NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

Can Rodgers Hand Ryan His Second Career Loss In The Georgia Dome?

Week 11 Results ATS: 8-8

Season Record ATS: 73-81-5

Confidence Points: 83 out of 136

THANKSGIVING DAY

4-star game, 14 on the confidence meter: New England Patriots (-6.5) @ Detroit Lions – I hope the Lions don’t run the ball at all.  Tom Brady has some help on the ground with the elusive 1-2 punch of Green-Ellis and Woodhead.  Big fan of Brady’s receivers.  Patriots secondary is full of playmakers.  Calvin Johnson provides a tough challenge, Hill is no slouch.  New England Patriots 37 Detroit Lions 24

5-star game, 16 on the confidence meter, “Lock of the Week”: New Orleans Saints (-3.5) @ Dallas Cowboys – Drew Brees is going for 400+ and 5 TD’s.  Chris Ivory has been remarkable, pleasant surprise.  Watch the New Orleans defense rattle Kitna.  Honeymoon is over Jason Garrett.  New Orleans Saints 44 Dallas Cowboys 27

THANKSGIVING NIGHT

3-star game, 9 on the confidence meter: Cincinnati Bengals (+9) @ New York Jets – Recent history prevails: Jets don’t play well at home, wins always come down to the wire, and they play down to their competition.  Cincinnati Bengals 21 New York Jets 28

EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON

3-star game, 3 on the confidence meter: Minnesota Vikings (+1.5) @ Washington Redskins – Vikings will play well for their new coach, feature Adrian more.  Can’t trust Dononvan-Shanahan.  Minnesota Vikings 23 Washington Redskins 22

4-star game, 4 on the confidence meter: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills (+6.5) – Fitzpatrick to Johnson rivals Kelly to Reed.  Pittsburgh will look past this game to Sunday night’s divisional showdown next week in Baltimore.  When’s the last time the Bills played a bad game?  Pittsburgh Steelers 26 Buffalo Bills 20

3-star game, 12 on the confidence meter, “Upset of the Week”: Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Houston Texans – Count out the Titans, I dare you.  Chris Johnson is going off, book it.  I have more faith in Tennessee than I do Houston.  Tennessee Titans 19 Houston Texans 17

4-star game, 2 on the confidence meter: Jacksonville Jaguars (+7) @ New York Giants – Who’s Eli going to throw it to?  Jaguars Achilles’ heel is their pass defense, not their run defense.  The New Meadowlands curse continues.  Jacksonville Jaguars 16 New York Giants 20

0-star game, 5 on the confidence meter: Carolina Panthers (+10) @ Cleveland Browns – Mike Goodson is a player, keep your eye on him.  Am I crazy to think the Panthers have a better future than the Browns?  I knew Colt McCoy was due for an injury.  Carolina Panthers 13 Cleveland Browns 12

5-star game, 1 on the confidence meter: Green Bay Packers (+2) @ Atlanta Falcons – About as even as a match-up as it gets.  As flawless as Ryan is at home, I rather roll with Rodgers.  MVP QB’s, potential Playoff preview, and both teams still having something to prove.  I’m thankful for the Sunday Ticket.  Green Bay Packers 31 Atlanta Falcons 27

LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON

2-star game, 8 on the confidence meter: Miami Dolphins @ Oakland Raiders (-3) – Start Gradkowski, not Campbell.  I want McFadden getting his hands on the rock at least 30 times.  Should either team attempt a forward pass?  Miami Dolphins 10 Oakland Raiders 16

4-star game, 13 on the confidence meter: Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) @ Seattle Seahawks – Chiefs are the better team and need this win to stay atop the AFC West; such, they will play with tremendous urgency.  Division on the line, Chiefs have to get a signature road victory.  Offensively, I envision Haley’s crew displaying an encore performance.  Kansas City Chiefs 24 Seattle Seahawks 14

1-star game, 6 on the confidence meter: St. Louis Rams @ Denver Broncos (-4) – Can’t go against Broncos at home when the Rams haven’t won away from home.  Because of that, very easy game to pick.  St. Louis Rams 20 Denver Broncos 30

5-star game, 7 on the confidence meter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Baltimore Ravens (-7.5) – Big believer in the Bucs, however, the Ravens are due for another big-game performance, much like the one they put together against Miami in Week 9.  Josh Freeman and Joe Flacco are so similar from numbers and stature, to how/when they were drafted -it’s striking.  Both are vastly under-hyped as winners, franchise QB’s.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22 Baltimore Ravens 32

5-star game, 15 on the confidence meter, “Game of the Week”: Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears (+3.5) – I don’t see the Eagles playing out of their minds for the fourth consecutive week.  Should have lost to the Giants if not for that “lucky” LeSean McCoy, 4th & 1 touchdown run.  Vick will not make many big plays against a bend but don’t break Bears unit and McCoy will not be able to run on the 2nd best rush defense.  On 3rd down, Bears are money on both sides of the ball.  Three more reasons why the Bears will win: Jay Cutler finally has some time, run game is in operation, and it’s in Soldier Field.  Playing surface will benefit Chicago, not Philly.  Philadelphia Eagles 17 Chicago Bears 27

SUNDAY NIGHT

5-star game, 10 on the confidence meter: San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts (-3) – Tough game to pick.  Hard to go against Peyton in prime-time.  Difference will be Indy’s control of the clock due to their successful 3rd down conversion rate.  Feels like one of those games where Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis both make their presence felt.   Colts better wrap-up Mike Tolbert.  Vincent Jackson’s will make an immediate impact in his debut.  Have a hunch this is going to be a classic, possibly OT. San Diego Chargers 31 Indianapolis Colts 35

MONDAY NIGHT

1-star game, 11 on the confidence meter: San Francisco 49ers (-1) @ Arizona Cardinals – Give me the team with more playmakers.  San Francisco 49ers 21 Arizona Cardinals 10

New Orleans Saints (7-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
When: Thursday, November 25 at 4:15 pm EST
Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
Media: FOX

There are very few teams in the league that are flying as high as the Cowboys are. After a disastrous 1-7 start to the season the Cowboys have won two in a row and are looking to make it three tomorrow. As Thanksgiving approaches, he Boys haven't had much to be thankful for this season. They've lost their star quarterback, changed coaches, and suffered through a very disappointing season. One thing that will make the players and fans feel better is if they can get a win on Thanksgiving over the potent defending Super Bowl champs, the Saints.

This will be the first time that the Saints and Cowboys have met on Thanksgiving. Dallas holds a 27-14-1 record on Thanksgiving and have won their last four. This year will be a lot tougher. The Saints, led by former Cowboys coach Sean Payton, come into this weeks game on a bit of a hot streak. After a slow start the Saints have really turned it on of late winning their last three games and have started to look like their old selves again, that is bad news for the Cowboys, especially their defense.

The Saints have a very potent attack, particularly through the air. Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees is one of the best in the league. He has a great arm and a ton of weapons at his disposal. When the Saints and Cowboys clashed near the end of last season, the Cowboys won because Brees had little time to throw. The Cowboys will have to mirror that blueprint this week, something they haven't done consistently all season.

The Cowboys are also a team that is looking like it's old self. Interim head coach Jason Garrett has his team playing at a much different level the last two weeks. While the offense has sputtered at times, it has been the defense that has looked completely different.

For the Cowboys to win they will have to be able to put up a lot of points. One thing is certain, the Saints will score. QB Jon Kitna is going to need to be sharp. The offensive line is going to have to have its best game of the season and allow Kitna to find his receivers. TE Jason Witten will figure to get a lot of catches as the Saints will blitz often trying to get to Kitna. We have seen the last two weeks when Kitna has time to throw he still has a rocket arm. The Cowboys will also need to control the clock by running the ball and keeping the Saints off the field. The Cowboys run game has been awful this year, and hasn't looked a lot better lately. While it has improved modestly, the Cowboys stats are a little inflated because of a couple big runs. The coaching staff would like to see the Cowboys run more consistently and gain between 4 and 5 yards minimum a carry. Lately, the Boys have been around 2 of 3. Part of the problem has been defenders in the backfield and the Cowboys unwillingness to disguise their play calls. When everyone knows you're running it makes it tough to get very far.

The Cowboys will be unable to rely on undrafted rookie Bryann McCann to continue to score like he has, but it would be nice if he is able to help solidify the secondary. New Orleans receivers go 5 deep. All guys capable of starting on other teams. The Cowboys will have to play sound football and get some pressure on Drew Brees in order to coral this potent attack. Saints RB Reggie Bush is looking to make his return to the lineup this week, which would give them another weapon.

The most surprising part of the Saints in 2010 has been their defense. They rank fourth in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed. They have the second best pass defense and have been able to generate some key turnovers this season. Look for the Cowboys to try to expose the Saints defense with Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Bryant has been coming on of late and he has tremendous speed and elusiveness, which the Saints will be mindful of.

The Cowboys face a tough task on Thursday. While Jason Garrett has been able to go 2-0, I doubt he will be able to make it three. Saints will take it 30-21.

Saints coach Sean Payton says he's optimistic Reggie Bush will be able to finally come back from his broken right leg at Dallas on Thanksgiving.

Bush, who's missed eight games since fracturing his right fibula, is listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis this week. Payton says it was tough to gauge whether Bush is 100 percent because the Saints did not practice at full

If the Saints decide not to play Bush, Payton says fullback Heath Evans could see more action as a ball carrier because Ladell Betts is out with a sprained neck. Chris Ivory and Julius Jones are New Orleans' only other healthy running backs.

Senior writer jclombardi highlights Packers headlines.

Packers Jennings receiving attention: If ever there were a year for Greg Jennings to distinguish himself from his peers, carry the passing offense and seize his first Pro Bowl berth, this is it. In fact, after the Green Bay Packers drubbed the Minnesota Vikings and Jennings had a seven-catch, 152-yard, three-touchdown day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he has made a conscious effort to find No.?85 more often. Rodgers is as sure a bet as anyone to make the Pro Bowl. Why wouldn’t his top target have a shot as well? Jennings sure has made his case. He has 32 receptions and 520 receiving yards in the last five games, four of which the Packers have won – two of them on a national stage. If Jennings could somehow maintain that pace in the final six games of the year – and this is asking a lot – he would leapfrog over other receivers in the NFC and could even have his best year statistically. His relevance, to Green Bay’s offense and success, has never been more evident. But here’s the catch – it is not so intentional beyond the quarterback. ”We are not designing new plays for Greg or anything like that,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy. “Greg is an outstanding football player, he is an excellent route-runner, and Aaron and Greg have really been on the same page here of late.”

Falcons scouting report: Run Offense–Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, a former head coach with the Buffalo Bills, runs the power running scheme he learned as an assistant coach with the Steelers. Halfback Michael Turner is a perfect back for the scheme because of his bowling-ball type build and enough speed even at age 28 to break a long run. He's the NFL's No. 6 rusher (864 yards, |4.3-yard average). "He runs hard, powerful, guys bounce off him," a scout said. "I don't think (he's elite), he's second or third tier." Passing offense–Falcons, who rank No. 6 in total yards and scoring, have one of the league's top young guns in quarterback Matt Ryan plus two top weapons in receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. He's close to the total package, with good size, plenty of arm talent, a first-rate mind and strong leadership skills. His mobility isn't great but is good enough. This season he's thrown 18 touchdown passes to only five interceptions, and his passer rating (92.9 points) ranks No. 13 in the NFL. Run defense-the Falcons run a quickness-oriented 4-3 scheme and this year rank No. 7 in points allowed and No. 17 in yards allowed. A smallish defensive front that mostly tries to shoot gaps rather than hold up blockers. "They just don't make mistakes ever," a scout said of the defense as a whole. "Really disciplined." Pass Defense--the Falcons have only one pass rusher of note, defensive end John Abraham. He's on pace to hit double digits in sacks again. Cornerback Dunta Robinson is the Falcons' best cover man. Brent Grimes, a third-year pro from Shippensburg who entered the league undrafted, is smallish but smart and has three interceptions opposite Robinson. Special Teams--little Eric Weems is a good dual-role return man even though he lacks top-end speed. His 13.6-yard average on punts would rank No. 4 in the NFL if he had enough returns to qualify for the league rankings, and his 26.0-yard average on kickoffs is tied for No. 10 in the league.

Brady Proved Once Again, Against Manning, Why He’s Still The Best QB

Wouldn’t it have been a waste of time bothering with rankings when the pecking order got shaken up like a snow globe every weekend?

-ESPN’s Bill Simmons, concerning NFL Power Rankings in his “Power Poll” article, earlier this month on November 5

I’m Back: My last issue of Power Rankings was November 4.  I admire sports personalities like the “Sports Guy”, Colin Cowherd, and Skip Bayless.  I don’t admire these Power Rankings so much, anymore.

Note: My insight for each team will be a duplicate of Week Nine’s Power Rankings.  Therefore, if I’m correct, I will keep it the same.  However, I will italicize in bold print what was incorrect.  Let’s see how I do.

Upon Mass Request:

1. New England Patriots (1) – Brady-Belichick: the best QB/head coach combo in the NFL.  Familiar territory for this duo.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead make the run game worthwhile.  Defenses based on quickness, schemes, and system players are always underrated.  However, how long will they stay atop the rankings with the team that beat them in Super Bowl XX right behind them.  Secondary covers a lot of ground, as range and athleticism usually makes up for inexperience.  Win.  It’s no longer the Giants behind them, it’s the Bears.  Brady has that fiery desire in his eyes.  Club’s playing with a chip on their shoulders.

2. Chicago Bears (21) – Will a Bye week alter the offensive line's sluggishness, Jay Cutler's woes, and Mike Martz's madness not running the football?  Lost in the shuffle, a healthy and productive defense.  Answer to the first question: Yes, Yes, and Yes. Win.  Best defense in the NFL?  Jay Cutler is not only making plays his rocket-arm, but with his nimble legs, too.

3. New York Jets (6) – Mark Sanchez isn't ready to take the team to Dallas after all? LaDainian Tomlinson will slow down sooner rather than later. Defense is more of a bend but don't break cast than a group of playmakers.  Game against the Lions on Sunday will tell me a lot about Rex Ryan's crew.  How can they rebound from a miserable display of football against Green Bay?  50/50, I’ll count it as a loss. Some see their last three games as a sign of weakness, I on the other hand, see it as a sign of strength.  The scrambling Mark Sanchez looks like Fran Tarkenton, as he eludes oncoming pass rushers.  Clutch.  He’s ready.  Be sure to tune in Monday Night (at New England) on December 6.  Keep in mind, they are the only team not to lose yet away from home.

4. New Orleans Saints (4) – Drew Brees is the Steve Nash of QB's.  A defense looks so much better when the QB is controlling the tempo at his pace while completing passes at an alarming rate.  When do Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas return?  One of the best secondaries held Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger to under 200 yards passing and no touchdowns.  More on the often forgotten Saints defense: First QB rating under 100 for Big Ben this season, only the fourth time a defense has held the Steelers to less than 13 points since 2007, and they held Mike Wallace out of the end zone.  Wallace-Roethlisberger previous five games, five touchdowns.  As long as the Saints produce turnovers, they are nearly unstoppable.  Sean Payton's rhythmic offense and opportunistic defense possess the only legitimate threat in the NFC to take down the Giants. Win, although anyone can take down the Giants now without Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith.  As long as Chris Ivory is playing like the way he is, both Bush and Thomas can remain on the sidelines.  Ivory is a better back than Thomas.  Reminds me of Ronnie Brown, with his ability to run around and through people.  Speed-strength combination is scary good.

5. Baltimore Ravens (8) – Flacco is getting better and better but it may be at the expense of Ray Rice and the run game.  Pounding rush attack not as powerful and effective as it used to be.  Ed Reed picked off two passes in his return; I bet he matches that number against Henne and the Dolphins this Sunday. His impact is immeasurable.  Win.  Reed only had one interception against Henne’s Dolphins.  His return has been a much-needed, big boost to the not-so dominant, yet still championship-caliber defense.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (14) – Michael Vick returns to face Peyton Manning.  LeSean McCoy needs 25+ touches this game. Trent Cole, time to show them why you are worth defensive player of the year consideration.  Loss.  Vick is more instrumental to the team’s success than McCoy.  With that said, it was McCoy, not Vick, who came up with the biggest play of the game against the Giants on Sunday night.  McCoy needs around 20 touches, not 25+.  Since that Eagles-Colts game in Week 10, Vick has replaced Manning as the top MVP candidate behind Brady.  A lot has changed, as Philly looks more and more like a serious Super Bowl contender, while Indy looks more and more likely a team who has no shot at Dallas come February.  Defensively, Asante Samuel looks more of a defensive player of the year than Trent Cole.  Samuel has four picks the past three games.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5) – The offense lacks a consistent big play threat next to Mike Wallace.  You can't run on this defense, but you can certainly pass on them.  Their greatest strength is their greatest weakness, as quick slinging QB's who attack the short to intermediate area in the aerial attack trouble them.  Honestly, Tomlin's troops haven't played a good game since Week 3 in Tampa. "Best team in the AFC talk" was a bit too premature.  Talk is cheap, hype is unwarranted, but I have a hunch the Steelers will shut me, and the critics up.  Win.  They shut both myself and the critics up with their masterful performance against Oakland.  Before that game, they haven’t really played a good game since Week 3 in Tampa.  They played as good as you could versus the Raiders.  As of late, Emmanuel Sanders has complimented Mike Wallace, registering a touchdown in his last two games.

8. Green Bay Packers (10) – Can't put this team any higher because of their inept offense. Defense showed it can carry the team, but now the offense is lacking firepower. When will it ever click together? Already without a run game; just made the shutout in the Big Apple even more eye-opening than it already was.  This team is "rated".  Not overrated or underrated.  The team is so close to representing the NFC in the Longhorn State come February, and Rodgers will get his opportunity to be the difference maker.  Despite their win against the Jets, no one made a big deal of it because of their massive amount of key injuries.  If Rodgers gets this team to win one game in the postseason, he will have rightfully earned top-5 QB status.  Loss.  They are moving up, and have the chance to move even higher with a win in the Georgia Dome this Sunday.  Both the offense and defense are clicking on all cylinders right now; especially after a convincing win in Minnesota.  Offense is lacking nothing.  Grand Finale: Keep your calendars clear for the Week 17 showdown against Chicago in Lambeau.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (9) – Thomas Jones said it best: "We hung in there. The way we won actually says a lot more than the win itself".  Big game away from Arrowhead against the hated Raiders.  Jamaal Charles nickname should be: "Easy real estate".  Whether it be via ground or air, Charles picks up yardage with the greatest of ease.  Defense picked up their play just in time for Oakland. Is the run defense ready to pick it up a notch to play to the level of McFadden?  Cassel needs to make smart decisions, and wise choices to keep it and run if they want to win.  Win, despite bad showing in Denver, where the defense allowed 49 points.  Cassel is putting up Tom Brady-like numbers: 18 touchdowns, four interceptions.  Dwayne Bowe leads all WR’s with 11 TD’s.

10. Atlanta Falcons (13) – Dirty Birds have the division leading Bucs and the Baltimore Ravens in the Georgia Dome the next two weeks.  Flacco and Freeman must be licking their chops against this secondary.  Better get to the QB, front seven.  Aquib Talib vs. Roddy White will determine Sunday's winner. Loss.  Matt Ryan is determining whether the Falcons win or not -he’s been that good.  Flacco and Freeman both had solid outings against Atlanta’s shaky secondary.  Front seven got to Flacco; and it showed, affecting the outcome of that game.  LeGarrette Blount’s run (bad play call) and Roddy White’s GW TD reception (offensive pass interference) aided them to two wins they should have lost at home.  Big test against Rodgers’ Packers this Sunday.  To whom it may concern (you know who you are): Have at it.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12) – Time to back your words up Raheem in Atlanta this Sunday.  LeGarrette Blount's big-time performance in Arizona has the Bucs offense thinking "Big 3? with Josh Freeman and Mike Williams.  Arrelious Benn made a big play to set-up Blount's game-winning TD.  Rookies are shining, drafting in the NFL goes a long way.  Win.  Defense produced a gem in the Bay Area.  Who said Josh Freeman was not a franchise QB?  Raheem Morris is my coach of the year.

12. New York Giants (2) – Lobbying for: A serious MVP candidate named Eli, best defense and offense in the NFC, and the most underappreciated shot caller on the sidelines.  This club is more talented than the Super Bowl XLII winning squad.  Tough game in Seattle this Sunday, that is, for Charlie Whitehurst and the Seahawks.  Name me a team that offers more balance than what the Giants offer. Loss.  Eli is no longer in the MVP discussion.  Way too many boneheaded turnovers.  Defense made too many mistakes against Dallas and Philly.  Ahmad Bradshaw just got benched for Brandon Jacobs because of his fumbling follies.  I can now name you at least four or five teams that offer more balance than what the Giants offer.

13. Indianapolis Colts (3) – Peyton made Jacob Tamme and Mike Hart look like John Mackey and Lydell Mitchell on Monday night against division rival Houston.  Defense gets significantly overlooked despite its super pursuit to the QB and ball carrier.  Manning is the best offensive coordinator I know of.  Whatever this team lacks I can't see, because #18 makes everyone and everything look good.  He makes weaknesses disappear and become irrelevant.  The best defense is a good offense, or a great QB – a.k.a. "The Great Equalizer".  Colts "been there, done that mentality" will play in their favor immensely. Loss.  Team isn’t the same without Dallas Clark.  Defense got lit up by Philly and New England, granted, it was against the two hottest QB’s in the NFL.  When was the last time you thought about asking yourself this following question: Are the Colts going to make the Playoffs?

14. San Diego Chargers (18) – Antonio Gates is Canton-bound.  Rivers is going to shatter Dan Marino's passing yards record from '84.  Still not buying their turnaround until Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert provide more of a punch in the ground game.  Defense got burned during more than one occasion against Tennessee.  Needed Vince Young to get hurt in order to win.  Push.  Mike Tolbert has provided a big lift, but Matthews (injured, again) hasn’t been needed.  When is Gates coming back?  Does it matter?  Vincent Jackson is returning against the Colts, and Rivers is playing out of his mind.  Shaun Phillips cannot be stopped.  Darren Sproles is back to being relevant.  Still don’t believe they will win the AFC West; I’ll take my chances with the Chiefs.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (25) – David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew can make the offense look razor sharp every two or three weeks.  Win.  Who would have thought after that Monday night debacle in Week six against Tennessee, the Jaguars would have a better record than the Titans?  I mean, they are in first place ahead of the Colts!  Garrard and Jones-Drew look razor sharp just about every week.  Mike Thomas, too.

16. Dallas Cowboys (30) – I'm at a loss for words on how a team this talented is this bad. Loss.  I’m at a loss for words on how a team in turmoil like this could all of a sudden be playing this good.  Dez Bryant looks like Michael Irvin.  Jon Kitna looked like Steve Young on the 4th & 1 naked bootleg resulting in a 29-yard touchdown.

17. Washington Redskins (20) – Rex Grossman and JaMarcus Russell are in the news around the Nation's Capital.  Mike Shanahan and his son are making way too many unnecessary front-page headlines.  It seemed like they lost two or three games in the standings after losing in Detroit last Sunday.  Understatement of the year: Donovan McNabb needs to be treated better.  I don't how the 'Skins can recover from this crazy situation that's turning into a fiasco like Lupe. Loss.  You recover by playing a team led by Vince Young and Jeff Fisher, a team who’s in an even crazier situation.  The team is still in awe and shock that they beat the Titans.  Who would have though that the Redskins would still be in the hunt for a postseason berth?     

18. Tennessee Titans (7) – Randy Moss replaces an injured Kenny Britt.  Vince Young is buying time with his feet, completing the deep ball, and leading the NFL in passer rating (Peyton is 2nd). Now, he just has to stay healthy.  Chris Johnson is a happy man because he doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting anymore.  Defense had a bump in the road in San Diego, but they have a bye week to get return to its normal, intimidating, aggressive form.  Moss is going to love coach Fisher, I guarantee it. Loss.  Vince Young is out buying a cast for his broken thumb.  He bought himself out of  Tennessee.  Who knew Randy Moss was on this squad?

19. Oakland Raiders (15) – Darren McFadden is on a tear reaching the century mark on a weekly basis, the defense sacked Seattle eight times, and everyone is hyping the Silver & Black's comeback to the spotlight.  The Chiefs stand in their way to the AFC West crown.  QB play is the final piece to seeing if this team is truly for "real".  Win, despite Darren McFadden running into the vaunted “Steel Curtain” run defense in Pittsburgh last Sunday.  QB play is the final piece; it’s a big piece they don’t have, so they are not truly for “real”.  Not only do the Chiefs stand in their way, but the Chargers, too.  Hype has settled down.

20. Miami Dolphins (11) – If they win in Baltimore they have the inside track on a wild card spot.  Imagine if they would've gotten that goal-line fumble call against Pittsburgh.  Nothing impresses me or stands out about this team, yet, they are a tough and resilient bunch.  Good enough for the Playoffs in a loaded AFC?  That remains to seen.  Win.  Tough, however, just not there yet -as simple as that.

21. Houston Texans (16) – I thought Matt Schaub was supposed to be the next elite QB in the NFL?  Arian Foster is doing his thing, Andre Johnson is playing like a warrior, but Schaub has disappointed so far.  Defensive backfield will be presented with a big challenge this Sunday against Philip Rivers' Chargers.  Win.  Pass defense is ranked dead last.  Schaub has been overvalued by fantasy junkies.  I love how everyone anointed this season (just like every season) as their year to finally get over the hump and make it past the Regular Season.

22. Seattle Seahawks (23) – 33-3 in Oakland.  Enough said.  Well I'll also say this: I feel bad for Charlie Whitehurst going up against a vaunted Giants defensive front line, fresh off of a Bye week.  Win.  If they continue to beat the teams they are supposed to, it doesn’t matter if they lose to the team they are supposed to, being in a weak NFC West.  Intriguing match-up hosting the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.  Can the defensive guru, Pete Carroll, put together a plan to stop the league’s #1 rushing unit?

23. St. Louis Rams (19) – Can Sam Bradford continue to outdo encore performance after encore performance?  He's something else.  The defense is steady and coach Spags is making me a believer for the future.  With that said, I want to see them win the NFC West now, not Arizona or Seattle -and I think they will.  Win.  Tricky game in the Mile High City awaits Bradford’s boys.  Hung with Falcons for most of the game.

24. Buffalo Bills (32) – Embrace for a third consecutive heartbreaking, three point loss; this time to Chicago in OT. Win.  Was a three-point loss in regulation, 22-19 to Chicago.  Ryan Fitzpatrick-Steve Johnson connection making Bills fans reminisce back to the glory days of Jim Kelly to Andre Reed.  Fred Jackson is doing work, now, only if Spiller was healthy.

25. Cleveland Browns (28) – Let's see if Colt McCoy can make Browns Backers forget Bernie Kosar, for just a moment anyways.  Mangini vs. Belichick is a funny match-up, even more funny, the post-game "no-look" hand shake; which is so good, I wonder if they both have post-coach callings as point guards in the NBA.  Win.  McCoy has been better than advertised; too bad he’s hurt with a high ankle sprain.  Team loves to lose games late in stunning fashion.

26. San Francisco 49ers (27) – Troy Smith looked the part of a pro QB. He will start for the rest of the season and will lead this offense to a 20+ PPG average.  Frank Gore is playing like an MVP, too bad he's on a 2-6 club.  Loss.  They were shutout at home against Tampa.  Troy Smith didn’t look the part of a pro QB in that game, like he did the past two games.

27. Minnesota Vikings (22) – Back to the drawing board.  The worst coach in the NFL, a battered and bruised old QB, and the most underachieving defense in the NFL is not a good formula.  Win.  Exit Childress, enter Leslie Fraizer.  Jason Garrett effect?  How about some more Adrian Peterson?

28. Detroit Lions (17) – Stafford is back and that means they are the second best team in the NFC North. Calvin Johnson is the best WR in the game when Staff is under center.  Ndamukong Suh is as every bit as advertised and then some, and Alphonso Smith (4 picks) was a flat-out steal for the secondary.  More Stafford to Johnson has Lions fans envisioning a division crown in the near future.  Also, don't forget, Kyle Vanden Bosch is playing like a man possessed.  KVB and Suh better clear their plans for Hawaii at the end of January.  I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving Day against the Patriots. Loss.  Stafford hurt, Packers are the second best team in the NFC North.  Looking forward to Thanksgiving Day; only because Brady’s playing.

29. Denver Broncos (29) - I want to see more Tim Tebow.  Prepare for the future McDaniels, if you don't now, then you are letting your fans down; the few that remain.  Win.  As well as Orton has looked, give me some Tim Tebow.

30. Arizona Cardinals (26) - They should've kept Matt Leinart.  I'm convinced and sure Leinart would have this team two wins better and in sole possession of first place in the NFC West.  Push.  Go USC!

31. Cincinnati Bengals (24) – Still have hope they can upset the Steelers at home on Monday Night.  In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say they will beat Pittsburgh.  If they do, that means they've gotten back to what made them successful last season, winning the AFC North: running the football and playing stellar defense. Time to trash the pass and play tough in the trenches.  Loss. Impressive comeback effort against Pittsburgh came up just short.  Defense is anything but stellar.  They gave up 49 points to the powerhouse Buffalo Bills.  They forgot what won them the AFC North last year.

32. Carolina Panthers (31) - I'm at a loss for words on how a team this talented is this bad.  Win.  Mike Goodson’s a keeper at RB.  This team is my super-early super darkhorse to make the Playoffs in 2011-12.

Phillips and Childress aren't the only head coach in trouble. Pretty easy statement to say, but Mike Singletary, John Fox, Marvin Lewis, Gary Kubiak and Josh McDaniels are candidates to say goodbye before the season is up. I know McDaniels might surprise some to see on this list, but think about this: Since week 8 of 2009, the Broncos are 5-15 and they don't seem to be getting better. The more McDaniels puts an imprint on the team, the WORSE they get.

Coaching matters. It's probably obvious, but some tried to deny it with Phillips and Childress. And it isn't just play calling, but team attitude, team unity, team leadership. It all starts at the top. Yes, there are obvious coaching mistakes this year such as botched time management on offense and seriously botched play calling (i.e. Houston's late defensive schemes…), but there is a lot that goes on outside of that. Fundamentals aren't even the topic here, but they matter too. It's about being prepared correctly. It's about teaching these young athletes maturity.

There's a lot of football left to play. Six out of sixteen games left doesn't sound like much, but Nov and Dec is a lifetime in an NFL season. Teams riding high will fall, teams in the middle of the pack will rise. There are four teams that "if the playoffs started today" wouldn't make it in, but just this coming week could take the lead in their divisions, and two of them could jump from out to the third out of six seeds. And that's just ONE week of play. There is the potential that the AFC West division lead could change hands between three teams in the next three weeks and only one team is probably coming out of that division. The AFC South could potentially change hands the same way in three weeks as well.

Things I think I know.

Ben Roethlisberger is quietly having a great year. Because of everyone's focus on yardage, Big Ben isn't getting noticed a lot. He's only played 6 games so far, but has 101.9 QB rating, has an 8.4 yds/att average and is averaging 263 yds/game with 12 TDs and 4 INTs. He had a little slump in a two game stretch, but I think he's getting hotter and hotter and might just well surprise some people. Watch out for this offense that no one is really talking about.

Either Vince Young or Jeff Fisher appears to be leaving Tenn. It appears that the Titans ownership is forcing the issue with Young for next year. If that's the case, I think that Fisher may be gone. If this indeed is the case, Young should be gone before Fisher. Fisher knows football and is an excellent coach. If ownership decides to force Fisher out for Young, I think it will be a mistake that will haunt Tenn for a long time. What a shame considering how much Fisher has given to that organization.

Coach Frazier should sit or cut Favre. Why would they play Favre? He's not the future. Heck, he's not the present. He's playing awful; he's making game killing mistakes. Why not try Jackson and see if he learned anything in the last season and half watching Favre? Heck there are a few practice squad QBs on other teams that might be worth trying out if you cut Favre. If only Childress hadn't traded Sage Rosenfelds to NY Giants. What a debacle Childress left.

Things I know I don't know.

Will there be any NFL football in 2011? It's not looking good for even a scrub season. The players union is positioning for decertification. If that happens then the teams couldn't have a draft or any sort of order to signing scrubs or line crossers. The owners are pretty serious about their demands to lower player costs and up the season to 18 games. The players union is not happy about either. There doesn't appear to be any fire under either side to get something done. If there is no contract by the combine, it doesn't look good to even have a draft.

Will we see an 8-8 division winner this year? And will we see an 11-5 team miss again? Those two likelihoods are probably related. It's looking like the NFC West could produce an 8-8 division winner. The AFC West will all come down to San Diego. If they remain hot, they will likely win the division with a decent record. Otherwise, it's very possible that division also produces another 8-8 division winner. We also have a potential 11-5 team missing in the NFC. And does that mean anything if it does happen?

Can the Colts recover from all the injuries? It may not be obvious to most, but the Colts are in trouble. Yes, they are tied for the division lead, but lose in tie breakers. And in the ever famous "if the playoffs started today" scenario, the Colts would be sitting at home out of the playoffs. They've lost two of their last four and are really banged up. Already thin at the WR, RB and DB spots, they need to get healthy and hot quick or they will be sitting at home. The other question is how does Jim Caldwell handle this adversity? This is the first real rough patch that he's faced as a head coach. The Colts still have enough talent to pull this off, but it's not going to be as easy as one might think.

Listed are the TV network, TV/national radio announcers and Sirius and XM satellite radio channels. All times shown are local to game site:

New England at Detroit (Thanksgiving) - CBS (12:30 PM ET): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. Westwood One Radio: Larry Kahn, Dan Fouts, Laura Okmin (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 123 (NE), 126 (Det.). XM: 124 (WW1), 105 (NE), 103 (Det.).

New Orleans at Dallas (Thansgiving) - FOX (3:15 PM CT): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Howard David, Tony Boselli, Kevin Kiley (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 123 (NO), 126 (Dal.). XM: 124 (WW1), 105 (NO), 103 (Dal.).

Cincinnati at New York Jets (Thanksgiving night) - NFL Network (8:00 PM ET): Bob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann, Alex Flanagan (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Ian Eagle, Boomer Esiason, Sean Landeta (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 123 (Cin.), 126 (NYJ). XM: 124 (WW1), 105 (Cin.), 103 (NYJ).

Green Bay at Atlanta - FOX (1:00 PM ET): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick, Laura Okmin (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Howard David, Tony Boselli. SIRIUS: 130 (GB), 123 (Atl.). XM: 105 (Atl.).

Pittsburgh at Buffalo - CBS (1:00 PM ET): Kevin Harlan, Solomon Wilcots. SIRIUS: 121 (Pit.), 127 (Buf.). XM: 104 (Buf.).

Carolina at Cleveland - FOX (1:00 PM ET): Chris Rose, Torry Holt. SIRIUS: 122 (Car.), 90 (Cle.). XM: 107 (Car.).

Tennessee at Houston - CBS (12:00 PM CT): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts. SIRIUS: 126 (Hou.). XM: 103 (Hou.).

Jacksonville at New York Giants - CBS (1:00 PM ET): Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. SIRIUS: 129 (Jax.), 113 (NYG). XM: 106 (NYG).

Minnesota at Washington - FOX (1:00 PM ET): Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, Charissa Thompson (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 91 (Min.), 125 (Was.). XM: 102 (Was.).

Kansas City at Seattle - CBS (1:05 PM PT): Bill Macatee, Rich Gannon. SIRIUS: 121 (KC), 113 (Sea.). XM: 106 (Sea.).

Miami at Oakland - CBS (1:05 PM PT): Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker. SIRIUS: 122 (Mia.), 127 (Oak.). XM: 104 (Oak.).

Tampa Bay at Baltimore - FOX (4:15 PM ET): Sam Rosen, Tim Ryan, Jaime Maggio (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 90 (TB), 125 (Bal.). XM: 102 (Bal.).

Philadelphia at Chicago - FOX (3:15 PM CT): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Kevin Kugler, Mark Malone. SIRIUS: 91 (Phi.), 123 (Chi.). XM: 105 (Chi.).

St. Louis at Denver - FOX (2:15 PM MT): Ron Pitts, John Lynch, Nischelle Turner (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 130 (St.L.), 126 (Den.). XM: 103 (Den.).

San Diego at Indianapolis (Sunday night) - NBC (8:20 PM ET): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Andrea Kremer (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Dave Sims, James Lofton, Hub Arkush (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 127 (WW1), 125 (SD), 126 (Ind.). XM: 104 (WW1), 102 (SD), 103 (Ind.).

San Francisco at Arizona (Monday night) - ESPN (6:30 PM MT): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden. Westwood One Radio: Kevin Harlan, Randy Cross, Mark Malone (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 125 (SF), 126 (Ari.). XM: 124 (WW1), 102 (SF), 103 (Ari.).

Last Week: 11-4
Season: 93-64

Thursday:

New England at Detroit – The Pats are playing as well as any AFC team right now, and they have the decided advantage in this Thanksgiving matchup. Look for Tom Brady and the Pats to pick apart the Lions, and the New England D to lower the boom on the banged up Cats. New England 34 Detroit 17

New Orleans at Dallas - Jason Garrett has the Cowboys at 2-0 after taking over for Wade Phillips, and this week is another stern test. Remember it was Dallas who stopped the Saints from keeping up their undefeated streak last season, leaving the Saints to want some revenge. Dallas is playing confident for the first time all year, and will treat this like their Super Bowl. Why do I sense that the Cowboys have one very good game left in them? Dallas 31 New Orleans 28

Cincinnati at New York Jets – 2-8 vs 8-2. Seems like a blowout on paper, and it will be even more on the field. Marvin Lewis is on borrowed time in Cincy, and unless he can find a way to motivate his team to get a few more wins before January 3rd, this will be his last season in the Queen City. Won’t happen. The Jets will watch their rivals in the Pats win earlier in the day, and know they can’t slip up here, and won’t. New York Jets 27 Cincinnati 13

Sunday:

Minnesota at Washington – The Vikings are hoping that Leslie Frazier will do what Jason Garrett has done in Dallas, and that’s with a coaching change inspire his new team to get a few wins. Can’t see it, as the Vikings are just a complete mess, and Brett Favre is a shell of even what he was last season. Look for the Skins defense to step up like they did vs the Titans, and pull out a home win to stay in the race. Washington 21 Minnesota 13

Tennessee at Houston – Two AFC South teams that sorely need a win do battle in Houston. The Titans are falling apart, just like the Vikings, and now there’s drama with the QB and the coach, as Vince Young will sit the whole year with a thumb injury. Rusty Smith gets the start, and the Texans will lift up and pound him and move to 5-6, the same record as the Titans after this one. Houston 33 Tennessee 14

Green Bay at Atlanta - A great NFC game that could be an early NFC Title game preview. The Pack slammed the Vikings last week, and are making a run at the NFC North title, while the Falcons pulled out a huge win over the Rams, and seem to be on the same path. The Falcons are more balanced, and they will be just a few points better than a still banged up Pack team that will learn what they need to do to play with the best team in the NFC. Atlanta 27 Green Bay 24

Carolina at Cleveland – ZZZZZZ. That’s the best way to describe this awful mistake by the lake game between a 1-9 team and a 3-7 team. The Browns are 11 point favs, and I have no idea why. They got 6 turnovers last week, and STILL lost to the Jags. Now they may have to turn to either Seneca Wallace or Jake Delhomme as Colt McCoy is hurt with an ankle sprain. The Panthers hung for three quarters with the Ravens, but are a mess and have a lame duck coach with John Fox waiting for the ax to drop on Black Monday after the season ends. Cleveland 24 Carolina 12

Pittsburgh at Buffalo – Last week vs the Raiders the Steelers got their season back on track, and know they can’t have a slip up in Buffalo like they did in KC last year. The Bills can score, but haven’t played a D like the Steelers since they played the Jets earlier this year. Look for the Steelers to put their foot on the Bills throat around the third quarter, and for James Harrison and Troy Polamalu to both have a big play on defense. Pittsburgh 37 Buffalo 17

Jacksonville at New York Giants – The Giants are smarting after a loss to the Eagles, and while the Jags are somehow in first place in the AFC South, they are not in the class of the G-Men. Look for the Giants pass rush to get to David Garrard, and the turnover prone Jags, who had 6 turnovers vs the Browns, to make way too many mistakes to beat the Giants on the road. New York Giants 23 Jacksonville 10

Miami at Oakland - The Raiders were beaten by 32 last week in Pittsburgh, and want to show that their earlier muscle on offense wasn’t a fluke. They will take some frustration out on the Dolphins, who are beat up and looked terrible a week ago Thursday vs the Bears in losing 16-0. The Raiders are the better team right now, and the Dolphins are on the way down when it comes to trying to sneak into the playoffs. Oakland 20 Miami 7

Kansas City at Seattle – The Hawks at 3-1 at home, while the Chiefs are not very good on the road at 1-4. Kansas City needs to keep winning to hold off an improving Chargers team, but the Hawks seem to have mojo at home, and will find a way in a tough game to pull out a win to stay in the race in the NFC West. Seattle 17 Kansas City 13

St.Louis at Denver – The Broncos started red hot vs San Diego Monday night, but then shut down and were beaten badly by their rivals. Now they play a Rams team that is 0-4 on the road, and while Sam Bradford and St.Louis can stay in games and hang around, look for Kyle Orton to pick on the Rams secondary enough to get the ball to Brandon Lloyd for two TD’s and a win going away. Denver 27 St.Louis 20

Tampa Bay at Baltimore - The Bucs are the surprise team in the NFC, sitting at 7-3 in a season some felt they would only win 3-4 games. Now they look to lay the upset of the week in Baltimore vs a Ravens team that let the Panthers get to 20-13 before two defensive scores sealed the deal last week. I think the Bucs are going to give Baltimore all they can handle, and will score the upset of the week in a win to keep them in the race for a playoff spot. Tampa Bay 23 Baltimore 17

Philadelphia at Chicago - A great game that is going to be a brawl. The Eagles will look to stay hot with Michael Vick avoiding the Bears rush, and should be able to keep the Bears D off guard. Chicago wasn’t great, but was more than good enough to beat the Dolphins a week ago Thursday. Chicago needs to run the ball to win this game, but I think in the end it will be too much Vick. Philadelphia 28 Chicago 20

San Diego at Indianapolis – The Colts are reeling a bit after their loss to the Pats, and need to rebound in the Sunday night game at home. Problem is they are playing the red hot Chargers, who get Vincent Jackson back in a game they need to possibly tie the Chiefs in the West. Look for San Diego to challenge the Colts secondary, and in the end Rivers will outduel Manning to get a huge road win. San Diego 34 Indianapolis 27

Monday Night:

San Francisco at Arizona – Two reeling teams in the NFC West end week 12. The Niners are back to playing sloppy, and while the Cards are not much better, they should be able to generate enough offense to get the job done to get a win and stay somehow in the race in the NFC West. Arizona 24 San Francisco 14

The feud between Jeff Fisher and Vince Young is getting more and more heated, as now Fisher says he had an assistant tell Young not to attend a team meeting.

While he’s not allowed at the meeting, the quarterback has not been banned from the team’s headquarters.

Fisher said Tuesday night on his weekly radio show that he looked for Young in the locker room before the team meeting. Fisher says he couldn’t find Young, so he sent an assistant coach to tell Young he was not welcome in the meeting for “obvious reasons.”

The coach says he didn’t want Young in Monday’s meeting because he had to update the Titans (5-5) on the quarterback’s situation.

Young, who had tossed his pads into the stands on Sunday, had a heated exchange with Fisher before Young stormed out of the stadium. Young needs season-ending surgery on his right thumb and was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.