Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 16

Buffalo at Atlanta
Atlanta


Houston at Miami
Houston


Seattle at Green Bay
Green Bay


Carolina at NY Giants
NY Giants


Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Baltimore



Tampa Bay at New Orleans
New Orleans


Oakland at Cleveland
Oakland


Kansas City at Cincinnati
Cincinnati


Jacksonville at New England
New England


Detroit at San Francisco
San Francisco


St. Louis at Arizona
Arizona


NY Jets at Indianapolis
Indianapolis


Denver at Philadelphia
Denver

Dallas at Washington
Washington

Minnesota at Chicago
Minnesota


Season

Last week: 9-7

Season: 138-87

Week 16

San Diego at Tennessee
San Diego

Happy Holidays!

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 15.2

Miami at Tennessee
Miami

Arizona at Detroit
Arizona

Atlanta at NY Jets
Jets

Houston at St. Louis
Houston

New England at Buffalo
New England

Cleveland at Kansas City
Cleveland

Oakland at Denver
Denver

Cincinnati at San Diego
San Diego

Chicago at Baltimore
Baltimore

Tampa Bay at Seattle
If the Seahawks lose this one, they should be ashamed!
Seattle

Green Bay at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh

San Francisco at Philadelphia
Duh
San Francisco

Minnesota at Carolina
Minnesota

New York Giants at Washington
BIG Duh!
Giants

Season:
Last Week: 10-5
Season: 129-77

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 15.1

AAck! I forgot again! This are reeeeally quick


Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Indianapolis

Saturday
Dallas at New Orleans
New Orleans

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 14

Seattle at Houston
Houston

Green Bay at Chicago
Green Bay

Detroit at Baltimore
Baltimore

New Orleans at Atlanta
Atlanta

Buffalo at Kansas City
Buffalo

Denver at Indianapolis
Indianapolis

Carolina at New England
Carolina

NY Jets at Tampa Bay
NY Jets

Miami at Jacksonville
Miami

Cincinnati at Minnesota
Minnesota

St. Louis at Tennessee
Tennessee

Washington at Oakland
Oakland

San Diego at Dallas
San Diego

Philadelphia at NY Giants
Giants

Arizona at San Francisco
Arizona


Season Stats:
Last week:10-6
Season: 119-72

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 13.2

Last week's picks were AWFUL! It was an embarrassment! I must have been thrown off my game, thanks to the Tiger Woods news. Yeah, right. I hope to redeem myself this week.

Week 13.2

St. Louis at Chicago

Chicago


Oakland at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh


Denver at Kansas City

Denver


Philadelphia at Atlanta

Atlanta



Detroit at Cincinnati

Cincinnati


New England at Miami

New England


New Orleans at Washington
No team will be beating the Saints this season. Especially not the Redskins.
New Orleans


Tennessee at Indianapolis
Let's hope Colts QB Peyton Manning will be stepping up this week. He and his brother Eli, even though they come through, just aren't looking fresh. Looks like he really has to work at it.
Indianapolis


Tampa Bay at Carolina

Carolina

Houston at Jacksonville

Houston


San Diego at Cleveland

San Diego

Dallas at NY Giants
Uh, it's the Men in Blue against the Cowboys....
NY Giants


San Francisco at Seattle
Seahawks QB Matt 'My wife's more famous than me" Hasselbeck tends to do well against the 'Niners. But, I'm thinking not this week.
San Francisco



Minnesota at Arizona

Minnesota


Baltimore at Green Bay

Green Bay



Season:
Last Week: 7-9
Season: 109-66

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 13.1

Week 13.1 Thursday Night Game

New York Jets versus Buffalo Bills in Canada eh

It's the battle of Downstate versus Upstate, but they're fighting it out in our New York neighbor to the north. Shouldn't they be playing hockey in Toronto this time of year?
Well, here I go again with the pick I can't win. When I pick the Bills, the other team wins and vice a versa.
New York Jets

Check back for last week's stats with Sunday's picks.

Nuts Nissim's NFL picks Week 12.2

Been busy cooking and entertaining the visiting NEw Yorkers, so these are late, but before the whistle.


Miami at Buffalo
Could be cold in upstate New York today.
Miami

Carolina at NY Jets
The Panthers will be rested after a 10 day stretch. Even though I'm a New Yorker, I have a bigger soft spot for the cats.
Carolina

Seattle at St. Louis
This will be the Seahawks third road game in a row. They're looking tired. I know the Rams are 1-9, but there might be some hope for them this week.
St. Louis

Tampa Bay at Atlanta
Are you kidding me? Tampa Bay is just outright awful.
Atlanta

Indianapolis at Houston
I heard that Peyton Manning won't be playing for the Colts today.
Houston

Cleveland at Cincinnati
The Dog Pound will be clawed up by the Bengals.
Cincinnati

Washington at Philadelphia
This pick is based strictly on the standings.
Washington

Kansas City at San Diego
Got scared last week with the way the Chiefs were playing, but they still lost. Good for me. Chargers are looking pretty pretty good.
San Diego

Jacksonville at San Francisco
This one is a coin toss for me.
Jacksonville

Arizona at Tennessee
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner is having head issues. He might be out today.
Tennessee

Chicago at Minnesota
The Bears have gone into hibernation. Can't believe the Vikings are 9-1.
Minnesota

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Steelers are having QB issues
Baltimore

New England at New Orleans
Patriots have a better defense when it comes to points scored against. Saints have become one of those second half teams. If any team is going to beat those 10-0 Saints, if could be the Patriots. Not confident about this one, but I'm gonna' go with it.
New England


Season stats:

Last Week: 10-5

Season: 102-57

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 12.1

Well, I gotta go make some stuffing so here are Turkey Day picks.
The Nissim household will be getting the turkey eating the turkey BEFORE the Giants game.

Green Bay at Detroit
Green Bay

Oakland at Dallas
this one's for the hubby
Raiders

New York Giants at Denver
You guess it!
Go G-Men


past week stats will be posted with full picks

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 12

OK, this will be quick. I'm working at getting ready for the New Yorkers to show up for Thanksgiving. Cleaning, cooking, and shopping for snacks for the Giants game!!!!

I won't do the Thursday/Turkey Day picks now. Check back Wednesday for those.


Arizona at St. Louis
Arizona

Indianapolis at Baltimore
Indianapolis

Cincinnati at Oakland
Cincinnati

Washington at Dallas
Dallas

Cleveland at Detroit
Detroit

San Francisco at Green Bay
Green Bay

Buffalo at Jacksonville
Jacksonville

Seattle at Minnesota
Minnesota

New York Jets at New England
New England

New Orleans at Tampa Bay
New Orleans

Atlanta at New York Giants
Giants

Philadelphia at Chicago
Chicago

Pittsburgh at Kansas City
Pittsburgh

San Diego at Denver
Denver

Tennessee at Houston
Houston


Season Record:

Last Week: 9-5
Season: 92-52

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 10.2

So, I know the Bears/Niners game was for this week, but I had to do the pick last week....don't like those Thursday Night games. Throws off the regular order of things.
This past week was pretty bad, but I'll suck it up and continue onward. Oh, and you should check out The League on FX...

Week 10 (less one)

Buffalo at Tennessee
Bills rank second in NFL with 15 interceptions. Titans are favored with the points. So I looked back at my picks. I'm pretty screwed here. When I pick the Bills, they lose, and when I don't they win. Maybe I can break the streak.
Buffalo

Denver at Washington
You almost have to feel sorry for Jim Zorn and the Redskins...nah, they're in the same division as the Giants.
Denver

Tampa Bay at Miami
I prefer Fake Fish's Ricky Williams and South Beach to Tampa.
Miami

Jacksonville at NY Jets
Both teams are 4-4. I'm feeling sentimental toward a New York team since the G-Men aren't playing this week.
NY Jets

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Steelers made a nice showing against the Broncos last week. Steelers' home record of 220-83-1 (.725) since NFL merger in 1970 is league's best.
Pittsburgh

New Orleans at St. Louis
Saints are averaging NFL-leading 37.9 point and have scored 30 or more four straight games, tying franchise best. Isn't there a mercy rule in the NFL?
New Orleans

Atlanta at Carolina
A battle for the South. It will probably go the Falcons way, but I like cats better than birds.
Carolina

Detroit at Minnesota
Lions: 1-7; Vikings: 7-1. Lions had their win for the season. Vikings QB Brett Favre is hanging in there pretty good for an old guy.
Minnesota

Kansas City at Oakland
Maybe the Raiders can win something after coming off the bye.
Oakland

Dallas at Green Bay
Dallas QB Tony Romo was raised in Burlington, Wis. If the game is in the same state, does that qualify as a homecoming? I'm hoping for cold weather.
Green Bay

Philadelphia at San Diego
Eagles haven't played in San Diego since Oct. 18, 1998, when they were one of four teams to lose to Ryan Leaf. Chargers won 13-10 that day. Ew, ouch.
San Diego

Seattle at Arizona
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck's 39 completions (in 51 attempts) last week against Detroit set franchise record. Wow, that was against the Lions.
Arizona


New England at Indianapolis
Colts QB Peyton Manning can pass Fran Tarkenton for fourth on NFL career list for victories (125) with win. ... Manning needs three TD passes to become first player in league history with 300 TD passes in a decade. That's nice. Wasn't happy with what I saw last week coming out of Manning and I'm not a big Brady person. This could be close.
Indianapolis

Baltimore at Cleveland
Well, one bright spot is that the Browns are the least penalized team right now. So when they lose against the Poe Boys, who have lost their last 5 Monday Night Games, they will do it without the help of the refs.
Baltimore


Season stats:

Last week: 7-8

Season: 83-47

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 9

I'm still feeling the high from the New York Yankees World Series win.



Washington at Atlanta
Falcons have lost two straight, first losing streak under second-year coach Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan has thrown seven INTs in last three games. The Redskins are 2-5 despite playing one of league's weakest schedules. Which means they stink.
Atlanta


Miami at New England
Patriots have allowed only 98 points scored against them this season. the Fake Fish have 2 of the top 8 rushers Ronnie Brown is sixth with 578 yards and Ricky Williams is eighth with 423. Pats will take advantage of the warmer weather.
New England

Arizona at Chicago
Speaking of the weather, wonder if Cardinals won't freeze up when they hit Chicago. Cardinals QB Kurt Warner threw five interceptions last week, and Panthers ran off 270 yards against what was No. 1 run defense.
Chicago

Houston at Indianapolis
Colts QB Peyton Manning needs one more win to tie Fran Tarkenton for fourth on NFL's career list. Texans have been picking up the pace, but this is a home field advantage for the Colts.
Indianapolis


Baltimore at Cincinnati
Poe Boys QB Joe Flacco has thrown touchdown pass in seven straight games. Last time these teams met, Poe Boys LB Ray Lewis drew 15-yard penalty for hit on WR Chad Ochocinco during Bengals winning drive. Wonder which team will be more fired up.
Baltimore


Green Bay at Tampa Bay
Battle of the Bays. Buccaneers rookie QB Josh Freeman, 17th pick in draft, will make first NFL start. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is league's highest-rated passer.
Green Bay


Kansas City at Jacksonville
Now here's a team that's popular in its market. The game will be blacked out on local television and could break the Jags franchise record for lowest attendance (42,088), set two weeks ago against St. Louis. So if the fans don't care, should I?
Jacksonville


Detroit at Seattle
OK, this might be one of my crazy picks. I've looked at the numbers, and nothing jumps out at me one way or the other. Spread has Seahawks at 10. But Lions have faced tougher teams so far this season. Yeah, they lost to the Rams, but someone had to.
Detroit

Carolina at New Orleans
The Saints have scored over twice as many points this season as the Cats. (273-128). Cats QB Jake Delhomme, Louisiana native and former Saints backup, is 8-2 vs. Saints. OOps, let's make that 8-3.
New Orleans


San Diego at New York Giants
So I'm watching last week's Giants game vs. the Eagles and wondering how I missed Eli Manning's getting signed by the Eagles. He better step it up this week.
New York Giants



Tennessee at San Francisco
Titans snapped an 0-6 start and eight-game skid overall by beating Jacksonville last Sunday coming off its bye week. QB Vince Young started for first time in more than a year and completed 15 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a TD and INT. Maybe he's well rested now and ready to go.
Titans


Dallas at Philadelphia
Let's make it 100. The Cowboys have faced no team more than the Eagles (99 times) It's another one of those games where I don't want EITHER team to win. Hmm, let's check the NFC East standings....Oh, I'm on a stick-it-to-Philly roll.
Dallas



Pittsburgh at Denver
This is the Monday Night game. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 4-0 on Monday nights. This week they're up against the Broncos, who's defense is rated No. 1 right now. Weather won't be a factor, since it gets cold in Pittsburgh, too. And those Bronco toss-back uniforms, ugh. Gut says Broncos.
Denver




THURSDAY

Chicago at San Francisco

Going into this one blind, not knowing how either team will have done on Sunday......
Chicago




Season Stats:

Last week: 9-4

Season: 66-34

Nut's Nissim's NFL Picks Week 8

I've got baseball on the brain this week. But I managed to slip away to think about some football.

Week 8

St. Louis at Detroit
Ok, here are two losers; Oops, sorry, Lions finally won ONE game. Lions are off a bye week. Looking at the rest of the Rams schedule, they won't be playing any other losing teams. So we'll give them one last try at a win.
St. Louis

Miami at NY Jets
Fake Fish put up a fight against the Saints last week. Jets beat da Raiders last week. I'm gonna be generous this week and root for ALL the New York teams.
NY Jets

Seattle at Dallas
Seahawks are having injury issues with the latest being Lofa Tatupu. Being a Giants fan I REALLY don't like picking the Cowboys, but I'm not feeling it from the 'Hawks this season.
Dallas

Cleveland at Chicago
Browns QB Derek Anderson has league-low 40.6 rating. Bears surrendered most points in their five-plus seasons under Lovie Smith while allowing season-worst 448 yards and giving up touchdowns on first four possessions last week. I bet they're mad as a grizzly after losing to the Bengals.
Chicago

Denver at Baltimore
Poe Boys LB Ray Lewis has 70 career tackles in five career games against Denver, including 20 in 2002. Broncos continue to wear those ugly throwback uniforms. Both teams will be rested coming off the bye. Those uniforms just bug me. Broncos won't go 7-0.
Baltimore

Houston at Buffalo
Texans QB Matt Schaub ranks first in NFL with 2,074 yards passing and career-high 16 TDs. Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, makes second start in place of Trent Edwards (concussion), while playing the Texans in 2005 as a backup in St. Louis, Fitzpatrick stepped in for injured Jamie Martin and went 19 of 30 for 310 yards and three touchdowns in overcoming 21-point deficit in 33-27 win. Hmmm...this could be a close one.
Buffalo

San Francisco at Indianapolis
Two former No. 1 overall picks met here: Colts QB Peyton Manning and Niners QB Alex Smith, who will be making first start of season. Smith also made NFL starting debut vs. Indy in 2005
Indianapolis.
Indianapolis

NY Giants at Philadelphia
This game starts a NY/Philly double header in Philly.
Giants

Oakland at San Diego
What's up with da Raiders?!?! Chargers have beaten Raiders 12 straight times. Halloween weekend. Lucky 13th?
San Diego


Jacksonville at Tennessee
Titans are starting QB Vince Young this week. Maybe this will be the kick start they need.
Tennessee

Minnesota at Green Bay
I've found that with this rivalry, you go with the home team. Brett Favre returns to the tundra for the first time in a Vikings uniform. Cheeseheads will be fired up.
Green Bay

Carolina at Arizona
Cardinals are 15-6 at home under coach Ken Whisenhunt but 1-2 this year. Maybe home field won't be an advantage. Panthers HAVE to prove themselves this week. This is the team that beat them in the playoffs last season. Jake, this is your last shot.
Carolina

Atlanta at New Orleans
Saints will continue to march to their winning beat Monday night.
New Orleans


Season stats:

Last week: 8-5
Season: 57-30

NFL Picks Week 7

Last week was just a disaster! Losers were winners and winners were losers. And speaking of losers, I gotta get to my paying job, so the picks will be quick this week.


New England versus Tampa Bay
Wonder which team will benefit from home field advantage? Oh wait, they're playing in London, ENGLAND! Patriots playing in the land of the Tories.
New England


Minnesota at Pittsburgh
Vikings QB Brett Favre still has an arm, and the team is 6-0, but I think this week they're up against a Steelers team that's a bit better on defense and plays OUTSIDE.
Pittsburgh

San Francisco at Houston
The Texans have been showing up to play. Niners are top in their division -but at 3-2.
Houston


Indianapolis at St. Louis
I don't know how The Rams can ever win a game at the rate they're going. They've only scored 54 points so far. We used to say that about the Detroit Lions but they show SOME potential by being able to rack up 103 points. Oh, and the Colts are one of the remaining undefeated teams. Let's keep it that way.
Indianapolis


San Diego at Kansas City
Oy, Chargers. you gonna come through for me this week?
San Diego


Green Bay at Cleveland
Packers have scored almost double the amount of points the Browns have.
Green Bay


Buffalo at Carolina
Bills might relish being in a warmer climate this week, but the Panthers still have a lot to prove, and needs to work their tails off.
Carolina


NY Jets at Oakland
Once upon a time, when I started doing picks I never picked the Jets.
Oakland


Atlanta at Dallas
Both teams play inside. That new stadium/entertainment center in the Big-D looks like a distraction.
Atlanta


Chicago at Cincinnati
I went with the striped ones last week and got burned.
Chicago


New Orleans at Miami
Saints have that one guy Drew playing for them. They beat my Giants last week. They better show they're worthy by beating the fake fish.
New Orleans


Arizona at NY Giants
Kurt Warner vs. The MANning
Giants


Philadelphia at Washington
Two teams in the NFC East. I hope they both lose, but that can't happen. Too much drama-rama in DC.
Philadelphia


Season Record
Last week: 6-8 OUCH!!!
Season: 59-30

hey! I'm holding my own with the guys on Inside the NFL on Showtime. Maybe they need a female guest picker.......

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 6

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 6

Hope we don't see anymore of those throwback uniforms this season.

Detroit at Green Bay
Lions have lost last 18 games to the Packers in Wisconsin, starting with a 38-10 loss at Milwaukee's County Stadium in December 1992.
Green Bay

NY Giants at New Orleans
It will be a family event as Eli Manning makes his first pro appearance in the Louisiana Superdome, where his father, Archie, starred with the Saints. Saints TE Jeremy Shockey, who played six seasons with the Giants, will be playing against them for the first time since being traded in 2008. Giants are 5-0; Saints 4-0. Someone has to lose this week. And if you've been following my picks, you already know who I'm calling in this one.
Giants


Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Steelers hold narrow edge in all-time series, but have won 11 in a row against Browns, 17 of 18 since 2000 and 24 of 27 since 1993. Browns ended a 10-game losing streak by beating Bills 6-3 last week. Oh yeah, that was a big offensive game.
Pittsburgh

Houston at Cincinnati
Texans QB Matt Schaub ranks third in NFL with 1,418 yards passing and is second with 10 TD passes. Schaub had a big day in the 35-6 win over the Bengals in Houston last year, going 24 of 28 for 280 yards with three TDs. But that was in Houston. Each of Cincinnati's five games has been decided in the final 22 seconds. So don't bother watching until the last 2 minutes or so. Kind of like college basketball during March Madness.
Cincinnati

Kansas City at Washington
Both the Chiefs and the Redskins are coming off losses last week. No Chiefs team has ever started 0-6. Until now. Redskins defense is 4th overall. Chiefs got nothin'.
Washington

Carolina at Tampa Bay
Wow, FINALLY the Panthers won a game! Maybe they're starting a winning streak while The Buccs will continue to lose.
Panthers

St. Louis at Jacksonville
The Rams are the lowest scoring team so far only racking up 34 points so far. QB Marc Bulger returns after missing previous two games because of a bruised rotator cuff. Jaguars have to make up for their shutout at Seattle. Ouch. Going for the home team here.
Jacksonville

Baltimore at Minnesota
The Poe Boys are 8-3 on the road under coach John Harbaugh. Vikings QB Brett Favre is the 12th QB age 40 or older to start a game since 1966. Man should be getting a bit tired.
Baltimore

Arizona at Seattle
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, in his 114th career game, needs 244 yards passing to reach 30,000. He would tie Dan Marino as the fastest in NFL history to reach that mark. Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) has seven TD throws in the only two games he's been healthy enough to finish this season. Those are Seattle's only wins. Seahawks are tied with Dallas and the New York Giants for the best record in games immediately before a bye, at 16-4. OK.
Seattle



Philadelphia at Oakland
This is the second time these teams have played in Oakland, with the Raiders winning both of the previous meetings, in 1971 and 1995. Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell has more INTs than completions on passes that go at least 21 yards downfield. So much for Hail Mary plays.
Philadelphia

Buffalo at NY Jets
A win by the Bills this week would be 350th in franchise history, making them seventh NFL team to reach mark. Jets are 5 for 5 on fourth downs.
New York Jets


Tennessee at New England
Titans have lost three games by seven points or less, while the Patriots have won two by six or less. The Pats have forced at least one turnover in 13 straight games but have just two interceptions this season. Think this one might be close.
New England

Chicago at Atlanta
Falcons coach Mike Smith is 9-1 at the Georgia Dome, with his only loss at the Georgia Dome coming against the Jay Cutler-led Denver Broncos last season. Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw for a career-high 329 yards against San Francisco last week, including 210 yards and two touchdowns to Roddy White. And that was a game the Niners were supposed to win.
Atlanta

Denver at San Diego
The Broncos are 5-0 for the first time since 1998, when they won their last Super Bowl with Hall of Famer John Elway. The Chargers are 2-0 under Norv Turner after byes. The Broncos are tired after their OT win over the Pats. San Diego is charged up after their week off.
San Diego


Season stats
Last week: 10-4
season: 53-22

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 5

Baseball playoffs have started and no matter what people say, the Yankees don't have it wrapped up. So it's nice to take a break from the drama and concentrate on some pigskin, and I'm not talking that fried pork rind you get in vending machines.

Week 5

Washington at Carolina
Am I really reading this right? Panthers are 0-3? This could be a game between the fumbling quarterbacks. Redskins QB Jason Campbell leads the NFL with seven fumbles and Panthers QB Jake Delhomme leads the league with seven intercetions. They've combined for 16 turnovers. Some are saying that Carolina's DE Julius Peppers is unhappy being where he is, but if the man doesn't produce, no one else is going to want to pick him up. Step up this week Peppers!
Carolina

Houston at Arizona
Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner will be starting his 35th consecutive game this week against the Texans. Arizona is coming off a bye week and old man Warner may have benefited from the rest. The Texans trounced da Raiders last week. This one goes to the home team.
Arizona

Cincinnati at Baltimore
The Poe Boys are just a points machine compared to the Striped Ones. (124-84) The winner of this game will top the AFC North. Bengals Chad Ochocinco has catches on 109 straight games, but it takes more than one guy to lead a team to victory.
Baltimore

Cleveland at Baltimore
The Bills are one of the only teams this year not to score a TD yet this season. What's up with that? The only ranking where the Bills are better than the Browns is the rush. And the Browns rushing defense stinks. Maybe the Bills will score a TD this week and the Browns will be 0-5.
Buffalo

Dallas at Kansas City
So the Chiefs will be wearing the throwback uniforms that the team wore back in the 1960s as the Dallas Texans. So does that mean Dallas is playing Dallas or is Dallas playing the Texans? I think the Chiefs might have an identity crisis this weekend. The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo hasn't been the same since his breakup with Jessica Simpson. Even though the Chiefs are 0-4, I think the Cowboys have more to prove.
Kansas City

Indianapolis at Tennessee
Just straight out, Titans won't be able to stop Colts quarterback Peyton Manning who's next touchdown pass will move him into third place all-time with 342 with Fran Tarkenton.
Indianapolis

Minnesota at St. Louis
Vikings quarterback Brett Favre became the first QB to defeat all 32 teams. He's 8-3 against the Rams. Rams are the new Detroit Lions with the longest current losing streak at 14 straight in the NFL.
Minnesota

New England at Denver
Patriots or for this week, Boston Patriots QB Tom Brady is 1-4 in regular season play against Broncos, the only team which he has a losing record with. Broncos will be wearing throwback AFL uniforms, mustard-colored jerseys with brown pants and socks. Showing up on the field decked out this way will be incentive to prove their manhood.
Denver

Oakland at New York Giants
Giants have best defense and Raiders have the worst offense.
New York Giants

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is expected back in to play this week. Just shoot him full of chunky soup.
Philadelphia

Pittsburgh at Detroit
Since last season, Steelers LB James Harrison is toed with Joey Porter for second in NFL with 19 sacks. Lions aren't going to win again for a while.
Pittsburgh

Atlanta at San Francisco
Atlanta has won last two meetings including following its bye week in 2007. Falcons are coming off a bye. 49ers will be without RB Frank Gore again. Niners have scored a bunch of points this season. This is one pick that goes against the stats.
Atlanta

Jacksonville at Seattle
Seahawks RB Edgerrin James needs 64 yards to pass Marcus Allen for 10th on NFL's career rushing list. Jaguars rushing defense is rated 12th in the league. Maybe he'll get it done, maybe not.
Jacksonville

New York Jets at Miami
Jets have won past four times they've faced the Fake Fish on Monday Night. Their opponents are averaging 5 yards per pass and the defense has allowed only three touchdowns. Dolphins rank last in NFL at 8.3 yards per completion.
New York Jets

Season stats
Last week: 10-4
Season: 43-18

Nuts Nissim's NFL Picks Week 4

The last time I commented on NFL uniforms was way back when Denver introduced their version of the Nike Swoosh. So, when the Seattle Seahawks jogged out onto the field in these awful green things, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the fans in the stands were forced to spew some green stuff of their own.

Week 4

Detroit at Chicago

The Lions no. 1 draft pick Matthew Stafford became only the second rookie starting quarterback the past 50 years to stop a losing streak of at least 15 games, joining Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw in 1970, last week when he threw for 241 yards and one touchdown. OK, so the Lions can go back to losing again.Actually, in stats, the two teams are pretty well matched, but the Bears are playing at home.
Chicago

Oakland at Houston

Both teams are 1-2; The Texans are looking for first win at home after dropping two. But I'm still going for da Raiders.
Oakland

Tampa Bay at Washington

Tampa Bay is starting out at 0-3. Loss to Giants was the Bucc's first shutout defeat at home since 2006, and five first downs tied record for fewest in franchise history. Go Giants! Redskins QB Jason Campbell has some of best numbers of his career, completing more than two-thirds (67.6 percent) of passes with 92.5 rating.
Washington

Seattle at Indianapolis

If the Seahawks show up in those unis?
Indianapolis

NY Giants at Kansas City

Giants will try to be first team since Eagles in 2006 to win all legs of three-game road trip. The Chiefs have traded quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who started 11 games last year, to Miami. Chiefs are playing all four NFC East teams in row, hosting Cowboys next week. Giants 3-0, Chiefs 0-3.
Giants

Baltimore at New England

Patriots QB Tom Brady threw his third TD pass of season against Atlanta, but was just 3 for 10 in red zone as Patriots settled for four field goals. He's been pulling it out for fourth quarter wins, but he hasn't been looking like the Brady of old. Poe Boys are 3-0 racking up 103 points so far this season. This is a gut call.
Baltimore

Cincinnati at Cleveland

The Browns have scored only 29 points this season with 95 points allowed. Bengals are coming off upset of Super Bowl champion Steelers, and with win will improve to 3-1 for first time since 2006.
Cincinnati

Tennessee at Jacksonville

Jaguars place of business might be the best place for Titans to try to gets their first win of the season. The Titans are 10-5 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Good enough for me.
Tennessee

Buffalo at Miami

Bills get to go to Miami. Ooo. Nice weather. Bills WR Terrell Owens had no catches against Saints, ending his 185-game reception streak in regular-season games, third longest in NFL history. TO must be mad. We know what he's like when he's mad. Hope he's fired up. Dolphins QB Chad Pennington is sidelined by shoulder injury.
Buffalo

NY Jets at New Orleans

Both teams are 3-0; Saints have scored 120 points. Their offense is best in the NFL. Jets defense can handle these guys, but I think home field advantage might work here.
New Orleans

Dallas at Denver

Broncos QB Kyle Orton is NFL-best 16-2 at home as starter since entering league in 2005 with Bears. Overall, he's 24-12. Spread has Cowboys by 3. That's close.
Denver

St. Louis at San Francisco

Are the Rams the new Lions? 49ers will be without star RB Frank Gore (ankle). St. Louis QB Marc Bulger has bruised rotator cuff in right shoulder that could sideline him several weeks.
San Francisco

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Since 2002, Chargers are 5-0 in games against previous season's Super Bowl winner, beating New England (2002 and 2005), Pittsburgh (2006) and Indianapolis (twice in 2007). Steelers have not lost three in row since Oct. 22-Nov. 5, 2006.
Pittsburgh

Green Bay at Minnesota

Packers are 0-0 against former QB Brett Favre. But in contests between these two teams, the home team usually takes it.
Minnesota



Season Record

9-7 last week

33-14 for season

Nuts Nissim's NFL Predictions Week 3

Well, Week 2 was a most excellent week for predictions. 14-2. First time ever! There were quite a few nail biters that would have dropped my results, but my teams came through for me. Hope I can repeat, but there are a few coin-toss picks, so we'll see how it goes.

Week 3 picks:

Indianapolis at Arizona
This is one of those hit-or-miss games. Both teams come in with 1-1 records. Colts have Manning, who brought the Colts from behind to win in the fourth quarter or OT for 37th time in Monday night's 27-23 victory at Miami. That ranks second among active quarterbacks behind Brett Favre's 39. And the Cardinals have Kurt Warner, who with one more 300-yard passing game would tie for franchise record of 19 held by Neil Lomax. It would be Warner's 49th overall, tying him with Warren Moon for fifth on NFL career list. And anyone who will tie/beat a Moon record is OK by me. So, think I'm going with the home team.
Arizona

Cleveland at Baltimore
The Poe Boys have gone 14 straight games with at least one sack, and 37 straight games without allowing 100-yard rusher. The Browns are ranked 27 in rushing. Ravens are looking to open 3-0 for only second time in team history (2006). I think they'll do it.
Baltimore

Chicago at Seattle
Overall, da Bears offense ranks 2oth compared to Seahawks 11. But the Seahawks lost to the 'Niners last week. 'Hawks QB Matt Hasselbeck is dealing with a rib injury and new baby crying and staying up late.
Chicago

Denver at Oakland
Both the Broncos and Raiders are 2-0. Who'd a thunk it for the Raiders. One team has to lose this weekend. Broncos beat up on the Browns last week. Think they'll face a tougher team Sunday.
Oakland

Green Bay at St. Louis
Rams have lost 12 in a row dating to last season. Both teams are pretty bad according to rankings. Checked out the schedule, and the only definite win will be the Nov. 1 game against the Lions. They gotta win sometime before then.
St. Louis

Jacksonville at Houston
Texans will wear all red jerseys and pants on Sunday. They are 4-1 against Jaguars when donning red uniforms. OK, that's a stat that's for those who go nuts for little bits of trivia. Texans are 9th in passing compared to Jags ranking of of 26th against the passing game.
Texans

San Francisco at Minnesota
Brett Favre plays his first regular-season home game Sunday for the Vikings. His 85.2 completion percentage last week was career high. He's 11-2 all time against 49ers, including playoffs. 49ers defense is overall (7), rush (3), but against Favre, it would be the pass that counts, and there they're 2oth.
Minnesota

Atlanta at New England
Patriots and Falcons meet for the first time in four seasons and first time in Foxborough since Nov. 8, 1998, when Atlanta won 41-10. Tom Brady lost to the Giants last week. Falcons are headed outside to play in the cold north; southerners facing the northern aggressors.
New England

New Orleans at Buffalo
Saints QB Drew Brees' nine touchdowns passing in two games are more than 30 NFL teams have scored overall. Only Baltimore has combined to score nine TDs. Bills are one win short of becoming seventh of eight original AFL franchises to register 350 regular-season victories. Don't think they'll do it this week.
New Orleans

New York Giants at Tampa Bay
Giants WRs Steve Smith and Mario 'Man-o-' Manningham each had career-best 10 receptions last week, combining for 284 yards and two TDs. Giants QB Peyton Manning has won both career starts against Tampa Bay. Why should this year be any different?
Giants

Tennessee at New York Jets
Both teams will wear throwback uniforms to celebrate 50th anniversary of founding of AFL. Titans will don 1960 AFL champion Houston Oilers uniforms, while Jets will go with navy and gold Titans of New York threads. How can you not like navy and gold?
New York Jets

Kansas City at Philadelphia
Eagles are 4-6 in the game that precedes their bye under head coach Andy Reid. Eagles are better on paper than the Chiefs, but I'm still not clear on the whole QB thing going on in Philly. I'll give it another week.
Kansas City

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Bengals haven't beaten Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium since 2001, when WR Chad Ochocinco was rookie named Chad Johnson. QB Ben Roethlisberger is 11-0 in his native state of Ohio: 6-0 in Cincinnati and 5-0 in Cleveland.
Pittsburgh

Miami at San Diego
Dolphins held the ball for more than 45 minutes against the Colts last week and still lost. Chargers are 8-6 against Dolphins in San Diego, including their last win in series, a 22-21 playoff victory following 1994 season, when Chargers made their only Super Bowl appearance.
San Diego

Washington at Detroit
Do I realy need to say anything?
Washington

Carolina at Dallas
I don't think the Cowboys would allow another team to come in and beat them at the new stadium. With Wade Phillips now also defensive coordinator, Dallas is only defense in league without a sack or a forced turnover. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme is 3-1 as starter on Monday nights. Don't think Delhomme has gotten into a grove yet this season.
Dallas

Nuts Nissim's NFL Predictions Week 2

As far as last week's picks, I was 10-5 for the opening weekend. Not too shabby. And for those that are counting, yeah, I missed the Thursday night game.


Here we go with the picks for Week 2:

Carolina at Atlanta
Jake "Go Home" Delhomme better start getting his arm going in the right direction. The Falcons' defense did a better job last week, but the Eagles were able to do a nice job racking up points thanks to the Panthers QB. I'd rather be in a position to tap the carts, but I'm going with

Atlanta

Tampa Bay at Buffalo
This one might be a close one. Both teams wound up with pretty close PF/PA from last week. Seasons are changing back in Upstate New York The Buccanneers will be playing the Bills in Buffalo for the first time in their 34-year history.

Buffalo

Giants at Dallas
Pretty soon you'll be able to detect a trend here.

Giants

Cincinnati at Green Bay
The Bengals Kevin Huber, who was one of the county's top punters at the University of Cincinnati, had an impressive first game in the NFL. He made seven punts during the 12-7 loss to Denver. Wonder if the Packers will give him more opportunities to show his stuff this week.

Green Bay


Arizona at Jacksonville
Don't much care about this game. The Cardinals scored more points last week than the Jags. I don't think home field is always what it's cracked up to be. Let's see.

Arizona

Oakland at Kansas City
Raiders got robbed last week with the refs taking away a TD. Chiefs didn't put up much of a defense last week.

Oakland

Minnesota at Detroit
Brett 'Should I stay or should I go' Favre threw a bunch of balls around last week for the Vikings' win, but he didn't throw any bombs. Vikings are facing the Lions. These are a bunch of Lions that need to go visit the Wizard for some courage.

Minnesota

New England at NY Jets
Maybe the new kid is taking its toll on Patriots QB Brady. Yes, he did pull it out last week, but I hate to say it, I think the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets looked sharper in the D.

The other New York team (Jets)

New Orleans at Philadelphia
Will the Chunky Soup QB be ready to play Sunday? Eagles lucked out last week, having the Panthers QB playing for them. Don't think they'll be so lucky this week.

New Orleans

Pittsburgh at Chicago
Right now, these two teams seem prety evenly matched. I have no favorite of the two, so I'll go with the home team.

Chicago

Baltimore at San Diego
The Chargers didn't deserve that win against the Raiders. The Poe Boys can get more points on the board.

Baltimore

Seattle at San Francisco
Uh, the Seahawks played a bunch of sheep last week. Cardinals played more of a real team.

San Francisco

Houston at Tennessee
Wait, isn't the Tennessee team the Houston team?

Tennessee

St. Louis at Washington
I need to see St. Louis scoring some more points.

Washington

Indianapolis at Miami
Peyton Manning is still looking pretty good for an old guy. Indy only got 7 more points than the 'Fish' got last week.

Indianapolis

Nuts Nissim's NFL Predictions

Week One:
Well, it's time to head back to the football predictions.
I don't do the spread, because I don't root for numbers, I root for teams. Over the next few weeks, patterns will develop, and you'll be able to learn more about my favs and those teams and players I have issues with.

That was a quick intro. On to the picks:

San Francisco at Arizona:
In past metings, these teams have had pretty close games. QB Kurt Warner has been a help with my fantasy teams in the past. I was lucky enough to pick him up in his first season. OK, it was only because Vinny Testaverde got hurt in the season opener that year with the Jets. Cardinals do good at home.
Arizona

Philadelphia at Carolina
Eagles = Michael Vick. Cats will eat the birds.
Carolina

Miami at Atlanta
The Fish, (yeah, I know, Dolphins are mammals) led by Tony 'Soprano' Sparano is leading his 5-0 rad trip team into the Hot Lanta Dome. It's the first game of the season.
Miami

Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Colts QB Peyton Manning will tie Johnny Unitas' franchise record for wins with next victory. Jaguars don't look too bad on paper, but I'm going with the home team.
Indianapolis

Denver at Cincinnati
Denver has second-best record for season openers. Yes, they have a new coach. Bengals have that Ocho guy (former Beav).
Denver

Dallas at Tampa Bay
No Jon "Chucky" Grudden anymore. Still don't like to pick Cowboys. It's a New York thing.
Tampa Bay

Detroit at New Orleans
Lions have new head coach this season. Think they need to break him in.
New Orleans

New York Jets at Houston
New York Green team starts with rookie QB Mark Sanchez.
Houston

Kansas City at Baltimore
Chief's QB Matt Cassel has knee problems. Chiefs used to be a sure thing at home. Yeah, that was a few years ago. Chiefs aren't at home, they're on the road against the Poe Boys.
Baltimore

Minnesota at Cleveland
Ew, Vikings Brett 'Should I stay or should I go' Favre gets his season start in a Vikings uniform. Wonder if purple is really his color. Browns are 1-9 in openers.
Minnesota

Washington at New York Giants
Redskins versus Blue Men.
New York

St. Louis at Seattle
Rams start with new head coach Steve Spagnuolo. His most recent gig was as defensive coordinator with the Blue Men. I have more of a connection with the Seahawks.
Seattle

Chicago at Green Bay
It's the 178th meeting of these two teams. Packers have hosted 18 of last 2o, but Bears have better record from those meetings. I like the Packers
Green Bay

Buffalo at New England
Patriots have won the last 11 meetings with the Bills. Terrell Owens makes his Buffalo debut.
New England

San Diego at Oakland
Raiders have lost the last 10 appearances in prime time. I would like to go for da Raiders, but...
San Diego


Hope to have next week's picks up sooner!

Will miss you Teddy Kennedy

There's a great loss today in America with the passing of Teddy Kennedy. I'm old enough to remember Teddy as the younest brother of the president, John Kennedy, and then the surviving son of Joesph kennedy after the death of Bobby Kennedy. Teddy not only stepped in to be a father figure to the children of his brothers, but to become an imposing figure in the Senate to become known as a senate who was a leader for all. To me, his greatest cause was for quality health care for all, and it is sad that after all these years, America still can't come to realize his dream that was a dream for all.
He did have personal tragedies and dramas, but he was able to work through those and created a strong family along with helping to create a stronger nation.
He will be missed.

Favre a Viking?

The I'm retired-not-retired-retired-OK I miss football former Packer Favre is at it again. He shows up to talk to people in of all places, Minnesota. Does anyone really care about this guy anymore? He's going from great football QB to a joke of an old player. Maybe he SHOULD go to the Vikings. It will make for GREAT TV when he shows up on the Great Tundra of Green Bay in a Vikings uniform. Cheeseheads won't be happy

Vick to find out football is dog eat dog

So Michael Vick is heading to Philly to play with the Eagles. This guy should expect a lot of grief from the fans of the opposing teams. Wonder what Donovan McNabb is going to think about all this. Think his mom will pour some soup on the new guy?

Good thing football teams don't have that bring your dog to the stadium day. Personally, I don't think the guy should be playing. But that's my opinion.

He should have gone to Cincy and the Dog Pound.

Eagles first game of the season is at the Panthers. Cats will kick and scratch.

Meet the Falcons in December.

Tommy Bowdin what a guy

So Mr. Tommy Bowdin, all high and mighty, with the controversial pics of his daughter, doesn't mind having his name and whatever else he's doing associated with a web site that posts stuff with pics of teenage girls pulling their shirts up. Guess it's OK for other parents' kids to do that and for him to exploit that, but don't talk about his kid...

http://www.bustersports.com/

picture galleries

Will ballroom dancing now become an Olympic Sport?

As speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno pointed out, no Olympic gold medalist has made it to the Dancing with the Stars finals and lost. (Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi won in season 6.) Shawn’s victory also makes her the fifth sports figure to come in first. Football player Emmitt Smith and Indy driver Helio Castroneves won in seasons 3 and 5, respectively. And Warren Sapp didn't do too badly either.


'Dancing With the Stars' Finale: Shawn Johnson Gets the Gold - Television | TV | Online | Shows - FOXNews.com

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Chuckie takes over for cranky

I just might start watching Monday Night Football again!


Gruden joins MNF team, replacing Kornheiser

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Preakness - Girl power!

Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness! First filly to win The Preakness in 85 years!

Stats ma'am, just the stats

OK, so I haven't been paying close attention to the actual baseball standings. All I hear about are how bad the Yankees are, yadda yadda yadda and I keep in mind that they usually suck this time of year. So this morning I look at the standings and I gotta' ask, What's all the noise about? OK, they are one game short of .500, but hmm, let's see, Oakland, 11-18; Baltimore, 13-19; I know, people love to hate the rich guy, but when you do your fantasy baseball teams, c'mon, if you had the 'bucks' to buy a top player, would you really take the high road and say, no, I won't pay top dollar for the player I want, I'll stay with a cheap guy??

Manny the Tranny?

Was Manny Ramirez hoping to become the next Octo-Mom?

HCG, popular among steroid users, has other uses
RACHEL COHEN
AP Sports Writer

The banned substance linked to Manny Ramirez is commonly taken by steroid users but also can be prescribed for other conditions.

A person familiar with the details of the suspension said Ramirez used the female fertility drug HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the banned substance wasn't announced.

HCG, added to baseball's banned substances list last year, is popular among users of performance-enhancing drugs because it can mitigate the side effects of ending a cycle of steroids. The body may stop producing testosterone when a user goes off steroids, which can cause sperm counts to decrease and testicles to shrink.

"They use (HCG) to essentially jump start testosterone production," said Ruth Wood, an expert in steroid abuse at the University of Southern California.

The drug could have appropriate uses unconnected to steroid abuse, said Dr. Gary Wadler, who leads the committee that determines the banned-substances list for the World Anti-Doping Agency. HCG can treat male infertility and testosterone deficiency, he said.

"It's not necessarily the drug of choice, but those are acceptable uses," Wadler said.

Ramirez said in a statement he did not take steroids but that a doctor gave him medication for "a personal health issue."

Every baseball player is tested each year within five days of reporting to spring training and again at a randomly selected unannounced date. There are 1,200 additional unannounced tests of randomly selected players, including up to 375 during the offseasons from 2008 through the start of spring training in 2011.

"We have no knowledge of the Ramirez case, but it's highly unlikely an otherwise healthy, young athlete would need HCG for a legitimate medical reason," said U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart. "That said, if there was valid medical need, his high-priced representatives should be fired for not ensuring that he was informed of the process that could have granted him permission to use it."

Athletes in the BALCO scandal have been linked to the female fertility drug Clomid.

Side effects of HCG include headache, mood swings and depression, Wadler said. The anti-doping community has been familiar with HCG for more than 20 years, he added.

HCG is prescribed to treat infertility in women by triggering ovulation. The hormone naturally occurs in pregnant women — home pregnancy kits test for one portion of the HCG molecule, Wood said.

___

AP Baseball Writer Ron Blum in New York and National Writer Eddie Pells in Colorado Springs, Colo., contributed to this report.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.

Just go already Brett!

Gesh, isn't it REALLY time to hang up those spikes? So the Jets have put Favre out to pasture, and they move will allow him to sign with another team if he decides to come out of retirement. Problem is, I don't know if he knows if he's out or if he's in, and who really cares anymore?

Just beginning

I'm not worried about the Yankees, yet. It's still early in the season; New Yawkers are used to the Post headline about The Boss blowing up, ready to take heads; It's just a normal April in New York.

At least it BETTER be!

Speaking of hockey, should be a good Hurricane/Devils final game

And was it appropriate that the LAST guy picked in the NFL draft, otherwise known as Mr. Irrelevant, is named Succup and is from the USC in South Carolina?

The bra that changed soccer forever

As a woman, I never understood what all the fuss was about...

From The Wall Street Journal:

The black sports undergarment that Brandi Chastain famously exposed to the world after a game-winning goal in the 1999 World Cup had been taken into custody by U.S. bankruptcy court. To secure its release from a storage facility in Newark, N.J., Ms. Chastain would have to pay $250 — plus shipping. "Thank goodness I have another one," she jokes.

Several celebrity sports items were grabbed in the bankruptcy case, among them Tony Hawk's childhood skateboard and Richard Petty's sunglasses. They had all been on loan to New York's Sports Museum of America, which recently declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If the celebrities don't claim them, they'll be auctioned. Hawk is not amused. And he ain't getting his board back like this.

If it's Spring it must be baseball

wondering what it means that I'm paying more attention to all the talk about the new stadiums in New York than I am to the actual game? Maybe it's too soon in the season. I'm just starting to pay more attention to the hockey playoffs and basketball ones, too.

Maybe it's the short attention span?

Boffo 'Nova!

Villanova crushes the Duke Blue Devils making my bracket that much more of a winner!

Armstrong crash

I hope it's not serious. I'm looking forward tp the Tour de France comeback in July.

Armstrong falls during Castilla and Leon race
By CIARAN GILES
Associated Press Writer

BALTANAS, Spain (AP) — Lance Armstrong was taken to a hospital Monday after crashing during the first stage of a five-day race in Spain.

Armstrong fell in a pile-up about 12.5 miles from the stage's finish. The seven-time Tour de France champion, who is making a comeback to cycling and is riding with the Astana team in the Vuelta of Castilla and Leon race, may have injured his collarbone.

Team spokesman Philippe Maertens said the American cyclist was taken to the hospital by ambulance, and race organizers said Armstrong was being treated at the Rio Carrion hospital in Palencia.

A bracket of evil....

A bracket for those more into politics than basketball
http://act.credoaction.com/bracket/

Sane tips for March Madness viewiing

As I try to work my way through my DirecTv version of NCAA Championship viewing, over the years I've come to the conclusion that you only need to really catch the last two minutes of a game. Especially the last 30 seconds of a close game when the two teams start engaging in the classic 'let's see how many times we can foul the other guys so we can get the ball back.'

Mackey wins second iditarod

By MARY PEMBERTON

Associated Press Writer

NOME, Alaska (AP) — Lance Mackey has done it again.

The 38-year-old son of 1978 Iditarod champion Dick Mackey crossed the finish line Wednesday in the 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race hours in front of the competition, joining an elite group of only two other mushers to put together three consecutive wins.

When Dick Mackey battled Rick Swenson for the win, he did it with one second to spare.

REAL March madness

is traveling 1,100 miles in the cold and snow hanging onto a sled pulled by a bunch of cold, hungry huskies.

Iditarod is Lance Mackey's race to lose

ELIM, Alaska (AP) — A third championship seems almost certain for Lance Mackey in the 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The two-time winner reached the Elim (EE'-lum) checkpoint at 4:20 a.m. Tuesday, putting him 123 miles from the Nome finish line.

But the race was marred by the deaths of two more dogs. Race officials say tests will be done to determine the cause of death.

The dogs were on the team of rookie Lou Packer, of Wasilla. He who was found Monday 22 miles past the Iditarod checkpoint by searchers in a plane. A dog on musher Jeff Holt's team died last week.

Sixty-seven teams began the race nine days ago in Willow north of Anchorage. Eight mushers have either scratched or been withdrawn.

NCAA Championship selection

Wake Forest in the Midwest bracket gets to go where it's warm in Miami;
Michigan State should wipe up Robert Morris in Minneapolis;
UConn Huskies will take care of the Choo Choos;
Miss. State heads to Portland to meet the short-haired UDub huskies;
Go Big Red! Cornell is up against Missouri in Boise;
Oklahoma State/Tenn. look pretty well matched;
Binghamton is up against Duke. Oy, go SUNY!!!;
Clemson heads to Kansas City to met the Wolverines.Ouch.

Octo-OT's

After the Syracuse Orange men pulled out a victory over the UConn Huskies in 6 overtimes, can an OCT-OT be far off?

And speaking of TO's....Terrell Owens was spotted at the Clemson/Georgia Tech ACC game at the Georgia Dome on Thursday. It was one and done for the Clemson Tigers.

http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20090313/COLUMNISTS05/903130330/1002/SPORTS

Manny Ramirez is just as childish as ever

Economic downturn and March Madness

With only a few days to go, many are preparing their annual March Madness brackets pools. But will the current economic environment take a toll on the betting? Will the pools be cheaper to enter, or will people who used to play a few brackets limit their spending to only one? I know in past years I have played the conventional choices and then filled out a sentimental bracket. You know, like picking Cornell to take the first round game because a daughter went to school there. Go Big Red! Or choosing Iona from New Rochelle or the Bradley Braves from Peoria. Or any SUNY school.

Will bars see less spending as the NCAA tourney progresses? Just a few less chicken wings or more pitchers rather than imported beer?

The ACC has sold fewer tickets to their championship in Atlanta than in past years.

And speaking of the ACC, a few of the projected brackets have the Clemson Tigers heading to either Boise or Portland. Yeah, right, I don't think too many fans will shell out bucks to schlep out West from South Carolina.

Wonder if this year's tournament will be a money maker for the NCAA?

Marching into Madness

Noticing that weekly newspapers are starting to print their March Madness brackets. Wonder how many I'll have to copy before I get my choices right.

ACC championship starts tomorrow down in Hot Lanta. Maybe I'll root for the Clemson Tigers just to see how far they can go before they choke.