels, Redskins - Samuels has missed several games this season with a neck injury that could end up being career ending, but this is a nod to his long, terrific career. So we opt for him over two solid centers, Shaun O’Hara of the Giants and Jason Brown of the Rams. Other notable 60s: Brad Butler, Bills; D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets; Max Unger, Seahawks; Ike Ndukwe, Chiefs

61 – Nick Hardwick, Chargers – Hardwick missed much of the season with a knee injury he suffered in Week One, and it’s no coincidence that the Chargers’ running game has struggled in his absence. The former Pro Bowler’s return in the final month of the season should give the Bolts a jolt. Other notable 61s: Stephen Neal, Patriots; Casey Rabach, Redskins

62 – Casey Wiegmann, Broncos - Wiegmann, who has played for the Jets, Bears, and Chiefs as well as his current team, the Broncos, made his first Pro Bowl with Denver last year. He has started 138 straight games for the Bears, Chiefs, and Broncos, which is the best total for any center in the league. Other notable 62s: Andy Alleman, Chiefs; Justin Hartwig, Steelers; Max Jean-Gilles, Eagles; Brandyn Dombrowski, Chargers; Nate Livings, Bengals; Todd McClure, Falcons; Chilo Rachal, 49ers

63 – Jeff Saturday, Colts – No offensive lineman is as essential to his quarterback as Saturday is to Peyton Manning. Saturday can keep up with Manning’s constant audibles and check-with-mes and make just the right line calls to keep his signal-caller protected. No wonder Saturday is a three-time Pro Bowler with a new, long contract from the Colts. Other notable 63s: Jacob Bell, Rams; Justin Blalock, Falcons; Roberto Garza, Bears; Dan Connolly, Patriots; Geoff Hangartner, Bills; Kyle Kosier, Cowboys; Brad Meester, Jaguars; Scott Mruczkowski, Chargers; Manny Ramirez, Lions; Lyle Sendlein, Cardinals; Will Montgomery, Redskins; Scott Wells, Packers; Chris White, Texans; Bobbie Williams, Bengals

64 – Jake Grove, Dolphins – The Dolphins brought Grove over as a high-dollar free agent to bring a more physical style of play to their center position, Ironically, Grove was replaced in Oakland by another 64, Samson Satele, the man he replaced in Miami. The Dolphins were happy with the trade. Other notable 64s: David Baas, 49ers; Zach Strief, Saints; Kasey Studdard, Texans; Anthony Herrera, Vikings; Kyle Cook, Bengals; Leroy Harris, Titans

65 – Andre Gurode, Cowboys - Several quality lineman, including OGs Eric Steinbach of Cleveland and Brandon Moore of the Jets, wear 65. But Gurode has made the last three Pro Bowls at center for Dallas, so he gets the nod. Other notable 65s: Louis Vasquez, Chargers; Jeremy Trueblood, Buccaneers; Mark Tauscher, Packers; Chris Spencer, Seahawks; Justin Smiley, Dolphins; John Sullivan, Vikings; Ryan Lilja, Colts; Barry Sims, 49ers; William Beatty, Giants; Mike Brisiel, Texans; Chris Chester, Ravens

66 – Alan Faneca, Jets - Faneca has long been one of the best guards in the league, and he’s provided a jolt for the Jets in his two seasons there since moving from his long Steelers tenure. So he still gets the nod over fellow guards David Diehl of the Giants and Derrick Dockery of the Redskins. Other notable 66s: Cooper Carlisle, Raiders; Jeromey Clary, Chargers; Kyle DeVan, Colts; Hank Fraley, Browns; Ben Grubbs, Ravens; Evan Mathis, Bengals; Stephen Peterman, Lions; Mark Setterstrom, Rams; Mansfield Wrotto, Seahawks; Donald Thomas, Dolphins

67 – Jamaal Jackson, Eagles - Jackson, a former undrafted free agent, took over the Eagles’ starting center job midway through the 2005 season and has started every game since. We’ll give him the nod over another good young center, Ryan Kalil of the Panthers. Other notable 67s: Josh Beekman, Bears; Joe Berger, Dolphins; Dan Koppen, Patriots; Andy Levitre, Bills; Vince Manuwai, Jaguars; Kareem McKenzie, Giants; Rob Sims, Seahawks; Tony Ugoh, Colts; Damien Woody, Jets

68 – Kevin Mawae, Titans – Mawae has long been one of the league’s best centers, and last season he returned to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2004. He gets the nod at this number over OG Kris Dielman of the Chargers, who has made the last two Pro Bowls. Other notable 68s: Doug Free, Cowboys, Richie Incognito, Rams; Jon Jansen, Lions; Chris Kemeoatu, Steelers; Seth McKinney, Bills; Frank Omiyale, Bears; Keydrick Vincent, Panthers; Adam Snyder, 49ers

69 – Jordan Gross, Panthers – Although Gross has been shelved for the rest of the season, he has been a top-level player both at right tackle and now at left tackle. He made his first Pro Bowl last year at a left tackle, and his mauling style makes him solid blocking for the run as well as the pass. That gives him the nod over Giants OG Rich Seubert. Other notable 69s: Mike Gandy, Cardinals; Jamon Meredith, Bills; Steve Vallos, Seahawks; Chester Pitts, Texans

70 – Leonard Davis, Cowboys – Davis, a massive guard, has made the last two Pro Bowls, even though his size can get out of hand and limit his quickness. Still, he’ll get the nod over OLT Jamaal Brown, who has missed the whole season for the Saints, and youngsters OT Donald Penn of Tampa Bay, OG Logan Mankins of the Patriots, and OG Travelle Wharton, who has moved to left tackle to fill in for Jordan Gross in Carolina. Other notable 70s: Khalif Barnes, Raiders, Alex Barron, Rams; Rex Hadnot, Browns; Daniel Loper, Lions; Langston Walker, Raiders; Eric Wood, Bills; T.J. Lang, Packers

71 – Michael Roos, Titans – For years, 71 has been the domain of Seahawks great OLT Walter Jones, but Jones has missed the entire season. So we’ll give the nod here to Roos, a left tackle who made the Pro Bowl last year for the first time. He gets the nod over Jason Peters of the Eagles, who hasn’t played the last couple of years at the same level he performed at around 2007; young Ravens OLT Jared Gaither; and Vikings rookie ORT Phil Loadholt. Other notable 71s: Russ Hochstein, Broncos; Kendall Simmons, Bills; John Wade, Raiders; Josh Sitton, Packers

72 – Vernon Carey, Dolphins – Carey is turning into a solid right tackle for the Dolphins. He has incredible size, which is part of the reason that the Dolphins spent so much to re-sign him in the offseason. We’re giving him the nod over two-time Pro Bowl OLT Matt Light of the Patriots, who seems to be starting to decline as a player. Other notable 72s: Sam Baker, Falcons; Erik Pears, Raiders; Tra Thomas, Jaguars; Jason Spitz, Packers; Ryan Tucker, Browns; Darnell Stapleton, Steelers

73 – Jahri Evans, Saints – Earlier this week, I heard ESPN’s Trent Dilfer call Evans the best guard in the league. Steve Hutchinson might argue, but that’s enough for us to give Evans the nod over a strong field of 73s that includes OT Marcus McNeil of San Diego, OG Harvey Dahl of Atlanta, OT Joe Thomas of Cleveland, and OT Eric Winston of Houston. Other notable 73s: Shawn Andrews, Eagles; Mackenzy Bernadeau, Panthers; Eben Britton, Jaguars; Kirk Chambers, Bills; Daryn Colledge, Packers; Anthony Collins, Bengals; Adam Goldberg, Rams; Chris Kuper, Broncos; Marshal Yanda, Ravens; Ramon Foster, Steelers; Jake Scott, Titans

74 – Nick Mangold, Jets – Mangold, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, has emerged as one of the league’s best young centers. Now in his fourth season, he looks like he’ll be a preeminent linemen for years to come. So we give him the nod over massive Vikings OLT Bryant McKinnie and standout rookie Ravens ORT Michael Oher, whose story is told in the outstanding movie The Blind Side. Other notable 74s: Jermon Bushrod, Saints; Willie Colon, Steelers; Cornell Green, Raiders; Ryan Harris, Broncos; Stephon Heyer, Redskins; Winston Justice, Eagles; Joe Staley, 49ers; Chris Williams, Bears; Damion Cook, Lions; Charlie Johnson, Colts; Dennis Roland, Bengals; Wade Smith, Chiefs; Will Svitek, Falcons; Reggie Wells, Cardinals; Maurice Williams, Jaguars; Ray Willis, Seahawks

75 – Davin Joseph, Buccaneers – Joseph isn’t well known, but he’s part of a solid Buccaneers line. The right guard made his first Pro Bowl last season. Other notable 75s: Levi Brown, Cardinals; Marc Colombo, Cowboys; Eugene Monroe, Jaguars; Chad Rinehart, Redskins; Robert Turner, Jets; Ryan O’Callaghan, Chiefs; Nate Garner, Dolphins; Mario Henderson, Raiders

76 – Steve Hutchinson, Seahawks – At a loaded number, Minnesota’s Hutchinson is the best of the bunch. He’s the highest paid guard in the league, and he’s earned every penny of that deal by playing like the best guard in football for many years now. He’s a big reason the Vikings’ run game is so potent. So he gets the nod over OLT Flozell Adams of Dallas, OG Chris Snee of the Giants, legendary OT Orlando Pace of the Bears, and rookie OT Sebastian Vollmer of the Patriots. Other notable 76s: Branden Albert, Chiefs; Stacy Andrews, Eagles; Jeff Backus, Lions; Chad Clifton, Packers; Robert Gallery, Raiders; Jonathan Goodwin, Saints; Levi Jones, Redskins; Deuce Lutui, Cardinals; Tyler Polumbus, Broncos; Jeremy Zuttah, Buccaneers; Duane Brown, Texans; David Stewart, Titans

77 – Jake Long, Dolphins – Long, the former No. 1 overall pick, has stepped in as a terrific left tackle in Miami. He should be a bellweather left tackle for years in the league. He gets the nod over Baltimore C Matt Birk, who has long been a force, and underrated Bengals OT Andrew Whitworth. Other notable 77s: Gosder Cherilus, Lions; Tyson Clabo, Falcons; Brandon Frye, Seahawks; Nick Kaczur, Patriots; Damion McIntosh, Seahawks; Uchi Nwaneri, Jaguars; Carl Nicks, Saints; Tony Pashos, 49ers; Jason Smith, Rams; Floyd Womack, Browns; Randy Thomas, Redskins; Demetrius Bell, Bills

78 – Ryan Clady, Broncos – It’s a golden era for young left tackles, and Clady may be the best, at least as a pure pass blocker. He gave up his first sack in his season and a half in the NFL earlier this year, which is amazing for such a youngster. He’s a true blue-chipper. Other notable 78s: Allen Barbre, Packers; Jordan Black, Jaguars; Mike Pollak, Colts; John St. Clair, Browns; Max Starks, Steelers; Jon Stinchcomb, Saints; Adam Terry, Ravens

79 – Jeff Otah, Panthers – Otah is another young tackle, only he plays on the right side. He’s a big, physical run blocker who perfectly fits the style that Carolina wants to play. Other notable 79s: Jon Runyan, Chargers; Trai Essex, Steelers; Mike Goff, Chiefs; Todd Herremans, Eagles; Artis Hicks, Vikings; Jonathan Scott, Bills

Tommy Vardell Cleveland Browns 1994 Fleer No. 104

Tommy Vardell Cleveland Browns 1994 Fleer No. 106 back

Nearly a decade ago another Stanford running back pounded through opposing defenses – most notably Notre Dame. The performance of Toby Gerhart against Notre Dame in the 2009 regular season finale brought back memories of Touchdown Tommy Vardell.

Vardell, a big bruising running back for the Stanford Cardinal, earned his famous nickname for his memorable performance against the Fighting Irish. Then Stanford coach Denny Green dubbed him Touchdown Tommy after scoring four touchdowns in the 1990 contest.

As a Cardinal, Vardell rushed for 1,843 yards with 37 touchdowns in his college career. He never fumbled as a collegiate player, ranks second in Stanford history for most touchdowns and third for most rushing yards. His single season rushing record of 1,084 yards in 1991 was eclipsed by Gerhart’s 1,136 yards in 2008.

The Cleveland Browns plunked Vardell out of the 1992 NFL Draft in the first round with the ninth overall pick.

He played in nearly every game during his first two seasons and was part of Bill Belichick’s running back by committee. During his second season in Cleveland, Vardell led the team with 644 yards on 171 attempts.

Despite having a college nickname that indicated he knew how to find pay dirt, Vardell could not live up to the billing in the Cleveland, where he was plauged by knee injuries. During four seasons with the Browns, he found the end zone three times. During his eight-year NFL career that included stints with the San Francisco 49ers in 1996 and 1999 and the Detroit Lions from  1997-98, Vardell totaled 18 scores.

Since retiring from football, Vardell  co-founded  Northgate Capital, a private equity investment firm, along with former 49er teammates Steve Young, Brent Jones and Mark Harris. Vardell currently serves as the firm’s managing director.

Posted: December 2, 2009

It’s been a crazy few days at the Fantasy Sports Shack, so the Week 13 version of “Sleepers of the Week” is going to be abbreviated.  If you’re looking for an injury fill-in at QB or a decent flex option to get you to the fantasy playoffs, here are a few guys who could help get you there:

QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith (San Francisco) @ Seattle – Projection: 22-36, 225 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
May as well keep a good thing going.

Vince Young (Tennessee) @ Indianapolis – Projection: 15-26, 185 yards, 1 TD, 7-35 rushing
See note for Alex Smith.

RUNNING BACK

Chris Jennings (Cleveland) vs. San Diego – Projection: 20-65 rushing, 2-11 receiving, 1 TD
Jamal Lewis to the IR?  Chris Jennings to benefit, immediately.

Rock Cartwright (Washington) vs. New Orleans  – Projection: 14-55 rushing, 3-17 receiving, 1 TD
The default top dog in Washington will grind it out… as long as the Skins are in the game.

Jerious Norwood (Atlanta) vs. Philadelphia – Projection: 14-63 rushing, 3-22 receiving
Turner likely out, Norwood likely the guy this week, not Snelling.

WIDE RECEIVER

Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) vs. Oakland – Projection: 4-62 receiving, 1 TD
Great matchup.  Should get back on track.

Malcom Floyd (San Diego) @ Cleveland – Projection: 3-39 receiving, 1 TD
Vincent Jackson has been awful of late, and Floyd could get an extra look or two.

Jason Avant (Philadelphia) @ Atlanta – Projection: 6-81 receiving
If DeSean Jackson is concussed, Avant is the deep threat.

TIGHT END

Marcedes Lewis (Jacksonville) vs. Houston – Projection: 3-35, 1 TD
It was a toss-up here between Fred Davis, Jermichael Finley and Lewis.  I went with Lewis for the matchup.

KICKER

Matt Prater (Denver) @ Kansas City – Projection: 2 FG, 3 PAT
Coming off a big Thanksgiving day win against the Giants, the Broncos’ offense has momentum.

DEFENSE

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 3 Int
Sanchez has been erratic, and the Bills are ballhawks in the secondary.  Thomas Jones may have a big day, though.

New York Giants :
*Re-Signed (S)Kenny Ingram to Practice Squad
*Released (S)Anthony Scirrotto from Practice Squad

Philadelphia Eagles :
*Re-Signed (TE)Brent Celek to a 6 Year Contract Extension
*Activated (WR)Jordan Norwood from Practice Squad
*Waived (CB)Ramzee Robinson

Washington Redskins :
*Signed (DE)Antoine Holmes/Cardinals to Practice Squad

Chicago Bears :
*Signed (LB)Cato June/Texans
*Released (DE)Joe Clermond from Practice Squad

Detroit Lions :
*Placed (TE)Brandon Pettigrew on Injured Reserve
*Activated (TE)Dan Gronkowski from Practice Squad
*Signed (OL)Kurt Quarterman/Browns to Practice Squad
*Signed (TE)Jake Nordin/Vikings to Practice Squad
*Released (CB)Paul Pratt from Practice Squad

Green Bay Packers :
*Signed (TE)Tom Crabtree/Chiefs to Practice Squad

Atlanta Falcons :
*Signed (K)Matt Bryant/Buccaneers
*Signed (LS)Joe Zelenka/Jaguars
*Waived (K)Jason Elam
*Waived (LS)Bryan Pittman
*Re-Signed (QB)D.J. Shockley to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Jeremy Clark from Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers :
*Signed (LB)Quinton Culberson/Rams
*Waived/Injured (LB)Kelvin Smith

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Signed (P)Sam Paulescu/Redskins
*Released (WR)Darnell Jenkins from Practice Squad

San Francisco 49ers :
*Placed (S)Curtis Taylor on Injured Reserve
*Activated (FB)Brit Miller from Practice Squad
*Signed (WR)Rodney Wright/Chiefs to Practice Squad

Buffalo Bills :
*Signed (DT)Rashaad Duncan/Panthers to Practice Squad

Miami Dolphins :
*Signed (WR)Taurus Johnson/Lions to Practice Squad

Cleveland Browns :
*Released (WR)James Robinson from Practice Squad

Indianapolis Colts :
*Waived (DE)Josh Thomas
*Waived (CB)Anthony Madison
*Released (WR)John Matthews from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Re-Signed (DT)Derek Lokey to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Marlon Favorite from Practice Squad

San Diego Chargers :
*Signed (LB)Marques Harris/49ers
*Waived (OL)Corey Clark
*Signed (DE)Derrick Jones/Dolphins to Practice Squad
*Released (LB)Jeremy Leman from Practice Squad

Here is our Football Relativity comparison after Week 12. We’ve noted where we have moved teams up or down from the Week 11 comparison.

10 – Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints - The Colts came from behind in the fourth quarter for the fifth straight week to record an 11th consecutive win. That high-wire act will probably end at some point; Colts fans had better hope that happens before the playoffs and not during them. The Saints blitzed the Patriots at home, once again using their immense home-field advantage. If New Orleans can cement home-field advantage throughout the playoffs – which is no given considering the Vikings’ record – they’re going to be incredibly tough to beat in the Superdome.

9 – Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers (UP A LEVEL) - The Vikings continued to ransack bad competition in a 36-10 victory over Chicago. But the level of competition ratchets up this week as Minnesota travels to the desert to meet the Cardinals. San Diego won its sixth straight and should cruise against Cleveland next week. The Bolts are solid on offense and defense right now, and that means they can threaten even the Patriots and the Colts in the AFC. The Patriots got hammered in New Orleans, continuing their road woes this season. That’s something the Pats must correct, because there’s no way they’re getting home field throughout the playoffs. Even a first-round bye is unlikely for them at this point. We almost moved the Pats down, but we’ll leave them in place to avoid a Tuesday-morning overreaction to a Monday-night blowout.

8 – Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys (UP A LEVEL) – The Cardinals lost a heartbreaker at home against the Titans, and there’s no shame in that. But Arizona needs to show it can shore up its home-field advantage this Sunday night against the Vikings in a big conference tilt. Cincinnati didn’t blow out the Browns, but the Bengals didn’t bungle the gimme win as they finished the AFC North sweep. Cincy should get another simple W this week at home against Detroit. Dallas did what it usually does against bad teams on Thanksgiving by thumping the Raiders. At 8-3, we have to give the Cowboys credit for winning six of their last seven. If they can beat a lagging Giants team on the road this week, the Cowboys street cred will only grow.

7 – Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens (UP A LEVEL), Green Bay Packers (UP A LEVEL), Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers (DOWN A LEVEL) - The Ravens and Steelers find the same level on the comparison after Baltimore’s 20-17 overtime victory. It’s hard to ding the Steelers too much for a road loss without Ben Roethlisberger, but at 6-5 Pittsburgh is in real danger of missing the postseason. The bottom line is that the Steelers aren’t anywhere close to the same team when Troy Polamalu is out, and Polamalu has missed too much time this year. A home game against the Raiders could help the Steelers get healthier this Sunday. The Ravens finally won a close game to stay in the playoff hunt. Baltimore has made too many key mistakes this year, but if the Ravens can get out of their own way they are still a threat. Green Bay won its third straight on Thanksgiving to get a seventh win and stay in the playoff hunt. This week’s Monday-nighter with the Ravens visiting Baltimore is yet another key game for both teams. Atlanta eked out a win with backup quarterback Chris Redman playing in relief of Matt Ryan, and there’s something to be said for that. But with Ryan out this week against Philly, the Falcons will have a hard time maintaining the home-field success they have enjoyed all year. The Eagles come into Atlanta at 7-4, one game ahead of Atlanta in the wild-card chase, and a road win would be huge for the Eagles. Philly got a win over Washington, although it came with more heartburn than most fans would prefer. This week will be another separation week because of the matchups.

6 – Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants (DOWN A LEVEL), Tennessee Titans (UP A LEVEL) – The Broncos whipped the Giants on Thanksgiving night, which is a sign that Denver isn’t totally done and that the Giants might be. We won’t elevate the Broncos in the comparison because the schedule was so favorable in this win, but if they can get a road win in K.C. this week they’ll move up. The Giants are all but done, and now they must face the Cowboys this week. That may be a win-or-go-home situation for Big Blue. The Jaguars lost on the road in San Francisco, and there’s no shame in that for an average team, but it’s another sign that the Jags aren’t much better than average. Jacksonville must win at home this week against Houston to keep playoff hopes alive. Tennessee is making a huge run right now with five straight wins, including a clutch road win at a good Arizona team. Now the Titans will be truly tested in a trip to Indy.

5 – Houston Texans (DOWN A LEVEL), Miami Dolphins (DOWN A LEVEL), New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers – The Texans and Jets both suffered losses that all but crush their playoff hopes. Houston gave up a lead and lost to the Colts at home, while the Dolphins laid an egg (or the aquatic mammal equivalent) on the road in Buffalo. At 5-6, neither team looks to have many playoff hopes left. The Jets rode an early Darrelle Revis pick-6 to a home win over Carolina to stop a three-game losing streak. If they can win in Toronto against the Bills on Thursday night, they can keep playoff hopes alive. Getting that game in Toronto instead of Buffalo in December is a break for the Jets. San Francisco protected home turf against Jacksonville and continued to show that they can beat teams of similar level at home. If the Niners can win in Seattle this week, this young team would have a nice road skin to put on the wall.

4 – Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers (DOWN A LEVEL), Chicago Bears (DOWN A LEVEL), Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins - This is the level of teams that can play OK even against good teams but aren’t a threat to win many of those games. That’s what Buffalo did against Miami. Seattle took advantage of a game against the lowly Rams to get a win, while the Redskins played the Eagles tough in Philly. Once again, QB problems doomed the Panthers as Jake Delhomme threw four picks against the Jets. The Bears got lit by the Vikings, which is the third time they’ve been blown out lately, but at least they have a home game against St. Louis to look forward to this week. Carolina should also get a win over Tampa Bay, while the Bills have a chance to knock off the Jets and the Seahawks host the Niners. The Redskins have the toughest task with a home game against the Saints.

3 – Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs got blasted in San Diego, but that was to be expected. We can likewise expect the Chiefs to give the Broncos a good game in Arrowhead this week.

2 – Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Lions and Raiders got embarrassed on Thanksgiving Day, while the Buccaneers had a good effort in a 20-17 loss in Atlanta. If the Bucs can cause some turnovers, they can win an road division game in Carolina this week. Oakland’s trip to Pittsburgh and the Lions’ journey to Cincinnati are far less promising.

1 – Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams - These teams are both just plain sorry. The Browns were listless against the Bengals and now must host the Chargers. The Rams lost at home to a mediocre Seahawks team, and did so pretty convincingly. So while most teams would be looking forward to a trip to Soldier Field right about now, the Rams just can’t expect to beat or even compete with the Bears.

Analysis of Week 12 of the NFL

Game Recaps

Packers 34 Lions 12

Matthew Stafford’s first game on national television and he started out quick… only to have the Packers come back and completely overwhelm them. Stafford showed America and their Thanksgiving Day viewers that he is terribly inconsistent and has all the potential in the world. The Packers had another solid performance, especially the Aaron Rodgers/Donald Driver connection and Charles Woodson who caught two interceptions on the day. Green Bay is still in the hunt, and they are playing like they want the wild card spot.
Game Ball: Donald Driver had seven catches for 142 yards and one touchdown.

Dallas 24 Oakland 7

Before the game, announcers kept spewing stats on the Cowboys and how they win big on Thanksgiving. Their tradition continued in 2009. What they don’t tell you, however, is that their record the week after is abysmal. Dallas looked good, but they were playing Oakland who is starting brand new quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Their offense is coming along well and Tony Romo is consistent (for the last couple of weeks), but let’s wait and see what happens in the coming weeks when they take on the Giants, Chargers, and the Saints.
Game Ball: Tony Romo went 12 for 29 with 309 yards and two touchdowns.

Giants 6 Denver 26

Two teams were skidding, only one could come out alive. What we are so surprised about is how much of a rout this was. The matchup with the most possible excitement was one-sided, leaving Thanksgiving football fans with no hope for a competition. The Giants looked tired and Eli Manning looked lackluster (which is a sentence that we are getting used to these days) throwing for only 230 yards with one interception. The Broncos looked fired up and went to work on New York, and while Kyle Orton wasn’t amazing, he controlled the game and minimized the mistakes so the Broncos, along with their surging defense, got back on track.
Game Ball: Knowshon Moreno came back from much criticism for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Buccaneers 17 Falcons 20

It took a last minute touchdown to overcome the Bucs, and it looks like Atlanta’s problems are just beginning. They lost Matt Ryan for at least a week due to turf toe,  and although replacement Chris Redman threw two touchdowns, he did not have nearly the same effect at Ryan does in the pocket. Michael Turner also was injured on the day, which made Atlanta’s Sunday quite possibly the worst Sunday for them this season (we mean, winning Sunday). The Buccaneers and Josh Freeman still have kinks to work out, but behind the rookie quarterback they seem rejuvenated.
Game Ball: Stylez White energized Tampa Bay’s defense with 2.5 sacks and three QB hits, two of which were for a loss.

Dolphins 14 Bills 31

Ok, so who in TO’s camp is going to go on the record and say “I told you so”? Doesn’t matter who is throwing it, when Terrell Owens decides he wants to play, he makes waves. He is also proving he isn’t completely a lost cause. A huge fourth quarter helped the Bills overcome their NFC East rival, but Chad Henne’s three interceptions almost gave then the game (and we are amazed that even in a loss Ricky Williams accrues over 100 yards). The Bills broke their losing streak, but the Dolphins are just beginning theirs, especially with New England, Houston, Titans, and Pittsburgh on the horizon.
Game Ball: Owens had five receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown including another big 51 yard touchdown pass.

Browns 7 Bengals 16

Ok, they won, but why didn’t they cream Cleveland? The answer: Not very much offense from Carson Palmer and way too many penalties. One hundred yards from each quarterback doesn’t constitute a good showing, but Cincinnati made up for it with their newest addition, Larry Johnson, who started and ran for 107 yards in his first game. In a game with just two touchdowns, that is about all your’re going to get from us. The Bengals need to right some of the things that are going wrong, before the Ravens wake up and realize they aren’t in the playoffs.
Game Ball: Shayne Graham had three field goals, and was arguably the most productive guy on the field.

Seahawks 27 Rams 17

Every week, we have to report on a game like this. You have to admit, no one thought Seattle’s rushing offense could beat out one-man-wrecking-crew Steven Jackson, but Justin Forsett ran for 100+ yards and essentially was the offense that got the Seahawks the win. Well, that and Kyle Boller’s two interceptions (one that was returned for a TD). Seattle had only 95 yards passing, which shows they are still on the decline still and Matt Hasselbeck is not coming back from this. Sloppy game, sloppy game plan… what more can you say?
Game Ball: Forsett ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns

Panthers 6 Jets 17

There have been reports that Mark Sanchez has an arm band that is color coded as to how careful he should be with the ball. But they won, so does it matter?  Don’t lie to yourself Jets fans, this wasn’t an offensive win. Two words for you: Darrelle Revis. Revis held Carolina’s top receiver Steve Smith to only five yards. The defense is there, but the offense isn’t and New York will continue to have problems with that. Carolina saw Jake Delhomme throw another four interceptions, and anything we thought about them getting a little better seems like it was pretty silly.
Game Ball: Revis was unstoppable.

Redskins 24 Eagles 27

The Eagles are a strong team that is great on paper, but they always find a way to screw it up. Jason Campbell and the skins lost another close division game this week, but they earned this loss by letting the Eagles back in it. Donovan McNabb isn’t consistent (he’s caught Tony Romo’s disease) and Andy Reid’s refusal to run the ball constantly ends in despair. They have six different receivers on the board, as well as Shady McCoy and Leonard Weaver on the ground, and the Eagles are still not playing to their potential. The Redskins’ defense was strong again, but the Eagles squeaked by again.
Game Ball: Jason Avant had five catches for 94 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per catch.

Colts 35 Texans 27

The Colts had to come back for this to happen, and the first thing that comes to mind with Houston is their problems with consistency. Unfortunately, Matt Schaub caught that disease, throwing two interceptions that eventually led to their downfall. Peyton Manning wasn’t on his game again, but Indy can’t lose and it all comes down to what he said after the game: They never panic. They never lose their composure. When they do, that’s when there will be problems. Manning had three touchdowns to three different receivers, showing the NFL once again that they are impossible to plan for.
Game Ball: Austin Collie was the only major receiver who didn’t have a touchdown, but he had four catches for 70 yards.

Chiefs 14 Chargers 43

Try watching Red Zone with this game on. Someone woke up LT and told him to go back to basics, and his stats show just how they used him today. Let’s be honest, the Chargers didn’t have to attack Kansas City on the ground, they went through the air and did just fine. Antonio Gates didn’t drop a pass, going for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Matt Cassell is a mess, and rotting away from any attention by doing worse each week, but we have to say three wins are much more than we thought they would get.
Game Ball: LaDainian Tomlinson had only 39 yards, but rediscovered himself in the end zone, rushing for two touchdowns.

Jaguars 3 49ers 20

Just when we think David Gerrard has taken a turn for the better, he goes and becomes the most fumble-prone quarterback in the league. Both quarterbacks just had to eliminate turnovers, and the difference was that Alex Smith did it, while Gerrard simply couldn’t. Jacksonville’s defense couldn’t hold San Fran from the scoring, especially Vernon Davis and Frank Gore who both had touchdowns on the day. They are one win away from being .500 once again, but the Niners have a lot of work to do.
Game Ball: Vernon Davis caught six passes for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Cardinals 17 Tennessee 20

By far the most exciting game of the day. We can’t lie, we are were glued to the screen as we watched Vince Young get set back to the one repeatedly. Then he comes out, and manufactures the best drive (and the best game) of his career, and we aren’t even surprised. The Titans ran all over Arizona, with 154 tailored Chris Johnson rushing yards and 387 yards through the air to eight different receivers. The only dark spot on the day was a Kenny Britt fumble, but 128 yards and that one amazing touchdown catch to end the day was more than enough to gain forgiveness.
Game Ball: Young may have gone 27 for 43 with 387 yards and one touchdown, but that last drive was the thing that careers (and seasons for that matter) are made of.

Bears 10 Vikings 36

Once the Chargers were off of the air, Red Zone was only covering the Vikings for the rest of the day. Brett Favre keeps getting better and his receivers look amazing… what more could you ask for? What is more amazing is that the Vikings aren’t nearly relying on Adrian Peterson as much as much as they usually do, partially because of his fumble issues. As for Jay Cutler and the Bears, with no offense and a defense that is missing it’s anchor, what can they do? They need a better running back, better receivers, they need better everything and it is becoming more and more apparent.
Game Ball: Percy Harvin had six receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Pittsburgh 17 Baltimore 20

Dennis Dixon played pretty well, but he was splitting the snaps in practice because Ben Roethlisberger was expected to play. What happens when he doesn’t? His teammates questioned him and the Steelers are beginning to implode. They were pointing fingers while Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and that ferocious defense picked them apart. Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason, as well as Ray Rice, stayed smart and caught the balls that were in their hands (which is saying a lot, because they often drop balls that are right in their numbers) and that was the end of it. Pittsburgh really has to watch it, they’re losing their grasp on the wild card spot.
Game Ball: Ray Rice had 19 rushed for 88 yards, alone with 5 catches for 67 yards.

Patriots 17 Saints 38

This really showed how incredible the Saints are playing. In the last few weeks, New Orleans has been playing catch up and Drew Brees may have looked a little tired… but tonight they came out and with their perfect season on the line, they took it. Not only did Brees play well, but their make-shift defense stopped Tom Brady and Wes Welker and Randy Moss all night. Like Peyton Manning and his many targets, Brees threw five touchdowns and 371 yards to seven different receivers. The Pats and Tom Brady didn’t look powerful tonight… and when is the last time you saw Tom Brady on the bench?
Game Ball: Drees had a passer rating of 158.3 after throwing for 371 yards and five touchdowns, but Marquis Colston caught five passes for 121 yards and one touchdown. Pick one.

Week 12 Wrap Up

-          Injuries: Two more Redskins players (Jeremy Jarmon, and Clinton Portis), will reportedly sit out for Washington’s game next week. Portis is still recovering from a concussion, while Jarmon injured his knee Sunday… Matt Ryan will sit out for next week’s game against the Eagles with a case of turf toe he injured on the Falcon’s first series Sunday… Cleveland’s Pro Bowl tackle Shaun Rodgers will be on the IR for the rest of the season because he needs surgery. The injury was not specified by the Browns or Eric Mangini…Mark Sanchez was limited in practice due to a sore left knee… Panthers QB Jake Delhomme has broken finger on his throwing hand that may finally put him on the bench. Carolina expects him out at least one week…Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a concussion in the Eagles’ win Sunday. It is not clear how long he will be out, although it will be at least one game…Kurt Warner will see an eye doctor concerning his concussion symptoms and issues with his eyes.
- Chiefs coach Todd Haley insists that Kansas City has not contacted Charlie Weiss to fill their open offensive coordinator slot. Not that we think they did anyway… Hailey considers himself an offensive genius and may actually need another person to help him.
- Carolina linebacker Jon Beason was arrested Monday night after reportedly punching another man in a strip club. He was charged with assault.

And the UDU Game Ball Goes to…

Based on pure excitement, we have to give it to Vince Young. Their last-minute come-from-behind win was incredible, as was that touchdown pass. Young only threw one touchdown, but it was the one that counted. Young’s arrival has energized the Titans, who have won five straight in dramatic fashion. They went from looking limp and lifeless to an offensive and defensive monster, and it is Young that has triggered it.

Quarterbacks in the NFL get a lot of the credit when a team does well and a lot of the blame when a team doesn’t do well.  Look at the Cleveland Browns.  The Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers had close to miserable quarterback play in the first half of the season when they all switched starting quarterbacks.  Now, all three offenses are more productive. 

 Vince Young took over for the Titans in Week 8.  The difference between him and former starter Kerry Collins is simple.  The Titans were 0-6 with Collins and are 5-0 with Young.  The most impressive win by Young thus far was in Week 12, when he led a 99-yard drive and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds to beat Arizona 20-17. 

The Titans now find themselves only one game back in the wildcard race.  Some had criticized Young last season with his immaturity.  This season is completely different.  While his numbers aren’t outstanding, he’s proven he can be a leader of a team that fans and players can believe in. 

Before this season, Alex Smith had started for the 49ers, namely in his rookie year. His career up until this point had been disappointing to say the least.  Smith threw for only 19 touchdowns and 31 interceptions in his first three seasons.

In 2009, he took over the starting job in Week 8 and has been a different player.  He nearly lead a 20-point comeback against Green Bay in Week 11 and recently helped the 49ers crush Jacksonville in Week 12 20-3. Maybe Smith is just a late-bloomer.  It is certain, however, that he’s starting to justify his number one selection the 2005 draft.

 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers obviously struggled in 2009 until rookie Josh Freeman took over.  Tampa Bay was 0-7 when Green Bay came to town as the heavily favored team.  Freeman led a fourth quarter comeback to land Tampa Bay its first win.  His play has been solid since then.  He only has 7 turnovers, which is mild compared to New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Posted: November 30, 2009

Call it a Turkey day treat or momentum from a 7 for 10 Week 11, however you look at it, there was something extra to be thankful for this year: Sleepers coming through!  Not to boast, but the Shack is on fire!  Here are the results for Week 12:

QUARTERBACK (2 for 2)

Alex Smith (San Francisco) – Continuing to prove doubters wrong, Smith had another solid day.
Projected: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Actual: 27-41, 232 yards, 2 TD, 3-8 rushing

Vince Young (Tennessee) – Young absolutely went off in the second half, leading the resurgent Titans to a W.
Projected: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Actual: 27-43, 387 yards, 1 TD, 4-8 rushing

RUNNING BACK (2 for 3)

Justin Forsett (Seattle) – Good luck getting your job back, Julius Jones.
Projected: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 22-130 rushing, 2 TD

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) – If you snagged Charles a few weeks ago, as we suggested, you’re a happy camper.
Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 14-93 rushing, 3-54 receiving, 1 TD, 1 fumble lost

Danny Ware (New York Giants) – Ware (and the Giants) looked horrible on Thanksgiving night.
Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
Actual: 4-27 rushing, 1-(-4) receiving, 1 fumble lost

WIDE RECEIVER (2 for 3)

Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) – Exceeded the yardage expectation on 2 fewer receptions!
Projected: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-91 receiving, 1 TD

Earl Bennett (Chicago) – Does anyone else feel like the Broncos got the better end of the Cutler deal?
Projected: 7-84 receiving
Actual: 3-14 receiving

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) – A few weeks ago, it was all about Austin Collie.  Now, Garcon is WR3A in Indy.
Projected: 5-72 receiving
Actual: 5-63 receiving, 1 TD

TIGHT END (0 for 1)

Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) – On paper, it was a great move.  As it turns out, should have gone Donald Lee.
Projected: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
Actual: 3-25 receiving

KICKER (0 for 1)

Dan Carpenter (Miami) – Didn’t even attempt a field goal.
Projected: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
Actual: 2 PAT

DEFENSE (1 for 1)

Atlanta Falcons – For a minute, it looked like it could spiral out of hand, but they ended up taking care of business.
Projected: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
Actual: 17 points allowed, 6 sacks, 1 fumble recovery

Scorecard for Week 12: 7 for 11
Overall Scorecard for 2009 Season: 51 for 123, 9 pushes (41%)

It’s the final weekend before the stretch run… time to decide the Wild Card, Division, and Home Field races in the months of December and January. Remember this recap and these records by the end of the season. Which team collapsed? What team marched down the field and won at the final second? Finally, who won the Sunday Night Classic? Let the recap begin….

Tampa Bay 17, Atlanta 20- With their season on the line, and two of their key players gone from the game due to injury, the Atlanta Falcons found a way to save their season. On 4th & Goal from the 5, Chris Redman, filling in for Matt Ryan (who left the game with a toe injury), threw a five yard touchdown pass to Roddy White for the go-ahead touchdown, and the Falcons avoided a major upset at home to the Buccaneers. Rookie QB Josh Freeman had a decent game, going 20-29 for 250 yards and two touchdowns, and the Buccaneers defense played very well until the final drive. But the questionable offensive playcalling led to a missed 51 yard field goal by Connor Barth, and the game winning drive. The win puts Atlanta a game behind Green Bay and Philadelphia and still in the hunt for the playoffs, and a remote chance to win the NFC South. Tough loss for the Buccaneers as they still get used to Raheem Morris. Buccaneers (1-10), Falcons (6-5)

Miami 14, Buffalo 31- Fred Jackson ran for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and Terrell Owens scored on a 51 yard touchdown reception and the Buffalo Bills dominated the fourth quarter and gave the interim head coach Perry Fewell his first win at the NFL level over the Dolphins. Ryan Fitzpatrick had a solid game, going 17-26 for 246 yards and a couple of touchdowns (one pass, one rush). The Bills generated 336 yards of total offense, and for the second straight game, they reached 300+ total yards. The loss was a blow to the Dolphins, who got back into the playoff picture 10 days ago against the Panthers. Dolphins (5-6), Bills (4-7)

Cleveland 7, Cincinnati 16- In a hard-fought game between in-state rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals used a stingy defense and timely plays on offense to knock off the Browns to sweep the AFC North and beat all three division rivals twice. Shayne Graham kicked three field goals (37, 53, and 28) and Carson Palmer threw a touchdown pass to J.P Foschi. Larry Johnson came in the game for an injured Cedric Benson and a slowed up Bernard Scott (who had a minor injury to his knee) and ran 22 times for 107 yards. It was the most significant time he has received since coming over from Kansas City. Brady Quinn went back to the quarterback we have seen all year that he’s played by going 15-34 for 100 yards, far from the 4 TD 300+ effort he had against Detroit. (Then again…) The Browns’ 10th loss of the season is their eight in the past 11 years since rejoining the NFL in 1999. Browns (1-10), Bengals (8-3)

Indianapolis 35, Houston 27- This can be looked at two different ways: One way is that Indianapolis knows how to come back, and the other way is that Houston melted down… again. For the fifth straight game, the Colts have overcome a deficit to win the game, and for the second time in two years in Houston, the Texans had a double-digit lead squandered. Trailing 20-7 at halftime, Indianapolis scored 28 second half points, including 21 in the third quarter, and beat the Texans for the 15th time in 16 games all-time. Peyton Manning overcame his two first half interceptions and threw two touchdowns in the second half, including the go-ahead pass to Dallas Clark with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. On the next Texans drive, Matt Schaub threw an interception to Clint Session for a 26 yard touchdown return to ice the game for Indianapolis, who goes to 11-0 and in the process, wins the AFC South for the sixth time in the past seven years. Colts (11-0), Texans (5-6)

Carolina 6, NY Jets 17- Darrelle Revis took back a bizarre interception from Jake Delhomme which bounced off the foot of Steve Smith for 67 yards, and Thomas Jones ran for a touchdown, and the Jets kept their playoff hopes alive with a huge victory over the Panthers, who were trying to keep their own hopes alive. Delhomme threw four interceptions in the game, which was turned into 14 points, and with the running game not as effective as it has been the past few weeks, the Panthers were in clear trouble. Mark Sanchez went 13-17 for 154 yards, with an interception, but looked the best he has been in the tough stretch the Jets had in the past few weeks. Big momentum for them going into their rivalry game against the Bills in Toronto on Thursday night. Panthers (4-7), Jets (5-6)

Washington 24, Philadelphia 27- Donovan McNabb threw for 265 yards and a touchdown, David Akers kicked four field goals, including the game winning 32 yarder, and the Eagles won over the Redskins for the second time this season, sweeping the series. The Skins fought for most of the game, leading 24-16, when McNabb marched his team down the field and the drive went 90 yards, capped off by a 1 yd TD run by Eldra Buckley. After tying the game with a two point conversion, McNabb led the Eagles again down the field which led to the go-ahead field goal. The rallied from behind for the second straight week, keeping pace with the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Wild Card, and staying a game behind Dallas for first place in the more-important NFC East. The loss eliminates Washington from playoff contention. Redskins (3-8), Eagles (7-4)

Seattle 27, St. Louis 17- Justin Forsett continues to be effective at running back for the Seattle Seahawks, running for 130 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns and Josh Wilson took back an interception from Kyle Boller 65 yards and the Seahawks picked up their first road win of the season, and kept the Rams winless at home. The win also gave Seattle their 10th straight victory over St. Louis. Matt Hasselbeck did not have the best days statistics-wise, going 14-25 for 102 yards, but since Forsett was effective on the ground, there was not a need to rely too much on the passing game. Steven Jackson ran for 89 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown, and Kyle Boller, starting for an injured Marc Bulger, threw for 282 yards on 28-46 passing. The Rams are tied with the Buccaneers and Browns for the worst record in the NFL. Seahawks (4-7), Rams (1-10)

Kansas City 14, San Diego 43- Phillip Rivers went 21-28 for 317 yards and two touchdowns, LaDainian Tomlinson ran for two touchdowns, and Antonio Gates caught two touchdowns, and the San Diego Chargers defense forced the Kansas City Chiefs into four turnovers and the offense turned into 28 points which made all of the difference. Matt Cassel was 19-31 for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Chargers defense also forced three fumbles, but lost Shawne Merriman in the game due to a foot injury. The Chargers have won six straight and remain in first place in the AFC West over the Denver Broncos. Chiefs (3-8), Chargers (8-3).

Jacksonville 3, San Francisco 20- Alex Smith went 27-41 for 232 yards and threw two touchdowns, and the San Francisco 49er defense forced Jacksonville QB David Garrard to fumble the ball twice in the redzone and the 49ers kept their playoff hopes alive with a Singeltary-style victory with great defense and timely offense. The loss was bad for Jacksonville, as they fall out of the lead for the AFC Wild Card, and handed the AFC South division crown to Indianapolis. Maurice Jones-Drew became the second player in Jaguars’ history with 1000 yards for the season (joining Fred Taylor) with 75 yards on the day. Garrard threw for 307 yards on 25-36 passing, but the missed opportunities didn’t just come on the fumble, but also on special teams as kicker Josh Scobee missed on a 40 yard field goal wide left in the second quarter and a 21 yard field goal off the left upright in the fourth quarter. Jacksonville is 0-2 on the West Coast this season (they lost to Seattle 41-0) Jaguars (6-5), 49ers (5-6)

Chicago 10, Minnesota 36- Brett Favre is getting better and better as the season goes on. Favre wen 32-48 for 392 yards and three touchdowns, and Adrian Peterson ran for another touchdown along with 85 yards rushing, and the Minnesota Vikings steamrolled the Bears to keep pace with the New Orleans Saints for the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Ryan Longwell kicked three field goals for the Vikings as well. The Vikings defense was not bad either, as Jay Cutler was forced into throwing two interceptions and was sacked four times to go along with it. The loss is another blow to Chicago’s playoff hopes as they are not eliminated, but in trouble. Bears (4-7), Vikings (10-1)

Arizona 17, Tennessee 20- In What was the game of the day, and what will be known as “The March”, Vince Young marched his Tennessee Titans 99 yards from one end of the field to the other, on 18 plays, which included three fourth-down conversions, and took 2:37 off the clock. On the final play of the game and time expiring, Young found Kenny Britt in the back of the endzone for the game-winning 10 yard touchdown and the Titans won their fifth straight game after starting 0-6, and putting them right back in the playoff hunt. Young went 27-43 for 387 yards, with that touchdown, outdueling Matt Leinart for the second time the two have met (2006 Rose Bowl in which Young scored the GW TD with his legs). Leinart went 21-31 for 220 yards and no touchdowns. Chris Johnson has to be in serious discussion for MVP, rushing for 154 yards on 18 carries, including a 85 yard touchdown run, giving him six straight games with 125+ rushing yards, joining Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner missed the game due to sensitivity in his eyes from his injury last week at St. Louis. He may be ready for the Sunday night game against Minnesota. Cardinals (7-4), Titans (5-6)

Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 20 (F/OT)- Dennis Dixon made his first NFL start, and played very well, going 12-26 for 145 yards and a TD, along with a rushing touchdown, but it was a costly interception to Paul Kreuger in overtime which set up Billy Cundiff’s game-winning 29 yard field goal to give the Ravens the victory and move into the final Wild Card spot over Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. Dixon started the game due to Ben Roethlisberger’s ill effects from his concussion last week against Kansas City and backup Charlie Batch fracturing his wrist in the same game, threw his first career NFL touchdown on a 33 yd TD pass to Santonio Holmes, and made plays with his legs on the 24 yard TD run. Joe Flacco had a good game, going 23-35 for 289 yards and a touchdown of his own to Derrick Mason. With five games left, the banged up Super Bowl champs are on the outside looking in, and are in a little jam going into crunchtime. Steelers (6-5), Ravens (6-5)

Be back next week with the Sunday Slate, but be on the lookout for the Monday Night Recap from the Bayou, as the New England Patriots take on the New Orleans Saints.

I was able to help cover the last two Green Bay Packer home games against the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. It is awesome to watch the Packers playing their best football this time of the year. Around this time last year I was also helping cover the games, but if you remember the Packers were on a downward spiral losing to teams like the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.

It is great to go to the locker room after a victory instead of earlier games this season against the Cincinnati Bengals and those hated Minnesota Vikings. I had mixed feelings before the Dallas game as I’m sure everyone else did because I felt this was the Packers season on the line. But cornerback Charles Woodson put the defense on his shoulders and had the best game as a Packer since he has come to Green Bay. I believe we need to give General Manager Ted Thompson credit for signing Woodson to a lucrative contract in 2006. People are easy to criticize Thompson for many reasons, but he took a gamble and it has paid off big so far.

Woodson was a very talented player, but had injury issues and was on the backend of his career so people had a right to be skeptical. But since he arrived in Green Bay he has been one of the most consistent players making game changing plays giving the Packers a chance to win almost every game. He is 33 years old but seems to playing like he is 23 and looks to be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Moving on to the 49ers game I wish the Packers would have been more aggressive in the second half and figured out a way to slow down tight end Vernon Davis. It was a win and in the National Football League you have to take a win any way you can.

It would be great if Green Bay can win out and finish 12-4, but with their remaining opponents I see that as a pretty tough task. They have five games left and need to win three of them to finish 10-6, which should be good for a Wild Card berth in the playoffs.

One of the big stories of the season is the Tennessee Titans and their turn-around after losing six straight to open the season. Now they look to extend the streak with a win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans

The Arizona Cardinals are 3 point underdogs as they visit a Tennessee Titans team that has won four straight after an 0-6 start.

The Titans sudden turn around started when they installed Vince Young at quarterback. Young has kept the ball in the hands of the offense by making safe throwing plays, running the ball himself and giving it to RB Chris Johnson.

In their last game against Houston, Young picked up 73 yards to add to Johnson’s 151. Johnson leads the league with 1,242 rushing yards and with 6.2 yards per rush.

Arizona’s defense is giving up 103.2 rushing yards per game and will have a tough time dealing with Johnson.

Things look a lot better when Arizona has the ball. Quarterback Kurt Warner suffered concussion-like symptoms in their last game and is questionable for this contest. Backup Matt Leinart looked capable in relief completing 68 percent of his passes, but he was not able to find the end-zone.

The Titans defense may be the perfect thing for either a quarterback who may be a little woozy or a young guy still trying to get comfortable in the NFL as they rank last in passing yards allowed with 271.7 yards per game.

Arizona’s passing attack has looked deadly and they are going to have a huge game no matter who is at quarterback.

Tennessee has been playing well, but they are going to get burned by Arizona’s passing game.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers

The Jacksonville Jaguars look to extend a three game winning streak as they visit the struggling San Francisco 49ers.

Jacksonville’s vaunted running game will get to test itself against one of the best defenses against the run.

The Jaguars like to grind it out on the ground as their run-heavy offense wears down an opposing defenses. They are averaging 136.3 yards per game led by Maurice Jones-Drew who has 926 yards on the season and 13 touchdowns.

The 49ers defense will be looking to make up for a poor effort against Green Bay. Ryan Grant burned them for 129 yards, and Jones-Drew has the ability to put up similar numbers.

San Francisco has struggled a bit with the ball averaging just 279.0 yards of offense per game. At times they’ve put up good numbers, but they need to do that a little more consistently to win more games.

The 49ers are three point favorites, but it’s a very risky three points. They can explode and score touchdowns in bunches or look completely non-existent.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there who realizes, like me, that Thanksgiving is meant to be for three things: Family, Food, and Football.  Once again this year, we get a triple-header to feast on (Well, as long as you have NFL Network or live in or around New York or Denver.). Then on Sunday and Monday Night, we get our usual helping for games from around the league, topped off by the big game this week as the Saints host the Patriots in the Big Easy.  So before you go into your tryptophan-induced comas, here are the Week 12 picks.  Last week: 11-5. Season: 84-73-1 (.535)

Thanksgiving Games
Packers (-11) at Lions: The annual Turkey Day showdown between these two teams kicks off a real yawner of a holiday in terms of the matchups.  There’s a ton of concerns for the Lions with respect to the shoulder of Matt Stafford and the Packers need to keep winning if they expect to win the NFC Wild Card.  The Pack should win easy in Detroit.

Raiders (+14) at Cowboys: I fully expect the Cowboys to beat the Oakland Raiders, especially considering that they still have a full complement of running backs, unlike the Bengals who were stunned in the Black Hole last week.  However, I think Oakland will come out playing very hard in this one and Bruce Gradkowski is trying to earn himself a shot at an NFL job for next season.  It’ll be closer than you think.

Giants (-7) at Broncos: In a matchup of two teams that are in dire need of wins, the G-Men seem to have a lot more composure than the suddenly dysfunctional Broncos, who are looking to avoid their fifth-straight loss and completely erase a 6-0 start.  If the Giants’ pass rush is as bad as its been in recent games, expect Brandon Marshall to have a big day, but I would still expect New York to pull this one out easily.

Sunday
Buccaneers (+13) at Falcons: There’s really nothing going right for the Atlanta Falcons right now. Matt Ryan has been less than stellar and Michael Turner is banged up.  Tampa Bay seems to have found some hints of life with Josh Freeman under center.  The Falcons win it, but Tampa stays with them the whole way.

Dolphins (-4) at Bills: Last week I figured that the Phins were basically done with the loss of Ronnie Brown.  This week, I think Ricky Williams is going to carry the load once again, especially against the porous Bills run D.  Miami is on the cusp of being in the playoff mix.  They should get into the thick of the discussion after this one.

Browns at Bengals (-14): The Browns mustered 37 points last week in their loss to Detroit.  I’d be surprised to see them score 37 points in all of their remaining games combined.  Plus this week they get to face a very angry Cincy squad that’s coming off an unacceptable loss to the Raiders of all teams.  Cincy will reassert itself as the best team in the AFC North this week.

Seahawks at Rams (+3): This game is a complete pillow fight, but I’ve liked what St. Louis has done the last couple of weeks. It’s amazing that, even though the season is over, they keep playing so hard. I think they’ll be rewarded with win #2 on Sunday.

Panthers (+3) at Jets: Has anyone been watching the Jets the last two months? They’re playing they way a rookie coach and QB combination should be expected to play.  They might not win another game for the rest of the season.  Maybe Rex Ryan will cry about that, too.

Redskins (+10) at Eagles: Two reasons to take Washington this week. The first is that they almost beat Dallas in Dallas last week (should have won, too). The second is that this is an NFC East game, and how often are these games actually blowouts?

Colts (-4) at Texans: After their loss to the Titans on Monday Night, I’m beginning to cool on the Houston Texans, who now really need a win to hang in the playoff race.  Unfortunately, they face Peyton Manning & Co, who will not lose in Houston this time around.  Way too hard to pick against Indy right now.

Chiefs at Chargers (-14): San Diego is riding one heck of a high right now after routing Denver last week.  I don’t expect them to do anything less than run away with the AFC West now, and it starts with a big win over the lowly Chiefs.

Jaguars (+4) at 49ers: Jacksonville suddenly finds itself in 2nd place in an AFC South that most expected them to finish dead last in.  San Francisco is quickly realizing the importance of needing a viable passing game in order to make the playoffs.  Jacksonville will take this one and continue it’s unlikely playoff push behind another stellar performance by Maurice Jones-Drew.

Cardinals (+2) at Titans: I know that Vince Young has lit a spark under the Tennessee Titans, but they haven’t faced an offense like the Cardinals during the winning streak.  Plus, the Cards are 5-0 on the road this year and can basically wrap up the non-competitive NFC West with a win on Sunday.

Bears at Vikings (-11): The Bears are basically in crisis mode at this point of the season, and the calls for Lovie Smith’s head have begun.  The Vikings remain one of the hottest teams in the NFL this season and a frontrunner in terms of Superbowl contenders.  The Vikes should cruise and continue on their march towards the NFC North crown and playoffs.

Steelers at Ravens (pick ‘em): Interesting stat- Troy Polamalu has missed 4 games this season. In those games, Pittsburgh is 0-4.  Also remember that one hard hit could end Ben Roethlisberger’s day and force Dennis Dixon into action. Dixon has thrown 5 career NFL passes.  Against the Ravens’ D? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Monday Night
Patriots (+3) at Saints: I really want to take New Orleans in this game, but they have run into one of the teams I would least want to face in this part of the season.  In the last 10 years, New England in 52-10 in regular season games after Thanksgiving.  This is winning time and the Pats don’t lose very often in winning time.  It’ll be a battle, but Brady and Belichick will find a way to outwit Brees.

Over the next several weeks, we’re going to look at several different positions (I can’t yet promise all) to identify the best players wearing each jersey number at each position. If this goes as planned, we’ll then compile a list of the best player wearing each jersey number in the league.

If you have quibbles, or want to add someone I forgot, leave a comment and we’ll update this post. And please have patience – this is a big job.

We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post. Now we move to running backs, who wear numbers between 20 and 49.

20 – Thomas Jones, Jets – It was surprising to hear during this week’s Jets/Patriots game that Jones had moved into the top 30 of all-time NFL rushers. That’s an impressive accomplishment, especially for a guy who struggled as a top-10 overall pick in his first stop in Arizona. But in subsequent stops in Tampa Bay, Chicago, and now New York Jones has proven he can produce. He’s an easy choice here over young whippersnappers Steve Slaton of Houston and Darren McFadden of Oakland. Other notable 20: Justin Forsett, Seahawks

21 – LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers – LDT is no longer the dominant force he was in his prime years, but if one of the top 10 backs of all time is playing in the league, we have to give him the number nod, even over a stud like Frank Gore of San Francisco or a long-time producer like Fred Taylor of the Patriots. Other notable 21s: Mike Bell, Saints; Ryan Moats, Texans; Javon Ringer, Titans; Melwede Moore, Steelers

22 – Matt Forte, Bears – Forte had an outstanding rookie year last year, but this year he’s been stymied by a subpar offensive line. Still, he gets the nod at this point over Julius Jones of the Seahawks and Fred Jackson of the Bills. Other notable 22s: Peyton Hillis, Broncos; Jacob Hester, Chargers; Chris Brown, Texans; Clifton Smith, Buccaneers

23 – Ronnie Brown, Dolphins – Before suffering a season-ending injury, Brown was continuing to prove himself as one of the league’s top-10 backs. Throw in the fact that he can throw it out of the Wildcat, and Brown gets the nod over Marshawn Lynch of the Bills and Pierre Thomas of the Saints. Other notable 23s: Willis McGahee, Ravens; Shonn Greene, Jets

24 – Marion Barber, Cowboys - Marion the Barbarian isn’t having a dominant year, but he’s still a really good back. We have no choice but to give him the nod over comeback story extraordinare Cadillac Williams of Tampa Bay.

25 – Ryan Grant, Packers – While Reggie Bush’s 25 is a best selling jersey not just in New Orleans but league wide, Grant has been the more consistently productive back over the past three years. So we’ll give Grant the nod over Bush. Other notable 25s: Justin Fargas, Raiders; LenDale White, Titans; Garrett Wolfe, Bears; Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

26 – Clinton Portis, Redskins – Although he’s sidelined by a concussion at the home, Portis’ long and productive career makes him an easy choice here over promising rookie Beanie Wells of Arizona.

27 – Ray Rice, Ravens – Brandon Jacobs of the Giants has a bigger profile, and Larry Johnson of the Bengals has a longer career, but Rice is the best back wearing this number right now. Rice is a threat running and receiving, and he can move the chains as well as bust the big play. So he gets the nod over Jacobs, Johnson, and rookie Knowshon Moreno of the Broncos.

28 – Adrian Peterson, Vikings – This is a close call, because Peterson and Chris Johnson of the Titans – probably the two best backs in the league – both wear the same number. We’ll stick to conventional wisdom and lean toward Peterson in this close call. Otehr notable 28s: Jonathan Stewart, Panthers, Correll Buckhalter, Broncos; Felix Jones, Cowboys; Derrick Ward, Buccaneers; Maurice Morris, Lions

29 – Joseph Addai, Colts – Addai isn’t a great back, but he’s good both as a runner and a receiver when he’s healthy. With Leon Washington of the Jets hurt, Addai is an easy choice at this number. Other notable 29s: LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Michael Bush, Raiders; Glen Coffee, 49ers, Chester Taylor, Vikings

30 – John Kuhn, Packers – Green Bay’s fullback is the only notable back currently wearing 30. Thankfully, he has gotten into the end zone often enough to make this selection look respectable.

31 – Jamal Lewis, Browns – Lewis isn’t the back he once was, but the former 2,000-yard rusher has had a terrific career. He’s the clear choice at this number over rookie Donald Brown of the Colts. Other notable 31s: Rock Cartwright, Redskins; Jason Wright, Cardinals

32 – Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars – Jones-Drew has moved seamlessly from being a part-time back to a full-time guy this year while still producing big numbers in terms of yardage and touchdowns. That gives him the nod over Cedric Benson, who is having a terrific season with the Bengals. Other notable 32: Jerious Norwood, Falcons

33 – Michael Turner, Falcons – The Burner has been incredibly productive since joining the Falcons in 2008, and that makes him the best back wearing 33 over pass-catching specialist Kevin Faulk of New England and short-yardage specialist LeRon McClain of Baltimore. Other notable 33: Justin Griffith, Seahawks

34 – Ricky Williams, Dolphins – Ricky wins the battle of the Williamses over DeAngelo Williams of Carolina based on Ricky’s longer career track record of production. Both are outstandingly talented backs. Other notable 34s: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers; Kevin Smith, Lions; Tim Hightower, Cardinals; Ovie Mughelli, Falcons; Sammy Morris, Patriots

35 – Jerome Harrison, Browns – It’s slim pickings at this number, so we have to give the nod to Harrison, who has had a moment or two as Jamal Lewis’ backup. Other notable 35s: Owen Schmitt, Seahawks; Dan Kreider, Cardinals; Chad Simpson, Colts

36 – Brian Westbrook, Eagles – Westbrook, who has been a terrific multipurpose back for many years now, is the easy choice at this number. He’s a truly great player. Other notable 36: LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals

37 – Jason McKie, Bears – McKie, the Bears’ fullback, gets the nod here over recent Bengals signee Fui Vakapuna, another fullback. Neither will make fans forget a great fullback wearing 37 – Larry Centers of the Cardinals.

38 – Samkon Gado, Rams – Gado has had a few moments in the league, so although he’s just a backup in St. Louis now, we opt for him over Vikings fullback Naufahu Tahi and injured Dolphins back Patrick Cobbs.

39 – Steven Jackson, Rams – Jackson plays for a terrible team, but he remains a terrific bellweather back for St. Louis. He gets the nod over the declining Willie Parker of Pittsburgh and the inconsistent Laurence Maroney of the Patriots. Other notable 39: Madison Hedgecock, Giants

40 – Brian Leonard, Bengals – As we get into the 40s, we’ll have a harder time finding backs wearing these numbers. Leonard, the Bengals’ do-everything back is the only notable runner wearing 40.

41 – Lorenzo Neal, Raiders – Neal has long been one of the league’s best blocking fullbacks, but his career is winding to a conclusion, which is why he’s bounced around in recent years.

42 – BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots – The law firm, as Green-Ellis is called, has done a good job when called on by the Patriots. Other notable 42s: Tony Fiametta, Panthers; Mike Cox, Chiefs; DeShawn Wynn, Packers

43 – Darren Sproles, Chargers – Sproles, the mite-sized, dynamite-powered Chargers back, gets the nod here over underrated Eagles fullback Leonard Weaver.

44 – Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants – Bradshaw, once the speedy portion of the Giants’ RB trio, has emerged as the team’s best runner this season. He gets the nod over a batch of fullbacks here. Other notable 44s: Heath Evans, Saints; Luke Lawton, Raiders; Vonta Leach, Texans; Moran Norris, 49ers, Jason Snelling, Falcons; Mike Karney, Rams

45 – Mike Sellers, Redskins – In a batch of fullbacks, Washginton’s Sellers gets the nod because of his short-yardage acumen and special-teams impact. Other notable 45s: Ahmard Hall, Titans; Brad Hoover, Panthers; Jerome Felton, Lions

46 – Ladell Betts, Redskins – Betts is the only notable back wearing 46. Thankfully, he’s a solid player who has produced when he has gotten the chance to fill in for Clinton Portis.

47 – Lawrence Vickers, Browns – Vickers, a fullback, is the only notable NFL back wearing 47 right now.

48 – None – Poor Stephen Davis. (We went to the same high school.) No current back is making his former number 48 proud.

49 – Tony Richardson, Jets – Richardson has long been one of the league’s better fullbacks, and he now plies his trade with the Jets after stints in K.C. and Minnesota. He’s the only back currently wearing 49.

Posted: November 25, 2009

I’ll take another round turkey, a heaping pile of mashed potatoes and a mound of stuffing.  I’ll go for seconds, maybe thirds, on yams and cranberry.  I’ll make room for a slice of pie or three, and then it’s on to dessert and a plate full of Sleepers for Week 12:

QUARTERBACK

Alex Smith (San Francisco) vs. Jacksonville – Projection: 21-35, 220 yards, 2 TD
Smith didn’t look great on Sunday against Green Bay, but still threw for 227 yards and 3 TD.  Jacksonville ranks 25th versus the pass, so another solid performance is a high probability.

Vince Young (Tennessee) vs. Arizona – Projection: 13-21, 155 yards, 1 TD, 5-35 rushing
Young is not an exciting fantasy option, but it’s surprising how little it takes to get double-digit fantasy points from the guy.  With just 116 passing yards in Week 11, Young was still good for 14 fantasy points thanks to 73 rushing yards and a passing TD.

RUNNING BACK

Justin Forsett (Seattle) @ St. Louis – Projection: 13-71 rushing, 5-31 receiving, 1 TD
Even if Julius Jones returns from his bruised lung, Forsett has more than proven his worth in Seattle, and will get his touches.  The Rams are 28th in the league against the run, so this will probably be the last week Forsett qualifies as a “Sleeper”.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City) @ San Diego – Projection: 14-65 rushing, 3-11 receiving, 1 TD
Against a tough Pittsburgh D, Charles still found a way to be a viable fantasy option by catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel and returning a kickoff for 6.  San Diego is 21st against the run, so Charles could have another solid day.

Danny Ware (New York Giants) @ Denver – Projection: 9-51 rushing, 3-24 receiving
When the Giants travel to Denver for a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Broncos, Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) will not make the trip.  With Brandon Jacobs (leg) a bit hobbled, the door could swing open for the Giants’ number three back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay) @ Atlanta – Projection: 5-67 receiving, 1 TD
Bryant had 1248 yards and 7 TD just one season ago.  After battling injuries for much of this year, he’s healthy and could start to build a rapport with Tampa Bay rookie gunslinger, Josh Freeman.  It doesn’t hurt that Atlanta is 29th against the pass.

Earl Bennett (Chicago) @ Minnesota – Projection: 7-84 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Chicago’s leading ypc receiver (12.8) has a modest 15 grabs for 177 yards.  Not exactly a trend that would suggest a big game versus Minnesota, but here we go again, putting up the bucks for a guy who always fails to deliver a TD.  This could be the week…

Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis) @ Houston – Projection: 5-72 receiving
Over the past 3 weeks, Garcon is tied with Roddy White for 13th in the NFL in WR targets (28).  Over that span, he has 14 catches, 218 yards and 1 TD, including 108 yards last week.  By the way, he has Peyton Manning throwing him the ball.

TIGHT END

Jermichael Finley (Green Bay) @ Detroit – Projection: 4-39 receiving, 1 TD
How can I not go with Finley (again)?  He’s owned in less than 20% of fantasy leagues, yet, per game, is outperforming Jason Witten, Jeremy Shockey and John Carlson, all of whom are owned in more than 75% of leagues!  Plus, here comes Detroit.

KICKER

Dan Carpenter (Miami) @ Buffalo – Projection: 2 FG, 2 PAT (1 FG 40+)
It’s time to see if Carpenter can be a cold weather kicker.  Safe bet, the Montana alum will be fine, and the Dolphins will get him into range at least twice against the Bills.  Carpenter has scored 74 (real life) points thus far in 2009, and has a big leg.

DEFENSE

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay – Projection: 17 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 Int, 1 fumble recovery
The Buccaneers have shown flashes of ability on offense, and there could be some again on Sunday.  That said, Atlanta is averaging 2 sacks and nearly 2 takeaways per game, and Tampa will really be no match at home.

To celebrate the Holidays I am going to post a free winning pick for every day of the week starting on Thanksgiving and going all the way to Sunday. I will also post some great sportsbook bonus so you can take advantage of some of the best in the business! Take time out to be thankful for everything in life and remember the troops that can’t be home on Thanksgiving.

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Free Pick for Thursday November 26th, Turkey day!

Texas @ Texas A& M

Texas has already clinched the Big 12 South and will play Nebraska in the

Happy Holidays!

Championship game but they can’t afford to get caught napping here. This will be no problem for Texas as they are focused on going to the Championship game after the loss last year that put them out. Texas A&M has flopped in six of nine as dogs of 20 points or more and in 10 of 12 ATS off a home win. The Longhorns have scored at least 41 points in their four previous road games this season. They are 23-12-2 ATS in November and get a blowout win here.

Play: Texas -21

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Free Pick for Friday November 27th

Alabama @ Auburn

Auburn enters this game with revenge after getting blanked last year. Alabama is going to the SEC Championship game against Florida so this game is a warm up. The Tigers have covered seven of 11 against Alabama and the home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five showdowns. The Crimson Tide dropped nine of 13 ATS when giving up more than 11 points on the highway. Auburn will not win but they will keep it close.

Play: Auburn +10

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Free Pick for Saturday November 28th

Arkansas @ LSU

The loss for LSU was a tough one that will linger over to this week. Arkansas has pulled off the upset against LSU the last two seasons. The Razorbacks are 11-6 as road dogs and the visitor is 6-3 in the past nine meetings. The Tigers are 2-14 as SEC home favorites and they have floundered in 27 of 34 ATS at Baton Rouge in November. Arkansas knows hwo to beat LSU and will do it again.

Play: Arkansas +3.5

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Free Pick For Sunday November 29th

Indianapolis @ Houston
Houston will be playing on a short week and they have to get Chris Brown in the right mindset for this game. Houston has cashed eight straight as home dogs and won six of those eight SU, the only two losses at the hands of the Colts by a total of four points. The Colts have struggled within the division, dropping 14 of 21 ATS, while the Texans are 6-2 at Reliant Stadium versus AFC-South citizens. Indianapolis has won six of seven at Houston, but failed in five of seven ATS. Houston finally gets the win against the Colts.

Play: Houston +3

New York Yankees 14, San Francisco 49ers 0
Click HERE for complete game stats.

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Overrated:

Indianapolis Colts – It’s hard to call an undefeated team overrated, especially when the undefeated team is currently second in my power poll. But honestly, them being second is merely my way of showing some respect towards their actual record. While I don’t think they are nearly as good as their 10-0 record has led us to believe, I still have to give them credit for actually going 10-0. I wasn’t high on Indianapolis before the season because they got by in far too many games last season, and they didn’t do anything to improve their roster. This season, they are once again getting by too many opponents. Maybe they are simply a team that plays things close to the chest, but I still don’t care for it. Already this season, six out of their 10 wins have come by four points or less. New Orleans, on the other hand, have only had one game decided by less than a touchdown. Right now, on a neutral field, I think the Saints, Vikings, Patriots, and Steelers would beat them (keeping in mind, the Patriots should’ve beaten them). They just haven’t impressed me, and I fear for their chances once the playoffs hit.

Underrated:

San Francisco 49ers – They are better than people think, even if they are 1-5 of their last six games. This should be a five or six win team right now, but for whatever reason they just can’t seem to get their act together. Their offense doesn’t get rolling until the second half of games, and their defense is ‘good but not good enough.’ Of their six losses, five of them have been by a touchdown or less. On top of that, look at who they have lost to: the Vikings, Falcons, Texans, Colts, Titans, and Packers. They aren’t losing to chumps, they are losing to some legitimately good teams. The only loss that is inexcusable (more so because of how they lost) is the blowout at the hands of the Falcons. Aside from that, their other losses could have gone either way. It shows that this is a team that is talented, well-coached for the most part, but simply doesn’t know how to finish games. That’s a product of them a) being young, and b) being accustomed to losing. Those are two things that can’t be fixed in one season. However, those are two things worth building on and really shows the large amount of promise this franchise has for the near future.

Here is our Football Relativity comparison after Week 11. We’ve noted where we have moved teams up or down from the Week 10 comparison.

10 – Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints - The Colts somehow pulled out a win in Baltimore, as we detailed in this post. It was Indy’s sixth win by four points or fewer this year, and their fourth in a row by such a narrow margin. It’s unlikely for a team to win all their close games like this, but then again Peyton Manning has a habit of accomplishing the unlikely. The Saints had a more conventional win in a 38-7 laugher in Tampa Bay, and now they gear up for a Monday-night clash with New England. That’ll be a great test for both teams.

9 – Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots – The Vikings beat down the Seahawks in a home game, once again showing a level of certainty against a bad team. Next week’s game against Chicago shouldn’t be a big test, but the Week 13 matchup in Arizona will be. New England exacted revenge against the Jets for an earlier loss with a convincing 31-14 win. New England hasn’t gotten major props, in part because of its three road losses, but a win in New Orleans next week will change that. And the Pats are capable of putting such a skin on their wall.

8 – Arizona Cardinals (UP A LEVEL), Cincinnati Bengals (DOWN A LEVEL), Pittsburgh Steelers (DOWN A LEVEL), San Diego Chargers – The Cardinals once again took care of business on the road with a win in St. Louis, but Kurt Warner’s concussion could put a real damper on their long-term hopes. If Warner can stay healthy, though, the Cards look to be a team no one wants to play – not even Minnesota or New Orleans. The Chargers took control of the AFC West by stomping the Broncos 32-3. San Diego has now won five straight and is in terrific form. With games against the Chiefs and Browns the next two weeks, the Bolts could quickly make that a seven-game win streak to put the division away. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati both had embarrassing losses to sorry teams, with the Steelers dropping a game at Arrowhead against the Chiefs and the Bengals blew a late lead in the Black Hole against the Raiders. Since both teams lost, it doesn’t affect the AFC North division race too much, but both teams must prove they can bounce back if they want to remain among the strong playoff contenders.

7 – Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles – The Falcons lost an overtime game at the Giants, which was a desperately needed win for Big Blue. The Giants aren’t a perfect team, but they have enough going to remain a strong NFC East contender. Atlanta lost again to fall to 5-5, but they have four home games in the next five, and the Falcons have been much better in the Dirty South than on the road this year. Dallas played poorly but pulled out a win against Washington to stay ahead in the NFC East, while Philly kept pace with a road win in Chicago. Dallas, Philly, and the Giants will take this race all the way to the end of the season. The Giants need a win on the road in Denver on Thanksgiving night to keep up with the Cowboys, who have the Raiders at home, and the Eagles, who host the Redskins.

6 – Baltimore Ravens (DOWN A LEVEL), Denver Broncos (DOWN A LEVEL), Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans (DOWN A LEVEL), Jacksonville Jaguars (UP A LEVEL), Miami Dolphins – The Ravens suffered a crushing loss against the Colts. The loss was crushing because the Ravens did so many things well but were in the end stifled by a few mistakes. The Broncos are plummeting after their fourth straight loss, a blowout vs. San Diego. Denver needs a win on Thanksgiving night against the Giants to stem the tide and remain playoff-relevant. At least for the Broncos’ sake, they’re at home. The Packers won their second straight game by beating the Niners at home. Green Bay isn’t a great team, but there is talent there, and if the Packers continue to improve they are a little scary. Houston blew a golden opportunity on Monday Night Football to jump headlong into the playoff hunt. Now they’re at .500, which is a mark the franchise just can’t seem to jump. The Jaguars pulled one out against the Bills to move to 6-4. Although Jacksonville isn’t a perfect team, the Jags are capable of winning most weeks, and if they can gain consistency they are a threat to at least make the playoffs. Miami won at Carolina in a Thursday-night affair to even their record at 5-5 and get in playoff position. They’ll have a hard time jumping New England in the division, but the Dolphins are squarely in the playoff hunt.

5 – Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans (UP A LEVEL) - The Titans were the only team in this bunch who won. It was Tennessee’s fourth straight win, and the Titans now have something to play for despite their horrific 0-6 start. Carolina lost a tight game against Miami, but the Panthers continue to show that they’re no pushover. The Bears played close, but they continue to make critical mistakes in prime-time games. Chicago fans are apoplectic, but the Bears still could make a run to 8-8. The Jets got stomped in New England, and Mark Sanchez continued to show rookie growing pains. But the bigger problem is that Rex Ryan’s vaunted defensive scheme seems to have been solved to some degree in the last month or so. San Francisco tried to rally in Green Bay, which is a positive sign of not giving up, but they just don’t have enough talent to keep up with the Cardinals in their division.

4 – Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins (UP A LEVEL) – We moved the Redskins up despite their loss in Dallas because they finally look like a team that’s at least competitive. Seattle has a hard time competing against top teams like Minnesota, but the Seahawks have done a good job of beating inferior teams this year.

3 – Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs (UP A LEVEL) – The Chiefs won at home against Pittsburgh, and they’re starting to establish a home-field advantage that makes them a threat even against good teams. That’s a positive step. Buffalo played valiantly in Jacksonville, but ultimately fell short. That team competes, but it doesn’t have enough on the offensive or defensive line to be a real contender.

2 – Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders (UP A LEVEL), Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Lions got their second win against the Browns, and Matthew Stafford showed both toughness and talent. That’s something to build on. Tampa Bay got shellacked after two solid performances, but we’ll leave them in place now as we see if the Bucs can return to competitives. Oakland got a surpising last-minute win against Cincinnati, marking the Raiders’ third win of the year. When the Raiders don’t care, they play terribly, but they have the talent to compete when they’re in the mood to do so.

1 – Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams (DOWN A LEVEL) – The Browns lost to the Lions, which was one of their few good shots at a win left. The Rams lost at home to Arizona, and now the Rams look like the leading contender for the No. 1 overall pick.