2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em: Week Twelve

365 days. 52 weeks. 12 months. One year.

It can make all the difference.

In one year the NFL has been turned upside down. One year ago, the unbeaten team went from the New England Patriots to the Tennessee Titans. The Miami Dolphins went from a win-less team to a squad vying for a playoff spot. The Detroit Lions went from having some hope to none at all.

In our pick ‘em league, the turnaround is not that dramatic. Here are the standings at this point 365 days ago.

1) Luke 95-65
2) Sara 86-74
3) Kevin 85-75
4) Devin 84-76
5) Jeff 80-80
5) Grothaus 80-80
7) Bart 79-81
8) Barnes 77-83

Flash forward 12 months and here are the standings for those veterans in 2008.

1) Devin 91-69 (+7)
1) Luke 91-69 (-4)
3) Kevin 85-75 (EVEN)
4) Grothaus 84-76 (+4)
5) Bart 81-79 (+2)
6) Jeff 79-81 (-1)
7) Sara 79-81 (-7)
8) Barnes 74-86 (-3)

Combined, those eight members are just two games behind their 2007 pace. Pretty remarkable.

Apparently one year doesn’t make that much difference all the time.

Apologies for the lack of graphics this week. As for quote of the week, and records of the special picks, those will update periodically throughout the day. Lastly, KOA will have a running LIVE blog for the MNF game. Stay tuned for details on how to participate.

Last side note: Jake Young did make comments, but unfortunately, he has not gotten his money in even though the deadline was nearly two months ago. Jake has assured me he will pay, but until KOA receives it, we will refrain from his comments. Sorry Jake. And for those who would like to read his comments, feel free to check out Jake’s blog over on the sidebar.

Let week 12 commence.

Carolina @ Atlanta (-1.5)

Three weeks ago, the Panthers would have been the pick here, but the Falcons have shown me something recently. I can’t put my finger on it (that’s what she said) but I see them beating Carolina, a team who has no business being 8-2.
My Pick: ATL (-1.5)

Kevin: “So wait, the Falcons can be beaten at home? And now they're playing the division leaders? Michael Turner might have 110 yards on the ground with a score, but it won't be enough to beat Carolina.

Side note: I was actually kind of angry that the Panthers had two 100-yard rushers last week. When the Browns have A game where they have A 100-yard rusher, I feel like it's the best thing ever. Angry, jealous, envious ... whatever you want to call it, I hate seeing it about 99% of the time.” It always comes back to the Browns. This wouldn't be so bad if the Browns weren't Kevin Hunting away every single game this year.

Barnes: “Falcons are coming into this game pissed off about the Broncos loss. The Panthers come into this game after escaping the two worst teams in the NFL. Well two of the three, since they didn't play the Browns.” Wait, you forgot about the Jaguars.

CAR: Devin, Brian, Chewy, Kevin, Bursa, Jeff, Sara, Jake

ATL: Lucius, Josh, Luke, Justin, Polito, Shane, Braves, Bart, Rapking, Barnes

Philadelphia @ Baltimore (-1)

Donovan McNabb didn’t know that an NFL game could end in a tie. How is that possible? I blame Andy Reid’s kids. Their past drug habits have taken Reid’s attention off of the Eagles, which is why this team has struggled the past 18 months. As for this game, I honestly have no idea, so we will let Maxine have a crack (pun) at it.

Mother’s Intuition Pick Of The Week: PHI (+1)

Kevin: “I'm not taking the Eagles again. Not after they tied last week. I understand that I already took Cincinnati, but they weren't supposed to win last week ... and they DEFINITELY weren't supposed to tie.

I'm also a little flustered. Last week I noted how the odds makers should have every line end with .5 and how there needed to be a new line about ties that wasn't simply, 'kissing your sister' because not everyone has a sister and would fully understand the phrase.

I regret to inform you that I didn't think up a new phrase. I'm extremely disappointed in myself. But, in my defense, here was my recent schedule:

+Saturday - work til 10:45, drinking and watching UFC until 4:30 a.m. (side note: I successfully picked every losing fighter that was shown on TV. They came out and I randomly chose every single losing fighter. The people I was with laughed. I, on the other hand, couldn't really tell what was so funny. It's become that normal to me.)

+Sunday - woke up at 10 (couldn't sleep anymore), watched NFL the rest of the night, bought a 30-pack of Miller High Life thinking people were getting together after the afternoon games (they weren't), still have it sitting unopened in my fridge.

+Monday - played pickup basketball and missed somewhere between 25 and 30 layups (but didn't slam my hands into anything) - decided that my lack of focus on the court was due to actually getting to watch Brady Quinn play (I had to work last Thursday and could only watch via Gametracker on my computer) - went to the bars already buzzing and was happy to be alive at the end of the night knowing the Browns won that game against the Bills.

+Tuesday - recovered from the night before, woke up early because we're getting a new washer and dryer installed and the dudes are pounding hammers into the walls very, very early.

+Wednesday - woke up early for BOSU class with the stay-at-home moms (side note: my mom asked me if any of them had good-looking daughters. That's right, my MOM wonders if I can hook myself up. It's worse than I thought ... and I thought it was baaaaaad) - went to work where we had multiple breaking news situations that turned out to be nothing and where my workday, well, still hasn't ended (though technically it has suspended for the time being, since I clocked out for a break before going back in to put a story to the web).

In essence, I'm asking for forgiveness from KOA. This is very much not like me to have trouble thinking something up. But the odds are fairly good that by the end of this e-mail, I will have thought of something.” Did Barnes write a blog post about your schedule Hunt? What am thinking? I'm sure he did.

Devin: “Get back on track after last week. Andy and Donovan better update resumes.” They can take those resumes to George O'Leary's School of Resume Making. Their slogan, "you can be whatever you want to be," has attracted thousands.

Barnes: “Don't worry folks. Donovan McNabb knows there are ties now. He'll play to win.” A simple way to fix this NFL overtime problem, is to incorporate the college football system, but with a twist. The offense starts with the ball at their OWN 35. Let the college system take over from there.

Chewy: “If I were one of the Eagles players I would be more fired up after a tie than any other time in my career.” The sad part is, this entire game might hinge on whether Brian Westbrook is going to play.

PHI: Lucius, Josh, Justin, Chewy, Shane, Rapking, Jeff, Sara, Barnes, Jake

BAL: Devin, Brian, Polito, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Bart

Houston @ Cleveland (-3)

Brady Quinn has made two starts and not a single word has been said on the subject here at KOA. Now seems just a good as time as any.

The whole Quinn-Anderson debate will finally be settled when Anderson is traded away at year’s end. Right now, it is safe to say there is more consistency when Quinn is under center. He clearly has more poise as well as a better command of the huddle. His athleticism has been on display several times, something Anderson never had.

It’s a crazy thing to say, but last year’s 10-6 record cost the Browns two years, if not more. Think about it, they didn’t make the playoffs last year, so in the most basic sense, that was a lost year. Secondly, it tricked Phil Savage, Romeo Crennel, and the majority of Browns fans that this team was on the brink of something special. This is why DA stayed, and draft picks were traded. All of a sudden the future was here.

But the future wasn’t here. The future was not with DA, at least not with Quinn sitting there. It was set up for failure.

In all honesty, the better plan would have been for THIS season to have happened LAST year. Quinn getting to play the second half of the season, DA serving as the serviceable back-up, the team heading towards an 8-8 record. That would have set-up things nicely for this season and the future in general. However, that 10-6 mark messed everything up, especially when Cleveland missed the playoffs.

Now, this season rests on the season-ending game against Pittsburgh. Hopefully the Steelers will have something to play for and play their starters. If the Browns can win that one, then a lot will be forgotten from the previous 15 games. If the Browns can win that one, then Brady Quinn will do something that DA never could do. If the Browns can win that one, then 2009 will look a little brighter.
My Pick: CLE (-3)

Kevin: “After that long thought, I'll just make this one easier. It's probably Brian's last time he'll see the Brownies play for awhile since he's off to the Air Force in December. Go Browns.” Which begs the question, could the Browns beat Air Force? I'd take the points.

Devin: “The Quinn train is now in full force; Projected Stats 20-31, 245 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 22 yds rushing. Lets see how close I get.” I have been doing this as well, and have been fairly close the first two games. 18/29, 233 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 15 yds rushing.

Barnes: “I don't like the Texans playing well in bad weather. Actually, make that any weather.” Feel free to substitute 'Texans' with 'Sage Rosenfels' and Barnes' comment makes more sense.

Chewy: “ I think Quinn will just get better every week.” He's a smart kid, one who handles himself ten times better than DA. When did you ever hear DA taking blame for a loss when he played well? Never. Which brings me back to my point about last year, if Quinn would have been getting these reps in 2007, then 2008 and the seasons beyond would have benefited.

HOU: Rapking, Jeff, Jake

CLE: Lucius, Josh, Devin, Luke, Brian, Justin, Chewy, Polito, Shane, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Bart, Sara, Barnes

San Francisco @ Dallas (-10)

Tony Romo came back last week and led the Cowboys to a road win against the Redskins. Big deal. He didn’t look that sharp, whereas the 49ers aren’t looking that horrible. Merton Hanks would be so proud.
My Pick: SF (+10)

KEVIN'S BALLBUSTER PICK OF THE WEEK: DAL (-10)

Overheard on the scanners immediately before this pick: 'Looking for a female. Date of birth 5-21-95.' So I'm taking the 5th game listed and taking the team whose numbers 21 and 95 combine for the most weight.

Dallas: #21 Adam Jones (185) + #95 Tank Johnson (300) = 485
San Francisco: #21 Frank Gore (217) + #95 Tully Banta-Cain (265) = 482

Had Jones not been reinstated earlier today, I would have had to take the 49ers. Something tells me if I lose this pick, I'll be hating on Pacman the rest of the year. (Starting to stockpile Vegas references now.)" Famous birthdays on May 21st include, Mr. T and the Notorious B.I.G.

Barnes: “Should be a good one. Young, Hearst, and Rice vs. Aikman, Smith and Irvin. Doesn't get much better than this in the NFC.” QOTW candidate. I'm a sucker for old football player references. And how true. Fifteen years ago this game would have been incredible.

SF: Lucius, Luke, Justin, Chewy, Polito, Rapking, Barnes

DAL: Josh, Devin, Brian, Shane, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Bart, Jeff, Sara, Jake

Tampa Bay (-8.5) @ Detroit

Picked the Lions last week and despite getting fourteen points, I was teetering on the edge the entire game. It is just not that fun backing the Lions. Instead, it is much easier to pick against Detroit. Here’s to an instant classic game from Daunte “Throw It” Culpepper.
My Pick: TB (-8.5)

Kevin: “The Bucs defense is 5th in the NFC in interceptions this year. The Lions offense is one off being the NFC's most intercepted team. You know what that means ... "Throw It" could make an AMAZING comeback this week. Note to Barnes: Please pick up and start Daunte Culpepper this week.” This 'throw-it' nickname originated our sophomore year (2005) in Bromley Hall. Barnes, myself, Kevin, and Joe Barrett were watching the Vikings-Bengals game in our dorm room. Well, after Culpepper threw his second interception of the day, we all started screaming for Culpepper to "throw-it" because we wanted to see more picks. To make a long story short, he threw six interceptions that day, and the name has followed him ever since.

Devin: “If I fail to cover this game, I will be rooting for a new team. Flo, get ready we can make a game of it.” Let's make this game torture for D-Frank. If the Bucs fail to cover, you must root for the opposing team (in this case the Lions). Now, even I don't want this to happen for you, so I will give you a three-game window, meaning let's say you are stuck with the Lions, well you have three chances to get rid of them. The only way you get rid of them is to say 'if they fail to cover this game ... ' But each time, you are stuck with the opposing team, and you only have three games. Still with me? If you are then congrats. The overruling stipulation is that once you make that "if-then" clause, and your team COVERS, you are stuck with that team for one full year. Makes sense to me.

Barnes: “The Rays bats should be able to beat up on the disappointing Tigers bullpen.” Not sure what it is with Barnes and Florida-based teams. He loved the Rays, and currently loves the Jags. Must be the sun, or all the old people who reside there.

TB: Lucius, Devin, Luke, Justin, Chewy, Polito, Shane, Kevin, Rapking, Jeff, Sara, Barnes, Jake

DET: Josh, Brian, Braves, Bursa, Bart

Minnesota @ Jacksonville (-2)

Two very similar teams. Both play decent defense. Both start incredibly marginal quarterbacks. Both have tremendous running games. And both are privy to laying eggs from week-to-week. Taking the Vikings solely because they have a much greater chance of getting in the playoffs, so the thinking is they have more to play for. Who knows.
My Pick: MIN (+2)

Kevin: “Woody (my co-worker and night-side reporter who used to work in Minnesota but loves all things Wisconsin) calls the Vikings quarterback (amongst other things) "Douche Frerotte." Every week we try to understand how it is that ol' Gus doesn't have more interceptions (ok, ok Adrian Peterson carries the ball A LOT). And every week I hope for a face-slamming moment. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, Trent Green just got a headache thinking about doing that.” What do you get when you add Trent Green with Gus Frerotte? Jim Everett of course.

Devin: “Big game for Peterson? Its not good when you are double guessing your picks as you type them in.” He does this every week. Moans about his picks, while he is picking them, and then ends up going 12-4 or something along those lines. He is in third place for a reason.

Barnes: “Two popular Super Bowl picks who have been really disappointing so far.” Vikings could still win their division, while your Jags are all but finished.

Chewy: “Peterson has gained more yardage than Fred Taylor and MJJ combined. Why are the Jags favored in this one? The Jags are the same team that gave the Bengals their only win right? Minnesota has been playing great over the last three weeks.” All of a sudden I like my pick a little bit more. Thanks Chewy.

MIN: Lucius, Josh, Devin, Luke, Brian, Chewy, Shane, Braves, Bursa, Rapking, Jeff, Jake

JAX: Justin, Polito, Kevin, Bart, Sara, Barnes

Buffalo (-3) @ Kansas City

Only the Bills could one-up Cleveland in the bad luck department. They are still alive in the AFC Wild Card and still have sufficient amount of talent to defeat Herm Edwards.
My Pick: BUF (-3)

THE PROMISE'S PROMISE: KC (+3)

"To be frank (not Devin), the Bills are Scott Norwood-ing their season right now.”

Kevin: “I'm giving it just one week before people get a reason to discredit the Browns for getting a hard-earned win on the road against the Bills. 'Oh, well Buffalo lost to the Chiefs. The CHIEFS! Don't get excited Browns fans.' Garbage.” Again, always back to the Browns. Kevin uses the 'Browns' card more than Rodney Dangerfield used the 'Respect' card.

Devin: “Wow Buffalo sucks. Wow Herm sucks. Game of the week boys.” Come on, be easy with Herm. It's not his fault his team sucks ... wait a minute, maybe it is.

BUF: Lucius, Devin, Luke, Brian, Justin, Chewy, Polito, Shane, Rapking, Sara

KC: Josh, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Bart, Jeff, Barnes, Jake

New England @ Miami (-1.5)

This is my first post since Barack Obama became the 44th President. Ergo, I will be taking the Patriots until they fail to cover. Yes We Can.
My Pick: NE (+1.5)

Kevin: “Through 10 games played, the Wildcats have a worse pass defense than the Cleveland Browns. Matt Cassel just threw for 400 yards against the Jets, who also have a pretty bad pass defense (obviously a little skewed after last week's game). Bill Belichick probably had a defensive game-plan drawn up to stop the Wildcat formation after his team got burned badly by it in the first meeting this year.” With my wife I don't get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to 'the best woman a man ever had.' The waiter joined me.

Devin: “Miami really cant be good, can they?” Well, the Dolphins have proved one thing with this year, that Cam Cameron will never be a head coach in the NFL again.

Barnes: “I sat on this game for a funny comment for 10 minutes and came up blank. Sorry.” How about a review of the beauty pageant you went to a couple weeks ago. I'd like to hear how that all went down. For any Arrested Development fans, can't you see Barnes acting JUST like Gob in this situation?

NE: Lucius, Devin, Luke, Brian, Chewy, Polito, Kevin, Bursa, Rapking, Jeff, Sara, Jake

MIA: Josh, Justin, Shane, Braves, Bart, Barnes

Chicago (-8) @ St. Louis

Is there any way possible to pick a team who has been outscored 75-3 in the first half of their previous two games? No I Can’t.
My Pick: CHI (-8)

Kevin: “No Steven Jackson means no win for the Rams. Meanwhile, I'm taking a team that very well could put an injured Kyle Orton on the field instead of a healthy Rex Grossman. If more than seven people watch this game, I'll ask the next girl I see at a bar if she wants to go moose hunting. (Thankfully the Madison FOX station decided to go with Minnesota-Jacksonville this week or I'd be down to six, since we all know I'd contribute to my own demise by watching the game.)” You just really want to ask a girl to go moose-hunting with you. Don't lie.

Barnes: “How bad do the Rams lose this week? I'm going 24. Over/Under anyone?” What would the spread be if last year's Patriots were playing this year's Rams this week? The Rams might be getting 40. Seriously.

CHI: Lucius, Josh, Devin, Luke, Brian, Chewy, Shane, Kevin, Bursa, Jeff, Sara, Barnes, Jake

STL: Justin, Polito, Braves, Bart, Rapking

New York Jets @ Tennessee (-5)

Biggest game of the weekend. The Titans are trying to get to 11-0, while the Jets are trying to win five in a row. My line of thinking the past few weeks has been to keep picking the Titans until they lose. Well, they could still win this game and not cover.
My Pick: NYJ (+5)

Maxine Hunt Pick of the Week (NYJ +5)

"She took the Jets because 1) it worked last week after taking the team that reminded her of Elton John's, "Benny and the Jets" and 2) because Tennessee doesn't have any good songs.

Phil Fulmer would disagree. As would Lynn Anderson, who popularized, "Rocky Top," one of seven official state songs of Tennessee.

Fun Fact: Wikipedia says it only took 10 minutes to write that song ... and a lifetime to enjoy it.”

Chewy: “The Jets are running the football much better than Tennessee.” No one is bringing this up, but the Titans running back Chris Johnson, is just a rookie. Every rookie, ESPECIALLY running-backs begin to feel fatigue at this point in the season because it reaches the point where they are playing longer than they were in college. Look at me trying to talk myself into feeling better about going against the Titans at home.

Barnes: “ My gut tells me this is a game Favre throws 5 INT in. That or I'm just hungry.” There is no doubt in my mind Barnes went for the Pizza Roles. He loves those little treats.

Devin: “Pick em till they lose.” This would be the common sense approach towards picking this game.

NYJ: Lucius, Luke, Brian, Justin, Chewy, Shane, Kevin, Bursa, Rapking, Jeff, Jake

TEN: Josh, Devin, Polito, Braves, Bart, Sara, Barnes

Oakland @ Denver (-9.5)

The Broncos won 41-14 in week one, the last time these two AFC West rivals met. This time they are at home and coming off a well played road victory against the Falcons.
My Pick: DEN (-9.5)

Kevin: “I believe this game could be much closer than anticipated. Oakland has a very good pass defense. The deciding factors in this game could be the secondary receivers for the Broncos and how well they play. And Denver re-signed Tatum Bell. Show of hands, who wants to see them get so desperate they bring back Travis Henry?” Okay, are your hands up? WHO’S GAY??

Barnes: “Two reasons. One: Jay Cutler is throwing the ball like a madman once again. Two: Mike Shanahan loves running up the score against Al Davis and the Raiders.” I take you back to week one. 41-14. Enough said.

Chewy: “Lets repeat week one, but this time Marshall is not suspended. Good thing they can't cover our receivers because we don't have any running backs left.” This comment is going to lead to several nasty e-mails from Peyton Hillis' parents.

OAK: Kevin, Braves, Bursa

DEN: Everyone else

New York Giants (-3.5) @ Arizona

Kurt Warner vs. Eli Manning. This one should be fun. The Cardinals won’t be able to stop the Giants running game, but the G-Men will have trouble stopping Arizona’s passing attack. Which one will give? Don’t know, so I’m taking the points.
My Pick: ARI (+3.5)

Kevin: “A headline game for me. Either the Giants will dominate or the Cards will come out fired up and win a close one that will have Kurt Warner spouting Denny Green references about knowing that the Giants are who they thought they were.” I mean if you want to crown them, go ahead Hunt.

Barnes: “Think it comes down to the fact that Brandon Jacobs and the G-Men will keep the AZ offense off the field.” Naw, you are giving the Cardinals defense too much credit. Jacobs and company are going to score, and score in a hurry. If Eli Manning doesn't get in the way, this will be a shoot-out.

Chewy: “I will take the Cards in the desert any day. I bet the Rams wish they would have kept hold of Kurt Warner.” Or what about the Iowa Barnstormers? The AFL team Warner spent two-plus years with. They'd love to have him back, and would probably make for a better situation than the Rams currently.

NYG: Lucius, Devin, Polito, Bursa, Rapking, Jeff, Sara, Barnes, Jake

ARI: Josh, Luke, Brian, Justin, Chewy, Shane, Kevin, Braves, Bart

Washington (-3.5) @ Seattle

This spread is suspiciously too low. Is Hasselbeck’s return really going to make that much of a difference? This could be the worst pick of the week, but one that could allow me to pick up some ground on the leaders.
My Pick: SEA (+3.5)

Kevin: “Mike Holmgren will be asking for a sloppy joe by halftime. Jim Zorn will be asking for a psychologist. And Deion Branch will be asking for a trade.” QOTW contender. Could have added a line about Sean Taylor being glad he's not around for this one, but, it might be too soon. Well played.

Barnes: “The Seahawks are doing a great job of sending Mike Holmgren to a happy retirement.” Who are we kidding? Holmgren quit coaching this team as soon as the 49ers job opened up. It's just a matter of time.

WAS: Lucius, Devin, Brian, Chewy, Polito, Shane, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Jeff, Sara, Barnes

SEA: Josh, Luke, Justin, Bart, Rapking, Jake

Indianapolis @ San Diego (-2.5)

A 6-4 team getting points against a 4-6 team. This one is too easy.
My Pick: IND (+2.5)

Barnes: “I'm not the kind of guy to pick against Peyton when he's on a roll. Plus, I'm afraid Marvin Harrison is going to shoot me.” You are confusing Harrison with former Indiana Pacer Stephen Jackson. Now Jackson would most definitely shoot you.

Chewy: “Apparently Rivers has never lost to the Colts. There's a first time for everything in the NFL though.” Unless you are the Detroit Lions. There will be no first WIN for this team.

Devin: “Really? You think I care about a spread. Screw Peyton. Peyton sucks. Pick other team.” Don't you just love a good grudge? It adds that something special to the blog, each week.

IND: Lucius, Josh, Luke, Brian, Chewy, Shane, Bursa, Bart, Rapking, Jeff, Sara, Barnes, Jake

SD: Devin, Justin, Polito, Kevin, Braves

Green Bay @ New Orleans (-2.5)

Looking forward to the MNF LIVE blog, and here is how it will work.

A running blog will update LIVE here at KOA. There are several ways to participate:

1) Leave comments on the blog itself. From there I can post them to the column.

2) Send me an IM through AOL. Inquire within if you do not know my screen name.

3) Send me a text message. Please limit these to three or four per person, solely because I am approaching my limit for the month of November.

4) Actually call me. Yes, my phone will be handy, and yes, I will answer. Might not have time to chat about life, but a quick phone call will land you on the blog.

There you go, hopefully you can join me tomorrow night. We will get underway at 8 PM EST.
My Pick: NO (-2.5)

Kevin: “Back the Pack Cause the Pack is Back! I need to send Ken Jones a card after this season's over.” Or you could build him a cake or something.

Devin: “I let my good friend Jess make this pick. She decided on New Orleans because it is a better city then Green Bay. I liked the pick.” A better city than Green Bay? Not really going out on a limb with that statement. Tiffin might be a better city than Green Bay. At least we have Findlay to fall back on.

Barnes: “Every time I think of New Orleans, all I can think of is paying $10/beer at the strip clubs on Bourbon Street. That and yelling 'O-H' just to hear 'FUCK YOU' in response from every LSU fan just a week before they beat my Buckeyes to a pulp. Oh, those were the good times.” Can not wait for Kris' wedding in a couple months. New Orleans sounds like the place for me.

Chewy: “I like GB's defense. The Saints offense has been too one dimensional this season, and GB has too many ball hawks (pun intended, Go Bucks [sorry, I had to after the big win this weekend]) on defense.” What's with all the Ohio State references with this game? Moving on, I absolutely loved Chewy's accurate use of paranthesis with his comment.

GB: Brian, Chewy, Kevin, Braves, Bursa, Rapking, Jeff, Jake

NO: Lucius, Josh, Devin, Luke, Justin, Polito, Shane, Bart, Sara, Barnes

Po's Knowledge Dropping - Week 9 in Review - By: Ryan Polito

"MOST DOMINANT:

Curt Hocker - Normally it is every golfers dream to make a hole-in-one just one time in their life. Well Central Illinois golfer Curt Hocker realized his dream recently on the golf course. Not only did he just reach his dream once, he has reached it five times. Not only did he reach his dream five times, he reached it five times in ONE WEEK. Just ask anyone at the El Paso Golf Club, where the 22-year-old has recorded five holes-in- one in the last week, including two last Saturday. In this year alone, Hocker has seven aces, five on par-4s, and two other double eagles.

"I don't know what to think," said Hocker, who works in the club's pro shop.

"After each one I say it's over, and it keeps happening."

As unbelievable as this story sounds, Hocker has as many as 20 witnesses to his greatness. A young Tiger Woods in the making? Or just someone with incredible luck?

LEAST DOMINANT:

The NFL - it seems like this is the third time this year the NFL has been up here on least dominant, but they leave me no choice again. This league hands out fines like its a game. This past week Justin Tuck was fined for "driving Brooks Bollinger into the ground." If anyone has seen the play there is no way there should have been a flag nor a fine for this play. This is just the most recently of some ludicrous fines and flags thrown for roughing the passer. I understand protecting the players but its gone too far. Mike Golic called it "embarrassing." Ron Jaworski called it a "sad day" for the NFL. Trey Wingo said its all about protecting the stars in the NFL, and is a joke.

I’m not sure its all about protecting the stars because last time I checked Brooks Bollinger was no star. Unless you count the ugly one on the side of his helmet.

Fun Fact of the Week:

Since 1992 the Pittsburgh Steelers are 120-1 when getting a 13+ pt lead on an opponent. In other words, they have lost only one time when getting that big of a lead in the last 16 years.

In the last two weeks, the Cleveland Browns have two losses (0-2) when leading by 13+ pts.

That’s all for me this week, until next time. Go Steelers. Go Cavs."

Chew on This - By: Andrew Reinhart

"Reminiscing on The Drive after the game Thursday night, I decided to coin the term The Fourth to refer to the fourth quarter of the Broncos-Browns game the other night. As even though 12 contributing player on the Broncos were injured including all four running backs on the roster, all of the starting Line Backers, and Champ Bailey, Cutler still threw for about 450000000 yards.

Doesn't Romeo get it? Its not a QB problem; give the freaking football to Jamal thirty times a game. It might not seem that simple, but every time Jamal Lewis has gotten 25 carries or more over the last two years, the Browns have won.

I feel bad for Brady since nothing has been going his way, but he is the starter now. In conclusion, I hope both the Broncos and Browns win out and see each other in the AFC championship game, but there's about the same odds on that as McCain making a come back in the election. At least the poor people in Cleveland have the Cavs to watch now."

That’s all she wrote for this week, please come on over and stop by for a bit tomorrow night for the LIVE running blog.

Until next time, “read it, roll it, hole it.”