Ben Maller's NFL rumors
by FOXSports.com
Browns fan recipient of message with implied profanity defends GM Savage for angry e-mail
Browns General Manager Phil Savage does not deserve to be punished or fired because of an angry e-mail he sent a fan after the 29-27 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, the recipient said Thursday. The two have since exchanged apologies. Brett, 33, who wishes to remain anonymous, had his own message for owner Randy Lerner and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Brett, a North Royalton native, has lived in Pittsburgh since 1999, working seven years at a record label before joining a radio station he did not want named. ''If he actually gets fired for that, I hope to God he doesn't,'' Brett said by telephone, ''I'd like Randy Lerner to call me. It shows Phil Savage has a passion for the game. That's what we need. If he does get fired over something like this, we need a new owner.'' As for Goodell, Brett said he delivered his plea during a television interview he did Thursday. ''I looked right into the camera and said, 'If Roger Goodell is watching this, you just reinstated Pacman Jones, you've got that cokehead Matt Jones still playing. You can't do anything to Phil Savage over this,'' Brett said. -- Akron Beacon Journal
Rams' Richie Incognito rips St. Louis fans
With the Bears coming to town for a noon kickoff Sunday, it's Richie Incognito's turn to criticize the hometown fans. "It seems like our fans aren't coming to the game, so it's fun when the other fans come in and start hooting and hollering -- you know what I mean?" Incognito said Thursday. "At least someone is in the dome yelling. We don't worry about noise. (Bears fans) can be as loud as they want. We deal with noise on the road; we deal with noise at home." ... "We know how our fans feel about us, that's fine," Incognito said. "It's nice to have the other fans here. At least they cheer. Our fans get in their seats, they don't know how to cheer, when to cheer. We get the other team's fans coming in, and they cheer real nice for us. It provides for a good football atmosphere having the Chicago fans down here." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Eagles McNabb aims a barb at reporters
Apparently quarterback Donovan McNabb thought reporters were derelict in their duties when he went to the podium Wednesday for his weekly news conference at the NovaCare Complex. "Everybody wants to know about the overtime situation," the Eagles quarterback wrote in his most recent Yardbarker.com blog. "Whatever happened had no bearing on the outcome of the game. That's all that matters. We all know the rules now. There is no need to waste any more time on the subject. If you want some answers, check out my Web site (www.DonovanMcNabb.com), where my press conference from today is available. "What you won't find from that press conference that is supposed to preview the Ravens game this week is anything about this week's game. So I'll share my thoughts here." If you go to McNabb's Web site, you will be challenged to find the video of his Wednesday news conference, but it's easily accessible by going to Philadelphiaeagles.com, then clicking multimedia and video. What you'll notice is that the first question asked of McNabb is about the game against the Ravens. -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Pacman to return with Cowboys as backup?
Don't expect Adam Jones to go right back into the starting lineup when he returns against Pittsburgh on Dec. 7. The Cowboys' defensive coaches aren't sure what kind of shape Jones will be in when he returns to practice Monday. They must weigh how Jones can help the secondary and how he could affect team chemistry. Its unlikely Jones can step in after a month in alcohol rehabilitation and be the same player he was in September and early October. When Jones was suspended, he had a team-high 11 pass breakups. Jones is still the only player in double-digits in that category. -- Dallas Morning News
Bucs WR Joey Galloway says he was out with broken foot, not sprain
Joey Galloway says a broken right foot is what forced him to miss five games. Galloway suffered what was described at the time as a foot sprain against the Falcons in Week 2. Coach Jon Gruden has referred to Galloway as the ''White Tiger" for his rare appearances after the veteran receiver also missed training camp and the preseason with a groin strain. But now that Galloway is healthy, he has had trouble earning playing time. In three games since returning, he has four catches for 60 yards, and he did not have a reception Sunday against the Vikings. -- St. Petersburg Times
Still no word on Jags Jones suspension
Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones, who was limited in practice Thursday because of his thigh injury after going full-time Wednesday, remains in legal limbo with the NFL on his possible suspension. Jones said he still hasn't heard anything from the league about his appeal of a possible suspension stemming from his drug arrest last July. -- Florida Times-Union
Pats LB Vrabel has drop off in production
Pats LB Mike Vrabel has not been dumping quarterbacks at anywhere near the frequency of recent years. After registering two sacks in the season opener against Kansas City, Vrabel, who had 12 sacks during his Pro Bowl campaign a year ago, hasn't gotten to the QB. The nine-game run without a sack is the longest of his Patriots [team stats] career. While the defensive schemes may have something to do with it, another contributing factor may be the bum shoulder Vrabel's been playing with. According to a source familiar with the situation, the shoulder is bad enough that surgery could be an option after the season. When asked about it yesterday, Vrabel did not want to discuss any injury situation, save to shoot down one Web site's report that claimed the linebacker already had surgery on the shoulder this past offseason. "I did not have shoulder surgery," Vrabel said, before ending the discussion. -- Boston Herald
Ocho Cinco's future with Bengals in owner's hands
What does the future hold for Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco in Cincinnati? His agent isn't sure. Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that Ocho Cinco's fate is in Bengals owner Mike Brown's hands. "We know we're not going to bully our way out of Cincinnati," Rosenhaus said. "It's going to be Mike Brown's way or no way at all. It's going to be up to Mike Brown. He's going to decide whether or not Chad's going to be with the team in the future and we're going to basically take a low-key approach to that." -- Dayton Daily News
Vikings Adrian Peterson says there's no dispute
Adrian Peterson usually finds himself answering questions from the media. But Thursday he turned the tables on those assembled around him in the Vikings locker room. Asked if he was surprised not to be on the field for the Vikings' final offensive drive in a 19-13 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday, the Pro Bowl running back responded: "Did it surprise you?" The answer, of course, was a resounding yes. Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher with 1,100 yards on 225 carries and seven touchdowns, spent much of his offseason focusing on improving his pass protection skills so he could play in third-down and two-minute situations. But as was the case last season when Peterson was a rookie, those times remain largely reserved for Chester Taylor. ... "I don't know if it was just the play call, just a different play that was designed for [Taylor] or whatever it was," Peterson said. "I'm just out there, I'm just playing my game. That's all I can do, that's all I can control." -- Star Tribune
Rams worried about Orlando Pace?
Rams seven-time Pro Bowler Orlando Pace is on the downside of a career that could land him in the Hall of Fame. Pace, 34, has been solid this season, but hardly sensational. He also is showing signs of wear and tear, and injuries have become an issue. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Vikings practice without Kevin and Pat Williams
The Vikings on Thursday got a taste of what life could be like without two of their best defensive players. Kevin Williams and Pat Williams were in New York attending their appeals hearings after testing positive for a banned diuretic and missed practice. So it offered teammates a glimpse of life without the middle of their defensive line if those players are suspended. "That's a nightmare," safety Darren Sharper said. "You don't like to have nightmares. I'll let that thought not cross my mind." The loss of either member of the Williams Wall would be a devastating blow to the team's playoff hopes, but losing both players would double the cause for alarm. Given the complexity of the cases involving the Williamses, a decision regarding their appeals isn't expected until next week at the earliest. The Williamses are expected to play Sunday at Jacksonville. Pat Williams has told the Pioneer Press that his situation is different from that of other players wrapped up in the string of positive tests around the NFL, but he has not elaborated. Kevin Williams has declined to comment. The players reportedly have tested positive for a water pill that can be used to lose weight but also mask the presence of drugs or steroids. Reports have speculated that the Williamses were taking StarCaps, a diuretic that contains Bumetanide, which is banned by the NFL. -- Pioneer Press
Browns to use Josh Cribbs as third down back?
Josh Cribbs' first touchdown running the ball Monday night against Buffalo rekindled the question: Wouldn't he be more effective as a third-down back than as a receiver? "Cribbs could probably play anywhere on this field, actually, and be good at it," said running back Jamal Lewis. "He's an athlete. He's special. That's why the other night when we called that play, I just knew he was going to get to the end zone. He's a kick returner. That's something I could never do. His vision is very good. He knows how to get around those blocks and make plays." Cribbs scored from 2 yards out in the second quarter Monday on a surprise play. With the Browns in a short-yardage formation with two tight ends, fullback Charles Ali and Lewis in the backfield, Cribbs took an inside handoff from Brady Quinn coming from the right side. Cribbs is the team's "emergency" running back during a week in which two of the three tailbacks -- Jerome Harrison and Jason Wright -- have been limited in practice because of injuries. Cribbs was a running quarterback at Kent State, accounting for 1,000 yards both throwing and rushing in three of his four seasons. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent and converted to receiver. He has emerged as one of the NFL's premier -- and unique -- special-teams players. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cards 'Unhappy' James quiet at practice
The news of running back Edgerrin James' request didn't appear to produce any added anxiety at the Cardinals' training facility on Thursday, perhaps because team officials dealt with it more than two weeks ago. That's when James made the request through his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The rest of the world found out about it Wednesday when the news became public. "That was something that was brought up a couple of weeks ago and it was the same answer we've said all along," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "We're interested in doing what's best for this team and what puts us in the best position to win." For the rest of this season, that means James serving as a backup. James declined comment on Thursday beyond saying "I'm just in here working and doing what I'm supposed to do." That's what Whisenhunt expects. "Edgerrin, I'm sure, is unhappy," he said. "I understand that. But that happens a lot in the NFL. That happens a lot in life. The mark of being a professional is continuing to work and we expect Edgerrin to be a professional. That's what he's been."-- Arizona Republic
Giants Burress Is Sidelined by a Hamstring Injury
Giants Coach Tom Coughlin is often a man of few words, and there were fewer than usual Thursday when he discussed a new leg injury to Plaxico Burress. After saying only "hamstring" to describe the problem that kept Burress out of practice, Coughlin's prognosis for recovery was "we will see." When asked if the injury occurred this week, Coughlin said: "Just now. Overnight and into today." Coughlin's 10 words were 10 more than offered by Burress, who was not available for interviews after practice as the Giants (9-1) prepared to play at Arizona (7-3) on Sunday. It was not announced which leg was hurt. -- NY Times
Patriots GM visits Falcons practice
New England's vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli visited the Falcons complex as a guest of general manager Thomas Dimitroff on Wednesday. Both were set to scout the Miami at Georgia Tech game Thursday evening. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Broncos Marshall putting Raiders' Asomugha in cross hairs
Wearing a faux fur aviator hat up to the podium, Brandon Marshall appeared to be loaded for bear. "I'm hunting DBs," he joked. In his sights frequently this week: Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, whom the Broncos' Mike Shanahan this week labeled the most underrated player he has seen in his entire NFL coaching career. -- Rocky Mountain News
49ers' Martz happy with his new quarterback
In that game, Shaun Hill became the first quarterback in 49ers history to record a perfect passer rating of 158.3 before halftime. "Close to it,'' Martz said. "I thought he was outstanding, just outstanding. He was impeccable with his decisions. He was relaxed. He saw things. The game slowed down for him." That's high praise for a player who finished a distant third in quarterback competition during training camp. Martz said Thursday that Hill struggled during the preseason because he didn't understand the timing of the offense. Now, Martz said, "His decisions and what he sees are further along than I would have expected, to be honest with you." -- San Jose Mercury News
Rams need to find QB of future
Marc Bulger is under contract -- a big contract -- through 2010, and he figures to be the starter until then. Even at 38, Trent Green is a solid backup. But it's time for the Rams to bring in a young quarterback and develop him for the future. If the Rams can identify that guy and give him a couple of years to learn the system and study under the two veterans, they'll enhance their future at the game's most vital position. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Vikings cornerback Marcus McCauley copes with big loss of playing time
Back in August, back when the Vikings spent their days in Mankato, cornerback Marcus McCauley didn't expect this. He didn't think that one season removed from playing in all 16 games and starting nine of them, he would be inactive for six of Minnesota's first nine games this season, or that when he did play he'd be limited to special teams. Surely such a reduction in playing time disrupts a young player's confidence, and McCauley, who pointed to a knee injury in training camp as the start of his diminished playing time, admits he has gone through a level of unrest this year. But confidence, he contends, has not been the issue. "I wouldn't say my confidence was down. I was kind of questioning if I was wanted. I wasn't sure if it was because of my injury or it was because people just didn't like me on a personal level. I just wasn't sure," said McCauley, Minnesota's third-round pick in 2007. "It was more like frustrated because starting that many games as a regular, being active every game, in college being the star of the team and all that, it's kind of hard just sitting on the sidelines watching the game when you're perfectly healthy." The addition of Benny Sapp, signed as a free agent during the offseason, has limited McCauley's game time, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. -- Pioneer Press
Former Chargers RB Pinnock to Denver?
The Broncos had running back Andrew Pinnock in for a visit Tuesday, but he did not work out. Pinnock played fullback for San Diego for five seasons beginning in 2003 but was released Sept. 1. -- Rocky Mountain News
T.O. back at Cowboys practice, should play
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens was back on the practice field after missing one day with flu-like symptoms. Coach Wade Phillips said Owens went through the full practice and should be ready to play. Owens did not speak with reporters. -- Dallas Morning News
Falcons WR White still out of practice
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White received treatment for a deep back bruise Thursday but didn't practice for the second consecutive day. "I just fell on it," White said. "I've got a little bruise back there. I just want to make sure that I'm ready to go on Sunday." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NFL coach shows up to practice via parachute from 12,000 feet
Here's something you don't see every day at an NFL practice: the head coach arriving from the sky. That's what happened Thursday at Baptist Sports Park, as Titans Coach Jeff Fisher jumped from a helicopter with members of the 101st Airborne Parachute team and landed on the practice field. Four members of the parachute team jumped before Fisher, who was paired with another member. The jumps were made from about 12,000 feet. Players watched in amazement, not realizing one of the jumpers was Fisher until he closed in on them. "We didn't know what was going on. We saw the parachuters coming down and then we see Coach Fish," linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. "It is cool to have a coach like that. ... Everybody was excited. "To see him do that, it made practice that much more fun. We didn't know it was him, and then we saw his blue jacket and knew it was him.'' Asked about the jump after practice, Fisher declined to comment. Players said the coach used the jump to deliver a message to his 10-0 team about overcoming obstacles. One of the parachute team members is Sgt. Max Ramsey, who lost a leg while serving in Iraq. "He has been able to overcome that adversity and still do what he does,'' Tulloch said. "It shows us no matter what, we can accomplish what we want. That's what I took from it. ... It is unbelievable.''-- Tennessean
Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter defends Vick
Whether timely or not, Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter never manages to have a dull opinion about anything these days. The latest installment? On Thursday, Porter offered his take on former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who is currently imprisoned for bankrolling a dogfighting ring in Virginia. Vick, who is scheduled for release in July following a 23-month sentence, reportedly has attorneys who believe he will be reinstated to play in the NFL once he has fulfilled that time. When asked if Vick deserves to play again, Porter stood behind the embattled quarterback. ''He's already been punished enough,'' Porter said. ``They gave him his penalty, and he's paying his penalty. What else should they do to him now?'' Porter, an owner of two pit bulls himself, said he doesn't understand why people are so quick to condemn Vick. Porter contends those same people who are against Vick don't often like pit bulls anyway. ''That's the funny thing about it,'' Porter said. ``If you want to get back on that topic, I've got pit bulls and I've got to put them under a different breed just to travel. You can't even fly pit bulls anywhere. ``So it's not like he was fighting cocker spaniels or something, something they like. They don't even too much care about pit bulls.'' -- Miami Herald
RB Tashard Choice to backup for Cowboys?
The Cowboys will likely look to rookie fourth-round pick Tashard Choice to backup Marion Barber, although there seems to be less confidence in Choice than Felix Jones. Choice has 13 carries for 72 yards this season. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Former Steelers' coach Bill Cowher to speak at NC State fall commencement
North Carolina State University alumnus and Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Cowher will give the fall commencement address at North Carolina State University. The ceremony will be held Dec. 17. -- Pittsburgh Business Times
U.S. Soldiers Ponder Fantasy Football Rosters to Relax
Stephen Sabatini's experience is increasingly common among troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Participation in fantasy football has become a means of keeping in touch with friends back in the United States. It also forges an instant bond with the strangers soldiers serve alongside. "Everybody over there was in a fantasy league," says Mr. Sabatini, a senior airman in the Air Force. Sgt. Adeleke Fashina, a Marine from Philadelphia who has served in Fallujah, notes that a lot of superiors didn't look down on the troops playing fantasy games. Some of them were his leaguemates. Mr. Sabatini played in a league, called The Raptor, full of comrades from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. But while they stayed home during the 2007 fantasy football season, Mr. Sabatini was charged with protecting Tallil Air Base (now Ali Air Base) in southern Iraq. They understood his situation, so the message board banter and smack talk they sent his way on FoxSports.com's fantasy league page didn't sting too much. They had obvious advantages already. -- Wall Street Journal
Tony Romo Cheats On Journey With Coldplay
Coldplay was here. And because Dallas' version of Hollywood actors are Cowboys players, we're all in a tizzy over Tony Romo's appearance at the concert. Oh, and the person he was with. Oh, and what they were drinking!So here's Bob Sturm's site with a photo of Romo. … cheating on Journey by singing along to whatever Coldplay sings! Tony went with Cowboys TE Jason Witten. -- DallasBasketball.com
2008 the NFL Air Show
NFL teams have a collective .614 completion percentage this season. If that number holds up, it would be a new single-season record. Eight of the top 10 completion-percentage seasons have come in the last 8 years. Currently, 20 quarterbacks have a completion rate above 60 percent. McNabb is 22nd in completion percentage at 59.4. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Who Knew?
The Chiefs have only six sacks in 10 games. The fewest ever in a season was 11 by the '82 Baltimore Colts. But that was in a strike-shortened, nine-game season. The fewest in a 16-game season was 13 by the '81 Colts. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Did You Know?
The Browns have not scored on their opening drive in five straight and their total of six points scored on such drives is tied for fewest it the league with the Niners. -- FoxSports.com
How About That?
Falcons DE John Abraham has 11 of his team's 18 sacks (61.1 percent). The player with the largest percent of his team's sacks in a season was the Packers' Tim Harris, who had 12 1/2 of his team's 18 sacks (69.4) in '89. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Who Knew?
Baltimore rookie Ray Rice has gained 583 yards from scrimmage (375 rush, 208 rec) this season -- most of any player in football that has yet to score a touchdown. Rice's 24 catches are currently second most on the Ravens. -- FoxSports.com
Did You Know?
If Kurt Warner is inducted one day into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he would not be the first Arena Football League alumnus enshrined. . . . Joe DeLamielleure, a guard who spearheaded the "Electric Company" offensive line that opened holes for O.J. Simpson and the Buffalo Bills in the 1970s, came out of retirement to play for the Charlotte Rage when he was 42. -- LA Times
How About That?
New England averaged 41.1 points per game though Week 11 in 2007 and with a 21.9 ppg average in 2008, the Pats are putting up nearly 20 fewer points per game this season than last at this point. -- FoxSports.com
Vegas Vic's NFL Picks from Philadelphia Daily News
RAVENS (-1) over Eagles
Kinda obvious that the Birds were not available Sunday, physically or mentally. For the physical part, the Eagles looked as if they were sleepwalking. How else do you explain scoring 13 points against Cincinnati, and in five quarters! Inexcusable. For the mental part, just two words: Donovan McNabb. Now they have to face one of the NFL's toughest defenses, and it could be without the multi-talented Brian Westbrook. And without him, it's gonna be a long afternoon. Baltimore has been quite a surprise this season, posting a 6-4 mark with rookie Joe Flacco at quarterback. If the defense does its job (which it usually does) and homefield is truly an edge (Ravens are 3-1 at home), then John Harbaugh will get what he wants so badly . . . a W against the team with which he spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach.
Colts (+3) over CHARGERS
For a team that posted a 23-1 record over the last 3 years in the first half of the season, it took a little while for Indianapolis, and Peyton Manning's knee, to get rolling. But the Colts are now rolling, right into Best Bet territory. They have won three in a row, and the only thing on their mind Sunday is revenge. Last year, Indy lost twice to San Diego. It was 23-21 out west, when Manning threw six interceptions (his worst performance as a pro), and then 28-24 at home in the playoffs. Now, the Horseshoes get a chance to erase that double stain, and Manning is getting hot (30 of 46 for 320 yards and two TDs Sunday) at just the right time. And the Colts should be able to get the job done against these Chargers, who have covered only two of the previous six, and are the proud owners of the worst pass defense in the league, allowing 267 yards per game.
Bills (-3) over CHIEFS
Buffalo started out on fire, winning four in a row, and five of its first six. The Bills have gone into quite a downward spiral, losing four in a row, but there's no better place to fix that than Kansas City. The Chiefs have lost 18 of their last 19 games, and have covered only three of the last 13 at home. If the Buffs can't get it done in KC, then they can kiss the playoffs goodbye for the ninth straight season.
COWBOYS (-10) over 49ers
Tony Romo has to be my idol - he's dating Jessica Simpson and taking homeless guys to the movies. Man, it does not get much better. He also happens to have a day job, which he came back to Sunday night, and guided Dallas to a 14-10 road win over the Redskins. Tony Ro should be even more comfortable in his second game back against a San Francisco defense giving up an average of 30 points per game on the road.
Bears (-8) over RAMS
Each and every week, we try to make a case to grab St. Louis with a bundle of points. After watching the Rams perform the last few weeks - loses to the Niners (35-16), the Jets (47-3) and the Cardinals (34-13) - it's impossible. St. Loo has covered only three of the previous 13, has only one win in its previous 12 home games, and it would be a miracle if the Rams come within a dozen points of Chicago. No miracles today.
Jets (+5) over TITANS
Still can't believe that Tennessee is sitting at 10-0 with Kerry Collins. The Titans could very well be sitting at 11-0 when the gun sounds, but the final margin, that's no more than a field goal.
Packers (+3) over SAINTS
Green Bay has had quite a profitable spread run since mid-October, posting a 4-0-1 mark. Give the Pack a cover, and also try the over in this game, which should see the scoreboard post a total in the mid-60s. -- Philadelphia Daily News
Boston Globe NFL Picks
New England at Miami (-1) - There's panic in the streets of Patriot Nation as fans wonder how the Dolphins will implement the dreaded Wildcat offense. Fear not. I have it on good authority that Bill Belichick is ready to unveil the new Cougar defense, guaranteed to strike fear in the hearts of opposing runners. Pick: Patriots.
NY Jets at Tennessee (-5 1/2) - The Jets have won 11 straight coin flips (nine games, two overtimes). This has absolutely no bearing on this game, but in Massachusetts, it's not always easy to find something nice to say about the Jets. Pick: Titans.
Tampa Bay (-8) at Detroit - After the Lions dropped to 0-10 last week, coach Rod Marinelli, master of the obvious, said, "Have I failed? Yes. Am I discouraged? No way. I'm not." I was so inspired I gave my wife the same answer when she asked about the laundry. Pick: Buccaneers.
Chicago (-8) at St. Louis - The Rams have been outscored, 75-3, in the first half of their last two games. St. Louis coach Jim Haslett is working on a deal with Lovie Smith to play the second half first this week in the interest of competitiveness. Pick: Bears.
San Francisco at Dallas (-10) - Tony Romo made a victorious return vs. the Redskins last Sunday and told the world, "We treated this as a playoff game in a lot of ways." Romo has a short memory. He's 0-2 in the playoffs. Pick: Cowboys.
Buffalo (-3) at Kansas City - I was under the impression it was way too cold for things to melt down this quickly in Buffalo. The Bills have gone from one of the NFL's hottest team (5-1 start) to as cold as a Dick Jauron staredown. Pick: Chiefs.
Houston at Cleveland (-3) - Speaking of cold, Browns kicker Phil Dawson was stone-cold cool on that 56-yarder to beat the Bills Monday night. I wonder if he's related to Richard Dawson, who played the ultracool Corporal Peter Newkirk in "Hogan's Heroes." Pick: Browns.
Philadelphia at Baltimore (-1) - Sure, the in thing to do would be to pick on Donovan McNabb for not knowing the rules. But Philly fans should be more upset with Sav Rocca, who shanked punts of 17, 23, and 36 yards in the 13-13 tie with the Bengals. The 6-foot-5-inch Rocca is a onetime Australian rules football star. I fell in love with that sport (and those hip referee uniforms) back in the day when ESPN aired 300-plus hours a week of the guys in the short-shorts. FYI: You can throw the records out the window when the Collingwood Magpies take on the North Melbourne Kangaroos. Pick: Ravens.
Minnesota at Jacksonville (-2 1/2) - I don't want to criticize Brad "Major Dad" Childress's play-calling, but when Adrian Peterson doesn't get any touches in the fourth quarter of a close game on the road, that's just stupid. Oops. I guess I did want to criticize. Pick: Jaguars.
Oakland at Denver (-9) - In the wake of the Raiders' latest futile effort (the offense hasn't scored a touchdown in 13 quarters), running back Justin Fargas said, "You can't have an offense that doesn't score points." Careful, little Huggy Bear. With sound thinking like that, Al Davis is liable to name you his next head coach. Pick: Broncos.
Carolina at Atlanta (-1) - With the hype over the Wildcat offense, people are overlooking the Panther offense, which produced a franchise-record 264 rushing yards last week. Pick: Falcons.
Washington (-3 1/2) at Seattle - Matt Hasselbeck was upset about getting hit hard by the Cardinals last week. Perhaps he can hire his sister-in-law, Elisabeth, to fight his battles for him. She's pretty tough. Just ask Rosie. Or Joy. Or Whoopi. Pick: Seahawks.
NY Giants (-3) at Arizona - Quick check of the Giants roster reveals a Ross, a Moss, and a Boss. Dr. Seuss would have a field day writing a book about this team. Pick: Giants.
Indianapolis at San Diego (-2 1/2) - After reviewing the end of the Steelers-Chargers game last Sunday, the NFL issued an official statement saying referee Scott Green "really Hochuli-ed it up." Pick: Colts.
Green Bay at New Orleans (-2 1/2) - We're rooting for Deuce McAllister to score a TD and take over the Saints' franchise lead he shares with Dalton Hilliard (53). Pick: Saints. -- Boston Globe
Boston Herald NFL Picks
The Bucs are 8-point favorites at Detroit Sunday and, with three division games up next, they can't afford a stumble vs. the 0-10 Lions. Lay it.
SUNDAY
Houston (+3) over CLEVELAND - It took a late, and long, field goal to prevent another fourth-quarter flop by the Browns. After consecutive games with Baltimore and Indy, a date at the Dawg Pound will be a day at the beach for Houston.
Buffalo (-3) over KANSAS CITY - Despite a midseason swoon the 5-5 Bills are still alive in the playoff chase. They're overdue for a reversal of fortune, and 1-9 Kansas City is the place to get it.
TENNESSEE (-5.5 ) over New York Jets - The New York press which, God help us, is already pontificating on a Jets-Giants Super Bowl, call this an AFC title preview. Hopefully, a Titans romp will stifle those inane ramblings.
Patriots (+1) over MIAMI - If the Pats are going to be a postseason factor, a win here is vital. Their experience in the late-season pressure cooker helps.
DALLAS (-10) over San Francisco - The 'Pokes are coming off a win over hated Washington, Tony Romo is back and, with NFC West patsies San Fran and Seattle next, Dallas has a real chance to build momentum for a playoff run.
Philadelphia (+1) over BALTIMORE - The Ravens may be 6-4, but they have beaten just one team with a winning record (Miami). The desperate Eagles need to win or they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
Chicago (-8) over ST. LOUIS - After an embarrassing loss to the Packers, the Bears have to be in a nasty mood. Playing the 2-8 Rams, who have lost four straight, is just the ticket to get the Chicago Express back on track.
Minnesota (+2.5 ) over JACKSONVILLE - The season circled the bowl for the Jags when they blew a 14-3 halftime lead vs. Tennessee. Despite fumbling away their game with Tampa Bay, the Vikes are still tied for the NFC North lead.
Carolina (+1) over ATLANTA - Atlanta may have been exposed a bit in last week's home loss to the injury-ravaged Broncos, and the going won't get any easier vs. the NFC South-leading Panthers.
DENVER (-9) over Oakland - It is tough laying substantial points with banged-up Denver, but the alternative is taking points with an Oakland team that has gone three-plus games (13 quarters) without an offensive TD.
Washington (-3.5 ) over SEATTLE - Must game for the Redskins, who must travel the wild card route to postseason play. A solid effort easily gets them past the 2-8 Seahawks.
New York Giants (-3) over ARIZONA - Apologies to the Titans, but the Giants may be the NFL's best team at the moment. Aging Cardinals QB Kurt Warner may reconsider retirement after the New York front seven pays him a visit.
SAN DIEGO (-2.5) over Indianapolis - The Bolts still have a reasonable shot at catching the Broncos for the AFC West title. They match up well with an Indy team they've beaten three straight times.
MONDAY
NEW ORLEANS (-2.5 ) over Green Bay - Both these 5-5 teams are alive in the NFC wild card chase. But because they don't play in the NFC North, where a .500 record has the Pack in first place, the game is much more important to N.O. -- Boston Herald
Ben Maller can be heard weeknights on "The Third Shift on Fox" via the vast Fox Sports Radio Network. The show is broadcast live Monday-Friday from 2am till 6am (est). Check your local radio listenings for the FSR affiliate in your town, listen to XM Satellite Radio Channel No. 142 or via live streaming audio online at FoxSports.com/Radio. Say hi to Ben at myspace.com/benmaller. Interact with Ben's fans and talk sports on Ben Maller's forum Questions, comments and news tips can be sent to Ben via e mail at BigBen@Foxsports.com or Ben@BenMaller.com.
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