KOA Reviews LOST: All 88 Episodes

It's the best TV show going these days make no mistake. In 44 short days, LOST will make its much anticipated return to ABC, as the season 5 premiere hits the airwaves January 21st. So, in preparation for this gigantic occasion, the KOA will take a look back at EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. We have developed a ratings system in order to rank all 88 episodes as well.

The thought process is two episodes reviewed per day, but we shall see how long that lasts.

Anyways, here is the 100-point rating system we will be using to look at each LOST episode. It's not as complicated as the BCS, but it might cause some head scratching. But with LOST, would you expect anything else?

LOST CRITERIA (100 Possible Points)

1) Flashback Story Line (15 Points)

How much of a story does the flashback tell us? Does it relate well to the current island story? Does it shed light on the character it is focusing on? Was it entertaining or boring?

2) Acting Skills (15 Points)

Did the actors do a good job or was their performance lacking? Could any acting awards be won on the sole basis of this episode?

3) Advance of Overall Story (15 Points)

Does the story move in this episode? If so, how much? Were there more questions than answers?

4) Key Moment Factor (10 Points)

Every LOST episode has one defining moment. How dramatic was it? Was it lackluster? Was it brilliant?

5) Shock Value (10 Points)

Was I surprised by anything? Did something come along that I had no clue would happen? Did I say, "wow, no way?!?"?

6) Island Mystery (10 Points)

Obviously the island is special, but did we learn anything about the island? Were we shown any insight as to what this island is actually about? Was something presented to us about the island?

7) Losties United (10 Points)

Maybe my favorite criteria. Did the Losties unite at all during the episode? If so, how was their interaction? Was it believable, or were they simply running through the jungle? These people were all strangers on the initial plane ride, and it's spectacular to watch the evolution from stranger to friend take place on a mysterious island.

8) The Ending (5 Points) - Bonus Points Available - Up to 10

Did it leave me wanting more? How badly do I need to watch the next episode based soley off of the ending?

9) Humor (5 Points)

Did I laugh at all? Was humor used effectively in the story?

10) Other Intangibles (5 Points)

Anything that I can think of that doesn't fall into any of the aforementioned categories. Could be music, a specific quote, etc.

So there ya go. Even though LOST does not come back for 44 days, today marked it's official return for the KOA. Buckle in everyone, this just might be as good as it gets.

2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em: Who Are The Chefs??

Each year we have done a pick 'em league, it appears a varying theme tends to show up. Last year it was Tom Hanks and the movie Philadelphia. This year for some unexplainable reason, it was the Snickers "Chefs" commercial. So, without further ado, here it is.

And, because I can, a clip from Bart's favorite movie.

Only in ATS pick 'em.

Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em: Week Fourteen

Different format for this week. Plans were changed at the last minute when a pair of league members got their picks in on time, but had several game comments as well. Up to that point, no one had really sent in comments. So, this is the KOA in a bit of a scramble mode. Make sure to check out the four weeks to go post which is right after this column.

Up first, the man known as Alex Lucius. His thoughts for the week have always been great, but this one might be his best.

ALEX LUCIUS' THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK

"holy hell, i am drunker than a monkey right now, but you know what, my cousin is dating a cleveland browns player. how awesome is that? like for people reading this, its not like my 3rd or 2nd cousin this is my actual first cousin like me and her grew up together and like she will say yea alex is pretty much my favorite cousin and he will be bruce's best man if they get married. how cool is that? im practically on the browns right now. if anyone wants my autograph well then piss off. i can not wait until ken dorsey dies next week ( he will actually die) and they show bruce gradkowskis family and it will be me my cousin miranda and all of his family and i will just be yelling everything about romeo and donato's and how i love jared rosenberger and hunt is short. and they will be like " thats bruces cousin in law, hes hammered" and ill be like "well duh". bart knows what im talking about. how the hell is josh florence good at this? i love the kid to death but he just is good every week, how? i dont know. and thank god whoever justin is decided to suck recently he was good, but whatever. and barnes, ur in last, if this was february, u would be in first. big gulps huh? sweet cya later. i gotta get me some boats and hoes."

Yep, that's an unedited account of what Alex Lucius was thinking about this week. A+ effort.

Okay, now to Jake Young. He has proven time and time again to be the 2008 version of Jeff Normand, and this is what is on Jake's mind with the week 14 match-ups.

"Jacksonville @ Chicago (-6.5)
The Pick; Chicago
The Jags just want this season to end, and the Bears should have a renewed vigor after seeing the Williamses fall for the Vikes.

Minnesota (-8) @ Detroit
The Pick: Minnesota
There's a chance for a letdown, but AD isn't going to let that happen against the Lions I expect.

Houston @ Green Bay (-5.5)
The Pick: Green Bay
Another Packer pick I have very little confidence in. I hate when I have to feel that way, especially against the Texans.

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis (-13.5)
The Pick: Cincinnati
They won't win, but I feel like they'll keep it close.

Atlanta @ New Orleans (-3)
The Pick: Atlanta
Matty Ice and The Burner...that's enough for me

Philadelphia @ New York Giants (-7)
The Pick: New York Giants
I'd be crazy to pick against this team right now.

Cleveland @ Tennessee (-14)
The Pick: Tennessee
If Josh Cribbs come in at quarterback, I say Cleveland covers. With Ken Dorsey, nope.

Miami v. Buffalo (-1) (At Toronto)
The Pick: Miami
Buffalo=the ship is sinking!!!! How many times do I have to say it??

Kansas City @ Denver (-9)
The Pick: Kansas City
I don't trust Denver covering 9

New York Jets (-4) @ San Francisco
The Pick: New York Jets
Brett better get back on track against the Niners after last week's debacle.

St. Louis @ Arizona (-14)
The Pick: Arizona
St. Louis has no chance in my opinion.

Dallas @ Pittsburgh (-3)
The Pick: Pittsburgh
I think the Steelers are a force to be reckoned with

New England (-5) @ Seattle
The Pick: New England
Seattle is just plain bad.

Washington @ Baltimore (-5)
The Pick: Baltimore
They have improved rapidly, and I'm cool with it.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-3)
The Pick: Tampa Bay
I just think the Bucs are a better team."

Moving on to Matt Barnes, who despite being in last place has been trying valiantly to get out of that hole. With Michael Grothaus and Braves apparently done for the year, the forecast is sunny for Barnes NOT finishing in dead last.

"Chicago - Something about warm-weather Jacksonville going to play in cold-weather Chicago. That and I think the Jags suck.
Minnesota - If the Lions are going to win a game, it's gotta be this one. Daunte's Revenge possibly
Green Bay - A must-win for the Packers. so they'll let out all their anger on the Texans. Plus, the weather thing again.
Cincinnati - The Bengals are bad. But they're not -13.5 underdogs bad.
Atlanta - No love for the Falcons. Better record, better team, but not favored against the defense-less Saints. Odd.
Philadelphia - Call me crazy but I think McNabb has been awakened. And with Westbrook playing, I like the chances for an upset.
Tennessee - Ken Dorsey? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Miami - Hey, at least this game is better than a Blue Jays game.
Denver - Remember when Barack Obama spoke at that stadium? Man, that was powerful.
New York Jets - I'm pretty sure Brett Favre doesn't like the heat I'm not sold on the Niners to beat this caliber of a team yet.
Arizona - Division title on the line for the Cards. And they're at home. They'll beat the Rams like Oklahoma beat Missouri
Pittsburgh - Without Barber, I don't think the Cowboys have enough to stay close with the Steelers.
New England - Nothing good is happening in the state of Washington. Why should it start now?
Baltimore - Only good reason to watch this game: John Madden.
Tampa Bay - Nothing against the Panthers but their offense still doesn't excite me."

If your picks match Barnes, that's not good news.

Finally we go to Kevin Hunt, who is at the Green Bay Packers game today. He bought one ticket (I'm not sure why) and will be freezing the entire time. But, Kevin loves being cold, so he should have a great time.

"Jacksonville @ Chicago (-6.5) -- CHI
Jags have no reason for playing well in the cold.

Minnesota (-8) @ Detroit -- MINN
Maxine Hunt Pick of the Week -- Here is my mom's text message, verbatim...
"Loser lions no way should be minn to win and i think Vikings have horns on their helmets or they should"

If that actually means she's taking the Lions, then so be it.

Houston @ Green Bay (-5.5) -- GB
Back the Pack cause the Pack is Back! I nearly put money on them to win the division, just because the return would be so good. But then I realized they're 2 back with 4 to play. Where did this NFL season go?

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis (-13.5) -- INDY
Another line ending in .5 -- I like it.

Atlanta @ New Orleans (-3) -- NO
The Saints missed Reggie Bush more than they even know. And I miss Notre Dame football more than the casual observer knows. We used to say, "There's always Irish Basketball" but they got beat by OSU tonight. OF ALL THE TEAMS!&*^!)*@^!@! I almost exploded at work -- to the point that Woody mentioned, "You're out of your element right now aren't you?" Saturdays at work with sports are a mess.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants (-7) -- NYG
Ballbuster Pick of the Week -- Took the 7th game because I'm going to Lambeau on the 7th and I took the team whose name is first alphabetically... for no real reason.

Cleveland @ Tennessee (-14) -- TENN
They're at home, playing for the division, against a team led by Ken Dorsey. If they already wrapped up the division, I might... MIGHT... have gone with the Browns. Long live Vinny Testaverde.

Miami v. Buffalo (-1) (At Toronto) -- MIA
Why wouldn't the Bills play this game in the early part of the year? You take a Miami team and fly them up to a dome? So, so stupid. The Wildcats will thrive indoors.

Side note: When the Bills inevitably move to Toronto, will they change the team name? I vote for a sponsored name, like the New York in the MLS. Toronto Captain Morgans work for me. Call them the Caps for short. The fans could chant, "Morgie Morgie Morgie!!!!!" And a few could dress up as the Rummy Cokes (similar to Charlie's Fryes, but much cooler). Let's make this happen!!

Kansas City @ Denver (-9) -- DEN
Who are the Chefs? If you can find me a video link to this Snickers commercial of years past, I will love you forever.

New York Jets (-4) @ San Francisco -- NYJ
Maxine chose them two weeks in a row that they covered (I think, I don't even remember her picks that well). I'm in Green Bay, so why shouldn't the former Packer win in my presence. Suddenly I HATE my pick, only because I tried to reason it out. Damn myself.

St. Louis @ Arizona (-14) -- ARI
Thanks to the Rams for allowing the Browns to be tied for biggest underdog of the week. Maybe the Browns should change the stadium endzone name to the UnderDawg Pound. When were they last favored? Seems like eons.

Dallas @ Pittsburgh (-3) -- DAL
I hope the city blows up during this game, with some flying shrapnel taking out most of Columbus. The Cowboys are without their top two backs. Good luck.

New England (-5) @ Seattle -- NE
You know that huge card of "plays" that Mike Holmgren holds up and uses to cover his mouth during games? It actually doesn't have plays. It has the lyrics to Alan Jackson's "Remember When." And he holds it up so people don't see him singing to himself. Holmgren, too, used to be in Green Bay. I will eat 17 bratwurst this weekend just for him. But I refuse to put fries in my pocket.

Washington @ Baltimore (-5) -- BALT
I think these cities are close to each other. We'll call it rivalry week. And I'll take the home team to cover.

"Crab cakes and football!! That's what Maryland does!!"

Tampa Bay @ Carolina (-3) -- CAR
You know who I love? Evan Shaw. You know who loves the Panthers? Evan Shaw. Do you know where Lucius's pants are? Neither did he Thanksgiving morning. I know, I'm adorable."

Got to love it. Quick sidenote, my body-guard, Bart Borer picked EVERY team who wears the darker colored jerseys. The thinking being that they will retain heat better than the lighter colored team. We will see.

Here is a run-down of everyone's picks.

LUCIUS: JAX, DET, HOU, CIN, ATL, NYG, CLE, MIA, KC, NYJ, STL, DAL, NE, WAS, TB

JOSH: CHI, DET, GB, CIN, NO, PHI, CLE, BUF, DEN, NYJ, ARI, DAL, SEA, BAL, TB

DEVIN: JAX, MIN, GB, CIN, NO, NYG, TEN, MIA, DEN, NYJ, ARI, PIT, NE, BAL, TB

LUKE: JAX, MIN, GB, CIN, NO, NYG, TEN, BUF, DEN, NYJ, STL, PIT, NE, WAS, CAR

BRIAN: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, ATL, NYG, TEN, MIA, KC, NYJ, ARI, DAL, NE, WAS, TB

CHEWY: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, NO, NYG, CLE, BUF, DEN, NYJ, ARI, PIT, NE, WAS, TB

JUSTIN: CHI, DET, GB, IND, NO, PHI, CLE, MIA, KC, NYJ, STL, PIT, NE, BAL, TB

SHANE: CHI, GB, IND, ATL, PHI, TEN, MIA, DEN, NYJ, ARI, DAL, NE, BAL, TB

POLITO: JAX, DET, HOU, CIN, ATL, PHI, CLE, MIA, KC, SF, STL, DAL, SEA, WAS, TB

KEVIN: CHI, MIN, GB, IND, NO, NYG, TEN, MIA, DEN, NYJ, ARI, DAL, NE, BAL, CAR

BURSA: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, NO, PHI, TEN, BUF, DEN, NYJ, STL, DAL, NE, BAL, CAR

GROTHAUS: NO PICKS

RAPKING: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, NO, NYG, CLE, BUF, DEN, NYJ, ARI, PIT, NE, BAL, TB

JEFF: JAX, MIN, HOU, CIN, ATL, NYG, CLE, BUF, DEN, NYJ, ARI, DAL, NE, BAL, TB

BART: DARKER COLORED JERSEYS

BRAVES: NO PICKS

SARA: JAX, MIN, GB, IND, ATL, PHI, TEN, BUF, DEN, SF, ARI, DAL, NE, BAL, CAR

JAKE: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, ATL, NYG, TEN, MIA, KC, NYJ, ARI, PIT, NE, BAL, TB

CURTIS: JAX, MIN, HOU, IND, ATL, NYG, CLE, BUF, DEN, SF, ARI, DAL, NE, BAL, CAR

BARNES: CHI, MIN, GB, CIN, ATL, PHI, TEN, MIA, DEN, NYJ, ARI, PIT, NE, BAL, TB

There you go guys. Sorry for the rushed post, but plans changed overnight. Be that as it may, we will be back after the Browns game to update this post, make some comments, and clean it up a touch. Just wanted to make sure this was done before the games started. Best of luck, and until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it."

P.S. Make sure to check out the four week to go post which follows this column.

2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em: Down The Stretch We Come

64 games to go. One for every team in the 1st round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. That's all we have left.

Where did the time go?

It seemed like just last week where we handed out Las Vegas Odds for the 20 members of the 2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em League. That was at the end of August. Now we are at the beginning of December. Just as the NFL is currently separating the pretenders from the contenders, our league is doing the same.

The goal for the NFL is the Super Bowl. Our goal is the Top Four. That is where the money is. The girls and fame will surely follow. Or not. Stress on the latter with this group.

So, with just four weeks to go and 64 games to pick, let's take a look at how members of our group have done, and what chances they have of finishing in the top four.

THE PRETENDERS CONFERENCE

THE DAVE SHULA DIVISION

20) Matt Barnes (88-104) - High Point: Week One (4th Place) - Low Point: Current

This is a tremendous surprise. Since week one, Barnes has spiraled downward faster than Derek Anderson's trade value. Barnes has been in 16th or worse place every single week after week one, which is almost mathematically impossible. Not sure what happened, but it is obvious he could never get a grasp on the majority of teams. In other words, he pulled a Braylon Edwards, and completely dropped this season. The only thing he has to play for is a shot at .500. In order to reach that mark he will have to go 40-24, an average of 10-6 each week to reach that mountaintop.

19) Curtis Kummerer (91-101) - High Point: Week Two (4th Place) - Low Point: Current

Curtis shouldn't be in this division but mis-stepped in week eleven and forgot to get his picks in. It happens to the best of us, but really cost Curtis any shot at the money. He has stayed true to the Browns, as he is one of the few Browns fan to pick the lovable losers every single week. Curtis only needs to go 37-27 to get to .500, which is not that big of a stretch at all. Can he get there? Well, he will need to channel his inner-Ken Dorsey and make things happen the final four weeks.

18) Jake Young (92-100) - High Point: Week Five (15th Place) - Low Point: Week Three (20th)

It has truly been a tough year for Jake. Brett Favre goes from Green Bay to New York. The Packers are sitting at 5-7 while the Jets are leading the AFC East. Meanwhile Jake has never gotten a chance to stand on solid ground in this league. Give him credit, despite his losing records, Jake always has gotten his picks in and always provides comments each and every week. A 36-28 run over the final four weeks, an average of 9-7 each week, will put him at .500 and possibly save this season from being a total loss.

THE NORV TURNER DIVISION

17) Sara Normand (94-98) - High Point: Week One (4th Place) - Low Point: Week Five (19th)

Sara has not watched a single down of NFL football this year, so her spot in the Norv Turner Division is probably not that big of a surprise. All is not lost however. Due to her travels in Dublin, Ireland, Sara has not had to watch a single down of Cleveland Browns football as well, which is a tremendous plus. While Sara does not have too much of a chance of finishing in the money, she is in a tight race with her father Jeff for family pride.

16) Andrew Braverman (94-98) - High Point: Week Two (1st Place) - Low Point: Current

This one got out of hand in a hurry. On a steady decline since week ten, Braves now finds himself at his lowest position out of the entire year. A reasonable explanation might have been delivered in my mailbox yesterday as the 2008 AJB Holiday Collection CD made its way to Tiffin. The process of creating the '08 edition of this classic holiday favorite could have taken his attention off of the NFL for a couple weeks. At least his Bears are doing well. Oh whoops, my bad.

THE ART SHELL DIVISION

15) Bart Borer (96-96) - High Point: Week Eleven (10th Place) - Low Point: Week Five (20th)

For those of you who do not know Bart Borer, then you have no reason to be surprised at all by Bart's .500 record. However if you are like me, you find yourself scratching your head in amazement. In 12 of the 14 weeks, Bart has not picked seperate games. Instead, he either takes all the road teams, all the favorites, all the home teams, etc. Somehow he has found himself hovering .500 throughout it all. Last year Bart stopped making picks the last few weeks, so all he needs is ten wins to improve on his 2007 mark.

14) Jeff Normand (97-95) - High Point: Week Three (4th Place) - Low Point: Week Twelve (16th)

At the beginning of the year if you would have asked me where Jeff would finish, I would have bet a couple C-Notes he would be right around .500. In this instance Jeff reminds of Jerry Seinfeld. He wins some, he loses some, but in the end it always evens out. Even though Jeff would have to completely go off in order to finish in the money, he does have a three game lead over his eldest daughter, Sara, for family bragging rights. Maybe that small victory will help ease the pain his Browns have given him this season.

13) Chris Rapking (98-94) - High Point: Week Four (6th Place) - Low Point: Week One (16th)

Las Vegas gave Rapking long-shot odds of finishing in the top four, and while it appears he may not receive a check at the end of the season, Rapking has been impressive all season long. After getting off to a sluggish week one start, Rapking has found himself consistently in the middle-of-the-pack. He might not have the best week record, but he never has the worst. Just think of what his record would be if he wouldn't pick the Bengals every single week??

12) Michael Grothaus (100-92) - High Point: Week Two (1st Place) - Low Point: Current

How can a person with 100 wins be in the Art Shell Division? The reasoning is two-fold. One, the league as a whole has been impressive. Two, we are talking about Michael Grothaus. He belongs in this division. Grothaus could easily be in the top four, but he tends to forget a week or two and the next thing you know, he is in 12th. At the beginning of the year Grothaus was getting his picks in, winning games, and on the verge of collecting some cash. Now, he is coming off a week in which he forgot to send in his picks, giving him a 5-11 record and a spot in this division. Let's face it, Grothaus is Art Shell.

THE CONTENDERS CONFERENCE

THE MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER DIVISION

11) Brad Bursa (101-91) - High Point: Current - Low Point: Week Nine (20th)

Bursa has fought his rear end to get in this division. He is the anti-Michael Grothaus. One who didn't give up when things weren't going so well. He has earned it. Now, if he finishes strong he could do the unthinkable and win some money. The biggest thing to keep an eye out with Bursa will be how he does down the stretch with his wedding day looming on December 27th. Yours truly is overly excited for it, so I can't even begin to fathom how Bursa is doing.

10) Kevin Hunt (102-90) - High Point: Week One (4th) - Low Point: Week Six (15th)

In true Hunt fashion, he has been all over the place this season. Up, down, right in the middle. You name it, Hunt has been there. The odds on favorite to win it all is currently eight games out of the money. However flash back one year ago, when Hunt won 33 games the final three weeks to claim second place. He will more than likely need a repeat performance this time around to get some cash. If he fails, then Hunt could place blame on the lack of wins Maxine Hunt has produced. It appears just as Jimmy Clausen and Charlie Weis are tied at the hip, the same can be said for Kevin and Maxine.

9) Ryan Polito (103-89) - High Point: Week Eleven (7th Place) - Low Point: Week Two (16th)

The lone Steeler fan. Mr. Knowledge Dropping. Polito has been consistently good, but not consistently great. He came in brash, like any Steeler fan would in a league full of Browns members, and claimed he would take the crown in 2008. While things have not gone exactly the way he would have liked, he still has time to crack the top four. He will get zero sympathy if he does not however, because his Steelers are well on their way to yet another Division crown. I do wonder his thoughts on a potential Bill Cowher to Cleveland situation?

8) Shane Kline (103-89) - High Point: Week Four (2nd Place) - Low Point: Week Seven (11th)

Shane has been in the top half of this league every single week minus one. In just his first year in the league, Shane has proven his football knowledge. It shouldn't surprise, as was mentioned in the league preview, how much of a competitor Shane was in intramural football. Even though we are powerless in the playing of the NFL games, it does say something about those who refuse to lose. Shane is one of those guys. It seems he has the power to will himself into the top four.

THE BILL PARCELLS DIVISION

7) Justin Whelan (104-88) - High Point: Week Ten (1st Place) - Low Point: Week One (16th)

When we look back at the story of the 2008 NFL ATS Pick 'Em, Justin deserves to have his own chapter, foreward, afterword, etc. included. It's been something else to watch. He started out slow, but mid-way through went on one of the hottest runs ever in the short history of this league, as he had the best record each week for four consecutive weeks. It was enough to give him the top spot after nine weeks. Then, as fast as he rose, he fell, pulling this years version of a Matt Barnes going 3-11 in week ten to drop him completely out of the money. He hasn't been in the top four since, but with four weeks to go, Justin is trying to prove that how you finish is the most important factor.

6) Andrew "Chewy" Reinhart (104-88) - High Point: Week Five (3rd Place) - Low Point: Week Eight (11th)

We all saw this coming. Chewy can just flat out pick football games. The question was whether he could continue picking winners ATS style. The answer is unequivocally, yes. Throughout the season Chewy has provided Chew On This segments which typically talk about the offensive line and defensive line play of a variety of teams. His game comments unveil his game-day knowledge, letting everyone know about injuries and potential weather situations. He knows football. Four good weeks could very well be enough for some cash.

5) Brian Boesch (106-86) - High Point: Week Eleven (3rd Place) - Low Point: Week One (16th)

Probably the biggest Cleveland Indian fan amongst us, Boesch has shown great versatility by thriving in this format. He has said his one big goal was to simply just make the money. With four weeks to go, Boesch has a great chance to not only reach that goal but surpass it. Similar to Justin, Brian got off to a slow start, but by stringing consistently solid weeks together, Boesch finds himself just four games out of fourth place. That's just one game every week. NFL ATS Pick 'Em: helping dreams come true since 2007.

THE VINCE LOMBARDI DIVISION

4) Luke Florence (110-82) - High Point: Week One (1st Place) - Low Point: Week Ten (7th)

It's been a challenging year for us here at KOA. Chances of repeating on the 150-win success of 2007 were small, and honestly, not realistic. Mid-way through we got desperate and asked members of the BESS club to make picks for the entire week. We also attempted a Mother's Intuition Pick as well. Not the best ideas for someone trying to actually win. So, we got a little wiser, went back to making my own picks, and now we are in the Lombardi division. Just four games off last year's pace, it needs to be said that if 150 wins is NOT enough this year then so be it. Whoever tops that mark deserves the crown and the cash.

3) Devin Frank (111-81) - High Point: Current - Low Point: Week Seven (11th Place)

In all the years that we have been making picks for NFL games D-Frank has always been near the top. No changes here in 2008, Devin is well on his way to making some money. What has helped Devin, besides his ability to pick winners, has been luck. Yep, a little bit of luck. Twice, Devin has decided to take all road teams, and both times he has at least tied for the best record of the week. With the Buccaneers playing well, one would think things are going good for D-Frank. Don't forget ladies and gentlemen, he is an Irish fan.

2) Josh Florence (113-79) - High Point: Week Eleven (1st Place) - Low Point: Week One (20th)

Now this just doesn't make any sense at all. Josh comes into this league as a sub, gets handed the worst record after he missed the first week, and responds by going 13-2 the very next week. The rest has been history. It's been difficult trying to come up with a sports analogy, nearly impossible. It would be like the 12th man off the bench on an NBA team winning the league's MVP. Or the Browns winning a playoff game. Sadly, both analogies are accurate.

1) Alex Lucius (115-75) - High Point: Current - Low Point: Week One (11th Place)

What can be said that hasn't already been said? All Lucius has done is lead this group for the majority of the season. Nine weeks total. It's his trophy, his league, his championship to lose. His 115 wins are one ahead of the 150-pace yours truly put up last year. It was said going in that he was the only coach amongst us, and while it is not certain if he has used that coaching prowess to pick the winners, one thing is certain ... he is picking the winners, and often. More so than anyone else. Can he hold on with just 64 games to go? Stay tuned.

Debate Of The Young Sports Minds: Sooners or Longhorns??

After a lengthy vacation, Barnes and myself are pulling a Roger Clemens and coming back. We have gone back and forth, tried several different formats, and eventually got tired. Barnes got tired of losing, and well I got tired of winning. That being said, in an effort to bring more consistency, we are only going to give our opening arguments without actually reading what the other person said. It's much simpler and should result in a plethora of topics. Only time will tell.

The first topic is one that all sports fans can pencil in at this time of year. There always seems to be a college football team who feels they were slighted by the rankings. In 2008 the debate is Oklahoma or Texas. Here is our take. As always, please let us know what you think with COMMENTS at the end. They are the oxygen we need to breathe to keep this debates alive.

Luke Florence: OKLAHOMA

Texas or Oklahoma? Only one to choose from, but which one is the correct choice? The correct answer is that you shouldn't have to choose, but that's a different question for a different day. With the system we have in place, only one can play in the Big 12 Championship game, and control their own destiny for the National Championship. My pick is the same as the BCS. The Oklahoma Sooners.

The biggest argument going for Texas is their head-to-head victory against Oklahoma back in October. Unfortunately, recent history shows us that this point is moot. Let me take you back to 1993 when #2 Notre Dame beat #1 Florida St, then lost to #9 Boston College the week after. Florida State jumped the Irish in the polls and went on to win it all. Sound familiar? It should. Texas beat #1 Oklahoma but then lost to #7 Texas Tech. The nature of the NCAA beast is to lose early. Oklahoma lost earlier than Texas. The Longhorns had their chance but couldn't seal the deal against Texas Tech, a team Oklahoma later beat 44.

Once that argument is crushed, let's look a bit closer. Oklahoma has beaten Texas Tech (something Texas couldn't do), AT Oklahoma State (something no team had done this year), Cincinnati (the Big East Champ), AND TCU (currently ranked #11). Now the Sooners play Missouri in the Big 12 Championship. Win and they will have beaten all the big teams Texas has PLUS Cincy and TCU. If they lose, then Texas is in. Complain about the system all you want, but they got it right this year. As Jim Mora put it, PLAYOFFS??

Matt Barnes: TEXAS

Texas is 11-1. Oklahoma is 11-1. So who deserves to be in the Big 12 championship game? Well, both of them do. But since only one can go, I'm going with Texas. And remember this during my argument, we're talking about a conference championship game, NOT the national title game.

Texas beat both Missouri and Oklahoma but yet are not in the title game? Seems wrong doesn't it? It's because it is. Texas' only loss came to Texas Tech on the road in Lubbock. A great game in which the Red Raiders won on an amazing touchdown with less than 10 seconds left. And this after Texas had beaten three straight ranked Big 12 opponents, including Oklahoma. That's right, Oklahoma's one loss is to the same team it beat out for the spot in the conference title game, Texas. And the Sooners were beat on a neutral field by 10 points, not by some game-winning TD or FG at the horn. Hmmmm, seems like the 'Horns should be there right?

But they're not and it's just wrong. Some may say it's because Oklahoma is playing better football right now. Too bad that doesn't mean they are the better team. If they were, they would have beaten Texas on that neutral field. Some may say they played a tougher non-conference schedule. Again, shouldn't matter since we are strictly talking Big 12 South champion and the eight Big 12 games. In a perfect world, these two would get a rematch in Kansas City and this would be settled on the field. But since it's not, it leaves people like me wondering how bad of a system we must have when a team that has the same W-L record but a much better case to be in a conference title game doesn't get in. What a joke.

MNF Running Live Blog: Packers @ Saints

There WILL be a post up later today. Not a lot of comments from folks this week so it won't take long. Completely understand with the holiday week and everything, you guys (myself included) had other things to do. Here are my picks for the week: TEN, DAL, PHI, BUF, CIN, IND, GB, DEN, MIA, NO, NYG, ATL, NE, OAK, MIN, JAX

Trying something new and doing a live running blog for the Monday Night Football Game. Here is how you can participate.

1) Just write a comment at the END OF THE POST.

2) Send me an IM on AOL. My screen name is lflo1223. Do work.

3) Send me a text. Please limit this to three per person. I am approaching my limit for texts in one month. Thanks for caring.

4) Call me. Please do this as a last resort, but if you really want to get involved and have used all of your texts, call the old cellular.

We will be getting ready to begin around 8 PM EST.

The Game - Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints

The Line - Saints by 2.5

The Pick - Saints

The Prediction - New Orleans Saints 34 - Green Bay Packers 27

And here we go.

11:47 - And that is all she wrote for the game as the Saints take care of business, improving to 6-5 on the year and staying in the NFC Wild Card picture. Final Score Saints 51, Packers 29. Thanks to Barnes, Devin, Lucius and Hunt for playing along. We had Rockband, John Joseph Harrington, Lance Moore, Ricky Williams, Mark Brunell and numerous others. That's the beauty of running blogs, you never know where it is going to take you. Until next time, "read it, roll it, hole it." Peace Be The Journey.

11:44 - Mark Brunell is now in handing the ball off for the Saints. John Joseph Harrington is on the sideline stretching. You just never know.

11:40 - So what should be the first game KOA should play at Detroit tomorrow? Craps, blackjack or roulette? Leaning towards craps, but don't know enough of the rules. But, I know blackjack rules, and suck at it. So maybe it's good that I don't know the rules. Any thoughts??

11:35 - And people wonder why we are still here. Aaron Rodgers throws his third INT, and to make matters worse JJ Harrington is trying to console him with words of wisdom, from across the sideline. Ouch, that hurts more than any sack.

11:31 - And we've come full circle, as the MNF crew talks more about Brett Favre. This needs to stop. The choice was made, and that was that. The comparisons are unfair to Rodgers.

11:26 - Jumped the gun a bit, the Saints tried to go for two, didn't get it, and now the score is 51-29 Saints. Those who had the 80 Over/Under total points are fuming right now.

11:23 - Barnes - "There's the stop, now if they just didn't onside kick the ball like idiots." Apparently Barnes missed the Saints going for it on fourth down, getting it, and then having Pierre Thomas run 30 yards for a TD. 52-29 Saints. Ball game.

11:20 - Barnes - "This game is not over by any means." Well, the Saints haven't punted since the 1st quarter, so unless the Packers can get a stop, this game IS over.

11:18 - Aaron Rodgers is not done either as he throws a TD pass which cuts the lead to 45-27. Packers choose to go for two, and get it, making this a two-score game. 45-29 Saints.

11:15 - Two points for Walt Coleman taking away the "illegal" hit penalty on one of the Saints cornerbacks. That doesn't happen everyday. But job well done.

11:12 - Just saw a Beyonce commercial wanting me to "upgrade" something. Anything for you BK. In related news, has anyone seen that SNL skit with her and Justin Timberlake. It's worth your time. Speaking of dancers, Sedrick Ellis (after sacking Aaron Rodgers) has some pretty good moves.

11:09 - Text from Kevin - "Hot girl in our group immediately gets my vote when I tell her I'm a Browns fan, and she replies with at least you're not a Lions fan." Hunt hanging out with a hot girl?? What is this opposite day??

11:08 - Barnes - "Is it me or does Jim Carrey's 'Yes Man' look just like 'Liar Liar' but with a different premise?" Well Barnes, the original title, "Liar Liar Two" was taken by an obscure rap duo several years back.

11:03 - With the game out of hand, the question now remains, why are we still here? Well, we are waiting for a possible John Joseph Harrington appearance or a Lance Moore TD pass. Barnes is on the same page as KOA, "So wait, the Saints have Mark Brunell and John Joseph Harrington on the bench? Wow, talk about washed-up QB central. Saints season would be toast if Brees goes down to injury." No confidence in JJ Harrington Barnes? Come on, we've seen what he can do. Anything is possible. Anything.

11:02 - Barnes - "Charles Woodson = Heisman Trophy winner. Marques Colston = 7th round pick. Funny how the real talent shows up in the pro game." Did you know that Woodson has played 11 years in the pros?? That's insane. Getting old sucks.

10:59 - That's all she wrote for the Packers. Drew Brees connects with Marques Colston for his second 70-yard TD pass of the night. 45-21 Saints, and congrats to those who picked New Orleans to cover. You are the winners. And Charles Woodson is the loser.

10:57 - Packers can not capitalize on the Saints turnover and are forced to punt the ball. A tad more than four minutes left in the 3rd quarter. One more TD by the Saints and this thing is over. Just don't let Lance Moore throw it.

10:53 - Barnes - "Lance Moore is no Bruce Gradkowski." I wonder what Gradkowski is up to tonight. Probably sitting around with some friends wondering how many cheeseburgers Tom Amstultz can fit into his mouth. Over/under 13.

10:52 - Barnes - "I'm no expert but I think the game is slipping away from the packers." And just when I was about to agree with that assessment, Lance Moore THROWS an INT. Yep, that's right, Moore THROWS an INT. God I love football.

10:51 - Aaron Rodgers is slowly becoming Aaron "Throw It" Rodgers, as he gets picked off for the second time in the half. This one is starting to get out of hand.

10:45 - Dalton Hilliard just cracked open a Keystone as Deuce scores his 54th TD as a Saint, passing Hilliard on the all-time career Saints record. More importantly, the Saints go up 38-21, and I came up with Ricky Williams as a former Saints running-back. Can anyone top that??

10:43 - Brett Fav ... um, Aaron Rodgers throws a pick, and the Saints return it to Green Bay's three yard line. Cue up Deuce, the Saints are about ready to go up 17.

10:42 - Having trouble thinking of a past Saints running back. Did some research, and could only come up with George Rogers from 1981.

10:40 - And we have our first John Joseph Harrington sighting!! Boy wouldn't the Lions like to have him back. Sadly, I think they would.

10:37 - Hey Billy you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Billy! Billy Miller catches his first touchdown of the year as AJ Hawk helplessly looks on. Saints now go up 31-21. Biggest lead of the game thus far.

10:34 - Apparently Deuce McCallister is Mr. Saint. He owns all the Saints rushing records. Somewhere George Rogers (1981) is smiling.

10:31 - Saints pick up a 4th down and inches from around mid-field on their first drive of the 2nd half. We would like to wish Barnes a safe drive home from work, he will be back with us soon.

10:18 - Perfect timing, as we get back from Wendy's just as the third quarter begins. Still have to eat my Baconater, so hold tight. Over/under 7 minutes.

10:04 - Going to take a 20 minute break for half-time, thanks to Devin, Barnes, Lucius and Kevin for joining. This has been a fun game to watch. We will be back just before the start of the 2nd half.

10:02 - 30 yard field-goal by the Saints puts them up 24-21, and has them covering going into half. So far so good.

9:57 - Saints get a great kick-off return as N.O is trying to score their 4th TD in the 1st half. Only 32 yards to go. Lance Moore is waiting.

9:56 - Barnes - "Just waiting for my sports director to let me go home. anytime now ..." Does he know you are Matt Barnes and that you own many leather bound books?

9:54 - Aaron Rodgers runs 14 yards for a TD and this game is now tied at 21 for those now scoring at home. This is what the Oklahoma-Texas Tech game SHOULD have looked like.

9:52 - Barnes - "So N.O. is winning with no bush and zero catches from colston? God, I love watching this team play football." Drew Brees is fun to watch. Joe Tiller did well.

9:50 - This just in, L.T. is still fast, but only on television commercials. And the Packers haven't scored yet, the two minute warning threw us for a loop. Game still 21-14 Saints. For now.

9:49 - Points are starting to blend together at this point, but we think the Packers just scored a TD to tie this game at 21. And as for Barnes comments, I will be posting EVERY comment, because that's how KOA rolls. We appreciate.

9:47 - Barnes - "Gus is doing the OSU bball game right now on Big Ten Network. That's where he should be. Gus is a basketball kind of guy. I like him in whatever he does but bball is his best by far. You don't hafta post all my comments. I'm gonna do it often." And we have our second, that's what she said.

9:45 - Okay, back to the game. The Packers are in position to score yet again, as they are across mid-field. They might as well play seven-on-seven at this point. I don't even remember seeing a punt in more than an hour.

9:44 - Barnes - "Just wanna let you know that my commercial ran during MNF back in columbus. as if MNF wasn't must-see TV already huh?" This is simply a case of Barnes Being Barnes.

9:42 - And speaking of Gus Johnson, how great was Slamball with Gus announcing?? It was like that sport was created with Gus's announcing in mind. Every play was tailored for him. "Riiiiiiise and Fiiiiiire."

9:40 - Barnes - "Mike Tirico (Syracuse grad) is by far the best NFL announcer out there right now. Notice after every commercial, he has a great joke. Not Mitch Hedberg funny but still, brings a chuckle." Gus Johnson is going to be mad Barnes, very mad.

9:38 - Barnes - "Thats not including the ATS league, in which i enjoy my last place spot." Hey, as Billy Bob said in Bad Santa, 'they can't all be winners kid."

9;37 - Barnes - "I am loving Lance Moore right now. single-handedly bringing me back in two fantasy leagues." Everyone wins with Lance Moore.

9:36 - Lance Moore must have gotten my text messages earlier in the day, as he scores his second TD of the game and puts the Saints back up 21-14. Lance Armstrong who???

9:35 - Devin and I discuss how Charles Woodson won the Heisman Award over Peyton Manning. Our conclusion, the Heisman is not a real award when Eric Crouch can win it.

9:32 - "Alright, game back on here in Augusta. Half the fun of MNF is making fun of the announcers." Barnes is back in action. KOA designates him Announcer Awareness Man. Do work.

9:30 - Lance Moore makes a terrific catch as he is going for the Skywalker MVP award tonight. Next play goes to Jeremy Shockey. This just in, the Saints are good on offense.

9:26 - Rodgers continues his Red Zone brilliance and fires a pass to Greg Jennings which ties this game at 14. Favre who??

9:20 - "So how about Notre Dame losing to Syracuse? (Sorry, the bball game made me think of it). Think Charlie Weis is gonna lose his job? Would be fitting if he and Romeo lost their jobs in the same year." So true Barnes. Devin wonders the potential those two could have making a fast-food commercial. To answer your question Barnes, yes I think he is gone UNLESS they beat USC or maybe a bowl win. But USC gets priority.

9:18 - You can just sense that this is going to be a shoot-out as Rodgers has the Packers driving right back. First one to 50 wins.

9:12 - Saints Running Back not named Reggie Bush scores a TD and the Saints are looking good. They go up 14-7 and everything is right in the world, thus far. Yes We Can.

9:11 - So three ATS players are headed up to Detroit for the casino tomorrow evening. Grothaus, D-Frank and myself. Over/Under $500 lost as a group. And remember, Grothaus has a problem. Drinking + Gambling = Grothaus doing his best Charles Barkley impersonation.

9:09 - And Devin Frank joins us from the KOA studio headquarters, aka my living room. Should be fun. Also, word verification is fixed so Barnes can quit bitching.

9:04 - Barnes reminds me about Lance Armstrong. But Moore is from Toledo, so we have that Ohio thing going.

9:02 - And the third option of joining along with this blog is complete as Barnes provides the first comment. "So my sports director just walked in and changed the channel from MNF to syracuse/florida. And it's Dickie V of coure. Shoot me." Barnes hates Dickie V. The only thing they have in common is that they are the top two Tampa Bay Rays fans.

9:00 - What a way to start the second hour!!! Lance Moore goes 70 yards on a pass from Drew Brees and this game is tied. Moore just became my favorite Lance of all-time with that play. Lance Bass is not pleased.

8:56 - Another IM, this one from Kevin Hunt. The short version is that Bart Borer is doing puzzles with his roommate. Currently they are working on a 1000 piece puzzle of a moose. In related news, Kevin lucked out that the Chicago Bears covered yesterday, meaning he does not have to ask a girl to go moose-hunting. Hunt says that it doesn't matter because he has no game (like the Saints thus far). To spend one day in Hunt's shoes would be exhausting.

8:54 - Packers go seven plays, cover a short field and take the early 7-0 lead. Have a strange feeling that won't be the last touchdown.

8:53 - TK beats me to the hockey-line shifting reference as the Saints get a break when the Packers substitute players but don't allow for N.O to do the same.

8:51 - Ryan Grant does his best Ahman Green impersonation, and the Packers are on the verge of taking the early lead.

8:48 - "We'll ease into it," said Mike Tirico about the lack of scoring as the Saints promptly go three and out as well. And we have our first of many, that's what she said.

8:46 - First text courtesy of Matt Barnes. "Bourbon Street definitely equals drinkability." He would know, I wouldn't ... yet.

8:45 - Three and out for the Packers. I'm sensing a whitewash.

8:41 - Counting the Brett Favre references. One play, three references.

8:39 - Hank Williams Junior. Giddy up.

8:37 - If the Saints can get the cover, yours truly will go 11-5 in the ATS pick 'em and be in great position for a run towards Lucius. Winning that in back-to-back year might just be my biggest accomplishment if it goes down.

8:35 - I'm a big fan of Tony Kornheiser's coaching-link package he does before the game. It's along the lines of six degrees of separation. I can't get enough of it.

8:28 - Looks like it's me, Stuart Scott and Keyshawn Johnson taking the Saints. Trying to come up with a name for us three. Could use some help. All I got is the Funky Bunch so far. As Polito would simply say, "weak."

8:19 - God Bless Family Guy. This ESPN pregame was torture, so we flipped it over to TBS for some much needed comical relief.

8:12 - Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian with Bobby McCray acting as the third wheel?? Thank you ESPN, for some awful television. The only thing that could have saved that segment would have been Kenny Mayne.

8:10 - Oh how have I missed Emmitt Smith. Where has he been all my life? In related news, if Steve Young hasn't killed himself yet, it will never happen.

8:08 - And we have our first IM thanks to Alex Lucius. "ACDC live for Rockband is quite possibly the hardest game ever to sing." This is why I heart Lucius. What a perfect way to start.

8:05 - Apparently Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre used to play on the same team. No need for this much discussion. What's done is done. Favre is with the Jets and Rodgers is with the Packers. Both are playing well.

8:02 PM - Big John thinks the Packers are going to win, while yours truly is backing the Saints. Surprised to see that this is their first actual HOME game in six weeks! Six weeks?!? How does that happen? Oh yeah, that whole London debacle counted as a home game. What a joke.

8:00 PM - A little curious to see how this all plays out. Thankful to the Notre Dame Basketball squad for thumping Indiana an hour ago. Now they have Texas tomorrow in the semi-finals of the Maui Invitational. For a short period I almost forgot that the Irish football team lost to Syracuse and that the Cleveland Browns are a complete mess of an organization.

7:59 PM - The C'Mon Man segment on Monday Night Countdown shows good highlights, but possess too much enthusiasm from the likes of Chris Berman, Mike Ditka and the rest of 'em.

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.”