In the NFC, the Packers last hope for a home field advantage fell flat against the irresistible force that is Kyle Orton's neck beard. Seriously, as Kyle himself explains, "Certainly with the wind, it was cold, but I have a beard so that helps out a little bit. It's kind of warm in this area." How much you wanna bet all quarterbacks have neck beards by next week? Players respect the natural turf.
So the only open question in the NFC is the sixth seed. The Redskins, out of the blue, are in the driver's seat and playing pretty well behind Todd Collins. If they win, they're in. If they lose and the Vikings win, the Vikes are in. If the 'Skins and Vikes lose and the Saints win, the Saints are in. If the Saints beat the Bears at 1:00 they get to chew their nails as the 4:00 games play out.
But to many, the biggest news of the week is that the League has opened up the telecast of the Pats/Giants game to both CBS and NBC. Now, those of us who have NFL Network access will be able to see it on three different channels while the rest of you poor saps only get it on two. Meanwhile every non-football fan in the country is going to go ballistic about their shows getting pre-empted. I can't help think this is an underhanded attempt by the league to get everyone to shut up about the NFL Network. "You want game coverage, we'll give you game coverage! We'll give you nothin' but game coverage!"
I really don't find this to be a big deal. The game itself doesn't matter as far as the post season is concerned and, like everyone else, I have been annoyed by the Pats for the better part of the season. Even if they win, the title still belongs to the '72 Dolphins until they go all the way. At one point I thought the Giants posed a threat to the Pats, but I don't anymore. The Pats will probably load up a big halftime lead then start sitting people. It'll likely be a pretty boring game. Halfway through, viewership will fall off and CBS and NBC will be left to deal with the angry non-NFL fans while the NFL Network bigwigs will be giggling and sending out press releases about how magnanimous they are.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Since it's Week 17, and you're ahead, shouldn't you be resting your picks and just put in the backup?
2 - RJ Elliott
Vince Young has no guts.
3 - david mazzotta
Well, it could have been worse. Looks like I break even on the point spread and drop around half my cushion on the money line.
You're right Suss. I should have just taken the week off.
4 - david mazzotta
Yes RJ. Which QB was it that had to have his linemen carry him to the line of scrimage in a key game a few years back?(Was it McNabb?) Doubt we'll be seeing aything like that from Vince.
On the other hand, if Young can't run, he just guy in pads who throws like a girl.
Now I hate the Titans even more.