Union Salary of $320K Doesn't Go As Far As It Used To

With the NFL players threatening to go on strike again I found the sympathetic tone in this MSNBC piece to be just a little gag inducing. They want you to feel sorry for the poor guy who only makes the league minimum of $320,000.

Though a lockout has been threatened for years — and despite an apparent rise in the number of football stars safeguarding their millions — roughly 380 of the NFL's near 1,700 players still live paycheck to paycheck, according to financial experts familiar with the league.

Yes I have heard the arguments about they have a short career, to which I respond most of you are college grads. How about putting that education to work?

As for the risk of injuries I can sympathize, but if that is so high on your list of concerns why are you engaging in the sport to start with?

I'm not against them being paid for their skills, what I am against is them acting like crybabies because they can't afford multi million dollar mansions and hundred thousand dollar sports cars. Anybody who has attended a sporting event knows that the cost nowadays is so prohibitive that it has moved into the luxury column in our personal budgets. You can forget about buying food and drink at the stadium too. For the same price as a couple of hot dogs and a coke you can feed some third world countries for a day.

No, I am not real sympathetic to millionaires who are upset at other millionaires when the end result just ends up costing the working guy more money when he tries to escape his worries of the world for a few hours by embracing a sporting event.

You know, an NFL player living paycheck to paycheck is just slightly different from the family of four trying to make it on one paycheck that is probably 1/10th of what the league minimum is. Minimum wage has an entirely different meaning for most Americans.

Professional sports is probably the only occupation I know where you can get millions of dollars up front before you have even demonstrated the ability to perform at that level.

Can't wait for the players to hold a telethon.

Good 'Ol Boy Tells Jets No Thanks

Here is something you don't hear everyday. Supposed you were offered a chance to play in the NFL, even if it is with the NY Jets, and instead of packing your bags and heading north you decided that your day job was just fine and no thanks.

The former Lovejoy High star thought about the steady job he'd landed three months ago as a Norfolk Southern railroad conductor, a job he loves. He thought about his disabled father who cannot work and his mother, who's "pulling a big load." He thought about the three times NFL teams released him.

And he said no.

Keith Fitzhugh has had a nibble at the NFL on a couple of occasions. He had been signed and cut by both the Jets and the Ravens previously, so he knew what the NFL was all about. Even at the league minimum salary he would be making more then his job with the railroad, but he got to looking down the road and decided where he was and what he was doing right now wasn't worth throwing away for a few more moments of possible glory on Sunday's. He also pointed out that the players are already talking about going on strike next year anyway.

The Jets, who lost two safeties in four days to injury, called the 24-year-old Fitzhugh Tuesday morning.

He had signed with them as a free agent in May 2009, after a fine career at Mississippi State. The Jets later cut him and signed him to their practice squad, then Baltimore signed him last December. He spent the playoffs with the Ravens, who released him in May. The Jets signed him during training camp and waived him 11 days later.

He sounds like a guy who has his priorities in life well aligned. I wish him much happiness and success.

BTW the Jets are one of the few teams in the AFC with a winning record this year.

D'oh! Dopey Feingold Violates NFL Copyright in Ad

Twenty-eight days from political extinction, Wisconsin Senator Russ McCain-Feingold has been flagged for copyright infringement.

Sen. Russ Feingold's (D-Wis.) reelection campaign is changing a television ad after a complaint from the NFL.

Feingold's ad shows a series of football players celebrating after scores, and then accuses Republican Ron Johnson of engaging in "excessive celebration" because he leads Feingold in polls.

Feingold accuses his opponent of siding with special interests, and says the game between them is not done yet.

Most of the players in the ad are unrecognizable and do not seem to be from the NFL, but there is one notable exception sure to draw attention in football-mad Wisconsin.

The ad clearly uses 2005 footage of then-Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss pretending to moon the crowd after a crucial score in a playoff game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Fox NFL commentator Joe Buck can also be heard stating "that is a disgusting act."

That apparently drew a complaint from the NFL, which careful monitors how images from the league are used.

"We are making an edit to the ad to accommodate the NFL’s concerns," Feingold campaign spokesman John Kraus told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

According to the Journal Sentinel, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league did not license the footage and that it requested that Feingold remove the clip.

You'd think the man who co-authored legislation restricting campaign advertising would know better. But I guess a guy trailing so badly hasn't got the time to worry about legalities. At the same time, I find it hilarious the NFL wants to protect an image of Randy Moss pretending to moon a bunch of cheeseheads.

Here's the Feingold spot:



I noticed in the video a clip of the USFL Houston Gamblers dancing in the end zone. Perhaps former USFL honcho and aspiring 2012 presidential candidate Donald Trump owns the rights to that image. He could sue Feingold and win $1 in court for his troubles.

Speaking of Moss, in a deal that makes sense for both teams, he may actually be headed back to the Vikings.

Fearsome Foursome Now A Duo

A childhood icon has passed. Merlin Olsen, one member of the Los Angeles Rams, yes they were in Los Angeles before moving to St Louis, defensive unit known as the Fearsome Foursome. Hailed as the best defensive line in football history, a distinction that remains true to this day. They were truly all for one and one for all.

The members of this defensive line were Lamar Lundy, who passed away in 2007, Rosie Grier, Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen.

Many people may only know Merlin from his role in the tv series 'Little House on the Prairie' never realizing that he played in the NFL, and not only played but still holds the record for most tackles (915). Besides his acting roles he was also a spokesman for FTD florists, which was quite a risk for a guy with his reputation.

He played in an era when men were men and the defensive units had nicknames like the 'Purple People Eaters' of the Minnesota Vikings.

My favorite of the 'Fearsome Foursome' was defensive end Deacon Jones. I don't know, it was just something about a guy with the name Deacon who went around flattening quarterbacks that struck me as ironic.



Rest in peace Merlin.
He was truly a gentle giant

'It Was Stupid and Inappropriate'

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan really knows how to win over opposing fans. He might want to start keeping a bit of a lower profile.

Rex Ryan fell one game short of the Super Bowl, but he's making his presence felt in South Florida. The Jets' coach attended an MMA event in the area and let some fans (presumably Dolphins fans) know how he, ahem, feels about them.

To paraphrase one of our favorite news anchormen, Ron Burgundy, try to stay classy, Rex.

Ryan, who was caught by a cell phone camera flipping fans the bird, also couldn't resist a swagger-licious prediction for 2010 during a live interview that was broadcast throughout the arena.

"I just want to tell everyone in Miami that we're coming to beat you twice next year," he said.

He might want to beat them once before he starts talking about a sweep.

He also might want to keep his hands in his pockets, as both Ryan and Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum were quick to apologize for the gesture in statements released Sunday by Gang Green.

"It was stupid and inappropriate," Ryan said in the statement. "I wouldn't accept that type of behavior from one of the coaches or players and it's unacceptable from me. I apologize to the Jets organization, the National Football League and NFL fans everywhere."

'Oh, This is Perfect!'

Think Martha Coakley fans have been having some sleepless nights? It could be worse. You could be a San Diego Chargers fan.

The guy in the powder-blue Shawne Merriman jersey and the powder-blue Chargers hat stopped in his tracks on the way out of Qualcomm Stadium. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists, as if overtaken by a demon.

“Un-(expletive)-believable!” he growled.

That pretty much nailed the sentiment yesterday as the crowd of 69,498, the largest in team history, streamed out — or is it steamed out? — of the gates after the favored Chargers had been beaten 17-14 by a New York Jets team that most analysts considered far inferior.

As if on cue, it began to rain just as the clock ticked down to zero.

“Oh, this is perfect!” groused a man looking up to the sky. “Just perfect!”

With an explosive offense putting up huge numbers and the team riding an 11-game winning streak going into the playoffs, expectations were higher than ever. It figured then that the devastation was palpable.

Kids were crying. One well-dressed, middle-aged woman put together a string of profanity that would make a Hells Angel blush. And, of course, there was the old standby when at a loss for something constructive: “They should fire that idiot coach!”

How many gift baskets will Jet fans be sending to Nate Kaeding?

This Is How Depraved Michael Vick Is

This is the guy Atlanta Falcons fans cheered when he came to town in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform and wound up beating the home team. This is the guy who the NFL commissioner decided to give a second chance to for no other reason but to fill seats in a stadium. This is the guy who only had one winning season in Atlanta, but sportcasters continue to heap unwarranted praise on as the greatest quarterback since Johnny Unitas to ever grace the gridiron.

But then of course they continue to send alleged murderer Ray Lewis to the Pro Bowl year after year. They will no doubt allow Donte Stallworth, who served a 30 day for manslaughter after running over a pedestrian while driving drunk in his Bentley, to return next year.

In April 2007, Vick tested several dogs to determine if they had the predisposition to fight and if they were capable of winning. Vick ordered six or eight dogs destroyed because they did not meet his standards. The witness said Vick personally helped drown three or four dogs, a process that took two people to hold the animal’s legs while the dog’s head was held under water. Vick also hung dogs. The witness told investigators Vick, Peace and Phillips “seemed to get an ‘adrenaline high’ when killing the dogs.”

In public, the former football star has been contrite about his zeal for fighting pit bulls. But the records of interviews in the federal investigation suggest a man who was more interested in the bloody fights, one of which lasted more than three hours, than in the money that came out of them.

You can read all of the released documents here if you are so inclined.

Michael Vick is scum and I am just waiting for the day the headlines read that he is suspected in the death of a wife or girlfriend since evidence shows that those who abuse animals often make the leap to visiting violence upon others. Since he no longer has an outlet of watching and killing dogs, and he is spending more time on the sidelines then he is in the game to get his anger out, it is only a matter of time.

And all of the headlines will proclaim how another wonderful superstar athlete's career was cut short. National Felons League indeed.

I am so glad Atlanta got rid of this douchebag and even more thankful for the spanking that Dallas put on the Eagles last night, sparked in no small part by a Michael Vick fumble in their own end of the field which gave the Cowboys the lead and the momentum to finish them off.

And I hate the Cowboys.

NFL Asking Players to Donate Brains to Science

You might think this is some sort of satirical Onion item, but it's for real.

The NFL is partnering with Boston University brain researchers who have been critical of the league's stance on concussions, The Associated Press has learned.

The league is going to encourage current and former NFL players to agree to donate their brains to the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the league also is committed to giving $1 million or more to the center. Aiello said the league has held discussions with the NFL Alumni Association about suggesting retired players look into participating in BU's work.

Maybe they can start with Plaxico Burress and see if they can figure out why the heck he shot himself in the leg.

Mayne this can also be extended to owners. Al Davis, for example. Perhaps researchers could uncover the mystery as to why Davis wasted the No. 1 pick on JaMarcus Russell.

Best Tweets Ever?

Buffalo Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell warmly welcomes lineman Richie Incognito to Buffalo.

RT @ProFootballTalk Bills add Richie Incognito http://is.gd/5qtmn #NFL--BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT THIS YR. THE GUYS A BUM. DIRTY AND ALWAYS...

He wasn't finished.

... WILL BE. REALLY WISH I WAS PLAYIN RITE NOW. SERIOUSLY... I KNO WE'RE N NEED OF OLINE BUT THIS GUY SUKS BALLS.

Oh, man. A shame Mitchell is on the sidelines these days. Would be nice seeing the next practice.

Bengals WR Chris Henry Dead

The sad saga of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver has concluded with his death resulting from what's reported as a domestic dispute.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry has died, one day after suffering serious injuries upon falling out of the back of a pickup truck in what authorities describe as a domestic dispute with his fiancee.

Police say Henry died at 6:36 a.m. Thursday. Henry was 26.

Away from the team because of a broken forearm, Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road. Police say a dispute began at a home about a half-mile away, and Henry jumped into the bed of the truck as his fiancee was driving away from the residence.

Police said at some point when she was driving, Henry "came out of the back of the vehicle."

Henry is engaged to Loleini Tonga, and the couple has been raising three children. Tonga's MySpace page identifies herself as "Mrs. C. Henry" and has a picture of her next to a person who appears to be Henry. She also has a post from Tuesday talking about buying wedding rings.

Henry, along with many others, has been a poster child for bad behavior, logging multiple arrests and suspensions in his brief career. He appeared to have cleaned up his act and the Bengals took him back this season.

Fox Derangement Syndrome

It appears that the hatred of all things Fox extends beyond just demeaning and dismissing their cable news channel.

This weekend the Fox NFL show broadcast live from Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan and at least one writer over at the dead tree news managed to find fault with it.

What is very apparent is the writer never walked in the boots in a military member. He never stayed up all night watching a Super Bowl in some foreign land, decked out in 40 pounds of grunt junk with weapons at the ready, prepared to respond to any threat. He never spent more then an overnight away from America or his mom, looking for anything to remind him of home.

This show by the Fox NFL crew was important because it brought home to them. Howie, Jimmie, Terry and the rest of the crew didn't just fly in and do a show and leave. They spent the entire week there visiting the service members and giving them a memory they will keep the rest of their life. They created a connection back to the "real" world.

The writer even tried his hand at being a joke writer for the late great Bob Hope, and I can now tell why he got a day job at the New York Times.

He tried to belittle the show but in doing so he exhibits his ignorance of what a role sports plays in a male dominated and geographically diverse crowd like we have in the military. Whether it is baseball, football, or NASCAR, sports allow a way for the kid from Arizona to harass the street smart guy from New York, it gives the country boy from Wisconsin something to hold his head high for when his beloved Packers win. They allow to a service member to root for the home team, even when they suck. Ask me, I had to suffer through all the failed Atlanta sports teams of the 80's and 90's.

All I can surmise is that the writer was so afflicted with Fox Derangement Syndrome that he just can see nothing they do as good and wishes to promote his own self importance by belittling others. Well, he failed at this too. Either that or he has a real loathing of football, maybe going back to a time in his childhood when he didn't make the team or the quarterback stole his girlfriend.

H/T to Blackfive for the story.

Fox NFL Hosts Show Real Class

Take that Olbermann, who sometimes works on the NBC NFL broadcasts. To close out the show today which was broadcast live from Bagram AFB in Afghanistan they spent a few minutes to tell the crowd what they learned and what they would remember from their week in Afghanistan with the troops.

Well done Terry, Howie, Michael, Johnnie, Jay, and Curt

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=295aa45c-c070-46f5-8506-12da0a2c7535&amp;from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videocentral" target="_new" title="NFL on FOX: Fired Up">Video: NFL on FOX: Fired Up</a>

"You want an attitude change, come halfway around the world."

Congress Back On Steroids

Now that the hard work of the country is done, apparently Congress is going to once again go back to doing what they do best, holding meaningless hearings on drugs in professional sports. They need to be investigating drug use among themselves, since it appears that they are all under the effects of some sort of mind-altering drug.

Congress plans to conduct a hearing next month on two professional football players whose suspensions were blocked by a federal appeals court.

The players in question play for the Minnesota Vikings and failed a drug test. but the players turned around and sued the NFL and a federal judge as well as the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an injunction blocking their suspension.

The NFL had attempted to suspend Minnesota Vikings Pat Williams and Kevin Williams four games each for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

C'mon, the NFL stands for the National Felons League anyway.

Giants Waive David Tyree

Damn, football is a tough business. Although everyone already saw this coming, it's certainly difficult when the time comes.

The Giants have made the tough decision everyone seemed to know was coming.

David Tyree, the Super Bowl XLII hero, has been released, according to his agent, Michael Clouser.

"I talked to (assistant GM) Kevin Abrams this morning and he said it was a very tough decision for the team," Clouser said by phone minutes ago. "Like anyone else, it was a tough thing for David to hear. He's actually saying his goodbyes to his teammates right now.

"He's obviously disappointed, but we're confident someone else will see the value he brings on special teams and as a wide receiver. We'll see how things go here in the next few days."

Tyree told reporters the other day he realized his days with the team might have been limited. He reflected on his time with the team, which he said he will always appreciate.

"What a joy it was to be a part of something so great from day one," the 2003 sixth-round pick said. "My experience here has been nothing short of a dream. To be placed in team history and sports history, where do you go from here?

"But at the same time, my love for this game hasn't died out yet and I really feel I still have something great to add onto my career and legacy."

I've watched David Tyree playing football since high school and couldn't have been happier that a man who overcame so many personal demons turned out to be the guy who helped pull off one of the greatest plays ever. This will forever be his legacy.



Not a bad final catch as a New York Giant. Unfortunately Tyree was injured and missed the entire 2008 season and there are at least six younger true wideouts ahead of him on the depth chart so this is a numbers game.

Hopefully he can catch on elsewhere in the league. Otherwise he can take comfort he'll always be remembered for his Super Bowl XLII heroics and the fact he'll never again have to pick up a dinner tab in north Jersey.

Plaxico Burress Pleads Guilty, Gets Two Years in Prison

One of the dumbest football players alive has pled guilty to gun charges and faces two years in prison. I guess the Philadelphia Eagles won't be signing him any time soon.

Plaxico Burress, the former Giants receiver, entered into a plea agreement on Thursday morning in his weapons-possession case, in a deal with Manhattan prosecutors that will send him to prison for two years.

Justice Michael H. Melkonian of State Supreme Court accepted the guilty plea. Along with the two-year prison sentence, Mr. Burress, 31, will be sentenced to two years of post-release supervision.

Mr. Burress was indicted earlier this month on related to an episode in November 2008, when he accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a Manhattan nightclub. The Giants released him in April without waiting for the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

If the case were to go to trial and Mr. Burress were convicted of all charges — two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment — he could face 3½ to 15 years in prison. The plea agreement still needs the approval of a State Supreme Court justice.

No word whether he'll have a reduced sentence after an amount of time served, but with this sentence it's clear he'll miss at least two full seasons and his career certainly could be at an end considering he'll have missed nearly three seasons by the time he's released. You have to figure even if he were in shape to play by the time the 2011 seasons rolls around the commissioner would probably tack on a suspension.

He has only himself to blame.

Update: According to this report he'll serve 20 months.

Sick of Being Associated With Keith Olbermann, John Madden Retires From NBC

Nah, just kidding about that Olbermann part. But I'm sure he thinks Keithy's a dick anyway.

Anyway, Madden apparently is retiring to, you guessed it, spend more time with his family. Good idea, I guess, now that he's 73 years old.

John Madden, the most recognized analyst in television sports, is calling it quits.

In a statement issued Thursday morning, Madden, who was NBC's No. 1 NFL analyst on the Peacock's Sunday night package, said: "It's time. I'm 73 years old...It's been such a great ride...the NFL has been my life for more than 40 years, it has been my passion - it still is. I appreciate all of the people who are and were such an important part of the most enjoyable, most fun anyone could have...It's still fun and that's what makes it hard and that's why it took me a few months to make a decision."

There was some speculation last season concerning Madden's future when he missed one game. At that time, NBC Sports boss Dick Ebersol said Madden just needed a brief rest.

'It Was a Bad Audible On Our Part'

Well, nobody ever accused Peyton Manning of being the sharpest knife in the drawer.

In front of Jay Cutler was the clear-blue but chilly-watered swimming pool at the Ihilani resort.

The gang of Pro Bowl football players had been gathered around the tables, swapping stories, when suddenly the Broncos' quarterback had 300-pound Nick Mangold pushing from one side, 310-pound Kris Dielman holding the other and his cellphone swindled into the hands of a coy Peyton Manning.

Cutler's radar had gone up, but he never had a chance.

Splash!

"We gave him a Pro Bowl baptism," said Dielman, the star offensive guard of the rival San Diego Chargers.

Great fun. Big laughs. There was just one problem. Cutler is a Type 1 diabetic, and in his pocket was his blood-sugar monitor.

"That was a prank where I thought we were smart enough to get the cellphone out of his pocket," Dielman said. "But then, 'Oops.' "

The monitor was fried by the chlorinated water. Fortunately, Hawaii has drug stores, and after a few calls here and there, Cutler was well-equipped by lunchtime Wednesday.

"It was a bad audible on our part," Manning said. "I think we were thinking right, trying to get the cellphone. Then we realize, the guy gets insulin shots. We missed that."

Idiots.

NFL To Show Military Color Guard The Door

This item came on my radar yesterday and I was waiting to see how it would pan out before saying anything. Well it looks like the story has been vetted and there is truth to it.

Is this the type of change we can expect now that Obama is president and more and more people are willing to drop their masks and become openly anti-military? This is a dangerous path that our country is headed down. We are going to create a true warrior class in America by these actions.

I have always said their is a de facto Warrior Class in this country. A group of people, a very small group at that, who seek service to this country by wearing the uniform of it's armed forces and engaging the enemies of this country on this battlefield. It is cloaked in mystery to most, and subjected to some of the most vile stereotypes, enabled by all too many in Hollywood and our elected officials.

Well, earlier this week Obama skipped the "Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball" in Washington D.C., a ball attended by Medal of Honor winners. This was the first time in 56 years that an incoming president had not attended.

Now word comes that the NFL is not going to allow the military color guard who will present the colors before the Super Bowl to remain and watch the game.

In my time in the service I was picked to be on a color guard many times, the price you pay for being 6'0 tall. At none of the events that I went to was I ever asked to leave or not allowed to stay around after doing my duty. Sometimes I had to leave because we had another commitment somewhere else, but at no time was I ever asked or told to leave.

This is a shameful act on the part of the NFL and I encourage people to contact them and let them know what you think of this slight of our military.

Does the NFL not realize that one of the teams competing this year, the Arizona Cardinals, was the team that Pat Tillman played for before he left it all behind to join the Army and become a Ranger? Pat lost his life in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan.

NFL Conference Championships

As we get set for the championship games today both No. 6 seeds are still alive, presenting us with the possibility of an unlikely Super Bowl matchup. Although the way things have gone the past few seasons, would anyone be shocked by that? Pittsburgh won as a No. 5 in Super Bowl XL and the Giants were a No. 5 last season. What it now comes down to is who's hot at the right time.

After rolling through the playoffs the past two years with 9-2 and 10-1 marks, we've stumbled this season to 3-5, including a 1-3 mark last weekend. We'll need to run the table from here on out to get above .500.

NFC Championship
CARDINALS +3.5 Eagles: Never thought I'd see the day when the Arizona Cardinals were hosting the NFC Championship, but here they are after destroying Carolina last week, while the Eagles have knocked off the Vikings and Giants to get here. Throw out the 48-20 Eagles win Thanksgiving night. That game may as well have been played two years ago. The Cardinals look nothing like the team that was obliterated by New England 47-7 a month ago. The key to this game is Kurt Warner controlling the ball and not fumbling or throwing bad interceptions. Arizona has put up 63 points in two playoff games while the Eagles have been inconsistent offensively. Philly was able to shut down Eli Manning last week, but Warner has too many weapons, led by all-world wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Look for a fast start from the Cardinals that will stun the Eagles and leave them struggling to play catch-up. I won't be shocked if Arizona wins going away before a raucous crowd. Cardinals 31-16

AFC Championship
STEELERS -6 Ravens: Everyone expects another low-scoring bodybag game between these hated rivals. Just one problem. Ravens are so banged up they may not be able to keep pace. Steelers really seemed to have it rolling on offense last week while Baltimore gave up huge chunks of yardage to the Titans. If Tennessee doesn't turn it over repeatedly in the red zone the Ravens get blown out. I don't see the Steelers coughing it up so much, nor do I see the Ravens putting up more than 10 or 13 points on offense. Steelers have a penchant for losing title games at home, but not this time. Steelers 27-13

NFL Divisional Playoffs

The best weekend of the NFL playoffs is upon us and we have four games that are all rematches from the regular season, including a rubber match between the Eagles and Giants.

We were 2-2 for Wild Card weekend, winning with the Ravens and Eagles.

It's snowing here in the east, so what better to do today and Sunday than watch football?

SATURDAY
Titans -3 RAVENS: Tennessee won in Baltimore 13-10 earlier this season and expect another fairly low scoring slugfest between two teams that have no love for each other. Baltimore forced their defense upon Miami last weekend, but don't look for the Titans to rely on Kerry Collins to win. Expect Tennessee to follow the blueprint used by the Giants against the Ravens and to pound it on the ground. I don't see Baltimore mustering much offense and expect Tennessee to be far more physical than Miami was and get after Joe Flacco. The loss of Kevin Mawae could hurt the Titans, but I expect them to play a safe ball-control game. Titans 21-13

Cardinals +10 PANTHERS: Cardinals were better than I expected last week and found a good rhythm after staggering down the stretch. They kept it close at Carolina back in October, losing 27-23. The loss of Anquan Boldin really hurts, however, but since Arizona is playing with house money, expect them to air it out anyway. Still, Carolina is rested and hasn't lost at home this season. They should be able to chew up the clock with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Oh, and Arizona is 0-5 in the east this year, a bad omen. Carolina 31-23

SUNDAY
GIANTS -4 Eagles: Philly was the lone road team to beat the Giants at home this year, but New York was on cruise control at the time at 11-1 and coming off the Plaxico Burress fiasco. Having already won at Philadelphia, they just didn't match the Eagles' intensity and desperation that game. Sunday is a different story. Brandon Jacobs is healthy, the team is rested and the Giants will want to assert their strength early by ramming it down Philly's throat. If they contain a banged-up Brian Westbrook as they did in their first meeting, the Eagles will be hard pressed to score much. The Giants are right where they want to be: at home defending their title with people doubting them. Too much for the Eagles to overcome. Giants 27-10

Chargers +6 STEELERS: Their first meeting in early December resulted in the only 11-10 game in NFL history and conditions tomorrow should be about the same: Snowy and in the 20s. I really like how San Diego has run off five straight wins but I have serious doubts whether Darren Sproles can come close to matching what he did against the Colts going up against the league's best defense. Still, don't underestimate the determination of Philip Rivers. Big question is whether Ben Roethlisberger has sufficiently recovered from his concussion and if he holds up. Defense rules the day here. Steelers 17-16.