This & That (11/12/09) & Week 10 NFL Picks.....

A day late, but "Thank You, Veterans". We should be thanking you every day.

The podcast for today can be found in the following link. It is an expanded version of today's column. The SportsFan Buzz: November 12, 2009

--- Happy Birthday to Al Michaels. There is no better announcer sound bite in the world. I still get chills.

--- Have not gotten chance to read the Andre Agassi book, but in seeing interview and reading excerpts, a few items stick out to me. First, I feel sorry for him if he did end up hating his dad because of being forced to play tennis. Too bad that is probably going on more today because of the big sports money blinding parents and even some kids. While Agassi's crystal meth admission does not bother me, but I do find it funny that the ATP accepted his "excuse" for how it got in his system. Could they have really been that naive?

For me, the worst part of what I have come across is Agassi's trashing of Brooke Shields. Yes, my childhood crush on her may have something to do with those feelings.

--- Not a fan of shootouts to decide hockey games, but even I could not ignore the 11 round shootout that took place last night between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders. Chris Clark, the Capitals captain, finally ended the sideshow.

--- I'll believe it when I don't hear it, but LeBron James told reporters last night that he is done talking about his impending free agency. I hope he keeps to that promise, because any talk about the summer 2010, takes away from what James and his teammates are trying to accomplish this year.

--- Scott Boras was stirring up the baseball GM meetings by suggesting that Matt Holliday is a franchise player on par with last year's best free agent bat, Mark Teixeira. Unless the Yankees get in on the bidding, no way Holliday pulls in that kind of contract.

Congratulations to the 2009 Gold Glove winners (AL & NL). Seven of the eighteen were first time winners.

--- Three Tennessee football players are charged with armed robbery. Let's see how Lane Kiffin spins this as they are his recruits. I will give them kudos for being "green criminals". Their get away car was a 2010 Prius.

--- Tom Brady - Peyton Manning better then Larry Bird - Magic Johnson? I don't think so.

Week 10 picks: (home team in CAPS)

49ERS (-3) over Bears
These are two disappointing teams at this point of the season. The 49ers have lost 4 in a row, while the Bears lost two of their last three (Bengals and Cardinals) in blowout fashion. San Francisco gets the win because it has the better balanced offense and are at home for this "short week" game.

JETS (-6 1/2) over Jaguars
The Jets are coming off their bye week after a tough stretch of games. Jets will key on Maurice Jones-Drew to force David Garrard to beat them with their blitzing. While on offense, they should be able to move the ball against the 23rd ranked defense and get back to winning.

Broncos (-4) over REDSKINS
Denver has lost two in a row, and people are breaking their ankles jumping off the bandwagon. I am not one of them, as this team will get back on track against a weak Redskin team. The Broncos need to get back to running the ball, and take a few more shots downfiled in the passing game, and I think they will accomplish both of them this week in beating Washington.

Bengals (+7) over STEELERS
After Monday Night's showing, the Steelers look like they are ready to strongly defend their title. Cincinnati wants to prove they are truly "for real". Both want to take control of the AFC North. This game features two backs in Cedric Benson and Rashard Mendenhall who are really running well against the #1 (Pittsburgh) and #2 (Cincinnati) running defenses. Close game that Big Ben pulls out in the fourth quarter.

TITANS (-6 1/2) over Bills
So far, so good with Vince Young back at quarterback for Tennessee. It always helps when the guy behind you running the ball, Chris Johnson, who is averaging 6.7 yards per rush, which is just a monster number. Look for the Titans to keep it rolling, and get their third win in a row.

VIKINGS (-16 1/2) over Lions
There should never be a number this high between NFL teams, but this is no ordinary season, as the bad NFL teams are really bad. Minnesota at home, unleashes Adrian Peterson for a big game, and the Vikings roll to their eighth win by halftime.

Saints (-13 1/2) over RAMS
This is another week for the Saints to face a good running attack, and in this case a great running back in the Rams' Steven Jackson. Jackson is all St. Louis has on offense, and their defense is terrible (ranked 28th). This time New Orleans will not fall behind by double digits, and they get their ninth win in a row and stay undefeated in easy fashion.

Falcons (-1 1/2) over PANTHERS
Carolina gave New Orleans a fight last week, but like the first seven Saint opponents (Atlanta the week before), ended up on the short end. The Panthers have their duel running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart going well, but the Falcons also seem to have the running game with Michael Turner back on track. Because of the better Falcon passing game, they win this divisional game.

Bucs (+10) over DOLPHINS
Tampa Bay got their first win last week while playing in their classic orange popsicle uniforms, and look to make it two in a row against their state rivals down in Miami. The Bucs are 30th against the run, and should see Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in heavy doses. It is a close game, but Miami gets the win after last week's tough loss to New England.

Chiefs (+1 1/2) over RAIDERS
Neither team should be favored over anybody. Oakland still has only scored 78 points (Rams at 77 and Browns at 78 are the only other teams below 100 points), while Kansas City seemed to get a bit of a spark from Chris Chambers joining the passing game.

CARDINALS (-8 1/2) over Seahawks
Arizona has all of a sudden become Road Warriors with their 4-0 road record, while only 1-3 in the desert. Kurt Warner came off his 5 turnover game 2 weeks ago to throw 5 TD passes last week in Chicago. Cardinals start liking "home cooking" again, and get a good win.

Eagles (+2 1/2) over CHARGERS
Two teams, despite their records, have been slight disappointments so far this season. The Eagles come off a tough home loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night and travel west. The Chargers are dead last in rushing offense, which means Philip Rivers must throw to win. Philadelphia blitzes will bother Rivers, and the Eagle offense will take advantage of a mediocre San Diego defense to pull off the victory.

PACKERS (+3) over Cowboys
The Packers are too good to be 4-4, despite the problems on the offensive line. Their defense is fourth overall, while the offense, even with its sack problems, is seventh. Dallas gives up yards, and even though they have been on a roll, Green Bay comes together and gets a big home win.

Patriots (+3) over COLTS
How do the Colts keep doing it? Lose two defensive backs, turn the ball over, have a young, hungry division foe playing them, and they still find a way to win the game. They are always facing the right direction. This week the Patriots come in and take advantage of the missing secondary pieces. Plus New England comes in with a better then expected defense, while the Colts may again be one dimensional if they again abandon the run, like they have early in games this season.

Ravens (-10 1/2) over BROWNS
Another team getting healthy at the Browns expense, and this time it will be the Ravens. Brady Quinn gets the start against an angry Baltimore defense, and he just doesn't have the weapons to take advantage of their recent stumbling on that side of the ball. Joe Flacco and the Raven offense take full advantage of the Cleveland defense ranked last in the league.

Week 9 record (6-7)
2009 season (21-17-1)