There were moments in this game where the Vikings were unstoppable.  Favre threw for a season high 392 yards with 3 TDs but AP was held again to under 100.  The Bears were taking the line taking away AP but now we have Favre, Rice, Percy, Berrian, and Shaincoe to take advantage of 8 man fronts.  I am also a little worried about AP putting the ball on the ground and too many penalties but then again, we did win by 26.  Just a few things to clean up.

Next week should be a good game as the Vikes travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals.  The Vikes and TJack and handled the Cardinals last year but the Cardinals pose a difficult challenge with their passing attack.  Hopefully we get Winfield on the field because there will be a need for premier DBs against Fitz, Bolden, ect.

You MUST obey this system! Once again, my GFS told me to buy 3 points on the Spurs-Sixers game to make it -7.5, and the Spurs won by 8. It’s amazing how many calls I have seen like this.

Unfortunately, the system can’t call them all.  I don’t blame it for missing the Timberwolves game as they were 0-12 ATS in their last 12 games, with a differential of -14.7.  But lets not dwell on that too much.

I still had a winning record today in NBA. I went 4-1 ATS, 4-1 SU, and 3-2 O/U. Another solid night for professional hoops.

I went 4-3 ATS in the NFL in an up-and-down day. The good news is I went 7-0 straight up on my picks! And as for O/U, I was also 4-3, for a combined 15-6.   Some of my teams looked good while other picks were disastrous.

Bret Favre looked like his natural self against a flat Bears team.  Favre threw for 392 yards and 3 TDs (surpassing the 500 career TD mark) as Minnesota put up the most offensive yards the Bears have allow since 1982.

The Seahawks also looked strong against their NFC West rival, adding another chapter to their bipolar season.  This team is tough to bet on because they’re either winning by 20 or losing by 20, and you never know which way it’s going to be.  Apparently, they are mathematically still in contention for a wild card slot, although a lot has to go their way to make it happen.  Winning games is definitely a start though.

Falcons lost QB Matt Ryan early in the game, which really hurt them.  Once Turner left in the third quarter, any shot at the Falcons covering their spread was lost. These are the games you just gotta take.

Losing Westbrook has been a huge hit to the Eagles, both offensively and defensively. After only allowing 1 team in their first 7 games to score more than 20 points, the Eagles have now let the last 4 teams score at least 20.  Losing their running game means more passing and thus less time the offense is on the field.  Naturally, that keeps the defense out there longer, making them wear out more easily.

The run proved to be effective against the Browns for Cincinnati. I can’t blame them for abandoning the pass and just grinding out a low scoring game against a terrible offense. One thing to remember whenanalyzing potential plays is newcomers.  The addition of Larry Johnson helped keep this a low scoring game, allowing them to pick up first downs run down the clock. I’m not saying I could have seen this coming but it’s something to keep in your mind when assessing similar games in the future.

All of those losses today were due to unforeseen circumstances and not due to a fault in my system. I probably could have been smarter about the Eagles game and just not played it but I stand by the other two picks.

The Good:

1. This team is very good and playing at an extremely high level.

2. Favre continues to have one of his best years.

3. Sidney Rice will catch anything you throw at him.

4. You cannot run on this defense.  Just ask Matt Forte. Or Ryan Grant. Or Steven Jackson. Or any running back they have faced this year.

5. Just how dominating was the defense today?  As Chicago Sun-Times writer, Brad Biggs pointed out “The Bears ran 12 plays in the second half.  They gained 2 yards.“

6. 3rd down conversions? No problem.  3rd and long? No problem.  Today the Vikings were 12 of 18 on third down.

7. If you want more of the good, just take a look at the game statistics.

The Bad: (and they really aren’t that bad)

1. Why was Adrian Peterson playing at the end of the game?  Wasn’t he hurt this week? I sometimes get the feeling that Chilly loses focus of what is important and forgets what he’s doing in the middle of the game.

2. Penalties: 10 of them to be exact.

3. Adrian Peterson putting the ball on the turf.  Just ask Bushytop how he feels about that.

4. Brett Favre threw the ball 48 times.  That’s a lot.  It will be interesting to see how the end of the season plays out when the Vikings secure their playoff spot home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

5.  The play of the special teams was not very good, just ask the folks over at The Viking Age.

Overall:

This is a great team.  The offense seems to be able to score at will, and the defense is dominating. Perhaps most impressive is that the defense is doing all of this without one of their best players: Antoine Winfield.  Finally, you know that something special is going on if Prince is coming to your games.

Could this be the year for the Vikings?  Let me know what you think in the comment section.

is coming to a close. Just watching the Vikings Bears game wrap up and here are some things that caught my eye.

Game I watched – I sorta watched the Eagles vs Redskins game but I’m not too invested in either team at all. What I really watched was old man Favre and the Vikings run over Chicago. Things don’t improve for Cutler and it didn’t help that Brett and all the offensive weapons were on a roll. I’d take Minnesota over Saints or Colts right now. I know I should have at least clicked over the SF game but they burned me last weeks so I didn’t get around to it. Good win though.

Other high notes - Titans won again. With a game winning TD from V. Young to K. Britt over Leinart and the Cardinals. With Kurt Warner out Young was given another chance to beat Matt. In college one of the biggest college football games Vince Young led the Texas Longhorns over Leinart’s Trojans. Matt Leinart also had beer bong pictures with hot chicks on TMZ. Chris Johnson is also awesome. He’s very bouncy and floaty in his movements and cuts.

San Diego kicked ass again today. I don’t know what it is but I just don’t like the Chargers. Maybe its the ridiculous Northern Southern Cali rivalry that northerners mostly made up. The Chargers remind me of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Great players but never seem to really be a threat for the championship. I don’t like the Mavs much either. If either team wins it all this year, kudos to them.

Assassin’s Creed 2

Just beat assassin’s creed 2 yesterday. The story was fantastic. Really cool how they wove in real history all over the place. The graphics looked similar to the first but definitely better. The gameplay did have it tweeks and changes. Unfortunately it did get repetitive just like the first game. By the end I just wanted to see what happened in the story and finish the game. But I can be an impatient gamer. Lots to do and collect in the game if you like that.  I could go on more about AC1 and 2 but I’ll just leave it at – Decent to good game. Tackling Gears of War next in my fight against 360 achievements.

That’s all. Monday Night Football is gonna be good. Pats vs Saints. Make sure to catch it. If you stumble upon my blog feel free to comment on what you watched or caught you this Sunday. or anything an Assassin’s Creed 2

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our baby faced Jay Cutler, who usually throws 3-5 interceptions each game, is going head to head with THE Brett Farve.

this game will be extremely interesting to watch.  our coach, Lovie Smith, was originally hired to a) beat the Packers, which included Farve at the time, and b) take the Bears to the super bowl.  Smith has completed both of these tasks.  but can he lead our team to a victory against THE Farve and the Vikings?  the Vikings have had a very successful season and although Farve is old, he has proven that age doesn’t matter.

one of the things that frightens me the most is that we are unstable.  the Bears play unpredictable games, usually ending in frustration and confusion.

can we pull it together, get our QB in check, and actually play a good game against the barely unbeatable Vikings?

i will know soon enough.

1ST QUARTER :
- Titans (K)Rob Bironas kicks 52 Yd. FG
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (TE)Antonio Gates for TD

2ND QUARTER :
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (WR)Percy Harvin for TD
- Chiefs (QB)Matt Cassel passes to (WR)Chris Chambers for TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (TE)Vernon Davis for TD
- Bears (QB)Jay Cutler passes to (WR)Johnny Knox for TD
- Chargers (RB)LaDainian Tomlinson rushes for TD
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (RB)Chester Taylor for TD
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (TE)Antonio Gates for TD
- Chargers(D/ST) Chargers (S)Paul Oliver 40 Yd. Fumble Recovery TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (RB)Frank Gore for TD
- Vikings (K)Ryan Longwell kicks 52 Yd. FG
- Vikings (QB)Brett Favre passes to (TE)Visanthe Shiancoe for TD

3RD QUARTER :
- Chargers (RB)LaDainian Tomlinson rushes for TD
- Chiefs (RB)Jamaal Charles rushes for TD
- Titans (RB)Chris Johnson rushes for TD
- Cardinals(D/ST) Cardinals (RB/KR)LaRod Stephens-Howling 99 Yd. Kickoff Return for TD

4TH QUARTER :
- Cardinals (RB)Tim Hightower rushes for TD
- Vikings (RB)Adrian Peterson rushes for TD
- Titans (QB)Vince Young passes to (WR)Kenny Britt for TD

The 2009 North Arlington Vikings had a lot of promise.  We returned 7 starters on offense and 7 starters on defense.  The entire offensive line had varsity game experience as well as our quarterback and wide receivers.  There were very high hopes for this team.  The players dedicated themselves to the weight room in the off-season as they knew that they had big expectations to try and fulfill.  Because I am the offensive coordinator, I can only tell you what went wrong on the offensive side of the ball, and that is exactly what I will do.

Our three scrimmages against Ridgefield, Kearny, and Asbury Park  were all real good scrimmages.  We got better and better after each game.  What didn’t go right in our first scrimmage worked the second time and against an Asbury Park team that is playing for a state championship, we held our own and played as well as we could.  Going into our season opener against Wallington, we felt strong and felt we can compete with anybody.  The game didn’t go as planned.  We were not able to sustain any drives as we had two drives of at least 8 plays end with a turnover.  Wallington took advantage of our miscues and beat us 38-10.  The offense did not look in sync and we had a hard time establishing a rhythm.  The next week against New Milford we felt that we had a better week of practice and were ready to take on a good team from a good conference and again were not in sync at all and struggled to move the ball down field.  There was one drive in particular that we had a good pace to, but stalled and were forced to punt.  We lacked that ability to finish our drives.  The next week against a very good Becton team, we played our best game of the year.  Our game plan was to try and own the clock by establishing our running game and keeping their offense off of the field.  For the first half our plan worked as we were down 13-0 at halftime.  But, as all god teams do, Becton reeled off 20 second half points to our 7 and put the game away.

After the first three games of the year we were 0-3 and outscored 106-17.  That was something we never expected to happen.  We thought we had a real good offense and a real good defense, as good as anyone in our conference, but we never demonstrated it on the field.  In our next three games we showed what kind on football we should have had.  In our week 4 game against Weehawken we made some lineup changes.  First we made a switch at quarterback starting a freshman the rest of the way and moving our versatile junior to slot receiver and running back.  We moved our offensive guards to tackles and vise versa and inserted a sophomore center.  We played a good game against Weehawken, not as good of a game as we played the week before, but good enough to win 21-6.  We got our first win of the season and then played St. Mary who is usually one of the dominant teams in the conference and we got smoked 33-0.  Then came our rivals in Lyndhurst.  We talked all week about how important it was for us to play well and beat them.  We responded by playing the most complete game of the year and never giving them a shot in a 31-7 romp.  Our running game clicked in the previous three games and we felt that we could possibly win the remaining games and build toward next season.  The week after Lyndhurst we played Wood-Ridge and it looked like we never showed up.  The man handled us to a 30-7 loss.

The next three games were going to be a test for us.  After the Wood-Ridge debacle, we played Secaucus.  They have not lost a conference game since 2005.  Our game plan was similar to the Becton game, try and control the clock and be in the game at halftime.  We did just that again.  We were up 7-0 nothing fast and had a chance to go up 14-0 but we fumbled on their three yard line.  A great catch at the end of the half kept us in the game as we trailed 14-13.  We were in the game, but Secaucus being the good team they are, scored 24 points in the third quarter and beat us 51-21.  We were proud of the way we played and hoped that it would carry over into the next game against Whippany Park.  We played Whippany Park last season too in the state consolation game and beat them 14-0.  This year was no different.  Even though our quarterback threw an interception for a touchdown, we ran the ball for over 300 yards in our 30-14 win.

The last game of the year came against Harrison.  We play them every Thanksgiving Eve for a trophy known as the Turkey Bowl Trophy.  It turned out that it would be the last year we will play for that trophy because we will not play them on Thanksgiving anymore.  Harrison jumped out to a 14-0 lead before we could blink and our kids gave up right then and there and we were never really in the game.  Even though we might have had the edge in the overall head to head games Harrison will forever have the Turkey Bowl Trophy as they went on to win 17-7.

The season for forgettable in many ways.  We did not have a good year in the offensive side of the ball.  We were able to run the ball very effectively, but had no passing game to complement it.  The few teams that were able to stop the run knew we couldn’t pass and beat us because they put us in passing situations and we could not come through.  If this team wants to be successful, we are going to have to have a great year in the weight room and work our tails off to get where we want this program to go; the state playoffs.  The work will be tough and we will see what kind of football players we have.  Do they want to be mediocre, or do they want to succeed?  We will find out in 2010.

where has this season gone?? my goodness, it seems like we were just preparing for the hall of fame game! but yes, it is week 12, and it is a week filled with many division games. but before we move on to week 12 sunday, we must look back at week 12 thursday…

hope everyone had a great thanksgiving! I sure did, but one thing that would have made it better is…BETTER FOOTBALL! now, i’m all for traditions…the Lions always play, the Cowboys always play, blah blah blah…how about giving them some equal opponents? Like don’t have the Lions play the Packers, where its sort of obvious who’s going to win! (Sorry Detroit fans). Also, don’t have a relatively good team like the Cowboys take on the Raiders. Do i even have to tell you who won those games? What an easy win for the Packers and Cowboys! Moving on to the Thursday night game…yes the Giants lost to the Broncos. End of story…moving on!

okay, so for all those division games….

1. NFC South (Bucs @ Falcons)
2. AFC East (Dolphins @ Bills)
3. NFC East (Redskins @ Eagles)
4. NFC West (Seahawks @ Rams)
5. AFC North (Browns @ Bengals)
6. AFC South (Colts @ Texans)
7. AFC West (Chiefs @ Chargers
8. NFC North (Bears @ Vikings)
9. AFC North (Steelers @ Ravens)

So./././ how about that? 9 division games! some less exciting than the others, but division games, nonetheless. i would say 6, 8, and 9 are the games i most looking forward to as a good game. if the Colts win today, and the Jaguars lose, then the Colts can clinch the AFC South!!

alright, i gotta cut this short, but hope everyone enjoys their football-filled sunday!

Another Sunday has arrived. The Sunday paper is getting devoured and the coffee pot is percolating. This is my sabbath and I keep it holy. Life is good.

In the back of my brain’s recesses, I can’t seem to shake the feeling that the Queens may be in a little bit of trouble. Just a little bit. They’ll probably pull out the W at Mall of America Field the Roller Dome this afternoon, but there’s something about the Bears that has me slightly nervy.  First on my list is Jay Cutler. He is most definitely an enemy of the state. He reminds me of the mid-20s, Ed Hardy-rocking D-bags whose cars I would valet as I worked my way through college. You know the kind of kid that would yell at you in near tears over some car that his parents bought him? The tantrum he had with Phillip Rivers a couple seasons ago remains my favorite/least favorite sports memory in recent vintage. Two guys looking like they were arguing over where to go after their Duke lacrosse practice.  

Having said that, there’s no way he’s as bad as he’s played lately. No chance. He’s already tied a career high with 18 interceptions against only 15 TDs. I know he’s lacking a legit weapon at receiver but he’s better than that. His confidence may be a bit shaken and he may very well be the reincarnation of Jeff George, but he’s due for a decent game. Lord knows they won’t be able to run the ball.

On the Silver Fox side of the ball, I keep replaying Peanut Tillman stripping over and over and over in my dome. Pardon the Tobias Funke moment — I keep replaying Peanut Tillman stripping ball carriers in my Dome. I would LOVE to have Peanut playing alongside Antoine for the Vikes. Dude has an ungodly amount of forced fumbles for a corner.

In particular I’m worried that Adrian Peterson and his Lil’ Hand Daunte tendencies might get exploited. Couple of quick TOs early putting Cutler and Co. on a short field and we might have ourselves a nice little football game. While I’m on the subject, why do the Queens always seem to end up with such prolific and infamous fumblers. Add up Daunte and AP’s fumbles in the 2000s and it’s astounding — 118 TOTAL FUMBLES!!!!!!!! More balls on the turf than an all-men’s outdoor yoga studio.

No worries though, I’ll be celebrating a Vike’s Dubya by 6:15 this evening. Skol Vikes.

Indy @ Houston – The Texans are 3 point underdogs in this game.  I’m taking the points and Houston to pull off an upset.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati – The Bengals are 13 point favorites.  That’s a lot to cover for an in state rivalry.  As bad as the Browns are – I think they cover.  Taking them with the points.

Chicago @ Minn – The Vikings are 10.5 point favorites in this game.  I like them winning big.  Taking Brett and giving the points.

Washington @ Philly – The Eagles are 9.5 point favorites in this game.  I am actually going to be rooting for the Redskins this week so we get more separation in our division from Philly.  I think the eagles win – but don’t cover.  I’m taking the Skins with the points.

Miami @ Buffalo – The Dolphins are 3.5 point favorites.  I like them to win this.  Giving the points and taking the Dolphins.

Arizona @ Tennessee -  The Titans are 2 point favorites in this game.  I honestly think AZ looses their first game on the road this season and Vince Young keeps the run going.  Taking the Titans with the points.

Seattle @ St. Louis – The Seahawks are 4 point favorites.  I’m taking them and giving the points to beat the Rams.

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta – The Falcons are 12 point favorites.  I like the Bucs in this.  Josh Freeman will get better each week.  Taking the points and the Bucs to cover.

Carolina @ New York Jets – The Jets are 3.5 point favorites in this game.  I like the Panthers.  Taking the points and panthers to win.

Jacksonville @ San Fran – The 49ers are 3 point favorites in this game.  I could go either way in this game, but I’m giving the edge to Gurrard over Smith.  Taking the points and the Jags to cover.

Kansas City @ San Diego -  The Chargers are 14 point favorites in this game.  I like them to win, but not by that much.  I’m taking the Chiefs with the points.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore – The Ravens are 7.5 point favorites in this game.  With Big Ben out – I think the Ravens should win this.  I think Tomlin however will find a way to keep it close.  Taking Pittsburgh with the points.

New England @ New Orleans – The Saints are 2 point favorites in this game.  They’ve been exposed too many times by bad teams (even though they found ways to win) to keep their streak alive.  I think it ends tomorrow.  Bill and Tom take care of the Saints and cover.  Taking the Pats with the points.

Ever since Adrian Peterson started running past demolishing embarrassing defenders in the NFL, he has forced defensive coordinators to scheme against him.  His dynamic running and exciting play has helped put the King back in Vikings. However, this year things seem to be different.  He doesn’t need to carry his team as he has in the past few years, yet he is quietly having a great year – (through 10 games) 999 yards, 11 touchdowns, and averaging almost 5 yards a carry.  What’s different this year?  Media stories seem to revolve around Brett Favre and not Adrian Peterson.  Don’t get me wrong, Favre is having an amazing year, and the media attention is deserved, but no one seems to be overly concerned with Peterson missing practice this week.

Almost nothing is mentioned about Peterson’s ankle and/or illness in the news this week.  Last year a questionable tag on the injury report would have caused the state of Minnesota to be in a panic.  This year, it gets a few sentences from the Star Tribune’s Vikings writers.

I understand Brett Favre is having an MVP season, but should I even have to point out that Adrian Peterson is an integral part of this offense?  Just today I was talking to a Vikings fan who told me that if Favre were to ever miss time, the Vikings would be in trouble, but if Peterson were to miss time, his backup (Chester Taylor) would fill in just fine.

Although I agree that an injury to Brett Favre would hurt the Vikings more than an injury to Peterson, I don’t think the Vikings could win a Super Bowl without Adrian Peterson.  As I mentioned earlier, Peterson keeps defensive coordinators up at night. He causes defenses to scheme around stopping him, and simply having him in the backfield changes the way defensive players move towards the ball.

Do I think Adrian Peterson is going to miss any time because of his ankle/illness/whatever Childress decides to tell us?  No. It’s a division game and his team needs him.  I think he’ll play.  My point is that Adrian Peterson seems to be forgotten behind all of the Favre-mania.

If you’re interested, here and here are the latest on whether he’ll play or not.

Last night was Amon Amarth, the Viking Death Metal band from Sweden. I went with a few friends, one of whom hadn’t been to a metal concert before, let alone a death metal concert.

So, we got into it, deep in the crowd, and it was rough, rougher than anything at Opeth. Every song had more moshing than eaven the heaviest Opeth song, it was intense.

Johaan, the singer, was great, really funny, great crowd talking. They were all great, good performers plus the playing was top-notch. They played a lot of great songs, a few from the recent albums, a few older things, a good mix, I was very happy.

We got out, soaked with a variety of sweats, and it was raining outside, which was pleasant, considering how hot we were. It was good, fun.

Your Sweaty God of War,

TDE

One sunny day, at the shore of the Northern Sea, by the village of SmelBaäd, young Bjarni noticed a strange disturbance in the water.

“By Loki! “, he exclaimed.   “There seems to be some hideous creature rising from the deep!  What is it?”

“Why…I cannot believe my eyes! “  his father said.  “I have heard of these….it’s an Eldâr-KrΦne!   Quick, we must run to warn the others!”

Soon afterwards, more and more of the Eldâr-KrΦnes emerged from the sea, and made their way towards the unspecting village village.

And soon they began to take over.

In no time at all, travel became difficult, if not impossible.   The Eldâr-KrΦnes blocked all routes with monstrous carts that they had somehow acquired, which they drove at less than walking speed.

“How am I supposed to invade the Celts on time, with this grandomther in my way?”, grumbled Æskole.

Commerce ground to a halt and children went hungry.  The Eldâr-KrΦnes crowded the local merchants, and took forever to buy something.  And when they did, they insisted on paying with hundreds of almost worthless copper coins.

Village security was at risk.   The Warrior-Men were weak from lack of food, and could not concentrate on their practice-jousting, as they were constantly hissed at to be quiet.

Youngsters were forced to listen to long rambling tales of Yore, and were literally bored to tears.    In exchange, they were offered rancid sweets, which threatened to break their young teeth.

As the Eldâr-KrΦnes continued their ruthless invasion, life in SmelBaäd become more difficult.

The villagers were  concerned, and approached Olaf Thunderfröck, the Chieftain.

“These grayish being are making life unbearable!”, they cried.    “Cannot you do something about it?”

“I say, burn and pillage them!   Send them to Valhalla!”, said Fjolkman the Fishmonger.

“No, better yet!  Let us make drinking goblets out of their skulls!!!” screamed Bjorgolf the Bererker, and let out a mighty “…NYARGGHH!”

“I would gladly do so, but you know we cannot”, explained Olaf.   “These demon-creatures…they have special powers.  They are cunning, yet they dodder and appear frail and old.   And our Viking Code thus prevents us from harming them. “

“But they disrupt our village, torment our children, and tell us to keep off our own grasses and fields! “

“Agreed, but what would you have me do?”, asked Olaf.  “We  cannot use force…we are powerless against their evil magic”.

Suddenly, a young voice cried out:

“But look what they did to Ursaäl!”

It was young Bjarni, pointing to the Village Bear.

“They knitted that horrid outfit, forced Ursaäl to wear it, and now they’ve made him CRY!”

“Noooo!”, someone gasped.

“The horror!”, a mother exclaimed.

Bjorgolf the Bererker was furious.   “Clearly, those cursed Eldâr-KrΦnes have gone too far!  No one messes with the Village Bear, except us!   …NO ONE!”

“Aye…Viking Code or not, this brings the battle to a whole new level”, Olaf agreed.

“Clearly, we’re going to have to take drastic measure to rid the village for these Gray Ones, once and for all.   But first, I must seek counsel…”

************************

END OF PART I

What will Olaf do?
How will the Vikings get rid of the Eldâr-KrΦnes?
Will poor Ursaäl need therapy?

STAY TUNED FOR PART II..!!

Power Thursday

Increíble semana sin muchos juegos importantes, pero después de todo resulto ser una semana muy importante con todos los equipos del norte de la americana viéndose mal, los leones y los cafés brindaron un juego muy interesante sin aspiraciones a playoffs y los vaqueros y los Redskings uno muy aburrido. Los Titanes siguen ganando y los broncos siguen perdiendo…

Y para una semana en la que este jueves tendremos 3 partidos, un domingo mas ligero con los partidos de las 12 teniendo cero importancia, los de la tarde quiero verlos todos (menos el de los jefes) y el de la noche un platillo interesante en un duelo divisional entre los Acereros y los Cuervos. Y el lunes por la noche el plato principal:  Santos vs. Patriotas, Brees vs. Brady… oh yeah!

Como nota extra se aprobó en el presupuesto de los equipos el sueldo para un neurólogo, cosa que es una medida de seguridad muy importante… solo falta que los equipos y los jugadores tomen en cuenta la opinión medica.

32. Browns

[1-9] Un equipo espantoso, lesiones al por mayor pero posiblemente falsas; salían del partido dos jugadas y después absolutamente nada… pero pues pese a todo eso, me gusto el partido ya que fueron dos QB que quieren lucir pero aun no están listos contra dos defensivas espantosas

31. Rams

[1-9] Corrieron con suerte de no recibir una increíble paliza, ya que el QB rival salio por lesión y el rival bajo el nivel de juego. Muy seguramente no ganaran ni un solo partido mas y se quedaran con la primera selección para intentar juntar muchas selecciones y poner gente que ayude a Steven Jackson que es mucho jugador para tan poco equipo

30. Buccanners

[1-9] Después de recibir una increíble paliza y con un cierre de calendario que suena muy complicado este equipo que no es tan malo como los dos anteriores podría sufrir pero ser beneficiado; posiblemente no gane ningún partido mas, los cafés tienen un calendario mas flexible y por ahí ganarle a los Chiefs y Tampa tendría la segunda selección del draft y ayudarse para la siguiente temporada

29. Lions

[2-8] Matthew Stafford sigue con molestias en el hombro izquierdo después de la separación de hombro sufrida el domingo pasado, seria una estupidez completa que jugara contra los empacadores… y si las molestias continúan es mejor dejarlo sanar tranquilamente

28. Bills

[3-7] Regresa TO? naaa tuvo muchas yds pero no logro ayudar a su equipo con alguna escapada importante, y en su calendario pues simplemente recibes a los Patriotas y recibes a los Colts…

27. Seahawks

[3-7] Los Vikingos les hasta por abajo de la lengua y ahora tendrán una oportunidad de victoria ante los Rams

26. Redskings

[3-7] En un partido muy aburrido contra los Vaqueros en el cual no hicieron absolutamente nada por intentar ganar (tampoco los vaqueros), con un roster sufriendo con muchos lesionados y con un calendario complicadísimo al cierre contra equipos como águilas, santos, gigantes y chargers… pues no podremos esperar una mejora

25. Chiefs

[3-7] Están en el top25 después de ganarle a un equipo que la semana pasada estaba en el 6to puesto

24. Raiders

[3-7] Suben 4 lugares y crean una interesante situación ya que después de un buen juego por Bruce Gradkowski el futuro de JaMarcus Russell con el equipo esta en duda, Gradkowski sera el que inicie el resto de la temporada. Mejoro increíblemente la ofensiva, sin estar tantos puntos abajo la defensiva aguanto y consiguieron una victoria que hizo ver mal a muchos de los “psíquicos” (al igual que contra las águilas). Veremos que noticias nos trae este equipo que dentro de unas horas enfrentan a los Vaqueros que vienen bajando de nivel y el resto de su calendario le permitiría conseguir una o dos victorias mas; cosa que seria de mucho beneficio para la confianza del equipo para la siguiente temporada y porque es importante no estar en buena posición en el draft no nos valla a tocar otro Russell cuando pudimos haber elegido un Peterson

23. 49ers

[4-6] Derrota ante los Packers pero no se vieron tan tirados pal monte… van contra los Jaguares con posibilidades importantes de la victoria y un calendario que incluye a los Leones y a los Rams que posiblemente pueda meterlos en la pelea si se ponen las pilas

22. Jets

[4-6] Mark Sanchez después del incidente del hotdog no puede levantar y se habla de que tendrá que disfrutar de algún tiempo en la banca

21. Bears

[4-6] Cutler necesita jugar mejor y punto, esta matando a este equipo ya que solamente quiere lanzar la bola sin dejar correr a Forte

20. Panthers

[4-6] Visitan a los Jets y estoy esperando un buen juego por parte de las panteras

19. Texans

[5-5] Bajan 4 lugares ya que se vinieron abajo al final del partido sin poder logar nada

18. Titans

[4-6] Una importante victoria y Chris Johnson es una maquina, con Vince Young se le abre un poco de hueco porque también tienes que cuidar que Young no sea el que corra. Y quizá podrían levantar su temporada ya que esta semana reciben a los Cards y quizá podrían llevarse la victoria y digamos que ganan (5-6), pierden en Indianapolis (5-7), recibes a los Rams (6-7), recibes a los Delfines que sin R. Brown no sabemos si puedan aguantar ya que la gente estará preparada contra Ricky Williams y digamos que ganan (7-7), los Chargers dependiendo de como decidan cerrar su temporada seria otra derrota (7-8) y contra los de Seattle una victoria (8-8) y cerrar 8-8 para un equipo que arranco la temporada con 0-6 son muy buenas noticias

17. Dolphins

[5-5] ¿Estarán con vida estos delfines? Tienen un calendario que les permitiría con un buen juego terminar la temporada con récord positivo, una vez mas si juegan bien podrían estar aunque se ve complicado

16. Ravens

[5-5] Es difícil jugar contra Peyton y los Colts, pero este equipo que empezó bien podría quedarse fuera de posibilidades numéricas ya que tienen un calendario que se podría complicar (pese a tener dos posibles, bueno… casi victorias seguras en contra de los Raiders y los Leones). Pero aun tienen que enfrentar dos veces a los acereros y este domingo es una de ellas… duelo directo que es clave para ambos equipos

15. Falcons

[5-5] Este equipo viene en caída libre. Posiblemente despierte su ofensiva pero su defensiva no esta logrando jugadas clave en el mano a mano, pero tienen la “suerte” de tener un calendario que si se ponen las pilas podría volverlos en la pelea ya que tienen que enfrentar 2 veces a Tampa y a los Bills, y prácticamente son tres victorias que los dejarían (8-5), así que la responsabilidad esta en sus manos enfrentando a las águilas y jets que con una victoria ante alguno de ellos los pondría 9-7 (incluyendo una derrota contra los Santos) y ese 9-7 los puede poner en la pelea

14. Jaguars

[6-4] JonesDrew es una maquina juego tras juego, esta semana tuvo una “baja” en su juego ya que solamente corrió para 66yds y 1TD (si eso es baja de juego pues felicitaciones). Equipo que tiene en sus manos la calificación pero no me agradan como equipo

13. Broncos

[6-4] Una tremenda barrida que recibieron por parte de los cargadores los pone de vuelta en el lugar, derrota tras derrota para tener una racha de cuatro consecutivas. Equipo que esta demostrando lo que la mayoría creíamos, pero gracias al buen inicio tiene la calificación en sus manos ya que aun puede lograr nueve victorias ya que enfrentan 2 veces a los jefes y reciben a los Raiders. Dos derrotas en contra de los hermanos Manning respectivamente (Giants y Colts) y jugarse la calificación en contra de las águilas.

Honestamente no creo que sean capaces de conseguirlo, pero tambien honestamente preferiría ver a los broncos que a algún otro del este o sur de la americana (excluyendo a los Pats y a los Colts obviamente)

12. Packers

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de los 49es, su defensiva esta muy lesionada… pero creo que su ofensiva es tan buena que si logran proteger un poco las a Rodgers este equipo puede despreocuparse de las lesiones y concentrarse en un puesto de playoffs

11. Steelers

[6-4] Una dura derrota contra un equipo tan débil como Kansas que podría afectar sus aspiraciones a calificar, ya que no solo es la derrota si no que pierdes a tu QB suplente para la temporada y posiblemente al Big Ben en un partido CLAVE contra los cuervos. Aunque ese posiblemente es falso, Big Ben jugara si o si

10. Giants

[6-4] Regresan a la senda del triunfo, esta semana van a ganarle a Denver lo que los pone en lucha seria y si aprendieron de sus errores como candidatos serios para la final de la NFC, y con tres juegos divisionales restantes en su calendario la calificación esta completamente en sus manos

9. Eagles

[6-4] Interesante victoria en contra de las águilas y esta semana posiblemente le ganaran a los Broncos para conseguir legítimamente el liderato de la división

8. Cowboys

[7-3] Una victoria muy aburrida en contra de los Redskings pero al final es una victoria que los sigue manteniendo empatados en victorias de su división. Buenas noticias es que Romo aparenta esta mejor y listo para enfrentar a los Raiders en algunos minutos

7. Bengals

[7-3] Dolorosa derrota en contra de los Raiders, y esperemos para bien de ellos que perder contra equipos de “abajo” no sea cosa de quedarse porque enfrentan en semanas consecutivas a los cafés y a los leones, y en la 16 a los jefes. De ser victorias estas tres estarían amarrando posiblemente un boleto

6. Cardinals

[7-3] Un partido interesante en contra de los Titanes, digo… interesante si no juega Warner, de lo contrario van a ganar y van a clasificar; si no fuera por ayudarlos mas, aun tienen partidos en contra de los Rams y los Leones

5. Chargers

[7-3] Enfrentan a los jefes, de ahí a los cafés para prácticamente amarrar la división. De ahí vaqueros, bengals, titanes y redskings

4. Patriots

[7-3] Un equipo que se viene viendo consistente durante las ultimas semanas y este lunes enfrenta la prueba de fuego ante los Santos en un partido de si o si…  y sin importar una posible derrota el lunes, de mantener el paso (sin lo de regalar juegos como contra los Colts) este equipo amarra la división y descansa la primera semana

3. Colts

[10-0] Siguen ganando, y como mencionábamos la semana pasada que no son buenas noticias… si ganan y pierden los Jaguares aseguran la división. Su defensa no me agrada y gracias al calendario que tienen posiblemente logren mantener la temporada invicta… y OJO! NOSTRADAMUS! bueno, obviamente descansan la primera semana, y después… eliminados!

2. Saints

[10-0] Un día de campo en contra de TampaBay, la ultima vez que los baje de #1 le dieron una paliza a los Gigantes… así que veremos este lunes si logran retomar la punta ya que no merecen el #1 pese a seguir invictos a como han venido jugando

1. Vikings

[10-0] Nuevo líder! Un día de campo en contra de los Seahawks es importante que el resto de su calendario no esta regalado pero tampoco en un día de campo, lo que serainteresante para mantener a ritmo de juego a Favre pero sin exigirlo al máximo y descansando la primera semana, ojo con el general en los playoffs con ayuda de su gran defensiva y el solido juego por tierra. Con una posible adelanto de playoffs en la semana 16 en contra de los Gigantes

This last Sunday and Monday were as crazy a week in the NFL as I can remember.  There was hardly a game that went down the way that everyone had expected.  Many analysts looked at this as a down week and after looking at the schedule before Sunday’s games that was my feeling as well.  Boy, were we wrong about that, where do you even start?  The fact that the Bengals lost on the last play of the game to the Raiders after they fumbled the kickoff or how about the Texans losing to the Titans who have now won four in a row, to go along with quarterback Vince Young’s personal eight game winning streak.   Maybe, you don’t like to dwell on the negatives and you want to talk about how the Colts and Saints are still unbeaten and it was not at all easy for the Colts.  I don’t know what to talk about either, but it was a great weekend.

I will say this though there is a team that won on Sunday in dramatic fashion and made me a believer and that team is the Detroit Lions.  What?  I know what you’re thinking, how could I be a believer in the Lions?  I’m not a believer in the Lions this year or probably even next year, but I believe in the guy they have at quarterback, Matthew Stafford.  I thought he might just be another Jamarcus Russell or “Jarmucus” as Tom Jackson calls him, but he’s not.  He came out and threw five touchdown passes and lead his team to victory at the end of the game.  He even threw that last touchdown with a separated shoulder now that’s tough.  You could even see him after he threw it saying it’s out, it’s out.  I am now a Stafford fan I hope he keeps playing big and that eventually the Lions will surround him with the talent necessary to win.

While Matthew Stafford impressed me I think the best team in the league to this point isn’t one of the unbeatens.  It pains me to say it, but the Minnesota Vikings thrashed the Seahawks the way they were supposed to on Sunday and nobody even batted an eyelash.  As long as Favre can keep playing at the same level for the rest of the season I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him holding up that Lombardi Trophy.  The reason that I really like the Vikings is not their offense, which is dynamic, it’s that defense.  I think they might have the best defense in the league right now and you could argue that they have the best team on both sides of the ball.  So, you heard here first look out for the Vikings I actually see them getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs passing up everybody’s darling the Saints.

Now as for this week, it should be a good one there are a lot of good games especially the Patriots and Colts game that will be the talk of ESPN for the next few days.  We’ll also have the traditional Thanksgiving Day games featuring the Cowb0ys and the Lions.  Thanksgiving is synonymous with football whether it be watching it on TV or playing it in the backyard, no holiday says football like Thanksgiving.  So have a good one tomorrow watch and play some football and most of all eat up, I know I will.

Even if you didn’t know the Vikings were 9-1, you would be able to tell they were having a good season by looking at their Trench stats. They are near the top of the scoring list every week in multiple categories.   This week they lead in fantasy points in  both the Offensive Line and Defensive Line.

Special shout out to our Trench Fantasy Ambassador Phil Loadholt who is part of that outstanding Viking line. Also, it’s not a typo, the Vikings DL held the Seahawks to 4 yards rushing and 1 in 4 SEA plays was for negative or no yards. The OL allowed Farve to complete 85% of his passes–huge.

Another team near the top every week is the Saints.  They are in the top 10 in nearly every offensive and defensive category. This could be why they are sitting at 10-0.

Vikings O-Line (77 FP):

28 1st Downs,160 Rushing Yards, 271 Passing Yards, 84.8%Pass Completion,37 Rushes,28 Pass Attempts,4.3 Rushing Average,2 Sacks Allowed, 7 0 Yard Plays,4 Negative Yard Plays,5 Forced Punts

Saints Defensive Secondary (65 FP):

3 Interceptions (53Yds),1 Fumble Recovery (53Yds),51.5% Opponent Pass Completion,126 Passing Yards Allowed,7.4 Yards per Completion, 17 Receptions,1 Reception 20+ (21),1 Opponent Passing TD

D-Line Vikings (92 FP)

2 Sacks,7 Forced Punts ,1 Fumble Recovery,1 Interception,5 Negative Yard Plays,7 0 Yard Plays,4 Opponent Rushing Yards,0.3 Opponent Rushing Average, 231 Opponent Passing Yards

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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Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

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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

Week 11

1. Colts – they remain unbeaten and have had a tougher schedule than the Saints.
2. Saints – Big game this week in fact make it a huge game this week and I have to say I think they will go down to their first lose of the season.
3. Vikings – This team is not getting alot of attention which is surprising with Favre in it but they continue to win and win well.
4. Patriots – Pretty much sealed up the division this weekend and can now look forward to ruining the Saints perfect start to the season.
5. Bengals - They are praying the lose to the Raiders doesn’t hurt them too much.
6. Chargers - Looked good beating up the Broncos and should win the division now.
7. Cardinals – This team still seems to surprise people even after last season.
8. Cowboys – Warning signs are up since they struggled to beat the Redskins.
9. Packers - How could would this team be if they could protect Aaron Rodgers?
10. Giants - Got the win they needed after the bye week even though they tried their hardest to lose it.
11. Eagles – The Bears game was closer than it needed to be.
12. Steelers - Must stop losing so silly teams like the Chiefs.
13. Broncos – Simms was so bad he made Orton look like Elway.
14. Jaguars - Nearly losing to Buffalo shows how bad this team can be at times.
15. Falcons – Not surprised by the news they are seeking a new kicker.
16. Ravens - They need to win a game against a good team to be taken seriously.
17. Dolphins – Still winning even with all those injuries.
18. Texans - Things looked so good a few weeks ago but know they look like the .500 Texans we all love.
19. Titans – Being winless seems like a long long time ago now.
20. Panthers – Run the ball in the red zone please.
21. Bears - They are only this high because there are so any bad teams right now.
22. Jets - Looks like a team coached by a rookie head coach and with a rookie starting QB.  Nice to see the disrespected us quote coming out this week.
23. 49ers - Smith looks ok at last.
24. Chiefs - Big win last week.
25. Raiders - Finally they have a QB who can throw the ball.
26. Bills - When do they move to Canada now?
27. Seahawks – Time to start worrying about next season.
28. Redskins – See above.
29. Lions - How do you lose so many yards and points to the Browns?
30. Rams - I still feel sorry for Steven Jackson.
31. Buccaneers - Man this team is bad.
32. Browns - and this team is even worse.

Greenbay fans would probably say their NFL rival has already changed color with the acquisition of former Packer quarterback, Brett Favre. But the green I’m thinking of is much more “sustainable” than the color of a jersey, and it would mean sacrificing some of that “purple pride”.

Before I go any further, let me qualify this is not coming from some girl who hates sports. I followed Cedar Falls High school’s basketball team to state my senior year by paying my own bus fare. I made a poster (as only a radical fan would) for Morningside College’s basketball team when they went to the Final IV (Div II) and made the trip to Springfield, MO. I won a national contest to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar play his final game in the NBA by answering eighty “trivia” questions about him. And when I moved back to the midwest from Atlanta, Minneapolis was considered worthy in part, because they had three professional sport franchises (it was before the Wild).

I was caught up in the Twins pennant race at the end of the summer. I think it’s ironic (and cool) a former Laker is now coaching the Timberwolves. And like the rest of the city, I’m thrilled the Vikings national attention this year is for their plays on the field (not off).

But the field is what I really want to talk about. The Gophers recently debuted their new TCF Stadium. Spring can’t come quick enough for the Twins who are just itching to throw that first pitch outdoors at Target Field. Then there’s the Vikings. Poor Vikings. Playing at the shameful Metro Dome. Between the team and owner Zygi Wilf you’d think the place should already be sporting those bright orange condemned stickers.

Don’t get me wrong. I get they’d like to keep up with the other local teams, the other NFL teams and professional sports in general, by building a brand new, state of the art stadium. Kind of reminds me when I lived in my old neighborhood. Even though we had beautiful new custom-built homes, we often found them lacking when someone else built something bigger, fancier or with better features. That neighborhood is nearly two decades old, and while the homeowners can now justify the need to remodel and upgrade here and there, it would be ludicrous to think they all needed to move out because those homes are no longer livable.

I’ve always tried not to be too indulgent with my girls. As a single mom, financially I’m unable to give them what I once could. But for the most part, they (should) basically want for nothing, because they really do have so very much.

I think the Vikings (and everyone else) could take a lesson from my (16 year-old) daughter. Last year when I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, the file she attached to an email was three pages long and had everything on it from magazine subscriptions to a Mini Cooper and was entitled, “My Greedy Little Wish List”.

Trust me, had all the desired loot found its way under the tree, she would’ve been in heaven and I doubt it would enter her mind to wonder who paid for it all (she is a teenager, after all). But the fact she knew these things were a “greedy little wish list” tells me I’ve done at least one thing right as a parent.

So what does all this have to do with the Vikings wanting a new stadium? I know it’s the American way to want, want, want and then want more. Keep up with the Joneses (Gophers, Twins and Los Angeles). Bigger, better, newer, flashier. In fact the Vikings are just one of six NFL teams planning on a new stadium.

I’ve only been to one Twins game in the last couple years. Never seen the Vikings play live. Maybe catch the Timberwolves once a season. As much as I enjoy watching, seeing the local teams play live is a luxury not many can afford to do on a regular basis. I’m a fan of sports in general and can be found yelling at the television many times all year long during the various sport seasons.

Unless the Metro Dome (and all the other stadiums around the country) is a safety hazard, I think it’s high time we quit looking at these multi-million dollar sports complexes as “throw-away” just because it’s not “new” enough. Never mind the economy has been in the tank for over a year, and people are going without healthcare (and food, and shelter and…). Not only are we a wasteful society, we also have a tendency to live beyond our means.

With all the corporate layoffs, what company can justify the expenditure of an even pricier box at a new stadium? The so-called run down and inferior locker rooms would be something many former pro athletes can only wish would’ve been available to their generation. Taxpayers can’t afford single tickets to the games played in the current stadiums, let alone an increase in taxes to pay for a new one. Whether it’s foreclosed mortgages or the on-going deficit of the government, we seem to want it all and we want it right now, even though we don’t know how it’s going to be paid for.

Back to the Vikings going green (I know, it’s about time, huh?)! I cannot believe there are no architects and experts that could take the Metro Dome and “sustainably” rehabilitate it. Shame on anyone (especially Zygi, with his degree in economics) who thinks in this economy we should be spending millions on something this frivolous when there are so many who go without so much.

Film the process (HGTV meets Extreme Makeover) and charge the advertisers Super Bowl rates. Okay, I digress, but I’m just trying to point out there are viable solutions that are more responsible, all the way around. Done right, the team could take pride on the field, off the field and because of the field. Hmmm…

There are hardly adequate words to describe it. Well, there are; but it doesn’t sound as dramatic that way.

This one keeps on surprising, that’s for sure. Here we see the depths of Thorfinn’s depression/emoness. And we clear up that he is not suffering from amnesia: he’s just that emo. The guard guy whose name I can never remember doesn’t care for Thorfinn’s attitude — something about how everyone should fear death, but Thorfinn just doesn’t care either way — so he starts trying to cut him down to size. Literally. And, as the title of this post says, I’m pretty sure I saw a chunk of ear fall off. But hardly even a flinch.

Now, we, the readers, know most everything about this guy’s history. Of course he can take a few puny cuts from some wimp with a sword. But they don’t know that, and that’s what impressed me about this chapter. Most any other story with a similar setup as this would very likely have the lead, Thorfinn, kick the punk’s ass five ways to next Tuesday. But the author refrained, and the story grew for his effort.

There were hints of ass-kicking, but only for a moment. Even when Thorfinn was on the wrong end of the guy’s sword, his stoner, I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude puts him in control, psychologically. And then the sword guy — Fox, maybe? — Fox’s brother, Snake, comes in wanting to know what the hell is going on. He saw enough, though, to see Thorfinn’s resolve, enough to want to test it himself. So, after punching out the ever-so-annoying Fox — itself a very rewarding scene — he puts down his cup, and we get maybe two pages of semi-action. Snake gets out his knife, and Thorfinn kicks at him, gets blocked by the other arm, and then does a backflip or two. Somewhere in there, Snake makes a sort of grunting noise, and Thorfinn wonders whether this guy might be stronger than Askeladd.

But then, the final blow. After his great big speech about wanting to die, turns out his body might actually still want to live. This shocks him something fierce. Hopefully he’ll lighten up a bit, maybe shave, pull his life back together.

So, yes — amazing as always. The main flaw for me was the pretty sucky translation. (Note: I am not in any way qualified to judge the accuracy of the translation; only the accuracy of the resulting English.) But that hardly seems like a balanced opinion. Must find a negative.

Dammit. Maybe next time.