Raiders at Saints (-7): Saints -7
The Raiders are bad and Colston and Shockey could be back for the Saints. All signs point to a good game for Brees, although Oakland is pretty good against the pass (ranked 18th at 212 yards per game).

Ravens at Colts (-4): Colts -4
It's a very tough match up on paper for Peyton and his pals, but he torched the Ravens last year and things appear to be coming together - sort of - for Baltimore's former team. It'll be a tough one, though.

Bengals at Jets (-5.5): Jets -5.5
The Bengals are bound to get back on track on of these weeks, but it won't be this week with gunslinger Brett Favre across the sidelines. Coles and Cotchery should continue to roll, and Thomas Jones might even have a big game in him, too.

Panthers at Buccaneers (-1): Panthers +1
Reports say Jeff Garcia will take over for a less-than-100% Brian Griese. Not sure if that's good or bad, but the Panthers are just flat out a better team than the Bucs.

Lions at Vikings (-13): Vikings -13
The Lions suck and have Dan Orlovsky starting now. Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian should have a field day against that league-worst Detroit defense.

Bears (-3) at Falcons: Bears -3
This comes down to how well the opposing defenses can contain each team's explosive running backs. I like the Bears shutting down Turner more than I like the Falcons shutting down Forte.

Dolphins at Texans  (-3): Texans -3
Screw the Wildcat offense. Andre Johnson has finally awoken and Steve Slaton is one of the most fun young backs to watch. As long as Sage Rosenfels doesn't try to fly through the air and forget the ball, of course...

Rams at Redskins (-13.5): Rams +13.5
One of these days, the Rams will win a game. It won't happen this week, but with the quarterback "controversy" settled, they'll cover a two-TD spread.

Jaguars at Broncos (-3.5): Broncos -3.5
Eddie Royal and Selvin Young are injured, but Brandon Marshall more than makes up for their absence. The Broncos' D still sucks (29th overall), but I like their offense much more than Jacksonville's.

Eagles (-5) at 49ers: 49ers +5
Depends on Westbrook's health - it's looking like he won't play, meaning the 49ers won't have to worry much about the run. Their secondary leaves something to be desired (19th overall against the pass), but Frank Gore and the rejuvenated Isaac Bruce should make up for their defensive deficiencies.

Cowboys (-5) at Cardinals: Cowboys -5
Looking around the NFL, it's pretty clear that the Cowboys are the team to beat right now. The Cardinals have looked great - even last week with Anquan "Q" Boldin on the sidelines - but they can't match the Dallas fire power.

Packers at Seahawks (-1.5): Packers +1.5
I'm not picking the Pack because of Hasselbeck's hyper-extended knee or because Branch will be sitting; no, I'm picking Favre's old stomping grounds because I think Ryan Grant will finally have his first big game of the year against Seattle's 24th-ranked run D.

Patriots at Chargers (-5): Patriots +5
Chambers is out and LT2 has been largely ineffective. Cassel is on track with Welker and Moss, so the maligned D just needs to limit the damage for the most part and the Pats will win this one. Unfortunately, that's a bit of a tall order, but I think they'll emerge victorious.

Giants (-9) at Browns: Giants -9
The Browns suck, plain and simple. Eli's getting Plax back and he's on the verge of signing a big multi-year feal. Not that he'll play like he's got a lot to prove, but he'll play like he's got a lot to prove.

Oh yeah, and on a totally unrelated note, be sure to check out Hub Hoops for some top-notch insight into the Celts as my colleague David "DWill" Willis will be live-blogging the C's-Rockets game from Manchester, NH.

        

Wow, I really did not see that coming out of Dice-K - no-hitter into the 7th, and several magician-like escape acts that kept the Rays from getting on the board all game? Good stuff. In three starts against the Devil Rays during the regular season, Dice-K lasted exactly five innings each start and gave up a combined five earned runs and 11 walks to go along with 17 Ks; good, but not great. Tonight, on a night when the Sox could only muster two runs on a Lowrie sac fly and a Youkilis RBI-double, Dice-K's 7 innings, 0 ER, 4 BB and 9 K were nothing less than great. Whoever manned up and threw down some green on the underdog Sox made out well tonight... Other observations:

• Ellsbury's 0-for-5 didn't hurt tonight, but they need him to get on base in this series (obviously). Both teams are capable of manufacturing runs in many different ways (small ball, long ball, etc.), but the Sox' options are much more limited without their leadoff man on base (although the same could be said for most other ball clubs, as well).
• Dusty's getting on base twice tonight (one hit, one walk) is a good sign that things are moving in the right direction after a brutal Division Series showing (1-for-17, 2 BB, 2 K).
• The Sox left 18 men on base tonight with spots five-through-nine accounting for 16 of those. We don't need guys like Kotsay and Tek driving in three-plus per game, but you're not gonna win many games leaving that many men on base. In all honesty, we're pretty lucky Tampa left 17 men on base, as well.
• The bullpen looked great as Masterson, Okie and Pap combined to pitch two perfectly clean frames. Let's just hope the starters keep going 7 innings so Timlin doesn't end up seeing time...
• Tampa's Game 2 starter Scott Kazmir absolutely sucked against the Sox in the regular season (4 starts, 18 IP, 1-2, 18 ER, 14 BB, 14 K). As such, the Buzz is calling for back-to-back Sox wins as Beckett takes Game 2 tomorrow night.

The Hands-Down Highlight of the Night: Craig "I know my suits are usually wild, but I decided to raid Don Cherry's closet for my postseason wardrobe" Sager asking Youk if he's getting comfortable playing third base, only to have the natural third baseman reply "I've been playing there my whole life." Understated, matter-of-fact, yet still clearly begging the question, "Do you know anything about this sport and those of us still playing it at this point in the season?" Hilarious. Well played, Youk.

        

    

Eli Manning and Michael Phelps, two of America's most well-known athletes, as well as two of America's goofiest looking people. I really think it's the protruding lower jaws and possible overbites (in Phelps' case, ridiculously pronounced overbite) that make these two look so much alike. Is Phelps' head really shaped that oddly, or is it just his haircut, or a bad picture maybe? At least Eli's head doesn't jut out in places it shouldn't, I guess...

        

Didn't take Blake Wheeler long.

In his first career NHL game, Wheeler netted his first career NHL goal to put the B's up 2-1 halfway through the first. Not bad for a guy some people had starting in Providence to begin the season...

Also scoring goals for the victors were Kessel, Savard, Ryder and Krejci. For an excellent breakdown of the Bruins' roster, check out my colleague Mike McMahon's ET piece.

        

(McCarver vs. Neon, high comedy.)

It's a momentous occasion and certainly merits an entire post dedicated to it. As a Boston sport fan, I've been treated to a string of post-worthy events over the past several years, but this is simply unprecedented. Are you ready for it? Brace yourselves...

I agree with something Tim McCarver said.

Let that sink in. The gravity of that statement is simply amazing. In fact, allow me to say it again, only slower this time.

I agree... with something... Tim McCarver... said.

I never thought I'd utter those words, but it's true. I've hated him for years because of his pro-anything Yankees and Cardinals viewpoint, but Tim "In my view, as good as the Yankees were in the first half of this game, that's how as bad they've been now" McCarver recently chastised Manny for packing it in in Boston, echoing the sentiments of many of us Sox fans that have watched ManRam absolutely tear the cover off the ball in LA. Rather than summarize his points, let's get it straight from the horse's (or ass') mouth:

It's extraordinary — the dichotomy between what he was in Boston and what he is in Los Angeles. I mean, talk about wearing out your welcome in a town, and it was a long welcome with the Red Sox. But some of the things he did were simply despicable, despicable — like not playing, refusing to play. Forgetting what knee to limp on. And now it's washed, it's gone.

Well put, Mr. McCarver. It won't help me stomach any of you and Buck's broadcasts during the Championship Series, but it's nice to know you got our backs.

        

Due to roster rules, Mike Lowell has been ruled out for the ALCS as a result of his being replaced on the ALDS roster by Gil Velazquez earlier this week. Lowell was 0-8 with three strikeouts and a walk in Games 1 and 3 of the ALDS.

It's an unfortunate circumstance for last years World Series MVP, but Lowell's been largely ineffective as of late due to his bum hip, which apparently will require rather extensive surgery in the offseason. The Sox lose a lot going from a healthy Lowell at third to either 1) Youk at third and Kotsay at first or 2) Lowrie at third and Cora at short, but he really hasn't been healthy for most - if not all - of the season. I still like the Sox' chances in the Series as my six game Sox victory projection factored in a minimally effective Lowell at third, but I think it might go to seven games now. If you can pencil in Lester for two wins, which it appears you can, the rest should fall into line rather easily.

        

Is there any doubt that Jon Lester (7 IP, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) is the ace of this staff at this moment? The jury's still out on whether he can be a true No. 1 pitcher season-long without a Beckett or a Matsuzaka ahead of him, but it looks like this guy could singlehandedly pitch the Sox to a repeat World Series win over the next couple of weeks. It's unbelievable. I admit I wanted the Sox to pull the trigger on the Johan trade when we gave up one of either Lester or Ellsbury along with a few other prospects, but now I am ecstatic we never made the deal. Lester looks to have the kind of stuff that will allow him to be great for years to come.

Looking ahead, we now face the Rays, who also wrapped up their series against the White Sox today. Could you draw it up any better? The 2007 World Champs against the baby Rays, who most people viewed as an intriguing team but not a World Series contender. The Rays took the season series 10-8, but as evidenced by the fact that the Angles beat the Sox eight times and outscored them by 28 runs in games in nine regular season games, that doesn't mean much in the postseason. In spite of the fact that I think the seven-game format favors the Rays tremendously, I like the Sox' chances in this series. Lowell's health and effectiveness is a pivotal factor, but I like the Sox even with Mill City at 75% or so. Although, I was way off on last round's "Angels in 5," so what the hell do I know anyway? This round's prediction:

Sox in 6

        

    

The Pats won, but that defense looked pretty tuuurrible today, to quote the great Charles Wade Barkley, who also famously mused "I'm a dumbass!"

The Sox lost, but they have two more tries with the next coming tomorrow at home at 8:37 PM.

An old saying comes to mind: "You have to take the shit with the ice cream." Look for a solid heaping of the latter as Jon Lester faces off against John lackey in a rematch of the superb Game 1 matchup.

        

Colts (-3) at Texans: Colts -3
The middle of the Colts' defensive line will have trouble containing Slaton, but it's the dude with the rhyming name that plays for Indi (HINT: his dumbass brother plays for the Giants) who will break out in this one.

Titans (-3) at Ravens: Titans -3
This will be a fun game to watch from a defensive standpoint; offensively, not so much. Chris Johnson is too explosive for the superb Baltimore run D to contain.

Chargers (-6.5) at Dolphins: Chargers -6.5
So the Dolphins put up like 80 points on the Pats two weeks ago. Big deal. They come back down to earth this week with a blowout loss to San Diego.

Chiefs at Panthers (-9.5): Chiefs +9.5
Steve Smith's up to full speed after being suspended for the first two games of the season, and rookie Jonathan Stewart has been impressive thus far, but I think the Chiefs find a way to keep this to within a touchdown. LJ has looked too good the past two weeks to think he can't have another good one here.

Redskins at Eagles (-6): Redskins +6
Three words: Brian Westbrook questionable.

Bears (-3.5) at Lions: Bears -3.5
The Lions are terrible all around, but especially against the run. Chicago has one of the most explosive rookie runners in the league in Matt Forte. Do the math.

Falcons at Packers (even): Packers
Word is that Aaron Rodgers' teammates expect him to start, and that's enough for me. If Rodgers starts, Ryan Grant will also get back on track.

Seahawks at Giants (-7): Seahawks +7
I know this is becoming something of a recurring theme, but I hate the Giants. Plus, Hasselbeck is getting back Branch and Engram, meaning he'll actually have more than one TD pass this game.

Buccaneers at Broncos (-3): Broncos -3
One of the league's top offenses against one of its top defenses - this promises to be a fun game, but the Broncos' offense is just too good. That and the Bucs offense isn't exactly scary, despite the fact that Denver's' D sucks.

Patriots (-3) at 49ers: Patriots -3
In all honesty, the Pats probably deserve to be underdogs in this matchup due to how shitty they looked against the Fins. That being said, there's no way Cassel can't get something done with the weapons he has around him. It's time for Moss to find the end zone.

Bills at Cardinals (-1.5): Bills +1.5
Boldin's absence probably won't hurt as much as you'd think, but the Bills actually look pretty good right now. Marshawn Lynch is one of the most consistent backs in the league, and Lee Evans finally looks like a top tier wide receiver.

Bengals at Cowboys (-16): Cowboys -16
The only shot the Bengals have of staying in this one is if they put up at least 20 points. With Palmer likely out again, that won't happen (even though he's sucked pretty bad so far himself). Romo, Barber, T.O., etc. should have huge days.

Steelers at Jaguars (-4): Steelers +4
We're a long way from Pittsburgh's Week 1 38-17 win over Houston, but the Steelers are still capable of that kind of production. Fast Willie's still out, and so is his top backup in Rashard Mendenhall, but Mewelde Moore is a serviceable backup, and that defense will go a long to helping alleviate the pressure the offense will feel.

Vikings at Saints (-3): Saints -3
No Colston and Shockey hasn't been a problem for Brees thus far, and it will continue not to be against the Vikings (that's a lot of negatives in one sentence...).

        

While Manny's hitting meaningless homers with the Dodgers already up a hand full of runs, Jason Bay continues to come through in the clutch when the Sox need it most. Bay homered in the first to give the Sox a commanding 4-0 lead (and he became the first Sox player to hit homers in each of his first two postseason games), but it would not stand as the Angels clawed their way back to tie the game 5-5 in the eighth.

Enter J.D. Drew, who hadn't hit a homer in over a month. Manager Mike Scioscia wisely handed the ball over to his record breaking closer, but Drew cared not for K-Rod, his stupid fist pumps, ugly Oakleys and 62 regular season saves. J.D. crushed a hanging change to center, showing off what Chip Caray for some reason constantly refers to as his "Mickey Mantle-like power." Not sure if the analogy is appropriate, but a combined six hits from the J's was certainly more than appropriate tonight.

Other observations: Dice-K (5 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K)  looked good, not great. He gave the Sox five strong innings, but in postseason ball (even more so than the regular season), you'd like to see your starters last at least six... Papi's (2-5, 2B, R) swing looks great and he's batting .300 so far through the first two games. He may still not be 100%, but Papi at 80-90% is more than enough... Although Pap (2 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K) technically blew the save by letting Figgins score on a sac fly in the eighth, it was great to see him out there pitching two strong to get the win. Francona was adamant about not using him for more than three outs per game for much of the regular season, and now it's clear that that decision has paid off... His lack of hitting hasn't hurt the Sox yet, but Dusty (0-5, 6 LOB, .000 BA through two games) has to get the bat going. There will be a game when Bay and Drew don't combine for six hits and six RBI and when that happens, the Sox will need Dusty's production out of the two-hole... Beckett in Game 3 with a two-games-to-none advantage - have you ever felt more comfortable in a postseason Sox series in your entire life? Me neither.

        

    

Matt Hasselbeck: frustrating fantasy football owners since 1999. Chris Iannetta: probably never been owned on a single 10-team, mixed-league fantasy baseball team in his three years in the bigs.

        

MANNY WHO?!?!



In spite of some overwhelmingly shitty announcing from Chip Caray and Buck "I thought Mike Napoli's first name was 'Mark,' and I don't know how to correctly pronounce 'Or-teez'" Martinez, this game was one of the more enjoyable from a Sox fan's perspective in recent postseason memory.

While we're on the topic of the terrible broadcast, I'm pretty sure I remember Buck saying something along the lines of "Figgins is really the tone-setter for this team on offense." Really, the lightning-quick leadoff hitter of a team that relies heavily on its speed for offensive production is the tone-setter? I never would have guessed. Glad we're getting this type of cutting-edge, astute analysis. Seriously though, that's like saying 'The Red Sox rely on Ellsbury and his speed to set the table for the big bats' - it's totally obvious and unnecessary to mention, regardless of how little some viewers know about the sport. Anyway, we gotta put up with these guys for two to four more games, so enough bitching about how absolutely ludicrous both Caray, Martinez and Craig Sager's disgustingly ugly coat and tie were tonight... on to the game:

Lester (7 IP, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) pitched like an ace, hands down. He could have taken the loss and we all would have lauded him just the same. Sure, the first few innings were a little choppy as he started more than a couple hitters off 2-0, but by the fourth and fifth innings, he was working both sides of the plate and making hitters look silly like it was his job (oh wait, it is his job). He struck out the side with relative ease in the sixth and I don't think I've ever seen him throw a better curve than the one he repeatedly tossed at Garrett "Old Manderson" Anderson in the seventh. Just an unreal performance - maybe it'll prove beneficial that Lester pitched in the top spot and Beckett was held out until Game 3 when this thing is said and done...

Bay (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI), who's been dealing with the unfairly high expectations associated with having to replace one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game (compounded by the fact that Manny's belting the shit out of the ball with the Dodgers), came up clutch in the sixth after looking terrible in his two prior ABs. He then followed it up with another extra-base hit in his next AB. What a way to make a splash in your first career postseason game. While it would be foolish to expect him to carry this team offensively for the remainder of the series, it's now readily clear why the Sox feel they have a more complete, well-rounded team with Bay in the lineup as opposed to their former dick rider of a left fielder (nah, I'm not still bitter...).

As for Lowrie's costly error in the third? I'll chalk that up to first postseason game jitters. I strongly doubt he makes another error for the rest of the postseason, however long or short that may be.

        

Angels in 5

It's not that I don't think the Sox can do it, it's just that a whole lot of things have to go right for them to get past LA of A. Here's a quick glimpse at a few of them:

They need Youk and Dusty to continue playing out of their minds; they've led the team over the past two months (and for most of the season) and need to keep those contributions coming... They need Lester to step up and be an ace, which he's proven he can do at times during the regular season. However, postseason play is a far cry from regular season games... They need their walking wounded, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew, to bounce back and contribute in the middle of the lineup. Not sure how much we can expect out of Drew, and with Lowell's hip messed up right now, you can bet the heavy-running Angels will be bunting and hit-and-running on him like crazy... They need their bullpen to be steady, at least more so than it's been during the regular season. Masterson, who's untested in the postseason, will need to come through in the late innings... They need to bring that Angels pitching staff - especially Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Francisco Rodriguez - back down to earth....

If all those things (and more) can happen, and Beckett can rebound nicely to be at least 75% of what he's been in postseasons past (and if you don't think his not being able to start Game 1 and pitch a potential Game 5 isn't a big deal, you're insane), the Sox can pull this one out in five. If even a couple of those things don't go their way, the Sox won't be repeating. At the least, it'll be very fun to watch.

        

If Manny had just kept his goddamned mouth shut, I could have lived with the fact that he basically matched his home run and RBI output (17 HR and 53 RBI in LA, 20 HR and 68 RBI in Boston) and batted almost 100 points higher in LA than in Boston, but no. He had to go running his mouth again and decided to spout off again about how much he hated playing for the Red Sox, a place he numerously claimed to love and enjoy over his years here. My how times have changed; let's take a look at what worthless crap he's spewing now:

The first time I stepped foot in Boston, I said to myself, 'Whoa.' I told Pedro Martinez, 'Damn, man, I just want to get traded and get out of here; this place is not me.'
I guess Manny thought this place "was him" when the Sox guaranteed him $160 million over eight years. Funny how he REALLY only became discontent when the well was running dry and he wasn't sure the Sox wanted to keep him around for another couple of years.

I was unhappy for eight years in Boston but still put up great numbers.
He did put up great numbers, I'll give him that. Although Manny could have put up even better numbers if he wasn't intentionally tanking it, or pulling himself out of games, or doing any of the numerous other things he did that affected his play.

I would bring my kids to the park [in Boston] and I want my kids to be kids, but there'd be people trying to interview them. That's so stupid.  
Being in the sports media industry myself, I can fairly confidently predict that Manny's kids were never very popular interview subjects. Six to ten year olds typically don't make for very interesting features.

Baseball in Boston is like a Sunday football game, but played every day. We lose in LA, I go to breakfast and people say, 'Well, you'll get them tomorrow.' In Boston, it's 'Hey, what's going on, the Yankees are coming.'
How could athletes not absolutely love playing in an atmosphere that's like a huge football game every Sunday? Isn't that basically an ideal situation? Would you rather play in front of Tampa's fans, who barely show up to games in spite of the fact that their team was chasing its first pennant in team history, or Boston's fans, who wait for 90 minutes in the pouring rain to watch a meaningless Sox-Yanks game after they'd already clinched the Wild Card? And I don't know about Manny's potential employers next year, but the fact that he seems content with the "It's alright, we'll go out there and get them tomorrow" strategy as opposed to the "I want to win every time out" strategy is a bit disconcerting to me.

It's just a different atmosphere. The fans in Boston got your back no matter what, but I'm talking about the people who write all this bull because it means so much to them. If your happiness depends on Boston winning or losing, you have to get a life.
It is a different atmosphere here, and that's the reason why players go their whole careers wishing to experience something like it. And actually, we don't all have your back no matter what. Manny's burned so many bridges on his  way out of town that I'm positive that everyone is rooting for him to fail in the postseason regardless of whether the Sox or Dodgers are even in it long enough for a possible Manny vs. Red Sox showdown. Even while he was here, all the Manny being Manny moments were starting to add up and become a significant distraction toward the end of his stay. Oh, and in regards to that "get a life" line? If you don't have a friend or relative whose sanity you've questioned because they overreacted to a Sox loss or victory (or you weren't the one doing the overreacting yourself), you're likely not a true Sox fan.

        

Beckett apparently pulled his oblique in a bullpen session this past Friday. Manager Terry Francona revealed that he won't pitch until the third game of the Divisional Series against the Angels. The coaching staff considered using him in Game 2 and said they were confident he'd be able to go in Sunday's Game 3.

In Francona's own words:
I don’t think we would slot him in. Now certainly, if it goes the wrong way, we’re going to use pretty good, hopefully very good, judgment. But I think that we’re slotting him in there because we think he can pitch there. I don’t think – Friday was actually discussed. I think after Theo [Epstein] and I and John Farrell talked about it more and more and more, we thought that was pushing it. Because then you’re messing around with maybe cutting short a side session. It’s not just health, but it’s competing also. He has to be able to go out there and execute his pitches. I think he’s going to be OK.

        

Broncos (-10) at Chiefs: Broncos -10
The Chiefs are bad. Like really, really bad. They're playing musical chairs at quarterback and none of their options are what you'd consider to be "good." The Broncos, on the other hand, are perhaps the hottest team in the NFL. Easy call.

Browns at Bengals (-3.5): Browns +3.5
This one could go either way. You have two terribly underachieving teams that both desperately need a win. Ultimately, I believe Derek Anderson has a big game to prove he still deserves to be the starter in Cleveland.

Texans at Jaguars (-7): Texans +7
Houston's air attack hasn't been what it was last year, but the road gets a bit easier this week as the Jaguars have the 17th ranked pass defense in the league. The Texans' 27th-ranked run defense will likely give up big plays to Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, but Houston's Steve Slaton will be the most exciting.

Cardinals at Jets (-1): Cardinals +1
In the battle of the ageless quarterbacks, Kurt Warner will emerge on top due to the simple fact that he has better weapons (Fitzgerald and Boldin versus Cotchery and Coles).

49ers at Saints (-5): Saints -5
The 49ers have become a lot of people's sexy pick to be this year's breakout team, but come on, we're talking about J.T. O'Sullivan here. Between him and Drew Brees, I go Brees 100% of the time. Oh, and Reggie Bush finally looks every bit the player he was heralded to be when he was drafted second overall in 2006.

Falcons at Panthers (-6.5): Falcons +6.5
Seven words: Michael Turner is a legit feature back.

Vikings at Titans (-3): Titans -3
Chris Johnson is the truth, and AP and the Viks sure look like shit. They've got a bit more of an aerial attack with Gus Frerotte under center, but the Titans third-ranked defense will bring him back down to earth.

Packers at Buccaneers (-1): Packers +1
They win in an overtime shootout against the Bears last week and now Vegas thinks the Bucs should be favorites?! Gimme a break. Strong bounce-back game for Ryan Grant here.

Bills (-8) at Rams: Bills -8
As much as I hate to pick the Bills, who have been seriously overachieving in the first few weeks, I just don't think the Rams can challenge them, or anyone else in the NFL (or maybe even college football), for that matter. Especially not with the forever-concussed Trent Green at quarterback as opposed to Marc Bulger.

Chargers (-7.5) at Raiders: Chargers -7.5
Just like the Chiefs, the Raiders are really bad. Their top offensive weapon, Darren McFadden, is a game-time decision. Antonio Cromartie will probably have a pair of picks, that is if JaMarcus Russell tries to throw the ball at all. And Chris freaking Chambers actually looks like a true number one receiver for once in his life.

Redskins at Cowboys (-11): Cowboys -11
Clinton Portis can't do it all in Washington. Marion Barber III doesn't have to in Dallas as he has Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and Felix Jones to help him on offense. Realistically, they should win this one by about three touchdowns.

Eagles (-3) at Bears: Bears +3
Call this my reach pick; I don't think the Bears are particularly good, but I know the Eagles aren't without Brian Westbrook. The Eagles have the best run defense in the league (they're giving up just 45 yards per game!), but I like Matt Forte and could see him breaking the century mark.

Ravens at Steelers (-5): Ravens +5
Big Ben's throwing with an injured wing, Fast Willie Parker is out for the week, and the Ravens defense has been nothing short of spectacular (first overall in total defense). That offense still leaves a lot to be desired, but I think they'll keep it within a field goal.

        

    

Kevin Garnett and Lucius Best aka Frozone of The Incredibles, courtesy of The Ignorant Bostonian.

        

Patriots' elder statesman Troy Brown has officially retired from the NFL.

Similar to Johnny Pesky, whose number will be retired by the Sox tomorrow, he never had gaudy individual statistics (aside from his 101 reception season from 2001), but he always provided valuable contributions that allowed the Pats to excel to the degree that they have this decade. When I look back on Troy's playing days, the thing that will stand out most in my mind is his decision to play both ways when injuries decimated the secondary in 2004. Nothing against the guy, but do you think Randy Moss would volunteer to occupy a corner or nickel spot if Harrison, Hobbs and O'Neal went down this year? And not only did Troy fill in admirably, he had three picks in just 12 games! Here's hoping they figure out a way to keep Troy in the organization as a special advisor or in some other capacity.

        

How's this for perfect timing: on the night the Sox clinch a playoff berth (simultaneously eliminating the Yankees from playoff contention), the organization announces that it'll be retiring Johnny Pesky's No. 6. It doesn't get much better than that, sports fans.

Pesky's illustrious legacy and his involvement with this organization has been covered extensively by the area's various media today, but suffice it to say that this was a long time coming in my opinion. Regardless of whether you feel Pesky's worthy of the recognition he'll receive come Friday from a standpoint of his overall career statistics, there's no doubt that his impact and influence on this team and this area has been immense. I, for one, couldn't be happier with the Sox' decision to amend their stipulations for jersey number retirement. The man's inextricably linked to Red Sox history; that alone makes him worthy of admission into the exclusive group of Sox players to have their numbers retired.

It'll be interesting to see who's next on the list to have their number retired; likely candidates include Rice, Dewey, Tiant, Boggs, Tony C, and unfortunately, I'm sure Clemens will get some hype, too. Nos. 14 (Rice), 21 (Clemens) and 45 (Pedro) are all unofficially retired (pending election to the Hall of Fame).

        

It would appear that the Pats' top cornerback by default, Ellis Hobbs, is a bit perturbed that fans turned on the team and fled the Razor quicker than savvy investors dumped Lehman stock (yeah, that's two Lehman comments in back-to-back days - big whoop, wanna fight about it?). Let's take a look at the cantankerous corner's comments:

It doesn't hurt. It amazes me, amazes me, how people react. You would think that this organization hasn't won as much as they've won and hasn't been successful in the years that they have... Expectations are that high that we're not allowed a bad game or something like that. How many times has somebody had a bad day at the office? How many times has somebody missed a deadline and not gotten in the paper? Missing whatever, forgetting to fix their kids' lunch?... I don't block it out. I accept it. I remember. I use it. I use it as a thing of 'remember this when you are successful.' That's how you keep it all in perspective. As soon as they're stabbing you in the back and they're booing, they're ready to pat you [on the back] again... Things can always be corrected; even when you win, things can still be corrected. We don't have the luxury of panicking like a fan does, to sit there and boo or whatever.

Hey Ellis, if you don't want fans leaving games early and/or shouting shit at you and your teammates, maybe you should keep the armpit of the AFC East from racking up 38 points against you. At home, no less! Football, like every other professional sport (and just about every other profession, for that matter), is a "What have you done for me lately?" industry, not a "We're still psyched about the three Super Bowls you won, with the last coming four seasons ago, so you can get blown out at home by the Dolphins and we'll be cool with it" one. From here on out, quit worrying so much about the crowd and what they're doing and a bit more about running backs with shaky knees rushing for four touchdowns and passing for another, okay?