IT'S REAL. IT'S FUN. but is it REAL FUN?

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr.

For those of you that may have missed the first installment of the REAL….the FUN and the REAL FUN…This week’s focus is on Michael Vick. We’ve tackled questions surrounding his recent release from Federal prison and weighed the possibility of the former QB returning to the Gridiron. We left off with teams 32-27, from least likely to likely, take a chance in signing him, those teams included: Falcons, Packers, Colts, Giants, Jets and Vikings. If you feel the need to catch up go back and read the first edition. For those who are up to speed let’s move on to the next group of teams that I like to call the “Thanks…but NO Thanks” Group.. Some teams have a signal caller to hand the franchise to, others have a current QB battle and a few just seems to be all bark and no bite!

26. Ravens: Baltimore is fresh off a AFC Title game loss on the back of rookie sensation Joe “Cool” Flacco! Ironically enough the Ravens were often criticized for not having a solid QB even in their Super Bowl run. However, with the rookie making plays Sunday after Sunday the only thing the Ravens organization is worried about is filling various holes on their defense left by the likes of Adalius Thomas and Bart Scott. So unless Michael puts on about 40 pounds and decides to learn how to chase quarterbacks his services will not be needed.

25. Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs fired Herman Edwards. Traded for Matt Cassell. Signed Cassell to a fortune yet none of the above reasons are why the Chiefs come in at number 25…Well, I don’t know about the average reader but something about Michael Vick returning to an area close to Leavenworth, Kansas (were he served his prison term) just doesn’t seem like a good place to get a fresh start. I mean can you imagine training camp in the hot field of Kansas? To us its just HOT but to Mike it would be unbearable. So to the Chiefs fans with their fingers crossed get your MATT CASSELL jerseys!

24. Eagles: As we all know since 1999 the Eagles and Donovan McNabb have been engaged in a love-hate relationship. This time last year rumors swirled about McNabb’s services being exported to a football town near you. But after reaching yet another NFC title game the thought of replacing Donovan is as old as one of those Campbell’s Soups commercials. In all honesty Vick serving as McNabb’s backup is a scary thought for NFC East foes but after the T.O. saga, it seems too risky for the Eagle suits.

23. Bengals: In the past few years the Bengals seem to be adding a player to their roster with a criminal history just as long as their NFL resume. But with a roster packed with Chris Henry, Tank Johnson, Cedric Benson and of course Ocho Cinco its best that Vick stays away from this dysfunctional atmosphere. 

22. Browns: Okay, Vick doesn’t need a two headed PR team to inform him that the thought of MV7 playing in front of the “Dog Pound” probably wouldn’t go over well with PETA and animal lovers everywhere. Besides come August Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will be battling it out for the right to be the starting QB opening weekend.

21. Lions: Its hard to say that a team fresh off the historic 0-16 season could say ‘No Thanks” to any talented athlete. But when that organization drafts a cannon for an arm number 1 overall and signs him to a contract large enough to feed the hungry and balance the deficit, its safe to say Vick won’t be calling Detroit home. However, for those that will look at it from the standpoint that he could help sell tickets in the struggling Detroit econcomy…I’d still tell them not even pre-dog fighting Vick could help the struggling city.

20. Bills: With the signing of Terrell Owens, one must think Buffalo has already surpassed their “High risk- High reward cap.” Buffalo too has experienced a struggling economy to the point that they want to play home games north of the border in Canada to secure more ticket sales revenue. With a young Trent Edwards eager to prove that he’s not like other quarterbacks to play with T.O. the last thing he needs is a hungry Vick on his heels.

19. Dolphins: At first glance many would agree that Bill Parcells would have nothing to do with the troubled QB and while that may be true, the ‘Fins come in at 19^th for obvious reasons. They’re VICK-tims from the signing of his baby brother. When Virginia Tech closed their doors on Michael’s younger brother Marcus and decided to enter the NFL Draft the South Beach Dolphins took a chance on the speedy baby bro and it backfired! I mean could you imagine Michael joining a team with Ricky Williams as the “responsible” veteran to serve as Mike’s sponsor on the team?? Yea, Mike needs that as much as we need another Medical Based drama on T.V.!!!!

***That’s 32-19. Teams that have NO CHANCE and those that would say THANKS BUT NO THANKS!!! Tomorrow we’ll survey those teams that if interested would be in a LOSE-LOSE situation!***

IT’s REAL…IT”S FUN but is it REAL FUN?

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr

After an 8-month layoff from the blogosphere, there’s only one topic (not related to Chicago Sports) that could peak my interest enough to place my fingers on the nearest set of home row keys- one Michael Dwayne Vick. Once loved by all for his dynamic play on the football field now finds himself hated by many for his outlandish behavior off the field. We’ve heard the various depictions of his involvement in dog fighting. He missed two seasons of NFL football, lost over $70 Million in salary and now faces the toughest rush he’s ever seen, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Today marks the end of his Federal sentence and although he can’t conduct any interviews for another week (due to the guidelines in his sentencing) we as a blog nation can pose and attempt to answer the biggest questions facing MV7…Will he be reinstated? Will he be signed by a team? And, will he ever be the same again? In the past I’ve written a continuous blog titled “Thoughtful Thursday” but that was then…Now we’ll explore, THE REAL, THE FUN and the REAL FUN…surrounding the world of sports.

THE REAL:

As of today, July 20, 2009 Michael Vick will be released from home confinement which was a part of his sentencing due to his involvement in dog fighting ring. What this means essentially is that Vick can resume workouts and conditioning with hopes of proving he can help out an NFL team. He must prove that the dynamic double threat QB that once “earned” the highest contract in NFL history is worth at least the veterans minimum. With that said let’s look at some of the “real” questions Vick will be faced with when he meets with the Commish.

Q. Should he be reinstated?

A. Of Course! In America we absolutely LOVE second chances and what better way to show America’s youth how anyone can turn their life around for the better. Vick has done the time the Judicial system handed him and its time he’s allowed to earn a living-as he once did prior to his arrest, PLAYING FOOTBALL!

Q. Will the NFL look at the NBA, MLB for examples of reinstating troubled athletes?

A. Something tells me the way Commissioner Goodell “rolls” he could careless how the other two leagues manages their players but let’s be honest here. In the NBA, Chris “Birdman” Andersen was banned from the league for 2 years for violation of the substance abuse policy. After getting clean Birdman was reinstated, he eventually signed with the Denver Nuggets and anchored a defense that reached the Western Conference Finals. And to top it all off, Birdman reached a new deal with the Nuggets for 5yr and worth $26 Million. The MLB has a story of its own in Josh Hamilton, outfielder for the Texas Rangers. After being banned from the Majors for 2 years of his own, he not only bounced back into a role on the Rangers but has become the star attraction. He was named to back-to-back All-Star games and was the talk of the 2008 All-Star festivities even in defeat. In the 2008 Home Run Derby, Hamilton set a new Derby record by blasting 28 homers in the first round. I’m sure there are many more examples of those who have bounced back and even some who never rebounded but at age 29 (with fresh legs) Vick has an opportunity to return to prominence.

THE FUN:

Once the rumor mill of where he could possibly land begins to buzz and the PETA reps threaten to boycott the L upon his return the fun will officially begin! Will he be compared to Barry Bonds when a league that once rest on his broad shoulders now turns their back on him when Vick needs them the most? Or will he find himself suddenly the sleeper in many online geeks Fantasy Football Drafts. Only time will tell. For now we’ll tackle other FUN topics!

Q. So who’ll take a chance?

A. In this economy a team that may have a hard time selling tickets will definitely be interested (see Iverson to the Clippers rumors) or maybe a team that has a pretty solid foundation and could bring Vick along at their own pace and use him in various “FUN” formations (see Wildcat offense). One thing’s for sure there are 32 teams in the NFL and there’s no way one could convince me that there are 32 quarterbacks more talented than Vick.

Q. Will P.E.T.A make things tougher?

A. I imagine so because let’s face it…that’s what they do! Sure they’ll protest (for what I’m still not sure) but they will however this can only help MV7 in my eyes. He’s kept quiet for the past two years and while I’m sure he didn’t have much access to Facebook or Twitter the fact is he’s done his time. So more people will rush to the QB’s defense and make him more likable in the public’s eye.

Q. How will the fans react?

A. Well it depends on what “fans” you’re asking…If they have a Virginia Tech or Atlanta Falcons background chances are they’ll defend him until the end. But wherever he lands the teams rival will have fans hating on the acquisition. Either way I’m sure he won’t receive Barry Bonds-like reactions across NFL stadiums but once he’s back to scoring touchdowns fans will remember why they loved him in the first place.

THE REAL FUN:

We’ve discussed a few issues surrounding Michael Vick’s possible return to the NFL but let’s get into the “Real Fun”, what team will he most likely end up with! I’ll attempt to countdown from 32-1 (in order from least to most likely) each team will have an explanation and remember this has nothing to do with any “inside” information but solely based on my NFL expertise…here we go!

NO CHANCE

32. Falcons: Obviously the day Vick was sentenced to 23 months in Federal Prison the Atlanta Falcons organization immediately began to construct an exit strategy. His name: Matt Ryan! Honestly it’s best both Vick and Falcons part although believe it or not there are some fans that still yearn to see him pack the Georgia Dome just one more time.

31.Packers: In all honesty the Pack could have competed for the 32^ndspot! When they made the decision to part ways with Mr. Green Bay himself (Brett Favre) the Cheeseheads decided their fate and direction at the QB position and its better known as Aaron Rodgers. After being in the midst of the offseason, pre-season, regular season post Favre drama, the Packers will do their best to avoid controversy this season.

30. Colts: Once again here’s another roster with a staple at the QB position however my reason may surprise you why they come in at 30…because Tony Dungy is no longer the coach in Indy. You see something tells me that Dungy’s desire to be a mentor would have given Vick a chance to join the Colts if Tony still manned the sidelines but since he’ll be in a TV studio near you the Colts are NOT an option!

29. Giants: Well it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Manning’s are close in proximity yet again but once again for different reasons. Michael Vick will NOT become a member of the G-Men because they just rid themselves of Plaxico Burress after shooting himself so there’s no way they’ll attract unwarranted attention from the New York media by bringing in the troubled QB. So while every athlete loves to play on the biggest stage Vick will have to pass on taking his act to broadway.

28. Jets: Well if you read number 29 you knew what team would follow right? Exactly but this has nothing to do with the media. The Jets went out on a limb when signing the aging Brett Favre last season ant that experiment blew up in their face. So when the draft came along they decided to build towards the future with the selection of Mark Sanchez out of USC. Mark has enough pressure on his shoulders the last thing the young QB needs is to be looking over those same shoulders at a dynamic Vick.

27. Vikings: Let's see...the Vikes have their QB of the future in Tavaris Jackson. They traded for a veteran QB in Sage Rosenfels and their still holding out hope that the 40-year-old QB (Brett Favre) will fly in from Mississippi and be the answer to their Super Bowl hopes this season. Well the locker room isn't big enough for two QB draws from the media so it's safe to cross the purple people eaters off the list.

Look out for the next group of teams tomorrow!

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

STUDENT ATHLETES...Every year the NCAA uses the college football bowl season and the NCAA basketball tournament to promote the STUDENT athlete. Many times we as fans tend to lose sight of the fact that these gifted athletes also carry the burden of performing well in the classroom as well as on the hardwood or gridiron. Now obviously many of the players are not properly acknowledged because so many of the athletes are known for not completion their collegiate matriculation and others have been found to have cheated in the past. While all of that may be true none of that has to do with one Myron Rolle. Rolle is a Free Safety for the Florida State Seminoles and although FSU has not been as dominate as past Seminole teams Rolle has exceeded expectations in the classroom. In fact, Rolle was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, where he intends to study medical anthropology. As a result of his performance Rolle has decided to forego his senior year to attend Oxford. In making this decision he has also delayed his plans to enter his name into the NFL draft. So now when you hear the term student-athlete please be aware that there are legitimate one's out there. In the case of Myron Rolle he should no longer be called a student athlete but a Rhode Scholar. Congratulations Myron!

I. NFL Week 15 Predictions: (Last Week: --) I know you're probably saying I left ya hanging for the past couple of weeks (and I did..) put it wasn't personal here's my sure fire picks for this week's games with playoff implications. Let's take a look!

1. (7-6) Saints @ Bears (7-6) (Th. 8:15 pm NFL Network)- These two teams have identical records but headed in two totally different directions. The Bears are one game out of their division lead and the Saints are clinging on to their Wild Card hopes. The past few years the Saints have had to travel to the Windy City in the middle of December. Although the games have provided various fireworks that outcomes have all been the same. The Bears come out with the win. I tend to not believe that Dome teams in the South have trouble playing outside in the Winter but the numbers say otherwise. Drew Brees and company will be locked and loaded but so will the Bears and the forecast. High 20 degrees. Prediction: BEARS by 6

2. (9-4) Buccaneers @ Falcons (8-5) (1:00 FOX)- This game is huge as the two NFC South teams clash for a shot at one of the two Wild Card spots. The Bucs were in position to win the division when the Panthers denied them of their chances on Monday night. As for the Falcons they've been the surprise of the season as their rookie Coach, QB and new RB have all come together to form a true NFC force. Within the division home teams are 24-2 and as I glance at the schedule this game will be played in the Georgia Dome. Outcome decided. Prediction: FALCONS by 3

3. (8-5) Vikings @ Cardinals (8-5) (1:00 FOX): This game should have a playoff atmosphere, the Vikings are holding on to a one game lead in their division and even thought the Cards have clinched their division they look to get in gear for their first trip to the playoffs in a million years! It looks like the Vikes will put the ball in the hands of inexperienced Tavaris Jackson. The same QB that lost his job to Gus Ferotte earlier in the year. What this will equate to is a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson. On the flip side the Cardinals have a pair of pro-bowl receivers and an experienced QB that will be using this game to prepare for playoff situations. This game may turn into a shootout but the home team seems to have the edge. Prediction: CARDINALS by 4

4. (10-3) Steelers @ Ravens (9-4) (4:15 CBS)- Both the Steelers & Ravens are coming off wins that should be credited to their defenses. Pittsburgh fought back against the Cowboys and the Ravens ripped apart the Redskins the entire game. So which defense will bend but not break this weekend? I would have to lean towards the Ravens because they will be backed by the energy of their home crowd. However, the Steelers will have an opportunity to feast on the rookie signal caller Joe Flacco. The Ravens have an opportunity to catch the Steelers coming off the emotional high of defeating the Cowboys and put themselves in position to win the AFC North. This game is very tough to call but the team that can rattle the opposing quarterback will be victorious. Prediction: STEELERS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. (11-2) Giants @ Cowboys (8-5) (8:15, NBC)- I know what Cowboy fans across the nation is thinking, where is that team that was featured on Hard Knocks? Where is the Cowboys team that everyone picked to run away with the NFC? Well you're looking at them. The Giants will travel to Irvin, Texas to play a Cowboys team who seems to be up against the ropes. Marion Barber is banged up, Pacman is knocked out and T.O. and Romo is not on the same page. The good news for the 'Boys is that the Giants too have internal issues. So which team can overcome its soap opera and get things back on track? Home field is always a good remedy then again so is good play. The 'Boys are fighting for their playoff lives and the Giants are simply trying to lock up home field throughout the playoffs. With that said the Cowboys will have to find a way to pull things out under the bright lights of Texas. This game is a definite must see. Prediction: COWBOYS by 3

***Quick Picks***

Packers over Jaguars

Titans over Texans

Broncos over Panthers

Redskins over Bengals

Rams over Seahawks

Browns over Eagles

Dolphins over Niners

Patriots over Raiders

Colts over Lions

Jets over Bills

Chargers over Chiefs

II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

I. NFL Week 12 Predictions: (Last Week: 10-5-1) Last week was a pretty good one for me (well excluding the Bears debacle) and a weird one as I witnessed the Eagles and Bengals end in a 13-13 tie. As we approach week 12 teams are hitting their stride making their push towards the playoffs. Division races are heating up so let's take a look at how things make shake out!

1. Jets (7-3) @ Titans (10-0)- The AFC East leading Jets looks to clash with the AFC South leading Titans for a potential conference title preview. The preview may be a stretch but a hard fought 60-minutes is not. Favre and the Jets have all the confidence in the world coming off a win over the last team that was undefeated in the league (Patriots).  The Jets will attempt to move the ball on the ground with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington but if that doesn't work they always have the great Brett Favre to step back and sling the ball all over the field. As for the Titans they've won games on the ground, stopping the run and even with Kerry Collins' arm. Sunday they too will try to find a way to keep their flawless record in tact. My guess will be they will do all they can to keep things close and make the Jets one-dimensional forcing Favre into one of his many interceptions. This game will be one to keep your eye on. I know I will. Prediction: JETS by 3

2. Patriots (6-4) @ Dolphins (6-4)- This time last year the Patriots were trying to accomplish a perfect 16-0 season whereas the Dolphins were trying to avoid a 0-16 season. Both accomplished their goals but that was then...now they two are tied for second in the division (with the Fins winning their first meeting). The Patriots have had time to gel with inexperienced QB Matt Cassell and after falling short to the Jets in OT, will do all they can to avoid the two game skid at the hands of two division foes. Look for the Patriots to attack the mouthy LB Joey Porter with the run and various passing plays to keep him out of the backfield. As for the Dolphins I still find it hard to believe that this team is playoff bound although they do their best to prove me wrong every week. As for the Fins plans they can't rely on their wildcat offense because Belichick will have his defense prepared to stop this effective formation. There is no love lost between these two so expect things to get rough but expect the Patriots to come out on top. Prediction: PATRIOTS by 7

3. Vikings (5-5) @ Jaguars (4-6): This game will feature two of this year's disappointing teams. The Vikings were viewed upon as the early favorites to run away with the NFC North and many thought the Jaguars would be challenging the Colts for the AFC South title and not the Titans. Nevertheless the Vikings still have a chance to win their division and the Jags' are one good loss away from pulling the plug on their season. With that said look for Jacksonville play with more since of urgency at home both running the ball and do their best to stop Adrian Peterson. As for the Vikings until they can get more consistent play out of the QB position they will continue to be a mediocre team. This game has 20-16 all over it. As for who will have 20... Prediction: JAGUARS by 4

4. Colts (6-4) @ Chargers (4-6)- This game has recently been a fight between two AFC heavyweights but this year the two have dropped in weight class. The Colts started out slow but they've found a way to get their offense on track. The problem is consistently reaching the end zone. As for the Chargers their defense has not played to its level of the past and their offense is very inconsistent. L.T. has yet to have a break out game and Phillip Rivers continues to put up more quotes than touchdowns. Regardless of what's happened this Sunday the two will square off in San Diego a place where the Colts tend to struggle. This game will be tough to watch for both sets of fans but look for Manning to exercise his Southern Cal ghosts in picking apart the Chargers secondary. This game may not be as appealing as it has been in the past but they two will be playing for their post-season lives! Prediction: COLTS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. Giants (9-1) @ Cardinals (7-3)- The defending Super Bowl Champion Giants have overcome retirement (Michael Strahan) and injury (Osi Umenyiora) and posted a 9-1 record. Their defense still haunts offenses on Sunday's and the Cards too should be worried. They come into this week looking to get closer to clinching a division title led by the ex-Giant Kurt Warner. Warner has come up in recent MVP conversations with the likes of ironically Eli Manning- who Warner eventually backed up in New York prior to his departure. Warner has been successful throwing over 3,000 yards through the first 10 games but my guess would be that their running game must be effective to keep the Giants front four out of the Cardinals backfield. This sounds good but the truth of the matter is Warner is as stiff as a statue so if his O-Line can't do an excellent job of protecting the veteran he may not be able to finish this game. Prediction: GIANTS by 10

***Quick Picks***

Saints over Packers

Steelers over Bengals

Buccaneer over Lions

Bills over Chiefs

Bears over Rams

Eagles over Ravens

Browns over Texans

Cowboys over 49ers

Broncos over Raiders

Redskins over Seahawks

Falcons over Panthers

II. Sports Ventz

By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

GREENER PASTURES...Ever stepped out of your proverbial door in life and wonder why your neighbor's grass was greener than yours? Have you ever asked them their secret? Well in sports athletes tend to envy others manicured grass and eventually opt to hop that fence! In fact, last Tuesday Allen Iverson and the Nuggets questioned their ability to win with A.I. in uniform and they figured his best answer would be to get traded to the Detroit Pistons. Sure the Nuggets have struggled in the past. Sure the Pistons have reached six straight Conference finals but yet in still when Iverson arrived in the Motor City he still had to assume his role on the Piston assembly line. As for Chauncey Billups, he's already obtained Iverson's ultimate goal of winning a title (and being named MVP) and he now gets to perform in front of his home crowd. But keep in mind Chauncey was happy to be in Detroit. One week later Billups has led Denver to a 3-0 record while Iverson & Co. have struggled with a dismal 1-2 record. Sure the season is early and the Pistons may still reach their seventh straight Conference Final but for Iverson to obtain the beautiful green grass he's still going to have to mow that lawn.

I. NFL Week 11 Predictions: (Last Week: 7-7) Sure last week was mediocre and while I too could opt for greener pastures I've decided to trim my predicting hedges and get back on track in week 11. All 32 teams will be in action beginning with an AFC East battle tonight! Here we go!

1. Jets (6-3) @ Patriots (6-3) (Th. 8:15 pm NFL Network)- The last time these two teams met Tom Brady and the Patriots were set to complete their goal of winning the Super Bowl and Brett Favre and the Jets were just trying to learn each others strengths and weaknesses. 10 weeks and an injured Tom Brady later, the two are set to face off for sole possession of the AFC East lead. The Patriots seem to be clicking on offense once again despite Brady's absence. Obviously the scoreboard isn't ringing up at its record-setting '07 pace but the chains are moving. As for the Jets Favre has yet to consistently make plays down the field but on the heels of RB Thomas Jones, Brett has been limited to simply managing the game. But this isn't any game. In Foxborough the forecast is cold and rainy which means conditions will be sloppy, if Jones isn't able to find creases in the Pats' defense, Brett will be expected to drop back and make key throws down the field in the midst of the slop. While Favre is the all-time leader in touchdowns he too sits in first in the interception category. Although Brady will be absent the Patriots should come out with the same result. W. Prediction: PATRIOTS by 7

2. Broncos (5-4) @ Falcons (6-3) (1:00 CBS)- Quick ask yourself, do you believe....in the Falcons? Yes, after coming off a season where their franchise QB was sent to prison, their first year coach quit...prior to the end of the season and they drafted a QB and put the team on his shoulders from day one, who knew they would be in position to win their division? Sure you did...As the Broncos look to bring their high-powered offense into the Georgia Dome the Falcons will feature their underrated pass defense that forced Drew Brees into three interceptions last week. Broncos QB Jay Cutler has played at a Pro Bowl level at times (along with WR Brandon Marshall) but it's their defense that keeps opponents hanging around. After attending a Falcons game this season my belief is that it will be tough for anyone to come in the dome and defeat the dirty birds. If you don't believe me their 4-0 home record will answer all of your questions. Prediction: FALCONS by 3

3. Bears (5-4) @ Packers (4-5) (1:00 FOX): When Bears head coach Lovie Smith accepted the responsibility of leading the Monsters of the Midway the first thing he committed to as Head Coach was defeating the Green Bay Packers. Not only has Smith been successful in doing so he's won 8 out of 10 meetings between their Cheesy rivals. But enough with the history lesson, the Packers defense is hobbled. And their ability to stop the run is non-existent. With Bears rookie sensation Matt Forte coming to town this will pose a problem for the Lambeau Leapers. Look for Chicago to come out and control the clock running the ball and involving their tight ends. Without the services of Packers LB Nick Barnett their defense will have to alter their attack. This game will live up to its billing with a lot of hitting and trash talking but as long as Lovie Smith is manning the sidelines the outcome should remain the same. Prediction: BEARS by 6

4. Titans (9-0) @ Jaguars (4-5) (4:15 CBS)- The Titans will travel to Jacksonville boasting a league best 9-0. Every week that they win their bulls eye gets bigger and their schedule couldn't be any tougher traveling to a division foe that has absolutely nothing to lose. The Jags' have been known for the tough defense but their offense has struggled as of late. If the Titans can't find a way to gain more than 20 yards on 29 rushes as they did against Chicago, the Jags' will make their flight home a long one. One of the toughest things to do in football is run the ball on the road but the only thing tougher is actually winning on the road. If you really want to know my "expert" opinion, the Titans are simply due for a loss. Prediction: JAGUARS by 3

**GAME OF THE WEEK**

5. Cowboys (5-4) @ Redskins (6-3) (8:15, NBC)- The Game of the Week features yet another NFC rival that will face off after regrouping during their bye week. The 'Skins may be without Clinton Portis and the 'Boys are hoping to come in to Landover with a healthy (and effective) Tony Romo. Nevertheless, the biggest difference between the two rivals is that the Cowboys had extra time to acclimate their newest addition in WR Roy Williams. In the past few weeks he's literally had to learn on the fly but with an extra week of reps without being injured will allow Tony and Roy to get a better feel for one another and simply make life difficult for opposing defenses. The Redskins have been playing well all season long but with the Cowboys backs being slammed against the wall I expect them to come out swinging and throwing down field. This game too should live up to its hype and the road team shall be victorious. Prediction: COWBOYS by 6

***Quick Picks***

Eagles over Bengals

Colts over Texans

Saints over Chiefs

Dolphins over Raiders

Giants over Ravens

Vikings over Buccaneers

Panthers over Lions

49ers over Rams

Cardinals over Seahawks

Steelers over Chargers

Browns over Bills

II. Sports Ventz