People have been waiting to see these teams meet all season, and unlike some previous seasons, actually will have the opportunity.  The obviously dramatic match-ups for this Super Bowl were either the Jets and Vikings or Saints and Colts.  Had the Jets bested the Colts and Brett Favre tucked it and ran with 17 seconds to go in the NFC Championship, we’d be talking about 40-year-old Brett Favre facing the team he took snaps for in 2008-09.

Fortunately for NFL Fans, we’re not watching the Saints and Jets.  Those two teams have absolutely zero history and even less drama between them.  The only tie I can even make between them is that Saints starting LB Jonathan Vilma started his career with the Jets, only to be sent packing when former Jets Head Coach Eric Man-gina came to town and changed the defensive scheme to a 3-4 package.  Vilma struggled the first season before moving back into a 4-3 set in New Orleans.  Not exactly the same drama that Brett Favre vs. NYJ or Manning vs. Brees delivers that’s for sure.

The conversation around Manning vs. Brees has to do with the legitimacy of Drew Brees.  In the last three years he has submitted his name into the ranks of Manning and Brady, but lacks the shiny finger ornament that justifies the careers of all great quarterbacks (sorry Dan Marino).  If he wins on Sunday, Drew is likely to be in New Orleans the rest of his career and leave behind a legacy as the greatest quarterback in a city that will soon be under water.

The last “great” quarterback for the New Orleans Saints was the father of Peyton and Eli Manning, Archie.  What made Archie Manning great?  I have no idea.  I saw a clip of him running around getting chased by defenders once, but that’s pretty much the extent of my memories of watching him play.  The stats don’t really tell the story either.  In 14 seasons with the Saints, Oilers, and Vikings, Archie had zero winning seasons.   His most successful season by far was the 1979 campaign when he led the Saints to an 8-8 season with 15 TD’s / 20 INT’s and inexplicably one of two career Pro Bowl appearances.  By far, Archie’s greatest contribution to the game of football are his two sons, and the uncanny ability to make analysts and color commentators forget his Rodney Peete-esque statistics, and label him as a “great” quarterback.

The only thing in the world that could make Saints fans forget all about Archie Manning and remind them of how little he actually accomplished for the franchise is a Saints Super Bowl win on Sunday.  Of course, fairy tales of fabled follied fathers of future Hall of Famers fail to foretell football future.  That will have to be decided, like all other games, on the gridiron…

Or in this case, by Madden NFL10.

Every year prior to the Super Bowl, EA Sports runs a simulation of Madden that will determine the Super Bowl.  Five of the last six years, the winner has been correct.  I bet you can guess which year the EA simulator, millions of Americans, and countless heartbroken New Englanders were wrong.  This year, the EA Sports simulator says the Saints will win 35-31.

That’s all good and well, but I thought I would go ahead and run my own simulation.  Rather than watch a fake football game, I “super-simmed” it.

To be fair, I modified the starters so that each team was playing their team based on the real life depth chart.  This is going to sway the simulation because players like Pierre Garcon, Melvin Bullitt of the Colts, and Carl Nicks of the Saints are… well… not very good in Madden 10.  In addition, a few players were either hard to find in Madden or non-existent.  I apologize to Kyle Eckel, Thomas Morstead, Mike Bell, Courtney Roby, Remi Ayodele, Jacob Lacey, Antonio Johnson, and Kyle DeVan.  Although you get to play in real life, this is not real life, and you have to sit out my simulation.

In order to be fair, as I know Jacob Lacey is in important part of the Colts defense, I allowed CB Marlin Jackson to play in his stead.

Now that the rules are fair, the simulation begins.  I’m going to watch this stupid thing and tell you all about it.  You couldn’t get a better pregame analysis than the fake play by play of the game itself!

According to Madden, the Saints kick off.  On the opening kickoff, Pierre Garcon fumbled on the opening drive, but the Colts were able to recover.

The opening drive results in one first down and a Colts punt.

Oh dear, Reggie Bush broke a big 38 yard run, but put the ball on the ground at the end.  Somehow the Saints recovered and retained possession, though.  The Saints ran a screen pass to Bush on 3^rd and 10, and punt the ball into the Colts end zone.

The first score of the game comes with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter on a Pierre Garcon 63-yard TD pass.  Apparently it’s not a big deal to Madden that Garcon is ranked as a 54 overall in the game.

On a 3^rd and 1, Bush broke a toss play for 15 yards, moving the Saints into Colt territory to end the first quarter.  At the end of one, Colts 7 – Saints 0.

On 4^th and 6, Garrett Hartley fails to put the Saints on the board as he misses a 43 yard field goal.  This could spell trouble for the Saints as the Colts take the ball back up by seven.

For the second score of the game, Peyton Manning hits Dallas Clark over the middle for 10 yards.  Colts 14 – Saints 0 with 2:57 left in the first half.

On the play from scrimmage, Reggie Bush takes the ball and runs up the middle 70 yards down to the Colts 2-yard line.  After two failed runs up the middle by Pierre Thomas, David Thomas drops a Drew Brees pass in the end zone.  Saints settle for an extra point distance field goal.  Colts 14 – Saints 3.

Fortunately for the Saints, the Colts are 3 and out on the following drive and New Orleans will have another shot to score before half time.  Thanks to a 3^rd down penalty on Melvin Bullitt, the Saints pick up a big gain and score two plays later on a 21 yard pass to Bush.  Colts 14 – Saints 10 with :46 to go in the first half.  Plenty of time for Manning and company.

In classic useless Madden fashion, the Colts keep running the ball and calling timeout for no reason.  Now they have to punt with :29 left on the clock.   Brees will start on the Saints 35 yard line and :19 to go.

No real action to speak of, and that’s the half.  Stats are pretty close at the half, just like the score.  The Saints have 234 yards of total offense and the Colts have 181.  The major difference is the Colts have not moved the ball on the ground, with only 7 yards, while Reggie Bush has, well, 128 yards by himself.

Here are the key halftime stats:

Manning: 11 of 13 for 174 yards and 2 TDs
Brees:  8 of 14 for 96 yards and 1 TD
Bush:  7 carries 128 yards, 3 rec 33 yards 1 TD
Clark:  4 rec 51 yards
Garcon:  3 rec 95 yards
Henderson: 2 rec 39 yards

Marques Colston and Reggie Wayne each have one catch, and Austin Collie, Jeremy Shockey, and Joseph Addai have made only minor impacts to the game so far.  No turnovers in the first half

Onto the 2^nd half, Colts Lead 14-10:

The Saints get the ball to start the second half and immediately start moving the ball down the field.  Bush, Shockey, and Pierre Thomas are all making plays on this drive, and it’s clear electronic Drew Brees is intent on making this a game.  On 3^rd down and 10 from the Colts 12, Indy brings the DB blitz and Brees hits Bush for a 12-yard score.  New Orleans has its first lead of the game, 17-14.

On the ensuing drive, a couple big plays to Addai and Clark get it started, putting the Colts in Saint territory rather quickly.  On 2^nd and 8, the Colts lose 3 on a toss to Addai and can’t recover on 3^rd down.  Matt Stover hits the field goal, but a holding penalty puts them out of field goal range and the Saints are instead pinned down on the 9 yard line with a punt.

Saints will start there, and bust into Colt territory with back to back strikes to Robert Meachem for 32 and 17 yards.  As the 3^rd quarter ends, this really does look like the Colts vs. Saints match-up we expect to see on Sunday.

As the 4^th quarter begins, Meachem remains the key to the drive as he scores on a 6 yard crossing pattern.  Saints lead 24-14.

The Colts go for it on 4^th and 6, and fall just short.  Upon review Austin Collie appeared to first touch the ball over the 1^st down marker, however bobbled it and didn’t retain possession until after he was forced back across the marker.  A small twist of fate perhaps, and karma recovering for the Kevin Faulk 4^th and 2?  Hmmm…

Saints take over, but go 3 and out.  They punt, and Peyton will start on his own 20 yard line, down by 10 with 2:35 to go.  Big catch by Garcon along the sidelines, but New Orleans challenges and it’s ruled an incomplete pass.  That was a 40 yard play turned around.  Unphased, Manning completes his next two passes, and will have a 2^nd and 7 at the two minute warning on his own 43 yard line.  On 3^rd and 10 Manning completes a pass to Wayne for 7 yards, then just overthrows Collie on 4^th and 3 along the sidelines.  Another turnover on downs for Peyton.  I think he just made the Manning face.

Uh-oh for the Colts, Bush just caught a screen pass and busted it for 20 yards.  With 1:09 left, the end could be near for the Indianapolis Colts.

Brees continues to complete passes, and it’s announced that Bush is the Super Bowl MVP as he makes yet another TD catch, this one for 16 yards.  The nail in the coffin for Indy blue, as the Saints extend the lead to 31-14.

Super Bowl Extra-Large 4 comes to an end with the Saints on top 31-14.

Reggie Bush finally lives up to the hype and earns himself that contract extension.  His final stat line is pretty impressive: 12 carries 163 yards, 9 rec 94 yards 3 TDs.

Brees has a pretty good day for himself as well, ending 22 of 33 for 279 yards and 4 TDs.

Other key stats for this game:

Manning: 23-32 297 yards 2 TDs
Clark: 7 rec 94 yards 1 TD

Garcon: 5 rec 102 yards 1 TD
Meachem: 3 rec 55 yards 1 TD

Fourteen players make receptions in this game, and neither team turned the ball over (except for Indy’s two turnovers on downs).  In addition, there were no sacks recorded.

Well, I’m not sure how accurate these stat lines are, or how realistic the idea of Peyton Manning being shut out in the 2^nd half of the Super Bowl is.  What I do know is that this game is packed full of offense, with superstars on both sides of the ball.  At any moment, either team could break out with a big play resulting in an exciting Super Bowl.  I even enjoyed watching the stupid Madden simulation.

If nothing else, nobody can say the two best teams didn’t get a shot to bring home glory.  My gut instinct though:

I’m with Brees, Bush, Colston, Sharper, Madden and the Saints.  38-34.

Thanks for reading all year.  Enjoy the game, and I’ll see you in the spring for some Spring Training highlights from Sunny Arizona!

In the NFL, the resolutions are different and depending on the franchise, equally as unlikely to happen as our own resolutions.

(Getty Images)

So what do these teams need to change this year as some others start a playoff run? Some teams will be watching bowl games hoping to land themselves Ndamukong Suh, Eric Berry, or Jimmy Clausen in this year’s draft, and hoping their franchise players don’t have off-season killing injuries in the final game of the season.

By the way, why isn’t Freddie Barnes, the kid from Bowling Green who has 155 catches and 19 touchdowns even ranked by ESPN? He had 17 catches for over 200 yards and 2 TD’s in the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl against Idaho.

The first resolution is for the NFL Owners and Players Union to come to terms on a new contract. Facing the potential of an uncapped year in 2010 and possibly even a lockout in 2011, a deal has to get done to keep the NFL rolling and the fans happy.

Not sure if you knew this NFL, but the fans are your customers. I don’t think the NFL will tank the way the NHL did when they locked out, but it’s been a long road to recovery for the NHL, and if you ask anyone at 4SportBoston (besides Chaz), not a single one of us could tell you players names or cite rule changes since the lockout. I’m still pretty sure Adam Oates plays for the Bruins.

On to the individual teams…

Indianapolis +8.5 over Buffalo

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

I know the Colts are throwing away the rest of their season, but to lose by 8.5 points playing Buffalo’s starters who are probably about the same skill level as the Colts’ backups is absurd. The Bills are out of the playoff picture too, so there’s nothing really to be won or lost in this game.

In fact, if the Bills lose, it helps their draft position. No team will admit to that, but the GM’s and the scouts are definitely thinking it in the back of their minds.

Colts Resolution: Get your starters back on the field for at least a half of football this week. You have a bye week next week to rest up, and you don’t want to be rusty. You’ve lost in past playoff tries with this strategy of resting your players, and I know you’re trying to keep guys from getting hurt, but it’s going to hurt your playoff run.

Bills Resolution: Lose this game. You’re sitting at the ninth overall pick in the draft right now.  If the cards fall right for you this weekend, you could be picking as high as fifth. You need a new quarterback and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford projects somewhere between fourth and ninth overall.

Jacksonville +1.5 over Cleveland

Cleveland has won three in a row putting them out of contention for the top pick in the draft.  Jacksonville controlled their own destiny a few weeks ago, and now needs a truckload of luck to get into the playoffs.

Browns Resolution: Win this one at home. You’ve just hired a new GM, Mike Holmgren, so at this point everyone is playing for their job. Mike can make a good pick no matter where he is on the draft board, so it’s more important to go into this off season with a four game win streak and a mindset towards continuing that streak in 2010.

Jaguars Resolution: You have to win this one, but don’t expect much as a result.  Face it coach JackDel Rio, this season is blown. Go hide for a few months, hope you don’t get fired, make some good free agent changes (see: cornerback, add one) and enjoy the golfing season.

Chicago over Detroit +3

Yes, we’re going with Chicago here.  Matthew Stafford is gone, Kevin Smith is gone.  It should be a no brainer.

Bears Resolution: Offensive line. You have to bulk up your offensive line. You’ll get Brian Urlacher back next year, and we all knew your season was hosed the minute he went down in Week One (much the way Pats fans knew our season was done when Tom Brady went down in Week One in 2008). You can easily find offensive line help in free agency. If you can’t run the ball in the windy city, you can’t win games. That’s why you’re not in the playoff picture this year.

Lions Resolution: Lose this one and you’ve got the second overall pick locked up. Stafford will be back next year, and you know you’ve got a kid who can win some games for you there. Help out your defense. Either Nebraska’s DT Suh or Oklahoma’s DT Gerald McCoy will be available, and both are projected to go top three. You need to stop the run in a division with Adrian Peterson if you ever hope to become relevant.

San Francisco over St. Louis +7

The Niners are out of the playoff picture, but I don’t see them handing the final game away. That is un-Mike Singletary like. The Rams just aren’t good enough.

49ers Resolution: Is Alex Smith really the solution here? Singletary, pick an offense. Are you run first, or are you working out of spread formations? There’s a lot of decisions that need to be made in San Francisco before this team can hope to knock out the Cardinals as division champs. Make them and stick to your guns.

Rams Resolution: Congratulations St. Louis, you have the number one pick! Take Suh. The man is a beast. Look for a quarterback with your pick in the second round… Or offensive line… Or more defense. Let’s face it, you’ve got holes all over the field and no realistic plan to replace Steven Jackson. Take Suh though, the man is a beast.

Miami +3 over Pittsburgh

I don’t know why I like Miami here. I just do. Both teams have outside shots at getting into the playoffs. One of them definitely won’t make it, and I think it’s the Steelers.

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Dolphins Resolution: Win this game and go into the off season on a good note. Ronnie Brown will be back, and with Ricky Williams you’ve got a dynamo running core. I like Chad Henne too, he could turn into a winner in this league. He needs weapons in the passing game though. Ted Ginn Jr is not a reliable receiver, no matter how explosive he may be in the return game. Devone Bess is a good underneath option, but he hasn’t broken a big play all year. Receiver Dez Bryant is available through the draft, and there could be a few options in free agency, but the Fins need to address that position.

Steelers Resolution:

Yes he extends plays and turns them into big gainers, but he needs to work on the clock in his head. Throw the ball away once in a while, you’ll find you won’t need as many of those big gainers when it’s not  second and 18.

NYG +9 over Minnesota

The Vikes will win this one, but not by nine points. The Giants really have nothing to play for, and are ready for this season to be over. It’s been an up and down battle for them all year, with only themselves to blame for not making a run this year.

Giants Resolution: Replace Antonio Pierce. He’s not the every down linebacker he used to be, and proved this season he could be subject to breakdown. It’s easier said than done, obviously, but it’s a requirement to have a middle linebacker who can quarterback your defense.

Vikings Resolution: Win this game and hope for an Eagles loss. To me, you need the bye week more than any other team in the NFC. Your defense is floundering without EJ Henderson and you need a week off to get your act together.

As a more long term goal, you need to put Adrian Peterson in a room alone with Tiki Barber for six months. His fumbling problems need to be addressed. That issue alone cost the Vikings home-field advantage and possibly even the bye week and if it continues, could cost them a Super Bowl.

Atlanta over Tampa Bay +2.5

Atlanta has Matt Ryan back, and that means a whole lot for this team’s chances. His mid season turf toe injury, combined with Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain, cost the Falcons a playoff run. They should win this game.

Falcons Resolution: Make sure you go into 2010 with a spell back for Michael Turner, and work on that defensive secondary. You’re in good shape though, a playoff run in 2010 is in the cards.

Bucs Resolution: If Josh Freeman is your answer, give him some weapons. He needs wide receivers. With the third overall pick though, a more reasonable selection would be Tennessee safety Eric Berry. The Bucs haven’t had an impact player at that position since John Lynch left, and he could be the anchor this defense needs.

New Orleans over Carolina (off)

New Orleans needs this win and Steve Smith has a broken arm.

Saints Resolution: Defense, Defense, Defense. That’s the mantra for the Saints in the playoffs. They’ve lost two in a row after starting 13-0. It’s time to get back on track, and make the run to the Super Bowl.

Panthers Resolution: Matt Moore has shown he can lead this team to victory, and may be the replacement for Jake Delhomme in 2010. If not Matt Moore, it needs to be someone though. Delhomme is inconsistent and the position needs to be addressed in the off season.

New England +8 over Houston

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

This game doesn’t mean a whole lot to the Pats for the playoff picture, but the Pats never lay down deliberately. It’s just not the Belichick way. Houston needs some help to get into the playoffs, but I expect a Pats win, so good luck next year.

Patriots Resolution: Get back to the basics. Embrace the field goal as a viable scoring method, they make the difference. There’s no reason to go for it on fourth and two from the six yard line. It’s okay to punt too, play for field position. That’s how you win in the playoffs, so do it. They can beat any team on any week, so play like it.

Texans Resolution: The three headed monster of Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats, and Chris Brown at running back has been ineffective at best this season. I’m not sure if it’s the offensive line or the guys with the ball, but it needs to be figured out. This team is on the verge, and if they can figure out how to beat the Colts, of making the next step as a franchise.

Philadelphia +3 over Dallas

This could be the biggest game of the week in terms of playoff position. The winner takes the NFC East and gets home-field advantage in the first round. If the Eagles win, they have next week off and home-field advantage in the divisional round as well.

Eagles Resolution: Win in Big D and take a week off to prepare for round two. The road still goes through New Orleans though, but with the way Minnesota and New Orleans have played of late, the door is wide open in the NFC.

Cowboys Resolution: The Cowboys need this win too, and in order to do it, DeMarcus Ware needs a big day rushing Donovan McNabb. Michael Jenkins is turning into a good cornerback, but the Eagles deep passing game is too good for the ‘Boys if they don’t get pressure on Donovan. If they lose, they have to go to Minnesota next week, and I don’t think anybody wants to go there. Their biggest resolution is to win in the playoffs though. At some point, the finger will have to be pointed at Wade Phillips and Tony Romo if they can’t get a win.

Kansas City +13 over Denver

Okay, so I don’t think KC will win, but 13 is too large a spread against a Denver team without Brandon Marshall, who will be sitting on Sunday with a nagging hamstring.

Chiefs Resolution: Win this game and spoil the Broncos playoff bid. After that, get some help for your offensive line. ESPN’s Todd McShay projects you taking OK State’s OT Russell Okung, and I can’t disagree with your need for a stud left tackle. There was a time when the Chiefs had a dominant O-line, and if they want to compete with the Broncos and Chargers again, they need to get back there. Matt Cassel needs to be protected.

Broncos Resolution: I’m really quite surprised Marshall won’t be playing Sunday. Maybe it’s part of his plan to let the Broncos know how much he’s worth in the event of a Denver loss here. Conspiracy theories aside, they should win either way, and are next in line to make the playoffs in the event of a Ravens or Jets loss. In the off-season, they have the Bears’ first round pick, which means an early round pick. At this point, look for a play-maker on offense or defense, a difference maker that can turn games in your direction.

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Oakland +10.5 over Baltimore

This could be our upset of playoff teams that control their own destiny. Oakland can win this game at home, and send the Ravens home for the season. In fact, I just called that.

Raiders Resolution: Re-sign Richard Seymour somehow. Otherwise, your 2011 first overall pick goes for nought, and you have to spend your 2010 first round pick to replace him with Florida DE Carlos Dunlap. Apparently he’s got questionable work ethic and a DUI, so he’ll fit right in with the silver and black. The most important advice I can give to Al Davis is to let go. Hire someone to run the team for you or you won’t see another winner before you take the infinite dirt nap.

Ravens Resolution: Baltimore needs a wide receiver. They got lucky that Desmond Mason decided to play another season. I’m certainly not sure he’ll make the same move in 2010, and in that event Joe Flacco will have no options in the passing game. Mark Clayton is not a number one receiver. Available Wide Receivers in the draft are Dez Bryant, Golden Tate, and Mardy Gilyard.

Green Bay +3.5 over Arizona

This game doesn’t mean much to either team, but depending on the outcome of the weekends games, these teams could be facing each other again next week.  Both teams should try to avoid that scenario.

Packers Resolution: You’ve done a good job adapting to a new 3-4 defensive scheme this year, and if I’m you, I stay on that track. Look for a cornerback to help out aging Charles Woodson and Al Harris. In the meantime, focus on winning playoff games. They’ve got as good a chance as any other NFC team to go the distance, and I think they’d like another shot at Minnesota.

Cardinals Resolution: In position to make it back to the Super Bowl, that is the Cardinals goal. Keep Kurt Warner on his feet and in the pocket and they can do that. In the off season, re-sign Darnell Dockett. He’s not a happy man when it comes to his contract, but needs to be because he’s a force on the Arizona defensive line.

San Diego over Washington +4

(AP Photo/John Russell)

San Diego is good enough to win this game with LaDanian Tomlinson on the bench, and will do just that.

Chargers Resolution: The talk around town is that this is the Chargers year.  They certainly look like the team to beat in the AFC, as questions about the Colts dedication to excellence surface.  Although, the Chargers haven’t gotten it done in the playoffs in recent years with this group, led by LDT. Play like they have in the second half of the season, and they could be the AFC representative in the big game.

Redskins Resolution: Is the Jason Campbell experiment over yet in Washington? Certainly the Jim Zorn experiment is over. There will be changes in Washington, and Mike Shanahan as the head coach could be the best off season move the Skins could make.

Tennessee +4 over Seattle

The Titans should win this game and still have an outside shot of going to the playoffs.

Titans Resolution: Playoffs or no Playoffs, this season was a success for Jeff Fischer and company. Though they started 0-6, they turned it around with vigor and rediscovered that Vince Young is a starting QB in the NFL and Chris Johnson established himself as possibly the most complete young running back in the league. WR Kenny Britt has also done well in his debut season, and should develop into a solid number two receiver or low end number one. In the off season, they should look for a true number one receiver if they can find one, and get younger in the defensive front seven.

Seahawks Resolution: Look for a Matt Hasselback replacement. He’s 35 and apparently prone to injury, and Seneca Wallace is not the answer. They have the Broncos first round pick, along with their own pick. Perhaps a reach on Bradford or Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen with one of those picks is in order.

Cincinnati +10 over NYJ

I’m not sure I could turn down a spread this large. Everyone is saying the Bengals will lay down like the Colts did last week, but I’m not so sure that’s true. If the Bengals lose to the Jets this week, they have to play them again next week. That’s not a good scenario for Cincy.

Bengals Resolution: Beat the Jets. This is Round One of the playoffs for Cincy. Then find some offense to go with their defense, otherwise they’re not going to go far in the playoffs. In the off season, look for a Tight End to compliment Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles.  If this team is going to run an offense like this, they need a Todd Heap/Heath Miller type of player in their offense.

Jets Resolution: Obviously start with a win on Sunday, then lose next week. I hate the Jets. They need to strengthen their offensive line in the off season.

So those are the resolutions, we’ll see how many of these teams follow through.

See you next week for the playoffs!

I failed to fill out my Yahoo! Picks multiple times this year, so I’m going to have to do some heavy analysis to figure out how many I got right this year. I’ll let you know the final tally next week, so you can decide if it’s worth it to listen to me next year.

Ok, nevermind. This season’s 4SportBoston Fantasy Football League has come to a close after an exciting playoff run. Granted, I personally did not make the playoff bracket but minor details.

You can see all of the fun and exciting weekly updates starting from the draft all the way to the Championship game over on the 4SB Fantasy Sports page.

You will also see there that we crowned five champions in the Survival League (pick a team each week to win and if you win, you move on). We had “scotes selections” win Phase One, which ended in Week 6. I (“4SportBoston“) pulled out the victory in Phase Two, which ended in Week 10. And there was a three way tie in Phase Three in which “FenwayFrank“, “Slytherin House“, and “4SportBoston” all won by all losing in the final week. Boring way to win but it happens. Thanks everyone for playing and congratulations to the winners!

Back to the Fantasy Football league, “VickPresidentofPETA” was crowned Champion on Monday even before Monday Night Football.

The competitiveness of this league is clear since the championship game was between two players that came into the playoffs ranked fifth and sixth. Vick and your Fantasy Aftermath artist, “Donte’s 17 Games Off“, had a hard fought battle throughout the tournament.

We saw players such as “FootInMouthQueen“, “bountyhunters“, and “Edible Underwear” each hold down the top spot throughout the season in impressive fashion as well.

But there is only one champion and our newest writer, Bojo (aka “VickPresidentofPETA“) is it! Congratulations to him and I will allow him to say a few words:

“First off, thank you Craig and 4 Sport Boston.com for the opportunity to play in this league.

Second, I just want to thank my inspiration and motivation, Mr. Michael Vick. He proved to me than you can be down and out, but still make a solid comeback and win. I finished the season at 7-6 and was the sixth seed in the playoffs and felt that I was going to be eliminated after round one.

Instead, I rolled off three straight upsets to pick up the crown. Week one, I was called out by our very own El Mustachio because I made 11 roster moves before the first game. Yes I did really make 11 moves…but who beat Mr. Mustachio in the 1st round of the playoffs? Haha.

It has been a season of ups and downs, injuries, inconsistent play and CHEATING, cough cough. (Mr. Pho and friend). I mean why would anyone drop LT and Romo at 11PM the night before game day and then someone else pick them up at 7am game day morning…hmmmm. (I am not mad I swear).

All in all it was a great time and alot of fun. This league was crazy, everyone was competitive and the games were all pretty close. I challenge someone to dethrone me next year.

Thanks Again, BOJO”

Thanks to writing Fantasy Aftermath at end of each and every NFL week, I now walk away with a new-found knowledge of what’s going on around the league- as well as two fantasy football championships. I may have lost the championship game in our 4 Sport Boston league, but out of four championship games I played in this past weekend I won half of them, not that shabby.

So for the last Fantasy Aftermath column of the season I want to take a big picture look at the fantasy story lines we’ll be talking about. For most players, your fantasy football season is now over (and if it’s not I hope you don’t own Peyton Manning.)

Reading The Box Scores & Watching The Highlights

San Diego 42, Tennessee 17

Philip Rivers: Dark Horse MVP Candidate (Photo by Rex Brown/Getty Images)

The Titan’s improbable playoff run realistically ended with their loss to the Colts, but after a blowout from the Chargers, they have a chance to turn an 0-6 start into a 8-8 record they can be proud of. San Diego is secure with the second see in the AFC playoffs and are getting hot at the right time to possibly make a big post-season push.

Philip Rivers is currently six points behind Tom Brady in fantasy scoring in the 4 Sport Boston league. He’s quietly having another great season where he has consistently put up solid numbers week in and week out. His 264 yards/2 TD/0 INT day tells me he is establishing himself as an elite fantasy quarterback for 2010.

Unlike Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson‘s stock has fallen this season. He has failed to rush for over 100 yards all season. He is still valuable as a goal-line back, but Darren Sproles has seen his role increased as well, both backs scored two rushing touchdowns this week.

Vince Young didn’t look sharp with two interceptions this past week but he is the current future of the team- not Kerry Collins. It will be interesting to see how the Titans will fare if they let Young start all of 2010. As a fantasy option, he is looking like a solid backup to draft next year.

Chris Johnson is a beast. That’s all I need to say. He’s rushed for over 100 yards every week since week 6, including 142 yards this past week. He only needs 128 yards next week to go over 2,000 and there is no doubt he’ll get it. He’ll be drafted first or second next year.

Buffalo 3, Atlanta 31

There was no doubt who was going to be the victor in the Brohm vs. Ryan match-up. Matt Ryan poured it on with three passing touchdowns.

Buffalo may not know who their startingquarterback will be next year, but it is shaping up that they know that Fred Jackson is the Bills running back you want, granted neither him or Marshawn Lynch performed well enough to be anything but a spot start here or there.

Terrell Owens really only had a two week period where he was fantasy relevant. If he plays next year, he’s on the Joey Galloway road to fantasy irrelevance.

Ryan may looked cold in the second half of the season but his performance this week shows he’s still a good second-tier option next year. Roddy White‘s 139 yard/2 TD game puts him as a low-end WR1 option after a hot and cold season.

Who out there wants to link Michael Turner‘s injury riddled second-half to the curse of 370?

Kansas City 10, Cincinnati 17

The Bengals clinch the AFC North title in a close win against Kansas City. A fourth quarter Chad Ochocinco touchdown reception put the Bengals on top.

Jamaal Charles‘ strong second half is going to help raise his stock next year as a sneaky pick in the draft. Imagine what he could do if the Chiefs improved their line.

Ochocinco is having a bounce back year but is still a boom or bust receiver. His performance this year merits WR2/WR3 consideration next year. Cedric Benson rushed for 133 yards and is one of the big surprises on this year’s Cinderella-Bengals team. Currently the 12th ranked running back in fantasy scoring, he will certainly be a low-end RB1/RB2 pick next year.

Oakland 9, Cleveland 23

Jerome Harrison: The new rusher for the Browns (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

NFL Network said it best as Charlie Frye played against his former team when they called it “the least interesting revenge angle ever.” His three interceptions reminded Cleveland why they shipped him out after one game in 2007.

Zach Miller caught nine passes for 110 yards- I’ll say again how good this kid could be if he actually had a real quarterback under center.

In the big picture he’s probably the only player I can talk about on Oakland- it’s just a big ol’ black hole over there.

Jerome Harrison followed up his 200+ yard game last week with 148 yards this week. He’s going to be an interesting sleeper pick next year now that Jamal Lewis is expected to retire. If Cleveland can find a QB, the same sleeper statement can be said of Mohamed Massaquoi.

Seattle 10, Green Bay 48

Much like the Chargers in the AFC, the Packers are the NFC’s dark horse favorite to go very deep into the playoffs. They certainly demonstrated their skills against a helpless Seahawks team in Week 16.

I really like Matt Hasselbeck, but his days as both a NFL and fantasy football starter are numbered. I even picked him up this season as a possible spot starter but performances like his four-interception game this week shows me that Seattle needs to find a new quarterback soon. One of the only bright spots on the team could be 24-year old Justin Forsett. It will be an interesting training camp battle between him and Julius Jones for the starting gig next season.

Ryan Grant has gone from consistent in the first half to explosive in the second. 97 yards and two touchdowns this past week makes him a solid pick for next year. However, remember his breakout year in 2007 was followed by a disappointing 2008. What Ryan Grant will we see in 2010?

For a good part of the first half of the season, Donald Driver was the Green Bay receiver you wanted. Greg Jennings has recently reasserted himself as “The Man” the past couple of weeks but I’ll go out on a limb and say both receivers are low-end options next year. Aaron Rodgers has really spread the ball around and with big targets like Jermichael Finley, I see that trend continuing.

Houston 27, Miami 20

Houston may have an outside chance to get into the playoffs but a win next week would at least give them a winning record – something they haven’t had in their entire team history. Miami also has an outside chance, but hoping for four teams ahead of you to lose is a real long shot.

I look at the Texans on paper and there are fantasy studs all around. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, the only real problem is the running back situation. Will Steve Slaton get another chance or will the role fall to Arian Foster, Ryan Moats, or Chris Brown?

Miami has proved themselves to be a great running team, and both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be great players next year. Their only weak spot would be at receiver where there are a lot of prospects but no true number one. Keep an eye out on Chad Henne, if he starts next year he could develop to be a serviceable bench player.

Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 23

In a very messy game full of turnovers and penalties, the Steelers stopped the Ravens from clinching a playoff spot and both teams now have to win next week to get to the post-season (Pittsburgh will also need a lot of help as well.)

Even though Joe Flacco has had some cold streaks this season, his sophomore year has actually seen a lot of improvement. Ray Rice ran for 141 yards in a breakout year. He is emerging from the three-headed monster in Baltimore and will be a top pick in 2010.

On the other side of the ball, Rashard Mendenhall has also established himself as the Steelers running back that you want. Hines Ward is once again the leading receiver for Pittsburgh but, as with every year, the question grows as to how long it will be until Santonio Holmes takes the top spot.

Carolina 41, New York Giants 9

In the last game in Giants stadium, a must-win game for the Giants to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Panthers spoiled the party as they blew out the New York Football Giants in dominating fashion.

Back-to-back three touchdown games for Matt Moore? We already know that Jake Delhomme is done as an NFL starter and it is early, but perhaps Moore may be the starting quarterback come 2010.

Two years ago we were cursing DeShaun Foster for taking touches away from DeAngelo Williams. I believe that we can now wonder how many touches Jonathan Stewart will take away from D-Will going into 2010. His 206 rushing yards and touchdown show that he is also very talented. Steve Smith broke his arm in the game (but finished the play first) and is most likely done for the season- not that Carolina had much of a season left this year.

(Editor’s note: Patrick greatly under-values this broken arm by Steve Smith. So I am going to go ahead and rock your world with the video of the catch, hit, break, and Smith STILL finishing the play for the touchdown… LANDING on the broken arm!)

(Editor’s note: You’re welcome.)

Eli Manning has a young but talented receiving crew. We’ve already seen each of these receivers and what they can do, I think next year they will be even better- and drop less passes.

Jacksonville 7, New England 35

Sammy Morris: Back in the RB mix (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

The Jaguars are pretty much finished unless every team in the NFL besides them loses in Week 17. New England finds a bit of their mojo back as Tom Brady connects with Randy Moss for three touchdowns. Just like the good ol’ days.

Last year the question was if Joseph Addai could handle the rushing load by himself and the answer was no. This year the question was if Maurice Jones-Drew could handle the rushing load and the answer was “hell ya”. Even though he only rushed for 63 yards against the Pats, he is already having a career year and will be an early first rounder next year. Mike Sims-Walker started to look like the top receiver for the Jags but he’s shaping up to be very boom-or-bust.

Now that the Patriots running back staff is at full strength, Laurence Maroney looks to have fallen down on the depth chart. At first we thought that maybe he would still get the nod over Sammy Morris, but an early fumble put him in the dog house as Morris proceeded to break out a long 55-yard run to set-up a rushing touchdown for himself. As much as we’d love to have L-Mo as the man in New England, we are reminded nothing is ever certain in Foxborough.

Tampa Bay 20, New Orleans 17

Did Tampa Bay just win two games in a row? Against the number one seed New Orleans Saints? WHO DAT?… Dat just happened. Luckily for the Saints they still retain the top seed, as we’ll cover later.

Josh Freeman didn’t look good at all in this win, but regardless he’s a candidate to become the starter as of next year. After all the talk of Derrick Ward taking over the rushing duties early this year, Cadillac Williams has been the lead rusher and ran for 129 yards this past week. Still he’s nothing but a fantasy bench player at best.

On the Saints side of the ball, we know that Drew Brees is a stud. We also knew that more likely than not, Pierre Thomas is the guy you want over Mike Bell (even though Bell will have some goal-line value.) The big question heading into next year is how to value all of those Saints receivers.

St. Louis 10, Arizona 31

For the team that went to the Super Bowl last year, Arizona is bettering their case to return as they improve to 10-5. However, St. Louis is already on the clock for the 2010 draft.

Steven Jackson sat out this game and probably cost me one of the two championship games I lost, besides him there’s not really much to talk about when it comes to the future of the Rams.

Beanie Wells looked good with 68 yards and a score. Even though Tim Hightower has had value this year- next year maybe the changing of the guard for the two running backs.

Larry Fitzgerald already has 12 touchdowns for the season- no need to analyze his future for next season. I still like Anquan Boldin however as a top end WR2.

Detroit 6, San Francisco 20

San Francisco went out and beat the Detroit Lions, not that wasn’t a hard task to accomplish. Both teams have seen a lot of improvement: Detroit finally won a game and if the 49ers win this week, they can avoid yet another 7-9 year.

I’ll still stand by the foundation Detroit is building. Matt Stafford and Kevin Smith are injured but when healthy, they are both competent talents. Calvin Johnson has had a disappointing season compared to last year but 96 receiving yards this week shows us that he’s still an elite receiver.

Alex Smith is back in charge and should be the starting quarterback next season. Frank Gore continues to be a monster with 152 combined yards for the week. Michael Crabtree is sure to be a sleeper pick next year but still he won’t be anything more than a WR3.

Denver 27, Philadelphia 30

Another game that goes down to the wire, Philadelphia squeaks out the win as Denver is now left hoping for a playoff berth next week. The Eagles are already locked in and will play for the NFC East title next week against the Cowboys.

Kyle Orton has proved to be a serviceable quarterback for the Broncos and I see him as a solid QB2 next year. At first we weren’t sure if Brandon Marshall was going to get his share of the catches, but he has strung together a few streaks where he’s been great. I put him as another solid WR1.

Brian Westbrook returned to getting the majority of catches but his sun has already set. LeSean McCoy is the future for the Eagles but he hasn’t put up the elite numbers that Westbrook used to. DeSean Jackson has become the definition of a big play-maker, unfortunately that also means if he doesn’t make the big play, you are usually stuck with nothing.

New York Jets 29, Indianapolis 15

Curtis Painter: Not Peyton Manning (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Jets spoil the Colts’ perfect season and actually have a chance to clinch a playoff berth next week despite the big mouth of Rex Ryan.

I think Mark Sanchez had an OK start to his NFL career. His hot start followed by a cold streak didn’t do well for his big New York market fans. Braylon Edwards was an interesting add to the team this season, but so far it’s the same Braylon, different uniform.

Thomas Jones continues to run well but we must always ask how long can this last? Will a 32 year old Jones be busting out 100-yard games next year?

No need to look at the Colts future outlook, the team is full of studs at most every position. However, most of these stars sat out the second half of the game and I can imagine how many people will question Jim Caldwell’s decision to sit his starters and sacrifice perfection. Would they have won the game had Peyton Manning and company played the entire game? What will happen if the Colts still lose in the playoffs at the cost of a perfect season?

(Editor’s note: Colts fans are seriously letting Caldwell know how they feel about it as you can see here.)

I would argue that if Manning was getting roughed up they should take him out, but he wasn’t sacked once during the game. You could argue sitting out the last game but the last two games, and with the current game not in hand? If Manning was in a position to get hurt, I’d say sit him, but given there was still a game to play, I would of kept Manning in.

But I’m not too disappointed. I mean, at least the 2007 Pats record is still intact.

Dallas 17, Washington 0

With nothing to play for the Redskins rolled over to the Cowboys who are back in the playoffs despite a rough December.

The traditional December swoon for the Cowboys can’t be blamed on Tony Romo who continues to be a solid quarterback option with new found Miles Austin to throw to. Marion Barber looked good with 63 yards and a score but next year we’ll all have to take a hard look at the three-headed monster in Dallas. Right now you have to rank ‘em Barber, Felix Jones, then Tashard Choice.

The Redskins are in trouble. Clinton Portis is looking old and fragile, Santana Moss was never a WR1, and Jason Campbell might not return to the team despite putting up some OK numbers. Chris Cooley was looking good too until he broke his ankle. If Campbell doesn’t return this team could get real bad, real fast. Wait, they are already there.

Minnesota 30, Chicago 36

The Bears were in charge of this game until the Vikings came back to send the game into overtime. But Jay Cutler‘s touchdown pass to Devin Aromashodu won it for Chicago.

Brett Favre certainly made a second half splash as a fantasy quarterback. Before I even try and project him for next season we should actually make sure he’s still playing… oh what the hell, we know he’s going to come back, right?

Adrian Peterson ran for 94 yards and two touchdowns- however next season he might be selected number two overall to Chris Johnson. On the receiving end, there’s lots of exciting talent including Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. Expect both players to be solid WR2 players.

Cutler threw four touchdowns in last night’s game, showing Chicago why they traded for him. However, it’s too little – too late as Cutler’s poor performance throughout the rest of the season have people wondering if they made the right call to trade for him after all. The Bears are full of fantasy disappointments from Cutler to Matt Forte.

Reading The Box Scores & Watching The Highlights

Indianapolis 35, Jacksonville 31

Nobody could stop Dallas Clark (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Well the Colts improved to 14-0 and as a Patriots fan, I get a  bit nervous of somebody else to share the 16-0 perfect season with. Dallas Clark followed up his three TD game in Week 14 with a two TD game in Week 15. It is not news that he’s a stud tight-end, but some may have noticed that perhaps his receptions were eating into Reggie Wayne‘s stats. Well, in this shootout, Wayne got his own with 132 receiving yards fueled by a 65-yard touchdown catch. It does concern me that Joseph Addai has been cooling off after what looked like a potential hot streak.

Things that surprised me: Maurice Jones-Drew hauled in two touchdowns via air and ground, maybe he should do some holiday work with Fed-Ex. David Garrard bounced back to have another solid game but that interception kept the Colts perfect in the defeat. I’d be cautious starting him against the Patriots next week.

Dallas 24, New Orleans 17

I was watching this game in a Chinatown restaurant during snomageddon this past weekend. For the same reasons as above I was rooting for Dallas to upset the perfect Saints and they managed to stop the a last minute Saints comeback.

Things that surprised me: The Cowboys went back to running the ball (Marion Barber: 62 rushing yards, 2 TDs); Nick Folk made a field goal (but missed a key one as well.); Lance Moore returns to the field and scores a TD; Dallas managed to win a game in December.

Patriots 17, Buffalo 10

Wait L-Mo has 9 TDs on the season? (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

Patriots finally win one on the road (in the country). Again it was a tough victory that almost was lost in the second half, so I’m still not feeling good about this team right now.

Things that surprised me: L-Mo (23 carries, 81 rushing yards, TD), who’s Sammy Morris? I’ve already written that it looks like Maroney is standing out as the Pats top back but it’s not even close when it comes to the time share. Jonathan Wilhite caught an interception- does this mean we can stop picking on him?

Things that did not surprise me: Fred Jackson had a better day vs. Marshawn Lynch- party is over for Lynch owners (including me); Randy Moss caught a TD- after a rough couple of weeks, Brady was going to get the ball to Moss; Tom Brady had another blah day- Brady’s slump has to be killing fantasy seasons right now.

Cleveland 41, Kansas City 34

Classic two-terrible-teams shootout here folks. Lots of surprises to be had in the stats sheet.

Things that surprised me: Jerome Harrison:  286 rush yards, 3 TD, now how many players started him? I thought so. Of course he’ll be the hot pickup this week; the fact Jamaal Charles‘ 154 yards rushing wasn’t the best performance of the game.

Things that did not surprise me: Josh Cribbs is a machine: Two return TDs; Dwayne Bowe‘s slow start coming back from suspension- I was hoping he’d be back up and running but at least he got targeted 10 times so he’s back as the top receiver on the team.

Atlanta 10, New York Jets 7

The Sanchise continues to struggle late in his rookie season with three interceptions, but hey, he’s a rookie. Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner return to the field but both were a shell who what you would normally expect, not surprised by either. Ryan fought against a tough Jets defense and Turner is definitely not 100 percent healthy yet.

Did anything surprise me about this game? Probably that Atlanta (thanks to Tony Gonzalez) won but this was a snoozer.

Houston 16, St. Louis 13

Don't be afraid Arian- you'll be ok as long you don't fumble the ball... (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Fantasy owners were licking their chops for this match-up: a high powered offense playing one of the worst teams in the NFL? Fantasy point for everyone right? Not so much.

What surprised me: The score- really Matt Schuab? Only one TD? You are playing the Rams! Really Keith Null? Only one pick? I played the Houston defense hoping you’d throw another three to four picks! Way to improve.

What did not surprise me: Andre Johnson. You didn’t score but you always make it worth the start with 195 yard receiving. I’ll take that any day. A Houston running back fumbles the ball (Arian Foster) and Ryan Moats comes in and takes over. This sounds familiar…

Miami 24 Tennessee 27

Patriots got some help from Tennessee as they take care of the Dolphins and both teams go 7-7.

What surprised me: Vince Young: (236 passing yards, 3 TDs)- Young has the upside to produce elite numbers but I didn’t expect it against the Dolphins. I also didn’t expect two of those touchdowns to go to Justin Gage. Sorry Kenny Britt.

Arizona 31, Detroit 24

Arizona continues to dominate on the road- who needs time zones? Detroit continues their quest for a top draft pick.

What surprised me: Maurice Morris: really 128 yards and a TD? I picked him up after the Kevin Smith injury but I didn’t expect you to perform like that. He’s definitely worth a place on your bench just in case, I can see Detroit running the ball more as long as Matt Stafford is out.

What did not surprise me: Beanie Wells was a popular start option coming into the week and he proved experts right (17 carries, 111 yards rushing, TD); Calvin Johnson (3 receptions, 35 yards) here’s why I traded him away- his schedule to end the season is tough.

Hey coach I'll play today! (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Oakland 20, Denver 19

Everything about this game was a surprise, but then again Oakland upsetting a team every once in awhile shouldn’t be.

What surprised me: Michael Bush (133 rushing yards, 1 TD)- you couldn’t even put up one fantasy point in the past four weeks now you put up 20? I call fluke. Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas are two reasons I’d leave Bush on the waiver wire. JaMarcus Russell: wait, the QB that got benched for Charlie Frye (who left the game- not a surprise) won the game for the Raiders? Maybe he wants to play after all.

Cincinnati 24, San Diego 27

Cincinnati played a very emotional game after the loss of wide receiver Chris Henry. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for a red hot Chargers team.

What surprised me:  J.P. Foschi - the Bengals tight end led the team in receiving with 82 yards. Does it mean anything ? Not really. Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles caught the TDs for the team. Ochocinco celebrated his touchdown by breaking into tears on the bench. I don’t think he’ll get fined for that, an emotional gesture in honor of his departed teammate.

Chicago 7, Baltimore 31

The Ravens pour it on for a second straight week, Baltimore got hit hard by snow just like DC but managed to dig themselves out after moving the game back.

What surprised me: Joe Flacco: (234 passing yards, 4 TDs)- well, welcome back Joe, we missed you for a good few weeks. Devin Aromashodu- after a great start filling in for Devin Hester last week, he came back down to earth. What was surprising was that he was still targeted 10 times.

What did not surprise me: Jay Cutler: (QB rating 7.9, 3 interceptions)- can you believe he was a top 10 QB last year?

Tampa Bay 24, Seattle 7

What surprised me: The fact Tampa Bay won. If you told me one of the two quarterbacks in this game threw 4 picks- I would of guessed Josh Freeman, not Matt Hasselbeck.

San Fransisco 13, Philadelphia 27

What surprised me: Leonard Weaver getting the majority of the carries compared to LeSean McCoy- this is definite cause for concern if you own Shady McCoy.

Green Bay 36, Pittsburgh 37

What surprised me: Lack of running game: With both teams having great running backs in Ryan Grant and Rashard Mendenhall, it was sad to see them only go 37 & 38 yards rushing. At least each had a score to tack on as well. Pittsburgh’s crazy passing game: both Hines Ward and Heath Miller went over 100 yards receiving but Mewelde Moore and Mike Wallace catch the touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards and 3 TDs.

Minnesota 7, Carolina 26

Matt Moore has reason to be happy- he just beat the Vikings. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

What surprised me: Um, Carolina beating Minnesota? The Matt Moore led Carolina Panthers? No way. The game was a 7-6 snoozer until Carolina put up 20 points in the fourth quarter.

What surprised me: All the Minnesota receivers – Adrian Peterson led the team in rushing and receiving, something that shouldn’t happen when you have young talent that have been hot all season long. Matt Moore really? Three TDs?

What doesn’t surprise me: Jonathan Stewart- once again DeAngelo Williams disappoints me with that ankle injury and the Daily Show got all the action with two TDs.

New York Giants at Washington

Washington’s newly found offense goes up against a Giants team that has been struggling to put something consistent together. With two defenses in the top ten against the pass, I think it’ll come down to the run game. Washington is weaker against the run so this maybe an ok match-up for Brandon Jacobs. I am starting Quinton Ganther but there’s not a whole lot of great match-ups anywhere on in this game.

Fortunately for all of us though, this is the fifth most exciting season in NFL history.  I base this on the fact that 24 teams still have playoff hopes.  Only eight teams have been eliminated with three weeks to go, which is the fifth fewest with three weeks to go since 16 game seasons began in 1978.    Nice stat, NFL.com.  Tie that into two teams remaining undefeated, and we have a fantastic last few weeks ahead of us.

One of those teams, the Indianapolis Colts, have already won their match-up in Week 15.  We watched Peyton conduct another fourth quarter comeback against the Jags, setting Jacksonville’s playoff hopes back, and moving them one airline ticket closer to becoming the Los Angeles Jaguars of Anaheim.

Rather than breakdown individual match-ups this week, I’m going to break down the playoff picture and how I think it will shape up for the rest of the season, starting with the AFC.

As of this moment, the playoff picture looks like this:

Indy has clinched their division and home field advantage in the conference.  They’ll have a bye week in the first round and provided they can keep their head in the game for the next four weeks, will be tough to beat at home in January.

San Diego hasn’t quite clinched the West, but can this weekend with a win and a Denver loss.   Unfortunately, it likely won’t happen for the sky blue Chargers this weekend as the Broncos draw the Raiders in Mile High.  San Diego has a fairly tough match-up at home against the Bengals.  Weeks 16 and 17 look like this for these two teams:

Denver @PHI, KC

San Diego @TEN, WAS

My score card has both teams winning week 15, losing week 16, and winning week 17.  Good news for the Chargers in that scenario.  However, if Denver takes care of business against the Eagles, and San Diego loses to Cincy, look out!  The NFL tie-breaking procedure is hard enough to follow that I have to look up the rules constantly and compare teams’ schedules side by side.

If Denver wins outright, including a victory over Philly, and San Diego loses to Cincinnati and Tennessee, both teams will be 11-5.  First tiebreaker is head to head match-up in which the teams split this year.  Tiebreaker number two is wins in the division, and both teams took care of business going 5-1 (if it plays out this way).  Tiebreaker number three is winning percentage against common opponents.  This would result in the Bengals game and a freak TD at the end of regulation in Week One resulting in the Broncos winning the division.

AP Photo/Al Behrman

If you’ll recall in Week One Brandon Stokley caught a 90-some yard TD pass that was tipped off of a Bengal defenders hands in the final minute in what was, up until that point, the most boring game of the week.  Well if the Chargers lose to Cincy, the Broncos will hold that tiebreaker edge and will win the division.

All of that is pretty interesting – unfortunately for the rest of the AFC it doesn’t quite matter much.  Both teams would be in the playoffs at 11-5.  Denver just gets the extra home game.

In the NFC North, Cincy still holds all the cards with a 9-4 season record and an undefeated division record.  All they need to do is win 1one of the next three games to capture the division title.  Honestly, I don’t think it will be this weekend in San Diego, but it will definitely be next weekend at home against the Chiefs.  The Criminengals finish off their season in the Meadowlands against the hated New York Jets.

Unfortunately, the AFC East is really the wild card division in all this.  The Pats are in the driver’s seat with an 8-5 record, but the Jets and Dolphins are both 7-6.  Let’s look at the remaining schedules and pick a division winner, shall we?  We shall.

Pats @BUF, JAX, @HOU

Dolphins @TEN, HOU, PIT

Jets ATL, @IND, CIN

At first glance, it appears the Pats have the easiest schedule.  However, they do have two road games, and we all know they haven’t fared well on the road this year.  They have to win at Buffalo to keep the division record tied with Miami.  If the Dolphins win out however, and the Pats drop any one of these games, the Dolphins will win the third tiebreaker and will win the division.  In other words, in order to win the division, the Pats must have a better record than the Dolphins and at least the same record as the Jets.

The Jets have it harder.  Having been swept by the Dolphins, and finishing the division with a 2-4 record, the Jets don’t win any tiebreaker scenarios against either the Pats or Dolphins.  That means they have to have the best record in the division.

If I am the Jets though, I have to be pleased at my three week look ahead.  Beating the Falcons is not a mystery to anyone and the Jets could be drawing the Colts and Bengals at the best possible time.  It’s likely Indy will begin resting players next weekend against the Jets and the Bengals should have their division locked up by Week 17.

If the Bengals win the next two and Denver loses in either Week 15 or 16, Cincy will also have clinched a round one bye (Denver holds the tiebreaker over Cincy with the previously mentioned week one miracle TD.)  In those scenarios, the Jets could come up with victories against better teams, and possibly triumph as the AFC East champs.

So those are the divisions.  As for the wild card, it’s anyone’s guess how this could turn out.  With so many division titles yet undecided, maybe we can talk about the wild card in week 17.  For now, these are the teams that are still in the running and their schedules:

Baltimore 7-6 CHI, @PIT, @OAK

Jacksonville 7-7 @NE, @CLE

Pittsburgh 6-7 GB, BAL, @MIA

Tennessee 6-7 MIA, SD, @SEA

Houston 6-7 @STL, @MIA, NE

If I were going to put money down, I’d plan on losing all of it.  For now, I’ll just make my picks:

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

New Orleans over Dallas +7.  Nobody beats the Saints in that stadium, not even the worthless Cowboys.

Buffalo +7 over New England.  I think the Pats will break their road losing streak this week, but I’m not prepared to give them seven points to go along with it.

Detroit +12 over Arizona.  I hate the Cardinals.  They do nothing but ruin my pick’em percentages.

Tennessee over Miami (even).  Tough draw for the Dolphins.  If I were to pick one team to win out, and one team only, I’d take the Titans.  Two home games, albeit against tough teams, and a cupcake game against Seattle.  Lookout for the 0-6 Titans everybody.

KC over Cleveland +1.5.  Ehh… why not?

Houston over St. Louis (even).  This could be their last win of the year.

NYJ over Atlanta (over).  As I said, no mystery on how to beat the Falcons.

San Fran +9 over Philly – I hate the Niners like I hate the Cardinals.  Eagles win the game though.

Baltimore over Chicago +10.5.  Ravens offense woke back up last week and could be a sign of future success.

Oakland +14 over Denver.  Denver wins, but not by 14.

Green Bay +1.5 over Pittsburgh.  Really?  Pittsburgh is a favorite here?

Seattle over Tampa Bay +7.  These two teams came into the league together and faced off that year, both teams completely defeated to that point.  This game rivals that one.

Minnesota over Carolina +9.  The Vikings are just too good for the Panthers.  When does Brett start resting for the playoffs though?

NYG over Washington +3.  This game could be a push.  I kind of expect it to go into OT with a Giants victory.

Next week we break down the NFC playoff picture and/or AFC wild card picture, so stay tuned!  If I made any errors this week, let me know.

Hours of drafting and weeks of setting line-ups have culminated to these final three weeks of the regular NFL season: The Fantasy Playoffs.

Hopefully most of you in 12 team leagues are either starting or already into your playoffs. The 4 Sport Boston league is set-up with playoffs just the way I like them:

• Playoffs Weeks 14-16 (there’s too much uncertainty in Week 17 for it to be a true championship week)
• Top six teams advance (just like each conference of the NFL, also it’s more fun to include more teams)
• Consolation games (I like any incentives to keep owners playing- I’d also have a consolation bracket too but looks like Craig forgot to put one in)

As we go into Fantasy Football Playoffs here’s three tips I have to make the most of your run:

I should never of doubted you Jamaal. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Don’t get TOO cute

I know some experts say, “take who you bring to the dance.” I agree to this somewhat but I feel there are some instances where you have to think of new developments in a player’s situation. For instance I was mulling over starting either Jamaal Charles or Pierre Thomas. Charles had a great match-up this week but late breaking news out of Saints camp said that Mike Bell was inactive, thus Thomas would get most of the carries for the Saints.

Even though Thomas was the back I drafted and Charles was a waiver wire grab, I chose Charles because he would be the guy to get every carry. While Thomas’ value rose a bit- he still had Reggie Bush looming over him and might vulture a TD. Well my hunch was right, Charles earned a total 181 yards and a TD while Thomas earned a combined 100 yards rushing and receiving- but saw Bush score 2 TDs. Sometimes there are some situations where the opportunity is too great. Charles playing against the worst run defense in the NFL was indeed that situation.

Make sure your roster is optimized

This is something you should really do after the bye weeks but if you haven’t yet it’s time to dump off all the dead weight and stock your bench with handcuffs to your stud players, and players to add depth to your team. There’s no reason why you should have an extra defense, or a player done for the season like Steve Slaton. I wouldn’t carry a backup TE, and I am not opposed to picking up guys off the waiver wire so your opponent doesn’t pick them up to use against you.

Don’t worry too much about weather or resting of players

When it comes to the weather it’s not a big factor unless you are playing in a snow bowl. Also as long as your playoffs end before Week 17 I wouldn’t worry too much about teams resting players. Even when you look at a team like the Colts who now have everything locked in, they still have perfection to play for and with Week 17 regular Jim Sorgi injured they may think about sticking with Peyton Manning longer than expected.

Patriots Pride

Things haven't been going Tom's way lately. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

I watched the first half of the game then stopped due to frustration and sleepiness (I had a big party the night before.)

While I am delighted to see we didn’t lose three in a row, there should be some concern now over the performance of Tom Brady. In the past four weeks he’s averaging 5 fantasy points below his season average and his recent run of interceptions is making people nervous both in fantasy and outside of it.

While it appears that Tom hasn’t been terrific as of late I would like to point out he is still on track to have a slightly better season than he did before the 2007 season. Patriot Nation needs to realize that a 50-8 TD/Int ratio isn’t going to happen again. We can count on Brady to score 20-30 TDs and 10-15 Ints in a given season. Right now he’s simply going through a rough patch, and unfortunately he’s picked the wrong time to do it.

Reading The Box Scores & Watching The Highlights

Pittsburgh 6, Cleveland 13

An ugly game against two ugly teams (you have to admit the Steelers are looking bad now they have unleashed hell onto themselves.) Josh Cribbs continues to be the only offensive weapon for the browns, racking up 147 combined rushing, receiving, and return yards. Rookie Chris Jennings ran the ball 20 times for 73 yards- just FYI in case you want to know who’s running the ball post Jamal Lewis.

Rashard Mendenhall disappointed, Hines Ward looked like he should of rested that hamstring, but Santonio Holmes caught 6 passes for 93 yards. He’s been quietly racking up yards and has scored in two of his past three games. Holmes makes a great WR3/Flex play- especially if Ward misses any time.

New Orleans 26, Atlanta 23

Already talked about Pierre Thomas but I want to add Robert Meachem to the “analysts caught on to him too late.” I’ve been watching Meachem for a bit and I will admit I’ve been hesitant to start him- and with everyone finally jumping on the Meachem boat, I knew that it was the perfect time for him to have a less than average game. Meachem is still part of a crowded corp of receivers, and I’d rather play someone like Pierre Garcon over him.

Just as I dropped Jason Snelling for Jerious Norwood, it looks like Snelling is the healthier of the two backups for Michael Turner. Still I think the sun has set on big games for both these guys.

Detroit 3, Baltimore 48

Kevin Smith left the game in the 4th quarter and he might miss the rest of the season- time to get Maurice Morris on your bench just in case.

While some people worry about the Ravens’ three-headed rushing offense, each of them had a piece of the high scoring action Sunday. Ray Rice: 166 rushing yards, 1 TD; Willis McGahee: 76 rushing yards, 2 TDs; Le’Ron McClain: 32 yards, 1 TD. Even Heisman alumni Troy Smith joined in the fun and ran 15 yards for a TD. Man the Lions suck.

Green Bay 21, Chicago 14

You look at the score and hope that Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TDs. Well that didn’t happen. Ryan Grant punched it in for 2 TDs  instead. In fact Rodgers had a terrible day going 16/24 for 180 yards. That lack of production hurt Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.

Seattle 7, Houston 34

Like I mentioned before with Slaton now done for the season it’s now a time share between Ryan Moats and Chris Brown. Brown has been getting more and more work and to make things worse, rookie Arian Foster actually got the most carries in the game. Another situation that looks to messy to touch. At least you don’t have to worry about Andre Johnson. I’m sure his 193 yards and 2 TDs won a lot of fantasy games this week.

Denver 16, Indianapolis 28

Brandon Marshall did superhuman feats all day long against the Colts (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Brandon Marshall caught a record 21 passes for 200 yards and 2 TDs. If you own him in a PPR league you pretty much won the lottery- or at least felt like you did. This is the kind of upside you hope for in Marshall and unlike Brady, he’s heating up at the right time- continue to start him without fear.

On the Colts side of the ball it’s amazing to think that Dallas Clark got overshadowed by Marshall even though he caught 3 TDs.

Miami 14, Jacksonville 10

Greg Camarillo made an appearance with 7 catches for 110 yards. He was productive last season but this can be written off as a fluke. Same can be said about Torry Holt on the Jaguars side of the ball.

Buffalo 16, Kansas City 10

Buffalo ran all over Kansas City with both Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson looking good. Maybe Lynch isn’t fantasy dead after all. FYI: Dwayne Bowe should be coming off his suspension and makes a great pickup for your bench.

Cincinnati 10, Minnesota 30

Chad Ochocinco caught another TD but did not celebrate as he planned- he was stopped by coach Marvin Lewis.

Brett Favre has been quietly cooling off after his hot streak that brought him back into fantasy relevance. No problem for the Vikings however, they can count on Adrian Peterson: he ran for 97 yards and scored twice.

Carolina 10, New England 20

On last week’s podcast I said I didn’t think Steve Smith would be much of a problem and besides catch a long 41-yard TD pass he wasn’t. He still did good for his fantasy owners however.

Talking about Patriots on the decline, do we need to worry about Randy Moss? He only caught 1 pass for 16 yards and dropped passes, and fumbled the ball as well. He hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 10 and if the Patriots don’t get their swagger back- we may see more of the bad side of Moss.

New York Jets 26, Tampa Bay 3

Owning the Jets defense hasn’t been any sweeter. With Kellen Clemens throwing the ball the Jets stuck with the running game and Thomas Jones ran both Jets touchdowns in. This could pose to be a problem for Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards if the team is nervous about Clemens throwing the ball. On the other side this could also mean lots of opportunities for Jones.

St. Louis 7, Tennessee 47

"Um Keith you need this if you wanna be Quarterback..." (AP Photo/John Russell)

After the comeback of Vince Young, he left the game early with a knee injury. Kerry Collins didn’t look too bad but then again this is the Rams.

The Rams started rookie Keith Null and it was a great game… for the Tennessee defense. Null threw 5 interceptions.

Washington 34, Oakland 13

Bruce Gradkowski left this game with a leg injury and Ja-awful returns to lose another game. Darren McFadden said “hi” to his fantasy owners by catching 3 passes for 84 yards. Like JaMarcus, you can continue ignoring him.

Redskins 4th stringer Quinton Ganther carried the ball 14 times for 50 yards and 2 TDs- I think he’s installed himself as the Redskins RB you want the rest of the way.

San Diego 20, Dallas 17

Vincent Jackson has awaken to post a very respectable game: 7 catches for 120 yards.

Do you believe in December curses? Tony Romo continues to be fantasy productive but his team continues it’s December slide.

Philadelphia 45, New York Giants 38

Talk about curses, Eli Manning has never been a good second half player but in this shootout he looked good throwing 391 yards and 3 TDs. Hackeem Nicks led the Giants receivers with 4 catches for 11o yards and a TD, but Mario Manningham had lots of chances to also put up a good game, but really needs to learn to stay in-bounds.

Michael Vick is getting more and more work but remains fantasy irrelevant. However that means that he’s going to continue to eat into Donovan McNabb‘s time as the team continues to use more Wildcat and direct snap formations.

DeSean Jackson: 6 catches for 178 yards and a TD (plus a return TD)- and the coolest chest bump I’ve ever seen.

Monday Night: Arizona at San Francisco.

If you own Kurt Warner you’re going to start him against the 27th ranked pass defense. If you own Alex Smith you could start him too- Arizona has the 29th ranked pass defense and I can see him throwing for 250 yards and 2 TDs.

The 49ers have the 5th ranked run defense so this could be a tougher matchup for Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Frank Gore is one of the players you start no matter what along with Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and I will even say Vernon Davis.

So here it is, tomorrow!

With that loss to Cleveland, the castle has officially been stormed and the Steelers are no longer the defending champs.  I mean, the season doesn’t have to be over, they just need to be eliminated, which of course with a best case scenario for Pittsburgh 9-7 record, they are eliminated.  That means we’ll definitely have a new champion this year, although most everyone outside of Pittsburgh knew this by week six.

So who’s going this weekend, and which games matter most?

New Orleans vs. Atlanta +10.5

When these teams faced off last time, Atlanta was a different team.  Injuries to Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, and the Falcons defense have turned this team from a playoff contender (and my preseason super bowl pick) into a puddle of “maybe next year.”  For all the 6-6 teams near elimination, the Falcons have the toughest draw this week.  To beat the undefeated Saints, even at home, is not a likely scenario this week.  The Saints struggled last week against the Redskins, finally winning in OT.  It seemed the Saints just didn’t get up for that game.  I don’t think that will be the case this week against a division foe.

Take the Saints, even with the 10.5 point spread 42-13

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Indy vs. Denver +7

This is a great game for fans of the NFL.  Fans in 7 cities outside of Indianapolis will be rooting for the Colts this weekend.  A Broncos loss this weekend could break the AFC playoff picture wide open.  At 8-4, McDaniels’ club holds the top wild card spot and is still in a position to win the division if the cards fall right.  However, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Miami, NYJ, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Houston are all in the hunt, and if the Broncos lose it will surely generate a photo finish for the last 2 or 3 spots in the playoffs.

All of this said, my money is on a wide open playoff race.  The Colts are just too lucky this year, and they’re at home.  Denver has been up and down, and I suppose right now they’re up, however I just don’t know that they’re good enough to go on the road and beat Peyton and the gang.  As always, the strategy will be to run the ball, control the clock, and score touchdowns.  If 7’s become 3’s early on, this game can be checked off as a Colt win by halftime.

I’ll take the Colts at home, 27-19

Minnesota vs. Cincinnati +6.5

This is a tough draw for the Criminengals.  The Vikings failed to perform against a mediocre Cardinals team last week, including an abysmal day for the Grape Ape and the Front Line Purple.  That’d be a great band name, I’ve decided.  Cincy does have a good defense, but they’ve struggled against all teams outside of the AFC North.

Although this might be the most competitive game of the weekend, and I for one am looking forward to seeing this game.  I don’t think the Bengals can keep up though.  With the exception of Chad Hachi Go, the passing game is anemic.  Carson Palmer just isn’t the player he was once expected to be, and that’s a reality.

Minnesota wins, but not by 6.5.  Vikings 28-23

Jacksonville vs. Miami +2.5

Unfortunately for both these teams, someone has to lose.  Both teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot and a loss this week will set them back against fellow hunters with easier pray this weekend such as the NYJ (vs. Tampa), Baltimore (vs. Detroit), Houston (vs. Seattle) and Tennessee (vs. St. Louis). At least one, if not more of those teams will be upset this weekend, so it’s not a certainty that they will all move in on the loser of this game.

Next week it doesn’t get any easier for these 2 teams either.  Jacksonville draws Indy while the Dolphins draw the Titans.  What’s that mean?  Both teams need a win this week.  Like I said though, only one can get it.  This Sunshine State matchup will be one of the best of the weekend.  Both teams have strong running games with passing games that are barely complimentary.

David Garrard has never been a big play QB, and Chad Henne is still learning his position in the NFL.  There should be a playoff atmosphere in Jacksonville (and hopefully the fans will fill the stadium), and this one will be decided by ball control and defense.  The Jags have been inconsistent this year, including losses to San Fran and Seattle.  Both those losses came on the road, and the Jags are 4-1 in their last 5.

The more I think about it, the less I know.  JAX 23-20

Dallas vs. San Diego +3 and NYG vs. Philadelphia +1

I had no choice but to combine these 2 games.  They were so intertwined in terms of their implications, I just couldn’t write a preview without it.  The impact of the Dallas/SD game is similar to that of the Indy/Denver matchup.  A loss by either of these teams can blow the lid off the playoff race.  Provided the Indy/Denver game goes as I expect, the impact of a San Diego loss will be less than a Dallas loss.  If Dallas goes down, there is potential for a 3 way tie in the NFC East.  Dallas has to win in order to keep first place.  Here’s how it breaks down:

Cowboys win, Eagles win:

Both teams are 9-4, and the Cowboys own the head to head tiebreaker for now.  The Eagles/Cowboys face off in week 17 though.  If the Eagles win that game, the Division tiebreaker will go to the Eagles.  For now though, with this outcome, the Cowboys remain in first place.

Cowboys win, Giants win:

Cowboys keep first place and are the only 9-4 team in the NFC East.  This is the ideal situation for the Cowboys.

Cowboys lose, Eagles win:

This puts the Eagles in first place as the only 9-4 team.  They would own the head to head tiebreaker against the Giants, and would only need to keep pace until week 17, then beat the Cowboys to win the division.

Cowboys lose, Giants win:

In this situation, The Giants would be the front runners.  All 3 teams would be 8-4, however the Giants swept the Cowboys and would have a 4-1 division record giving them the edge over the Eagles (3-2).

So now it’s laid out, all the scenarios that could change the picture in the NFC East.  So the question becomes, who will win?  In the first game, I’m taking San Diego.  They’re on a 7 game win streak and they’re just flat out a better team than the Cowboys.

SD 27 DAL 20

In game #2, I’m going to take the Eagles.  Andy Reid just renewed his contract and that adds some sense of stability to the team.  DeSean Jackson should play after missing a week with a concussion, and Michael Vick suddenly became a part of the offense last week, if only to rub it in the face of Atlanta for daring to turn their back on a man who shoots dogs for sport. HOW DARE THEY!?!?!  The Giants are still trying to figure out who they are, and are lucky to be 7-5 at this point in the season.

PHI 33 NYG 30

So there it is, I’m taking the road teams and the underdogs in those matchups.

So wow, there you have it.  Next week the AFC East playoff race should be heated up and I’ll try to focus there next week.

As for the rest of the league:

GB over Chicago +3

KC over Buffalo even

NE over Carolina +13.5 – okay, my quick thoughts here.  It’s pretty outrageous to give the Pats 13.5 points right now against any team.  The Panthers are down there starting QB and running back though, and this game could very well be in the snow.  We all know what happened to the Titans in the snow.

Tampa +3 over NYJ

Baltimore over Detroit +13

Houston over Seattle +6

St. Louis +13 over Tennessee – I’m not saying the Rams are going to win this game, however Young had a setback on his knee injury, Chris Johnson was a limited participant with a sore ankle, and DT Jason Jones could be done for the season with a torn rotator cuff.  Those are all big ifs, and it will take a 175 yard 3 TD game from CJ in order to beat St. Louis by 13.

Oakland +1 over Washington

Arizona over San Fran +3

What a great name: Fanene (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

It was a wild week indeed.

It started when Mark Sanchez dove head first after a run and hurt his knee. The kid really needs to learn how to slide.

Michael Vick had more touchdowns than Donovan McNabb.

Bruce Gradkowski threw 3 TDs and won against the “unleashing hell” Steelers.

Players named Fanene, Tolbert, and Hughes all scored touchdowns.

Percy Harvin had more rushing yards than Adrian Peterson.

That’s why we watch football, because despite all the projections and analysis that goes on- it’s still anybody’s game.

This week I’m going to go straight to the games, I spent yesterday at Fed-Ex field watching the Redskins almost beat the Saints. Check out Craig’s recap if you want a perspective on the Patriots loss to the Dolphins.

Reading The Box Scores & Watching The Highlights

New York Jets 19, Bills 13

While somethings went wild this past Sunday, some things stayed the same. Braylon Edwards continues to drop passes, with a pass bouncing off his face-mask this week. Despite Edwards managing a diving TD, Jerricho Cotchery continues to be the guy I want in that passing game, however we’ve seen Sanchez passing less and less.

Just when you think Fred Jackson had the top rushing job in Buffalo locked up, Marshawn Lynch pulls off a couple of big runs to score a TD and 60 yards over 6 rushes. Jackson still got more touches and is more involved in the passing game- but what I learned is the situation there is not yet resolved.

Philadelphia 34, Atlanta 7

Leonard Weaver, another unlikely name from Week 13. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

The DeSean Jackson-less Eagles made do splitting targets equally between Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant. I said I liked Maclin a little bit better and he had the better day going 83 yards on 4 catches.

LeSean McCoy only had 6 rushes for just 2 yards while fullback Leonard Weaver went for 100 total yards and a TD. Again weird things are happening in the NFL…

I’ll be honest that I didn’t think that Chris Redman under center would mean great things for Roddy White, but White proved me wrong with 104 receiving yards and a junk-time TD. I worry less about White if Redman continues to start.

Oh by the way, until Michael Turner returns to the field, I’d stay away from the Atlanta running game. The Jason Snelling/Jerious Norwood time share doesn’t look good to me.

Tampa Bay 6, Carolina 16

I left DeAngelo Williams in my line-up before going to the Redskins game and I paid the price. Jonathan Stewart blew up rushing for 120 yards and a TD. I don’t know how the Williams injury got past me but Stewart is a must add if he’s still available.

Since Matt Moore is now the signal caller in Carolina, somebody’s gotta throw the interceptions. Might as well be Josh Freeman who imploded for 5 interceptions. I would worry about it- you shouldn’t be starting the rookie anyways. It is interesting to note however that Antonio Bryant managed 5 receptions for 116 yards. He looks healthy again and this could be the sign of another strong finish for Bryant.

St. Louis 9, Chicago 17

Not much to say here, a Bears team on the decline walked into St. Louis and managed a win. Matt Forte owners that started him against a St. Louis defense that’s laughable got their reward with 91 rushing yards and a TD. Earl Bennett looked ok with 74 yards and a TD but I’ll dismiss it for a fluke.

Detroit 13, Cincinnati 23

Interesting, probably will illicit a fine- but not your best work.

Some things changed, some things stay the same, and some things come back into style. Chad Ochocinco celebrated his 9 reception, 137 yard day by putting on a sombrero and a poncho  after scoring a TD. Always happy to see Chad back to his old ways.

Cedric Benson also back and celebrated the day by running for 110 yards over 36 carries. It looks like he is back to full strength and even though it was against the Lions, I think it’s business as usual for Benson. Feel free to drop Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson unless you need them as a handcuff.

Even though the Bengals dominated the game the Lions managed to get their players some stats as well. Calvin Johnson caught 6 passes for 123 yards and a TD and Kevin Smith reached the end zone and ran for 75 yards. I wouldn’t get too excited for Smith however- they play Baltimore next.

Tennessee 17, Indianapolis 27

Well the midnight has struck for new Vince Young led Titans. Even though Chris Johnson had his usual 100+ yard game, the offense just couldn’t keep pace with Peyton Manning and the Colts.

Joseph Addai took the majority of carries with Donald Brown inactive for the game. His 79 rushing yards and 2 TDs. You know he’s only scored less than double digit points twice, and I feel like with this high powered offense, he’s a great flex play the rest of the way.

Houston 18, Jacksonville 23

Sexy Rexy made a cameo this week. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

The Steve Slaton saga continues. He sat out this week with an injured shoulder and Ryan Moats and Chris Brown were less than stellar in his place. a combined 18 carries and 56 yards doesn’t really impress. Brown did get the TD which stirs the pot more in the Houston running game soup.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Zach Miller lead a team in receptions if we were talking about the Oakland Raiders, but the Zach Miller (who’s also a tight end) for Jacksonville led his team for 3 catches for 74 yards. With most of the yards coming on a 62 yard play, this Miller can get put back on the fluke shelf.

There was a Rex Grossman sighting when Matt Schaub got injured. He threw an interception (big surprise) and Schaub returned to the game to prevent any more grossness from Grossman.

Denver 44, Kansas City 13

In the Denver beat-down of the Chiefs, Knowshon Moreno was the big beneficiary with 86 rushing yards and 2 TDs. Brandon Marshall also got his with 94 yards and a TD. If you are one of the 47% that own Eddie Royal you’ll be happy to know he didn’t do anything in this game. Please drop him now.

Even though Kansas City looked terrible Jamaal Charles continues to look good with 56 yards and a TD. He still continues to be a low-end RB2 or flex play.

New England 21, Miami 22

I haven’t watched the highlights of the game and I don’t know if I want to. Tom Brady threw for his usual yardage, most of which went to Wes Welker, but his two interceptions were very costly.

I wrote earlier that Davone Bess was the receiver you want on Miami and he had a stellar game with 10 catches for 117 yards and a TD.

I can’t think about this game anymore I’m going to move on.

Oakland 27, Steelers 24

Not the kind of hell he wanted to unleash this month. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

So much for unleashing hell, what was unleashed here was a shootout. Gradkowski threw for 3 TDs and 308 yards. Before you think he maybe breaking out the Raiders play Washington, Denver, and Baltimore next.

It looks like you can pass on the Raiders, both Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward had good games in the losing effort.

New Orleans 33, Washington 30

The Redskins dominated the first half against the Saints and by halftime it looked as if the mighty would fall. However New Orleans clawed back thanks to miscues from the Redskins secondary and a botched field goal from Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham.

What I saw in this game was a Redskins defense that shut down the New Orleans run game, both Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas were shut down. They also did a pretty good job in keeping Marques Colston out of most of the game, however the Saints simply turned to Robert Meachem who went for 142 yards and a TD for the day. That makes it 5 weeks in a row that he’s scored a TD.

I’ve already said that I liked Meachem and Brees wasn’t afraid to go to him after targets like Colston and Devery Henderson were covered. Meachem will certainly be the big pickup this week, I already own him in a league and I actually thought I started him (but it appears I didn’t. FMT.)

On the Washington side of the ball I think Devin Thomas looked great catching 7 passes for 100 yards and 2 TDs. He certainly played a bigger part in the passing game- and certainty should be looked at but I wouldn’t start him immediately.

San Diego 30, Cleveland 23

Philip Rivers looked great as usual but Brady Quinn didn’t look too bad either, throwing 3 TDs compared to Rivers 2. Maybe Cleveland has something to look forward to in the future. For fantasy owners? You can continue to ignore him.

The Jamal Lewis era is now over in Cleveland so how did they try to cope? By having Josh Cribbs out run Jerome Harrison. Cribbs must be that good. (UPDATE: I know that Harrison also scored 2 TDs on 7 receptions, but we can’t always count on the running back to catch that many passes.)

Dallas 24, New York Giants 31

I don't blame Romo, I blame Barber. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Can we blame this one on a Tony Romo collapse? Well he went 41/55 for 392 yards and 3 TDs, no picks. I don’t think so. Look to the running game where the three headed monster of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice ran for a combined 45 yards. I’m downgrading the Dallas running game til I see some improvement.

San Francisco 17, Seattle 20

Julius Jones returned to play and took most of the carries, and thus kills the fantasy value of Justin Forsett. Forsett did catch a TD but it looks like the Seattle running game may return to mediocrity. Let’s see what happens when they play Houston this week.

Minnesota 17, Arizona 30

Talk about bubbles bursting, just when people were getting around to starting Brett Favre he throws 2 TDs and 2 picks and looks more like the Favre we knew and loved. Favre has some history of not performing in December, keep an close eye on this and hopefully you have another option if you have to switch things up.

Anquan Boldin catches 2 TDs and gives me hope that my trade wasn’t that bad of an idea.

Monday Night: Baltimore at Green Bay

The Ravens D hasn’t been what it’s used to be, especially against the pass. I think Aaron Rodgers has a good game tonight but not so much for Ryan Grant. I’m hoping Donald Driver continues to have a great season and has another big game.

A declining Joe Flacco and a 6th ranked Green Bay passed D spells potential trouble. Flacco’s cooled off to the point I’ve dropped him from my teams. Green Bay is 3rd against the run so it will be an interesting match-up for Ray Rice. Even though the Packers have only given up 3 rushing TDs, Rice has the talent to manage a decent game.

(It’s Week 13 by the way!)

Hope everyone had a fantastic turkey day.  I was unable to watch any football on Thanksgiving, which is the first time I’ve failed to do so in my entire life.  Fortunately, it appears I didn’t miss very much good football.  The Packers, Cowboys, and Broncos rolled their opponents with relative ease.

There were a few picture changing games as well.  With Baltimore defeating Pittsburgh, the Steelers are all but out of the playoff picture.  The Bengals need a mere 3 games (any combination of wins by the Bengals or losses by the Steelers and Ravens) to clinch the AFC North.  The Criminengals not only won the division (I’m calling it now), but they did it by winning in the division.  6-0 against the Ravens, Steelers, and Browns, contributing to 6 of their 8 wins.  This means they’re 2-3 outside the division though, so those 3 wins might be harder to come by than it looks.  Even so, they hold the tiebreaker in the north.

Indy won again, remaining undefeated and clinching the AFC South.  This week they match up against a streaking Titans team (5 straight wins after an 0-6 start).  A few weeks ago, prior to their Monday night victory over the Texans, I said the Titans could win the rest of their games, noting that the Colts were the one deadbolt in an otherwise unlocked door to full recovery.

In the AFC West, San Diego marched on to their 6^th straight win, while the Broncos finally got back on track defeating the Giants on Thursday night.  Denver still has 3 matchups against the Chiefs and Raiders and could finish the season with a 5-1 division record.  Don’t count them out in the West as they are only 1 game back of the Chargers.

In the NFC, the Cowboys and Eagles continue to distance themselves from the NFC East pack, as the Giants continue to struggle and it appears Eli Manning may be done for the year.

The Vikings and Saints continue to make it clear who the top dogs to beat are in the NFL.  I’d be surprised to see any team other than one of these 2 head to the Super Bowl this year.  Yea they’re a combined 21-1, with the only loss coming by Minnesota at the hands of the Steelers in Pittsburgh early in the year.  However, it’s not the record so much as the way these teams have one.  They’ve won with guts and skill and have flat outclassed and outplayed their opponents.  Compare that to the Colts 11-0, and the close battles they’ve had all year where they’ve won in certain situations, despite being outplayed for 58 minutes.  I would take either the Saints or the Vikings over Indy in a neutral stadium.

So what does all this mean?  Not a heck of a lot yet.  There’s still a lot of football to be played, including this weekend!

El Mustachio's star Fantasy player - Ryan Fitzpatrick

NYJ vs. Buffalo +3 (Editor’s note: Sorry, slacker me got this posted AFTER the game but El’s pick is from well before the start of the game!)

Jobs, roles, and responsibilities have been shifted in Buffalo.  In 3 weeks, the Bills have replaced their head coach, starting QB, and starting running back.  I for one am starting Ryan Fitzpatrick this week in the 4SportBoston fantasy league.  That’s right.  And why am I doing that?  Well… I’ve just got no choice.  Too many injuries at QB this season, including my QB Matt Ryan’s have resulted in an absolutely decimated selection at the position.  So for the next 30 seconds I’m going to pump up Fitzpatrick and tell you why he and the Bills are going to beat the Jets tonight!

1. I hate the Jets.  Screw them, they’re terrible
2. Fitzpatrick went to Harvard, which as we all know is located in Cambridge, MA
3. He was born in Gilbert, AZ a neighboring town to the one I live in currently
4. Stupid Jets

In the end, these major factors play a decisive role in tonight’s battle for 3^rd place in the AFC East.  NYJ 24 BUF 27

Now that Thursday night is out of the way, I’m going to take a nap until Sunday morning when the Colts take on the Titans.

Colts vs. Tennessee +6.5

I wish I could sit here and honestly tell you I truly believe the Titans will win this game, but I can’t do that.  They could, I won’t rule it out, which is good for Jeff Fischer since I know he hangs on my every word, but it’s a near impossible matchup to go on the road against an undefeated team.  What the Titans have going in their favor is that they FEEL undefeated.  They haven’t lost since October 18^th in what seem now like a surreal game in the New England storm of snow and scores.  That means we’ve got 2 teams feeling pretty f’n good right now.  One thinks they can’t be beat, while the other refuses to get beat because they know how badly it hurts.  I’m taking the Titans and the points, because even if they don’t win, they’ll give the Colts a run, just like every other good team has done.

IND 20 TEN 17

Other than that, I’m pretty much bored by the matchups this week.  Because of that, I’m gonna jump right over to the 4 games this week without a spread.

Oakland vs. Pittsburgh

Really?  No spread on this one?  Sorry Oakland, Pittsburgh isn’t that bad, even if they can’t beat anyone that matters.  There is no way they give up this golden egg at home.

PIT 20 OAK 10

Houston vs. Jacksonville

So this game actually has some merit as a no spread game.  Houston is on a downward spiral and can’t seem to beat their division foes.  In fact, their only intra-division victory came in week 2 against the Titans, and we all know how they were playing at the time.  They will probably bounce back at some point, but after losing to Indy, Tennessee, then Indy again in consecutive weeks, the Texans won’t recover until next week at home against Seattle.

JAX 34 HOU 28

Seattle vs. San Francisco

Oh god I hope this game isn’t on television.  Anywhere.

SF 10 SEA 7

Arizona vs. Minnesota

On Sunday night these 2 teams go head to head, which means I don’t have to get stuck watching the Cardinals against, I don’t know… let’s say… the Rams… as the only game available at 2 in the afternoon.  So yes, I’m excited.  The Grape Ape is gonna run train on the redbirds at 109 mph.

MIN 41 ARI 19

And the Monday Night Mustachio Matchup!

Green Bay vs. Baltimore +3

Mere weeks after I claimed the Packers couldn’t win 2 in a row after the defeat of Dallas, they’ve now strung together 3 straight.  Now they’re at home against a Ravens team coming off a big win against Pittsburgh.  Let’s be real here though, the Steelers started their backup QB after Roethlisberger selfishly took his shares of the practice snaps all week.  Green Bay doesn’t have that problem, and will dispense with the Ravens.  Suddenly Green Bay’s defense is among the best in the league, although missing Al Harris and Aaron Kampman for an extended period of time could be problematic.  Lambeau in December is what it comes down to though.  Take Green Bay on the frozen tundra, just like I’m going to do.

GB 27 BAL 21

On the season, Mustachio is 93-83, making him one of the worst prognosticators on the internet.