My first installment got some pretty good feedback. As I tried to steer everyone away from picking their favorite teams, I still received a lot of bias and prejudice.

Let me start by making sure everyone understands what I'm looking for. The question is...WHAT TWO TEAMS WOULD YOU LIKE TO WATCH PLAY FOR THE CRYSTAL FOOTBALL IN THE BCS TITLE GAME?

Forget the rankings, forget the losses. Based on what you know or have seen about these teams, let me know what two teams you think would make a great BCS NC game!

I don't want homerism, but it is welcomed.

So what match-ups would be the best? We all know there have been a shortage of great BCS NC games. Only the Texas/USC and Miami/OSU games lived up to hype and were worth watching.

So let me know guys and gals...and to make it easy, I decided to once again type in just the letter below, or add your own. This is yours. Have fun with it. Let me know why you think this match-up would be a great one.

A. Missouri vs. West Virginia

B. Missouri vs. Ohio State

C. Ohio State vs. West Virginia

D. Missouri vs. Georgia

E. Ohio State vs. Georgia

F. West Virginia vs. Georgia

G. LSU vs. Ohio State

H. Kansas vs. Ohio State

I. LSU vs. West Virginia

J. LSU vs. USC

K. USC vs. Florida

L. Virginia Tech vs. Missouri

M. Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia

N. USC vs. West Virginia

O. Missouri vs. USC

P. Oklahoma vs. West Virginia

Q. Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech

R. ___________________  vs. _________________

I'd like to get enough responses so that I could tally them up and develop a four game playoff system out of this. So c'mon y'all, help me out here. I don't do these sort of things too often, and I want FOXBLOGGERS TO HELP ME ON THIS ONE. Of course write-ins are greatly welcome and appreciated!

OK BLOGGERS! I NEED YOUR HELP!

P.S. Sorry I posted to so many categories. I never do that. I just wanted to get it out there. I want to get all kinds of responses and opinions.

After searching for other places to blog, I returned to FoxSports. Why? I don't know. It still seems like the same ole blog though.

There are those in that "clique" before I left. Yes it's silly to talk about a "clique" or "CLICK".

Only those in this group get numerous comments to their blogs. I need not name them, they are obvious.

This isn't a WHINING POST by any means. I would just like to see more balance. I'd like to see some of the less heralded bloggers and the new bloggers get some comments to keep them here.

I am guilty also. However, if I see a new blogger, I will comment. I don't always have time to post comments because I rarely have time to even write a blog.

I just wanted to rant.

So let's unite as a community of bloggers and keep the ones we have. Plus make the new ones feel welcome ( if you already haven't ).

Thanks Friends,

-88

No elaborate pics, nothing frilly and fancy, just a reason why I'm on a bandwagon this year....enjoy!

"As obscure as it is relevant in todays realm of sports, is the thinking that a team must win it all to have a successful season.  What is considered when a team is honored as having a successful season? Having a terrific win/loss ration during the "primer" run leading up to the important "second season" shouldn't be regarded as a failure if in fact a team struggles and loses in the playoffs.

Yet in a society clamored with the hype also comes the responsibility to live up to the hype. The coaches know it. The players know it. Yeah, even the water boy knows it. Or now should I say the Gatorade boy? And in not being politically incorrect, I won’t shun Gatorade girl.

 Though this attitude has not only permeated the world of sports. Think back to the days when giving 110% actually meant “selling the farm”. Whether it was at home with your families or on the job giving everything you had to meet a company’s expectation were well, just that, expected. That 110% meant something. Does this still important principle hold true today?"    -88

 However true you are to yourself would determine the answer to that very important question. In a world of ever evolving ideas, holding true to the aspects of life that are true to you will get you far. In other words, don’t sell the farm then regret not only the decision, but to whom the farm was sold.

In saying that, I would like to say this. Life in the real world isn't that much different than life in the National Football League. The same 110% effort we grind

out, struggle with; at home with our spouse and kids and our jobs is reflected each Sunday here in the U.S.A. As well as Monday, some Thursdays, and come playoff time, Saturdays. This Sunday is an exception when the NFL will be on display at Wimbley Stadium in London, England. The struggling Dolphins (0-7, worst start in franchise history) are playing a "home game" against the team visiting from the New Jersey area who some dub New York A, the Giants.

Here's a stretch for you guys and gals. Speaking of the Miami Dolphins, is it possible that they are the worst team in the worst division in the history of the NFL? The only sign of life in that division are the SEVEN and ZERO (a franchise first) New England Patriots.

So why would I use a bad segue (my apologies) to introduce the New England Patriots into this conversation? Because I am on the Patriots' bandwagon, of course. To those who remember me and my first rant on FoxSports, I was angered over the offciating in the NFL over the years. For those of you not familiar, I will sum it up for you.

My initial blog (before I had left, then returned with a slightly altered nick) was a rant on bad whistle blowing. It wasn't long after the refs had stole the chance (or many chances) from the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl EXTRA EXRA Large to win the game and for once, hold the Lombardi Trophy. We all know the ending. If not, then Pittsburgh carried the banner that year. However, if you will note in my summarized BIO my rant began back in the snow in New England. Of course, my BIO doesn't say that. Yet, in putting two and two together, one will notice one team, the Oakland Raiders. Another two and two; tuck rule and "no fumble" after the official review prevented the Raiders from advancing, and catapulted New England to new heights.

I'm still cringing. This is very difficult for me to write, trust me. I may be hanged by friends and family. Please call 911 if I haven't returned to FoxSports Blogging in a few weeks. Or, just give KSP the win by forfeit for if I advance, I may have to be reached by séance and spiritually enter gambit to let all you bloggers know what it's like on the other side.

Try new heights to the tune of three Super Bowl rings in as many tries. I wanted badly for the Colts to beat them back in 2005, but it wasn't to be. I wanted Oakland to beat them in 2002. It just wasn't to be.

 During the game against the Raiders, I could feel something brewing inside me that I had never felt before against an AFC team (of course, the Kansas City Chiefs being excluded). I am an AFC guy. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky. Watching football on Sundays meant I had no option but to root for the AFC teams broadcast on NBC affiliate WSAZ out of Huntington, WVA. I rarely watched an NFC team at that time. So growing up in the 80’s and 90’s of course I was a Buffalo Bills fan as well as a proud Bengals, Browns, and Oilers fan. A New England fan, not so much.

  And still to this day a New England fan, not so much. Something changed this year however. First the team acquired Randy Moss for a 3rd round draft pick. What a steal that was. Moss is a native of Rand, WVA. Living in eastern Kentucky, we tend to notice Pro-caliber players who may attend Marshall, WVU, UK, EKU, and the like. So I was a Moss fan from day one with the Minnesota Vikings. He became a phenomenon.

 Loved then hated in Minnesota, Moss moved on to Oakland to play for the Raiders. He once again fell into a love/hate relationship with not only the team, but the higher-ups. As much a talent as Moss is, an infection to a team it seems may be better to describe him. When Moss became a member of the New England Patriots a ring was what he was looking for. Aside from resurrecting his tainted image, Moss also wanted to prove that he still could not be covered one on one. I personally was wanting the infection to spread. And who knows? Maybe it already has behind closed doors.

This year Moss has caught 10 touchdown passes and in the process raised Tom Brady’s career to an unbelievable new level. With 27 touchdown passes in seven, yes seven games, Brady has began the season unlike any quarterback in NFL history. Sure, anyone can just heave the ball into the air long distance style and let Moss do the work. I mean that’s what Randall Cunningham did in Minnesota in Moss’ rookie year, right? True, but Brady also has shown accuracy and precision in his passes and making very few mistakes. In fact he is on pace to shatter many of the NFL records. He already has set a few records. One by being the most accurate passer in 100 pass attempts (79-100) in NFL history.

  But it’s not only Moss. The addition of Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Sammy Morris, and Adalias Thomas has greatly improved the offense and defense and special teams.

  Have you wondered yet why I haven’t mentioned Bill Belichick? Well, it’s because I have saved the best for last.

  I told my wife about this blogging contest in which she replied, “I hope you win!” She also wondered if I was going to have time to write this blog. How odd is this? While I was typing this at work, she called. Anyway, back to Belichick. I like him about as much as I like working 60 hours this week. As I mentioned earlier though, hard work pays off. A hard work ethic is what Bill Belichick is all about. He gets the most out of every player on his roster. Some would argue that he stretches them too far at times. Such as the time a couple years ago when WR Troy Brown was used in certain defensive formations; Belichick has done nothing but win though.

  So, love them or hate them, that is the question. Honestly I despise this team. Yet I will say that I am on their bandwagon. Why you may ask. As the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them!” I wouldn’t go that far. However, any team that Moss is playing for…I like. What I like most though is that it’s possible that before season’s end Moss will have infected the locker-room with his disdain for certain players, certain plays, and even Belichick himself. One could only hope.

  Yes, I am on the New England Patriots’ bandwagon. But I am only being drug along behind on a string. I am hoping this team will go 16-0 in the regular season. No team in NFL history has done that except the 1972 Dolphins. Yes, I am on the New England Patriots’ bandwagon, but I hope they choke in the playoffs. I cannot see myself rooting for this team to do anything otherwise. Do I think this 2007-2008 version of the New England Patriots can go undefeated…sure. They do however have some tough games ahead of them. A date at the Colts on November 4th looms large. Possibly the only game after that which could be a challenge for the Patriots is the trip to Baltimore on December 3rd.

Yes, I am on the Patriots’ bandwagon. This team shows that 110% each week. They bring their “A” game to every game. I’m not convinced yet if they brought their “C” game it would have any bearing on the outcome of the game. Yes, they may not cover the spread, but they could still win by a touchdown or more.

Yes, I am on the Patriots’ bandwagon. Just like some of my favorite teams in the past, I am on the Patriots bandwagon. The Minnesota Vikings cruised through the regular season in 1998. A team carried by Randall Cunningham, Moss, and Cris Carter though stumbled in the NFC Championship game at Atlanta.

  Yes, I am on the Patriots’ bandwagon. Belichick has pride. That is unmistakable. If there is anyone out there that thinks the Patriots will not go for the 16-0 record under Belichick’s watch, well then they are wrong. Did I mention “Bill Gate”? It has been termed many ways. Belichick cheated. No getting away with it Bill.

 Yes, I am on the Patriots’ bandwagon. What other team in the league has the arsenals on offense, the players like Asante Samuel, Adalius Thomas, Teddy Bruski, Mike Vrabel, Richard Seymore, Rodney Harrison and the like on defense? No other team has. They begin to remind me of the 2006 version of The Ohio State Buckeyes. Invincible all season, yet in the face of adversity playing the Florida Gators in the BCS National Championship game, well, they choked. I have to be on the Patriots’ bandwagon.

I have to love this team. They have the tools they need to get the job done. This team possesses the will to win. They own the players that have the will to win. This team is comprised of winners. Are they a surprise team this year? I think so. Everyone knew they had the potential to be good heading into the season. Did anyone think this team could be great? I did. The greatest team in the history of the game? I did.

My wife was lying in the bed with me when I heard the news of the trade for Moss. I turned to her and said, “#$%%, I hate that team! Now they will be unstoppable!”

Yes, I am on the Patriots’ bandwagon. Go Pats!

-88

Upon first glance at any score of an NFL game not watched you tend to get this mental picture of how the game probably shook out. You know, without even watching the game, you get this gut feeling that the game was a barn-burner; the game was a nail-biter; the game was a blow-out, or even the game could have been won on a last second field goal.

Your next thought is finding the highlights or reading about the game to check your gut instinct. You know, that game in which you only saw the final score.

 Chicago 27 Green Bay 20 F/  Baltimore 9 San Francisco 7 F / Seattle 0 Pittsburgh 21 F/  Ja.

Hold up! Since you have TiVo, rewind back a few frames to check what you just saw scrolling across the bottom of your overpriced Hi Definition screen. You did see correctly. You did see Green Bay suffer the teams first loss. Could it have ended on a goal line stand? You did wish you hadn't missed the offensive fireworks on display at Monster Park in San Fransisco. And yes, you did see a Seahawk had performed a natural miracle. A Seahawk had laid a Goose Egg in Pittsburgh.

Fun for the whole family. Fun for the Pittsburgh family. Fun for the Steelers' faithful. Fun in the sun for a 'Hawk flying across the nation with a 3 - 1 record and leading the NFC West in the standings? No, not really. Fun for my family and I? Of course. However not for reason you may think. Not because the family and I are the aforementioned Steelers' faithful. As the Seahawks were laying this egg in the nest that is Heinz Field, we were standing in lines to ride the Maverick, the Top Thrill Dragster, the Power Tower, and of course the Corksrew  among others. And as any Amusement Park fan would know, my family and I were enjoying the day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

We knew what to expect that Sunday at Cedar Point; a mere 184 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. We had traveled to the top of Ohio before and enjoyed all there was to enjoy at the best Amusement Park in the world!  And given the temperature was uncharacteristically likened to a hot summer day for the first full  weekend of October; we just assumed that  everything else in the world was as atypical as much as it was predictable.

The Seattle Seahawks had made the same assumptions it appeared. On Monday when we returned to our Kentucky home I watched as the NFL scores scrolled across the bottom of our overpriced Hi Definition screen. 21 - 0? That Pittsburgh defense must have been jacked up. I thought. That Seattle offense must have had at least three or four chances to score, but just couldn't get it done on the road. I thought. I knew what I thought. But what was Seattle thinking? Before the game? During the game? After the game?

After the game, and after head coach Mike Holmgren gave his post-game speech, the Seattle Seahawks bought into the fact that this was just one game. One of eleven more to play as they make their push toward the NFC West title and the subsequent sprint toward the Super Bowl. The team was encouraged I'm sure to forget about what had just happened and start looking forward to their next opponent. Yet when you finish a game you have prepared all week for on defense, offense, and special teams, and you know just a safety, just two points was all that was needed to beat you that day, well you begin to question what just happened and how.

Whether any member of the team will admit it or not, many, if not all players, as well as coach Holmgren himself quesitoned on their flight home from that performance, " Where did we go wrong?" As well as, " Where do we go from here?"

Simple questions indeed but not so simple are the answers. Truly, what does this shut-out mean to a Seahawks team coming into the game on a high-note, playing like they were flat-lining, and ending the game as if there was nothing more to do to bring them back to life?

Honestly, the answers are not that impossible to find. The truth lies hidden in the performance. What does the shut-out last Sunday at Heinz field mean to this 2007 -2008 version of the Seattle Seahawks?

Very little.

Coach Holmgren would have been correct in derailing the bad thoughts of a shut-out and reiterating the fact that this loss was just one. One loss, no matter how bad it looks, scrolling across the screen at the bottom of any television is just what it is. One loss.

Seattle was beaten by a better team Sunday. Don't misconstrue my thinking. Any loss will make a team wonder where they are as far as progression from week to week. Any loss will cause a team to wonder if it will happen again next week. Any loss will make a coaching staff and most notably a head coach ponder where the blame should lie.

My wife and I stood in line this past Sunday, for nearly an hour and a half taking small strides at times to reach the seats of the Top Thrill Dragster. A ride that begins at 0 mph, then 4 seconds later, you are screaming at 120 mph.  After the 17 seconds (the total ride time) are gone you have just ascended and descended 420 feet in the air. The line was long, the wait was exhausting. The ride was worth it all. We had to take those steps though to reach our goal.  Even if it only lasted 17 seconds.

Seventeen seconds. Seventeen weeks. The Seahawks know they can overcome this beat-down by the Steelers. They know they dominated an upstart Tampa Bay team in week one. They know they only lost by 3 to division rival and another team with tremendous potential at Arizona. They know they beat a good Cincinnati team at home which at the time wasn't as dessicrated on defense as it is now.  They also know they traveled to San Fransisco and handled another division rival by 20 points. Coincidentally, the team that beat them twice last year. But they also know about the egg left at Heinz Field this past Sunday.

Holmgren may have a lot of blame to throw around. Possibly a lot of blame on himself. Possibly on the heat. I know, I felt that same heat just 184 miles away in neighboring Ohio. But to blame would only remove a nail in the coffin of the Seahawks performance last Sunday. And to blame would only make the loss seem too significant to overcome.The team should gather what positives they can from that performance and use them as a catalyst. Like taking those small steps it seemed that day for my wife and I to get to our goal. We knew those small strides were worth it.

In a game that was scoreless and Seattle still holding it's own on defense deep into the first half, RB Najeh Davenport for Pittsburgh got the team going with a 45 yard run. That set up a 13 yard pass from Ben Roethisberger to TE Heath Miller within the last two minutes of the half. The TD capped off a 10 play drive which was the only score in a 7 -0 halftime game. The only score the Steelers would need.

That drive was essentially Pittsburgh's 0 - 120 mph catalyst. Roethisberger finished the game 18- 22, 206 yards, and a touchdown.

However like all good rollercoasters blazing with speed and towering with height, the game did have it's climax after Pittsburgh scored. Within the final minute of the first half Seattle counterpunched with it's best chance at scoring in the game. The Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback seem to engineer his teams version of the Maverick. A two and a half minute ride that was less than worthy of the wait for Seattle. At the Steelers 14 yard line and a chance to tie, Hasselback threw a pass that Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor decided he would own that day.  The Seahawks would never seriously threaten again.

On the road, or on a coaster, it's tough to wait for that window of opportunity to arrive and then have it shut down suddenly. My wife and I know. The Top Thrill Dragster shut down once while we were in line. Hasselback and teammate Shaun Alexander ( 11 carries, 45 yards)  hopped in line for the ride, but before they could get on track, or in reference to the Maverick's 4, 450 feet of smooth winding course, the ride closed. Although you miss your chance to ride, you are almost certain there will be another. Wait in line. Wait for the go ahead signal to restart the fun. This is the NFL, you will get more chances to capitalize on your opportunities.

For Seattle though, that opportunity never arose in the second half. The Steelers did what the Steelers do best in the third and fourth quarters. Like the Corkscrew  which is a short but fun ride that takes you through many rotations and inversions, Pittsburgh unleashed its own version. The result? Pittsburgh dominated the second half like very few teams can.  Theory being a good Seattle offense can't score without the ball, the Steelers smothered the time of possession by keeping the ball on offense themselves nearly 25 of the 30 minutes of the second half. That corkscrew had to hurt Seattle's offense as it felt every minute fly by as fast as the ride itself.  Agonizing as they watched the lead grow to 21 but having no control. Unlike the coaster though the second half was anything but short and fun for the visiting Seahawks.

A defense that stood up to the challenge in the first half seemingly had no answers in the second half.  A defense staying on the field for 25 of 30 second half minutes is almost unheard of these days. Just attribution to an efficient Pittsburgh offense, and their 5 minute defense.

No, watching the scores scrolling by at the bottom of my overpriced Hi Definition screen and seeing Seattle 0 and Pittsburgh 21 F, I would have thought the game was completely dominated by defense. Sometimes that gut feeling about the games are wrong. If you don't get the chance to watch them, I would guess most of the time they are.

So where do we go from here? Waiting in line at Cedar Point to ride the Power Tower. We had to ask ourselves, "Do we want to go up or down?" See the ride has four towers, two to skyrocket you up to the sky then gently bring you down. Another two to slowly rise you to the top and suddenly send you furiously back to earth. Both fun. Both unique in their own way.

Yes, don't believe Holmgren didn't ask his team a similar question. "Do we want to hang our heads, or do we want to pick ourselves up and compete and reach our goals?" I guess there is very little a loss can do except make you wonder if you gave it your all. As a guy that didn't get to watch the game, I can't say whether Seattle gave it their all in the second half or not. Certainly there are major issues on defense when you MUST stay on the field that long in one half. But also, looking to the Seattle sideline, don't you think some defensive players were ready to come out of the game. Ask Holmgren at some point to put Matt Hasselback and Shaun Alexander the "stars" of the team in on defense?

If you can't get us off the field, time-out, you come stop this then. We can't!

I'm sure there will be more games over this 11 week stretch when Seattle's moxie will be put to the test again. Will they pass the test this time? Can the offense stay on the field? Can the defense stay off the field? These are the Seahawks! These are the ones a couple of years removed from losing to Pittsburgh in SuperBowl Extra Extra Large! There will be games when they are riding their own version of the Power Tower. Most every team will have that up and down season. It's only Week 6, so I say....

It's just one loss. Right? Just two losses against three wins on the season. A lot of teams would love to be over .500 right now. What does this shut-out mean to the Seattle Seahawks? No way of telling till the next game. Which by the way just happens to be at home. Against the 0 - 5 Saints. Some will call this a "get well quick" game.

My message to the Seahawks is " Get Well Soon! ". New Orleans front seven are pretty stout. Alexander may have another tough outing. Having a healing broken hand doesn't help.

Just as my wife and I stood in line to reach our goals, we patiently waited our turn. Our turn to shine, to scream, to shout, to have fun. Seattle must do the same thing. Be patient. Don't think you must be ahead by 20 at half-time to knock the critics of last weeks performance. For last week was just one game. Just one loss. Not a loss to a division rival. Just one loss.

And with that loss, a shut-out no less, what does it all really mean? It means the Seattle Seahawks coming into this weekend has 3 wins, and 2 losses.

Get in line Seattle for whatever ride you feel like standing in line for. You can only ride one ride at a time though. And remember, hustle doesn't show up on a stat sheet.

It's just a loss. Just one loss.

-F88

 Well, last week I decided to drop the commentary to the games in yet another way of improving upon my 34-28 record of picking the weekend games. And guess what? It worked. Coming off a weekend in which I was up only 6 and down 8, I needed change. So after this past weekend of actions without commentaries I managed an 11-3 mark. I'm proud of myself this time. Back on track at 45 -31 for the season.

  Just a few quick comments. San Diego is alive. This is wrong, that is wrong, coaching is wrong, offense is wrong, defense is wrong. They put up 41 at Denver and holding the Broncos to 3 points. The Broncos are no high scoring team, but LT and company may have come out of their shell. Was LT a factor in that game?

  Now that we are 5 games into the season, some of those 2-1 teams I mentioned earlier in a post are now starting to exert themselves as real contenders. Teams like Jacksonsville, Tennessee, Washington  just to name three seem to get it done week after week. By the way, kudos to the Washington defense. Wow! What they did to a rather potent Detroit Lions offense was something. 144 total yards? I can see San Francisco being held to 144 total yards, but Detroit. Impressive.

Week 6 Picks

Chicago 17  Minnesota 13

Cleveland 28  Miami 21

Washington 16  Green Bay 13

Cincinnati 20  Kanas City 10

New York Jets 26  Philidelphia 20

Tennessee 20  Tampa Bay 17

Jacksonsville 28  Houston 24

Baltimore 21  St. Louis 20

Arizona 16  Carolina 10

New England 34  Dallas 21

San Diego 34  Oakland 16

Seattle 13  New Orleans 10

New York Giants 23  Atlanta 17

Enjoy the games!

-F88

It took me three weeks to believe in Pittsburgh. I believed in Arizona since week one. The Cards winning one at home against the Steelers was one of only six picks I got right last week. Heading into week 4 I was holding my head above water at 28-20. With a 6-8 last weekend smack down...34-28 is where I stand. Maybe I'm thinking too much.

Think I will try this week with NO commentary on any game. Just go with "gut" instincts.

Tennessee 24  Atlanta 13

Jacksonville 36  Kansas City 24

Arizona 23  St. Louis 21

New England 45  Cleveland 42

New Orleans 20  Carolina 17

New York Giants 16  New York Jets 10

Pittsburgh 15  Seattle 12

Detroit 34  Washington  24

Houston 23  Miami 21

Indianapolis 36  Tampa Bay 28

San Diego 28  Denver 20

Baltimore 17  San Francisco 14

Green Bay 16  Chicago  13

Dallas 30  Buffalo 22

Enjoy the games.

-F88

On the eve of Week Four in the NFL we wait in anticipation for the kickoffs at 1pm tomorrow. What's just as fun to me is to keep my eye on the scoreboard in the corner of my television screen. I love seeing an underdog being up by 21 in the first half. There's just something fun about that. I usually think back to that type of game for the favored when I'm wondering who is going to win a tight game in the playoffs, including the SuperBowl.

So this Blog is Simple: I just have one question I want FoxSportsBlogNation to give me their opinion on.

 Which 3-0 Team is ripe for the picking this week and get their first loss?

A. New England Patriots: 3-0  Scored 114 points, Allowed 35 points. Week Four. They play @ Cincinnati Bengals ( 1-2, 1-0 at home )  Scored 93 points, Allowed 95 points. Could this be the game? Cincinnati's playoff  hopes may rest on this game. Going 1-3 in the AFC North Division is not good with a tough 3-0 Steelers team, the Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland ( a team the Bengals already lost to two weeks ago ) Think the Bengals want it more?

New England has beaten: New York Jets ( 1-2 ), San Diego Chargers ( 1-2), and Buffalo Bills ( 0-3 )

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: 3-0  Scored 97 points, Allowed 26 points. Week Four. The Steelers travel to Arizona (1-2, 1-0 at home ) Scored 63 points, Allowed 68 points. This game could also be the one. Arizona is due. By that I mean they are due to have a break out game, and of course finally finish a team off in the 4th Qtr. Arizona is not a bad team, folks. They have stockpiled number one draft picks for several years and can be as good as any team in the league when the whole team is on the same page. Heinz Ward is out for Steelers who better not overlook this team.

Pittsburgh has beaten: Cleveland Browns ( 1-2 ), Buffalo Bills ( 0-3 ), and San Francisco 49ers ( 2-1 )

3. Indianapolis Colts: 3-0 Scored 93 points, Allowed 54 points. Week Four. The Colts get to host Denver ( 2-1, 1-0 road ). Scored 52 points, Allowed 57 points. The Broncos brought in Dre Bly to compliment Champ Bailey in the secondary. Denver knows that the road to the AFC Champioinship will go through Indianapolis or New England. However, the Broncos two wins have come on last second field goals.

4. Green Bay Packers: 3-0 Scored 82 points, Allowed 50 points. Week Four. The Pack  play at rival Minnesota ( 1-2, 1-0 home ) Scored 51 points, Allowed 36 points. This may be the game of the week. Even overshadowing New England/Cincinnati. I say this because I believe the Vikings are better than their 1-2 record. A Minnesota defense that is one of only 3 teams in the NFL through three games to allow less than 40 points. The other two? 3-0 Pittsburgh and 3-0 New England. That's some good company. Minnesota has the playmaker in Adrian Peterson. Will Green Bay earn their stripes in this game?

Green Bay has beaten: Philadelphia ( 1-2 ), New York Giants ( 1-2 ), San Diego Chargers ( 1-2)

My apologies to any blogger that has posted a similar blog.

and again, Kentucky FOOTBALL Wildcats are 5-0!

The few, the proud, the(nah, not them Marines) very few bloggers that keep up with my post have noticed I've been a little uneasy to put it best when it comes to my picks. First I want to thank you guys that do read what little I have been trying to write. Seems like I only have time to blog at work. Thanks for reading Greenspire, et al.

And I salute the Marines, and all the Armed Forces for doing the things a TRUE American would and should do!

( I'm a little more aggravated right now because I had half of this blog written and I wasn't paying attention and deleted my entire entry!!! &%@!!!!  ) See how work can interfere with the important things in life at times? Can't this place understand how important this blogging is in comparison to working???

As a recap of my first 3 weeks, I will boast on my 10-6 record in the first week. ( What do we really know before the first week of games start?)However, weeks two and three I sprang a 9-7 consecutively. For the math impaired, that's a 28-20 record. I guess having a winning record after 3 weeks isn't so bad. When it seemed just about every team in the NFL lost a key player in week one, and we are still figuring out whether the 3-0 and 2-1 teams are for real, being above .500 isn't so bad. Right?

Simply put, I struggle with these improving ( San Fransisco, Arizona), disappointing (St. Louis), and decent but questionable ( Seattle) NFC West teams when it comes to matching them up with other Division teams, and especially matched one against the other. None of these teams have really set themselves apart as a favorite. The 0-3 Rams have some work to do. A once high octane, "Greatest Show on Turf" offense has gone sour, scoring 32 points in 3 games. 10 points a game? Anybody want to tackle? Go near the offensive player with the ball on this team? Woeful. This team will play spoiler though the rest of the season, and who knows?...Division Champs? Do you have unaltered faith in the other 3 teams? Woeful.

Then we have the NFC South. What can you say about a Carolina team that wins on the road @ St. Louis, then loses @ home to Houston? Typical Carolina, an enigma the first half of the season, a force the second. With Delhomme more than likely out this week when they travel @ Atlanta, the question is...Can they win without Delhomme? As some say, he's the "poor man's Brett Favre".  With New Orleans and Atlanta at 0-3, Carolina winning 2 on the road and losing at home, and Tampa Bay winning two at home and losing on the road, the jury is still out. Even without  Duece McCallister, could New Orleans still win this division? Talk amongst yourselves.

Yes, I know it's only week 4, but this is when the contenders begin to separate themselves from the pretenters.

NFC WEST

TEAM                   RECORD     PF     PA

SAN FRANCISCO           2 - 1                     53         70

SEATTLE                         2 - 1       
               64          50

ARIZONA                          1 - 2                     63          66

ST. LOUIS                        0 - 3                     32          68

NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA                 2 - 1               75        67

TAMPA BAY              2 - 1                61       37

ATLANTA                   0 - 3               30       64

NEW ORLEANS         0 - 3               38       103           

     Draw conclusions based on PF (points scored) and PA (points allowed)

So enough with my ranting. On with my Week 4 NFL picks: I'm going to decipher points scored at home and on the road and use that as an aid only. Honestly, who expected Philly to smack the Detroit Lions with a 56 last week? So, everything we know about the NFL is still being shaken and cifted to determine the "be" and "wannabes".

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HOUSTON ( road 1-0 )  @ ATLANTA ( home 0-1 ): Houston, 1-0 on the road, Atlanta 0-3 with no sign of progress, but defense can still hold at times. I don't see the "upset" ( what an odd statement with these two!)

HOUSTON 27      Atlanta 13

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BALTIMORE ( road 0-1 )  @ CLEVELAND ( home 1-1 ): Can the Cleveland offense score at will as with last week against Cincinnati? Doubt it. Although Baltimore almost blew a home game against the Cardinals last week. I didn't get to watch the game, but the Ravens secondary looked puny against a Kurt Warner led Arizona attack. But Anderson, Quinn are no Kurt Warner.

BALTIMORE 32      Cleveland 24

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CHICAGO ( road 0-1 )  @  DETROIT ( home 1-0 ): Question on everyone's mind: Can Brian Griese deliver? Not enough for win on the road.

DETROIT 40        Chicago 37

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GREEN BAY ( road 1-0 ) @  MINNESOTA ( home 1-0 ) : I still don't have any reason to believe the Pack will lose this momentum.

GREEN BAY 24        Minnesota 17

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( Due to time constraints { WORK }, I must move ahead to my regularly scheduled picks { withought commentary }

NEW YORK JETS ( road 0-1 )  @  BUFFALO ( home 0-1 )

NEW YORK  17       Buffalo 10

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ST. LOUIS ( road 0-1 )  @  DALLAS  ( home 1-0 )

DALLAS 35       St. Louis 26

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OAKLAND ( road 0-1 )  @ MIAMI ( home 0-1 )

OAKLAND 16      Miami 13

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TAMPA BAY ( road 0-1 )  @  CAROLINA ( home 0-1 )

CAROLINA 20      Tampa Bay 17

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SEATTLE ( road 0-1 )  @ SAN FRANCISCO ( home 1-0 )

SAN FRANCISCO 21     Seattle 17

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DENVER ( road 1-0 )  @ INDIANAPOLIS ( home 1-0 )

INDIANAPOLIS 23     Denver 20

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PHILIDELPHIA ( road 0-1 )  @  NEW YORK GIANTS ( home 0-1 )

PHILIDELPHIA 27      New York Giants 20

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NEW ENGLAND ( road 1-0 )  @  CINCINNATI  ( home 1-0 )

NEW ENGLAND 38       Cincinnati 36

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PITTSBURGH ( road 1-0 )  @ ARIZONA ( home 1-0 )

ARIZONA 17      Pittsburgh 16

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KANSAS CITY ( road 0-2 )  @  SAN DIEGO ( home 1-0 )

SAN DIEGO 24      Kansas City 21

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Please feel free to comment. I'm here to comment also ( if possible )! What do you guys and gals think of my picks? Brian Griese? Denver's chances? A lot of good games this weekend. Enjoy!

I HAVE TO GIVE A QUICK SHOUT OUT TO MY KENTUCKY WILDCATS, RANKED 14TH, 4-0, BUT MANY, MANY TOUGH GAMES AHEAD. HOWEVER, RANKING OF 14 IS HIGHEST EVER FROM WHAT I HEAR!

-F88

Well, after an exciting week 2 in which work hindered me from watching many of the games, I am here to pick again. Of course, I'm not so well informed to pick the winners this week so as always, just a guessing game.

After a 10-6 first weekend, and a bismal 9-7 last weekend, I'm standing now at 19-13.

Again, at work, so this will be short.

San Diego @ Green Bay: San Diego is a mess right now. They are still being molded in Norv Turner's pottery class. The Pack is improving on defense. I can't see SD going 1-2 to start the season, but they will

Green Bay 20  SD 17

Minnesota @ Kansas City: I think the Chiefs will give Minny a game personally. But they will prevail because they can stop the only thing KC may have going for them: a running game.

Minnesota 21  KC 10

Buffalo @ New England: I really don't have any reason to believe any team is going to beat New England this year. Is BB not wise enough to make back-up copies? Nah, he's too smart for that. New England will know exactly what play to call.

New England 124  Buffalo 3

Miami @ New York Jets: Two teams desparately needing a win. Since it's in New Jersey...

New York Jets 23  Miami 16

Detroit @ Philidelphia: This should be one of the best, if not the best game of the week. I'm having faith in the weaponry of Detroit. I'm losing faith in McNabb after I watched last weeks performance inside the 10 with the game on the line. 0-3 in Philly. What will the fans have to throw on the field?

Detroit 34  Philly 27

San Francisco @ Pittsburgh: This game may seem like an automatic W for the Steelers, but I think SanFran has a lil some'n to show them. I don't forsee the home loss though.

Pittsburgh 27  SF 14

St. Louis @ Tampa Bay: Too close, two sorry teams. The sorriest will lose.

Tampa Bay 2  StL 1

Arizona @ Baltimore: Again, a mirro image of the SF/Pittsburgh game. I think Arizona's defense will keep it close.

Baltimore 19  AZ 16

Indianapolis @ Houston: Who was the last team to beat Indy? Not Tennessee, but Houston. Houston has something going. I've been saying that for two weeks now, but nobody's listening. Manning will learn from his mistakes last time in Houston.

Indianapolis 17  Houston 10

Jacksonville @ Denver: Probably one of the most entertaining low scoring games of the season. You win your first 2 games by field goals...why not a 3rd straight?

Denver 13  Jax 10

Cleveland @ Oakland: Has the offense opened up finally? Or was it just easy against a once again suspect and very porous Cincinnati defense last week for Cleveland. Oakland, well, they're at home. I will guarantee this: one team will win.

Oakland 22  Cleveland 20

Cincinnati @ Seattle: This game will not be as close as people think. Cincinnati's offense will be too much for Seattle's defense. If Seattle can score 30, they can keep it close.

Cincinnati 37  Seattle 27

Carolina @ Atlanta: Always a good game in this rivalry, just there's one very good missing part in Atlanta. For a team to average 2 sacks against with Vick, and 13 in two games without, who do you blame? This is my upset of the week.

Atlanta 24  Carolina 20

New York Giants @ Washington: I don't have any reason to pick the Giants winning on the road. Washington is starting to feel like a Joe Gibbs team: Gritty, low-scoring, smash-mouth, run the ball kind of team. But since this is the most competitive division in the league I will presume a close game.

Washington 16  NYG 13

Dallas @ Chicago: Dallas' offense is clicking on all cylinders. Chicago's is not. Dallas' defense needs to get better fast. Chicago's defense is Chicago's defense, nothing need be said. I see the D in Dallas bettering itself against a woeful O.

Dallas 21  Chicago 9

Tennessee @ New Orleans: Was last year's NO team a mirage? They did limp into the playoffs, but got on a roll, then were blown out in the championship game. Tennessee has steadily kept improving under Vince Young. It's Monday Night, do you remember what happened to Atlanta last year in the prime-time game in NO? I do. Tennessee may not know what hit them.

New Orleans 28  TN 21

Enjoy the games guys and gals!

Well guys and gals, I'm at work so I don't have a lot of time to spend on this post, but going to try to get it done tonight while the hospital and the lab crashes down around me. Going to check my record for last week and go from there.

Looks like I went a respectable 10-6 in my first week.

Cincy @ Clevland: I really don't even see a matchup, but hey, this is OHIO!

Cincy 23 Clevland 14

Indy @ Tennessee: Titans finally got them at home last year. Always a tough game to call but Indy goes 2-0.

Indy 17  Tennessee 14

San Fran @ St. Louis: There's hope in the desert. Alex Smith looked good on that final drive Monday night. But before that, that offense was anemic. Tough call! I will go with discipline.

San Fran 27  St. Louis 30

Green Bay @ New York: Green Bay still isn't good. New  York? Is that a team? Favre pulls it out somehow and that defense stifles NY.

Green Bay 16  NY  14

Buffalo @ Pittsburgh: OK! Maybe the Steelers are for real again? Does the Cleveland game prove it? Will this game prove it?

Buffalo 10  Pittsburg 27

New Orleans @ TB: I don't see a suprise here.

NO 35  TB  13

Houston @ Carolina: I think the Texans may be onto something. My upset of the week.

Houston 20  Carolina 17

Atlanta @ Jacksonville: Jags can't afford to lose this game, so...they wont.

Atlanta 23  Jax  30

Minnesota @ Detroit: I'd pay big bucks to see this one from the sidelines! High scoring, little defense.  Home team sweaks it out.

Minny 30  Detroit 32

Dallas @ Miami: Not impressed with Dallas yet. Miami can still play some D. Did I already have an upset of the week? Here's another!

Dallas 14  Miami  17

Seattle @ Arizona: I hate picking in this division! Arizona blows it again...late.

Seattle 21  Arizona 20

Kansas City @ Chicago: I have no comment.

KC 0  Chicago 24

Oakland @ Denver: Neither team impresses. Neither team wins? Ok, I will go with the home team.

Oakland 10  Denver 16

New York Jets @ Baltimore: Baltimore is too good to lose at home.

NYJ 6  Baltimore 20

San Diego @ New England: Hmmm. SD spanked them last year ( regular season) and had the playoff game in hand till something horrible went wrong on an interception play. BB is a cheater. TB is overrated behind the best OL in football.

SD 30  NE 17

Washington @ Philly: 1-0 vs. 0-1. Speaks volumes. Philly gets it right this time.

Washington 13  Philly 24

Short and sweet. Got work to do. Sorry for the short commentary. Will do better next time.

-F88

Well, back again. With little to say again. But good to be back nonetheless. Here are my picks for Week One of the NFL Season. Gotta love this time of year. Who will be the "sleeper"? Who will be the "disappointment"? Who will "Come out of nowhere"? I love the latter statement since well, no team ever comes out of nowhere, do they?

NO at Indy: well, this one is in the books but I had Indy, but just by a touchdown. Is this defense better than last years?

Denver @ Buffalo: Lawson has his work cut out for him, but Cutler does also. Buffalo by 3 just because they are on the rise and Denver is not.  Broncs 13  Bills 16

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland: Not sure what we will get from both teams. Troy P. is enough for me to say Frye will have a long, tough day. But I'm going with the upset here. Cleveland has some weapons. Question is, will Crennel be able to use them effectively? History says the Steelers own the Browns. We'll see.   Steelers 20  Browns 21

Philly @ Green Bay:  The Green and Yellow are back. Favre should pick apart this secondary if that's possible. I'll go with th GB just because their D looks improved and McNabb may not be comfortable yet.  Eagles 21  Packers 30

Carolina @ St. Louis: First year in awhile that Carolina hasn't been crowned NFC Champs before the season has started. Carolina isn't getting any younger either. I go with Bulger and Jackson and Bruce and Pittman and Holt and Pace. Wow, the Rams are loaded with great players! Can they hold Carolina under 300000000000 yards rushing though? I think they can.  Panthers 20  Rams 33

Atlanta @ Minnesota:  Minnesota is my sleeper team this year. They won't be suprising anyone with their wins in the second half of the season. Great run-stopping defense will keep them in the game. Having Adrian Peterson will ease Tavarius Jackson some. I think Atlanta is improving, but how will Harrington do now that it counts?  Falcons 13  Vikings  24

New England @ NewYork Jets: Wow! What an exciting 3 game series between the two last year. Parallel the Boston/Yankees series. Thomas Jones should play a big role in the upset since the Pats are without some defensive starters.  Patriots 20  Jets 23

Miami @ Washington: Your guess is as good as mine. Don't know what to expect from these two teams this year. Maybe the Skins will do better without all the hoopla surrounding them as in the past. Maybe Gibbs won't be so shaky since Tony Stewart is running great and could actually win the Cup. I still see an upset.  Dolphins 15  Redskins 14

Tennessee @ Jacksonville: Will see if Leftwich being released was a good idea or not. Vince Young made strides after starting 0-5 last season to 8-8 and barely missing the playoffs. Titans win on the road.  Titans 33  Jaguars 24

Kansas City @ Houston: Who will be watching this game??? Ugggh. Don't even have a comment. Houston just because LJ will be worn out by the 3rd Qtr.  Chiefs 10  Texans 20

Detroit @ Oakland:  Kitna predicted at least 10 wins. Starting out against the men in black (and silver) is a good start. Oakland makes strides on offense in this game but Kitna has a thing for winning.  Lions 27  Raiders 17

Chicago @ San Diego: What a game NOT to miss! Grossman, geez. LT, WOW! So many Stars and Studs on both sides, tough one to call. Safe pick.  Bears 19  Chargers 30

Tampa Bay @ Seattle: Another game where one team is on the rise (TB) and the other is on the downward slope(Sea.) even in the NFC. Shocker to some.  Bucs 23  Seahawks 20

New York Giants @ Dallas: What a great opening weekend game. Romo is playing for big bucks. The G-men are playing for respect.  Giants 10  Dallas 38

Baltimore @ Cincinnati: Can't wait for this one! D against O. Conventional wisdom says D wins. Both games last season decided by 6 points and a split  Ravens 17  Bengals 27

Arizona @ San Francisco: Leinart will be better this year. A lot more talent around him. But SF is on the rise and a playoff team in a weak division  Cardinals 14  49ers 21

Can't wait to watch! Have a good one Y'all! and enjoy the games!

F88

Well, after a long hiatus, I'm back. Again. I missed all you bloggers. I hope things have taken a turn for the better in here. There was so much negativity going on I just couldn't and didn't have the interest anymore to join in on what became silly conversations about everything about everything other than sports.

So here's a shoutout to a lot of you guys I've missed. I've forgotten alot of screen names. Lisa (gotta be happy with USC), all my OSU buddies (go Wolverines! - could I honestly pass that up?).

You guys are going to have to send me a shout back. It's been what? A year? Glad to be back. Hope I can write something of interest this time around.

Later guys!