NFL: Picking Playoff Winners

The NFL Playoffs are officially here, and so far our first set of picks for this weekend's Wildcard round. As was expected, there are two nice matchups in the AFC side and two dismal coin flips on the NFC side. All season long, the NFL has been a virtual crapshoot and the first round of the playoffs should be no different. With that said, here are our rolls of the dice.

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts

Dustin Hockensmith: The Colts win by putting points on the board and making opposing offenses impatient and more prone to abandon the run. If Larry Johnson and the Chiefs don't get out of the gates early, Trent Green can't possibly lead a comeback through the air. The Colts are 8-0 at home this season and stay perfect on Saturday. Colts 24, Chiefs 13.

Steve Cernak: I'm skeptical picking the Chiefs because they are 3-5 on the road and the Colts are 8-0 at home. However, the Jaguars and Bengals both showed the league how to pick apart Indy's pathetic run defense. Larry Johnson will run wild and KC's great corner tandem of Patrick Surtain and Ty Law slows Peyton Manning. Chiefs 30, Colts 17.

Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks

DH: Both teams enter the playoffs with losses in three of their last four games, which makes it hard to gauge what they will do with clean slates. The matchup between an 'overconfident' Tony Romo and the Seahawks depleted secondary plays too big a part in this game, and I think the Cowboys win it ugly on the road. Cowboys 21, Seahawks 20.

SC: I don't like either team. So Bill Parcells is a better coach than Mike Holmgren, but that's the only advantage I'll give the 'Boys. Shaun Alexander I heard is pretty good. Seattle's receivers are good, but Matt Hasselback will be throwing to playoff proven Deion Branch.

What interests me more than the game is whether or not Parcells chokes the life from Terrell Owens. Seahawks 27, Cowboys 20.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

DH: This is the must-see game of the weekend. These two teams play the same brand of football under two coaches from the same school of thought. The Jets are a nice story under Bill Belichick disciple Eric Mangini, but I just don't see them winning in Foxboro. Tom Brady leads a touchdown drive in the final five minutes, and the Pats come back to win. Patriots 20, Jets 16.

SC: Who picks against the Patriots, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in January? Me. I never claimed to be smart. Belichick versus Eric Mangini pervaded the headlines, with Belichicks allegedly despising his former protégé. Could this be a distraction of epic proportions?

The Jets are a good team and Chad Pennington was the feel-good story of 2006. No one believed the weak-throwing quarterback would bounce back after his throwing shoulder exploded. He fought through can't after can't and this would make for one hell of an icing. The Jets' superior receivers put Pennington on the NY tabloid backpages and makes Mangini look genius. Jets 24, New England 21 (with the Pats missing Adam Vinatieri)

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
DH: So much turmoil for the Giants, and here they are in the playoffs. They play the Eagles in Philadelphia for the second time this season with a new sense of hope and a second chance for their season. Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs run wild, and Jeff Garcia's emotions get the best of him. Giants 28, Eagles 21.

SC: The Giants are my team. I follow them closely. They looked like Super Bowl contenders the first half of the season but the second half… Tom Coughlin is a joke. Peyton Manning did a great job teaching his younger brother Eli how to completely miss expectations. Trust me, I could go on forever. Even though the Eagles stink too: Eagles 107, Giants -3.

SPORTS: Allen Iverson's Nuggets Debut, Ohio State-Florida and NFL Match-ups

NBA
Allen Iverson is expected to play Friday night, however, this is contingent on all players in the deal passing physicals. While it appears likely that will happen, a massive snowstorm in Denver, which held up many flights, has left thousands stranded. Airport officials are planning to open two of six runways.

NFL
Perhaps the most intriguing weekend match-up is Cincinnati at Denver. Both clubs are 8-6 and with Denver and the New York Jets also at 8-6, but on the outside looking in. Another intriguing match-up is Tennessee at Buffalo. With Vince Young, simply put, winning and the Bills streaking, only one of these two 7-7 teams will remain alive in the AFC playoff hunt. ... the New York Giants need to win against New Orleans, as does Pittsburgh versus Baltimore and Jacksonville at New England for their playoff aspirations to remain intact.

NCAA
No. 3 Ohio State visits No. 4 Florida in one of the best regular season games this year. C Greg Oden blends perfectly into this lineup, as Ohio State's backcourt carries the load. SG Daequan Cook scores and rebounds at an impressive clip (16.1 and 6.0) and PG Mike Conley Jr. always passes to the open man (6.5 APG). When G Jamar Butler comes off the bench, OSU doesn't miss a beat. Unfortunately for Florida, the team's best player, C Al Horford is out with a sprained ankle.

While it seems certain Ohio State wins the game, the reason to watch this game is last year's best player, Joakim Noah, matching up against instant sensation Oden. Horford's absence surprisingly adds appeal to this game.

SPORTS: Pittsburgh Penguins Doomed;Tony Romo, Michelle Wie and Steve Nash Aren't

NHL - Penguins Plight... Leads to Flight?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board unanimously awarded Pittsburgh's lone slot machine gambling license to a group that promised to build a casino, rather than the Penguins ownership group. This group, led by Mario Lemieux, promised to build a new $290 million arena if it won the license. Now, it appears increasingly likely the Penguins will move, rather than continue to play at the 45-year-old Mellon Arena.

NFL - Romo Rules Roost, Bangs Celebrity
San Diego will send nine players to the Pro Bowl, Chicago seven. Despite both teams individual dominance, the biggest selection was Dallas QB Tony Romo--the first Cowboy QB to be selected since Troy Aikman in 1996. With rumors of involvement with Jessica Simpson false, Romo admitted he is dating former American Idol hotty Carrie Underwood.
Talk about a huge year for Romo.

LPGA - Wie Brings Winless Streak to Stanford
Michelle Wie announced she will continue her education at Stanford University, following in her family footsteps. Her grandfather, aunt and uncle attended Stanford. She is leaning towards majoring in business, economics or marketing. Considering she made almost $20 million last year in golf and endorsement related endeavors, I'd recommend finance. The smart business move would be to wait for college, as she lost her amateur status.

NBA - Nash (& Co.) Dominates Despite Pre-Season Haircut
Phoenix won their 15th straight game Tuesday, a franchise record. "What does it really mean?" Two-time league MVP Steve Nash asked. "Not Much, but I think it's fun and I think it's an accomplishment, nonetheless. We should probably be proud of ourselves. But at the same time, we realize it doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot, either." Nash is among the great team leaders in professional sports, which shows in comments like this.

FANTASY NFL: Entering the Playoffs with a Team of Hacks

By Dustin Hockensmith

Owning an undefeated record and pursuing a perfect season isn't what it's cracked up to be. Ask Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts or me and Gandhi's Good Guys what a late first loss can do to team morale. Only in that situation can a 12-1 team feel like it has failed, and only in that situation can a team lose all of its built-up momentum. Playoff failure is such an expected result that it requires a language of its own to describe.

Indianapolize – v. (to indianapolize) – to lose one's swagger and only look like a playoff team in the regular season standings; to follow the lead of a star who says "Aw shucks" under pressure; to fade; to crumble; to collapse; to get torched on defense; to have an inconsistent running game. My fantasy football team has been indianapolized by injuries and poor play.

Gandhi's Good Guys started the regular season 12-0 and finished 13-1, but are in bad shape at the wrong time of the year. The top three running backs on the depth chart – Ronnie Brown, Clinton Portis and Laurence Maroney – have gone down and given way to the Hack Unit of Sammy Morris, Ron Dayne and Cedric Benson. Quarterback Tom Brady is coming off the worst start of his career, and Santana Moss is playing more like his cousin Tito Santana.

This team has been covering up its weaknesses in large part because its manager was the only person in the draft who knew that kick return yards earned points. So, finding gems like Dante Hall, Bobby Wade, Chris Carr and Justin Miller have kept the team afloat. In a complete representation of how flawed the scoring system is, Carr, the second-best defender in our league (to Miller), has a total of 11 tackles this season.

Throw in free agent pickups Dayne, Morris, Vince Young, Vernon Davis and linebacker Bart Scott, and virtually the entire team is comprised of non-union scabs and replacement players. The way I see it, the pressure is now on everyone else to not get completely outmanaged and lose to a second-rate team. We'll see on Sunday when the league's regular season champion enters the fantasy playoffs with something to prove.

SPORTS: Weekend Preview

NCAA Basketball
Friday is a light day, and so is Saturday, despite a huge schedule of games. A couple of games peak my interest, but there aren't many nail biters to watch. All eyes should be on Madison where No. 11 Wisconsin WILL beat No. 2 Pittsburgh, whether the Panthers are with or without center Aaron Gray's services. Kentucky-Louisville matchups always have a ton of meaning in their home state, but at this stage of the season it's not vital to watch. These teams both could make noise later in the year, though, and UK forward/center Randolph Morris and Louisville forward Juan Palacios are names you should know. Southern Miss enters Saturday's meeting with No. 4 Alabama a perfect 7-0, but the Crimson Tide should cruise at home.

NBA
The Allen Iverson sweepstakes will be the biggest news of the weekend with mediocre matchups throughout. The Suns play both the Warriors (Friday) and Kings (Saturday), so we could see a preposterous amount of points scored in either or both of those games. On Saturday, the Cavaliers travel to Orlando for a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, and Sunday's Rockets-Clippers game is intriguing, especially if the Clips would swing a deal for Iverson beforehand. A Lakers-Wizards game later in the night will complete a Staples Center doubleheader and feature two of the league's most gifted scorers – Gilbert Arenas and Kobe Bryant.

NFL
The NFC East will again be in the spotlight as the Eagles and Giants play at The Meadowlands play on Sunday with the knowledge of a Cowboys win or loss against the walking wounded Falcons (Saturday, 8 p.m.). With the potential for four 8-6 teams, things could get messy in the NFC with a Dallas loss. The Vince Young watch continues in Nashville against the Jaguars, where the rookie's only setback came to the 10-3 Ravens by a 27-26 score. The bigger question in San Diego isn't if the Chargers beat the Chiefs, but how far LaDainian Tomlinson raises the bar on his new single-season touchdowns record. Indianapolis attempts to overcome the same "undefeated hangover" it had last season, but probably fails against the peaking Bengals.

This Could Be the Start of Something

SPORTS: Midweek Roundup

NCAA Basketball
Nevada senior Nick Fazekas became the first player in school history to top the 2,000 point mark as the No. 20 Wolfpack won handily, 76-58, over St. Mary's on Tuesday … No. 18 Texas A&M thumped Fordham, 84-61, in Tuesday's only other Top 25 action.

NCAA Football
Troy Smith made the trip from New York to Columbus without the Heisman Trophy he won on Saturday, electing to ship the trophy home and fly solo. When Ohio State's Eddie George won the award in 1995, a finger was bent on the Heisman as it passed through airport security. "Eddie's finger got bent," Smith said. "I don't want that to happen to mine." … to the surprise of no one, Smith was also an AP All-American … he was joined by two teammates and other Big Ten players on the first team.

NBA
The 76ers still have not found a home for disgruntled star Allen Iverson and continue to lose leverage in a potential deal. It was rumored that Iverson shot down a potential deal that would send him to Charlotte, but both sides were quick to deny the rumor … Matt Barnes had 32 points and 11 rebounds to help lead the Warriors to a 126-113 home win over Sacramento, but it doesn't get much better than Andris Biedrins' fantasy line: 7-of-7 field goals, 6-of-6 free throws, 20 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks … Luther Head, starting in place of the injured Tracy McGrady, scored 21 points and nearly led a fourth quarter comeback for Houston against the Lakers, but the Rockets fell at home, 102-94 … the Lakers lost forward Lamar Odom early in the contest when he sprained his right knee.

This Will Never Get Old


NFL
Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Joe Woods was charged with two counts of drunk driving on Tuesday. It was reported that Woods was driving his Yacht style party boat at reckless speeds. The prostitutes on board could not be reached for comment … Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper was placed on the IR on Tuesday, effectively ending his first season in Miami … the NFL Network will be available to fans with Cablevision and TimeWarner Cable providers for free from Dec. 24-30, with the hope of landing more subscribers. The funny thing is, no NFL games will be seen over that stretch, only the Texas Bowl and Insight Bowl games.

MLB
The Astros and Rockies completed a five-player deal on Tuesday, with Colorado sending RHPs Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio to Houston for RHPs Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh and OF Wily Taveras. This doesn't strike me as a lopsided deal for either side, but if Houston fails to resign Jennings and Hirsh realizes his upside in Colorado, it has the potential to be … the Texas Rangers signed RHP Eric Gagne to a one-year deal worth $6 million, which is a very worthwhile risk to take in this market. If Gagne can return to health, Texas can really shorten games with the combination of Akinori Otsuka and Gagne in the bullpen … in more Rangers news, Texas continues its pursuit of LHP Barry Zito and, along with the Mets, is a favorite to sign the former Cy Young winner … Texas also signed RHP Paul Byrd and OF Kenny Lofton and scheduled a visit by Zito's former teammate LHP Mark Mulder.

NBA: Stern's Relenting Autonomy

by Steve Cernak

NBA Commissioner David Stern announced Monday the league will revert to the old leather basketball January, the first time in pro sports a mid season equipment change occurred.

"Our players' response to this particular composite ball has been consistently negative and we are acting accordingly," Stern issued in a statement. "Although testing performed by Spalding and the NBA demonstrated that the new composite basketball was more consistent than leather, and statistically there has been an improvement in shooting, scoring, and ball-related turnovers, the most important statistic is the view of our players.”

The commissioner acknowledged a mistake and acted accordingly. When Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd—three of the league’s most marketable players—sustained cuts from the league ball, most players hoped the ball would change in the off-season.

Yes, Stern committed an egregious error by not seeking player input prior to the ball swap, but he should be applauded for protecting the integrity of the game sooner rather than later.

Contrast Stern's proactivity with the other commissioners reactivity. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig issued an in-season steroids policy only when prompted by Congress. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has yet to even comment on this year’s ridiculous rules interpretation of roughing the passer, perpetuating preposterous penalties and defensive tepidity. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman required league failure before addressing two-line passes, goalie equipment size, adding a shootout and what drove the league from network television: the trap.

Here’s to the typically autonomous David Stern bringing in 2007 by admitting and undoing his error, rather than inviting a season defining controversy by maintaining status quo until the off season.

SPORTS: Recapping the Weekend

NCAA Football
Troy Smith did not win the Maxwell Award as college football's Player of the Year, but he did win the Heisman Trophy in a landslide. Maxwell winner Brady Quinn finished third behind Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, which makes his winning the award on Friday an even bigger surprise … the coaching carousel also took a bizarre turn when West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez stayed in Morgantown to the surprise and disgust of Alabama administration … Tom O'Brien left Boston College for North Carolina State, and Dennis Erickson left Oregon State for Arizona State.

NCAA Basketball
The youthful Texas Longhorns beat No. 9 LSU in overtime on Sunday, getting 25 points from stud freshman point guard D.J. Augustin and 10 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks from Kevin Durant in the surprising win. "We made some good things happen tonight," head coach Rick Barnes said … No. 23 Maryland fell to Boston College, 73-62 on the road, and No. 1 UCLA took down No. 6 Texas A&M in a Top 10 clash on Saturday … many assumed Ohio State's super freshman Greg Oden would be more of a defensive factor early in his college career, but with an 8-of-8 performance from the field in his first start, many could be wrong. (Weekend scores)

NBA
It has become known that Allen Iverson WILL be traded, but the picture on WHERE he goes or HOW a deal gets done has not gotten any clearer … the Suns moved their win streak to 10 games and had six players score in double figures against Charlotte in doing so … with 4.5 games separating the No. 1 Lakers from the No. 5 Kings in the Pacific Division, the race for the division crown should be interesting all season … Memphis PF Pau Gasol has been cleared for full contact practices, but there is no definite timetable for his return to the lineup. (Weekend scores)

NFL
Is there any doubt that the Chargers are going to the Super Bowl? LaDainian Tomlinson is the ultimate offensive weapon, Phillip Rivers is finding Antonio Gates more frequently and Shawne Merriman has an even bigger chip on his shoulder … LT scored three touchdowns (again) on Sunday to break Shaun Alexander's single-season TD record of 28 ... the Saints went to Dallas on Sunday night and steamrolled the Cowboys behind five touchdown passes from Drew Brees … no opposing quarterback had ever thrown for five TD's in Dallas … with a 39-yard touchdown run in overtime, Vince Young again led the Tennessee Titans to a victory – their fourth straight … at 6-7, could we possibly consider the Titans in the playoff race? Stranger things have happened … the Jaguars ran for the second-most yards in NFL history (375) and dominated the Colts, 44-17, in Jacksonville … Peyton Manning didn't have a great day, but that Indy defense is way beyond repair. (Sunday scores)

LT's Record 29th Touchdown


MLB
The Yankees and LHP Andy Pettitte agreed on a two-year deal (player option for 2008) that brings the left-hander back to the Bronx … in the same time frame that Vicente Padilla got $33.75 million over three years, a veteran left-hander who can pitch in New York (and in the postseason) looks like a real bargain … Barry Bonds agreed to terms with the Giants on a one-year, $16 million deal … did we actually think Bonds would sign somewhere else? … the Cubs are close to finalizing a deal with RHP Jason Marquis and filling out the back end of their rotation … this should be a solid sign for the Cubs, who have been by far the most active club in the offseason.

SPORTS: Great Weekend Ahead... NOT!

NFL
Eli Manning will derail New York's season versus Carolina, while his brother Peyton Manning will beat Jacksonville setting up spectacular playoff failure (again).

Houston's DE Mario Williams will have a monster game and silences his critics who said RB Reggie Bush should have been drafted #1 overall, especially off his 4 TD performance. QB Vince Young will break his arm, his shoulder tears completely off his body and his spleen spontaneously combusts... obvious punishment from Shiva the Destroyer for Dustin's article.

Denver QB Jay Cutler will play like a rookie against Philip Rivers and San Diego, forcing Denver's running game to step up. I don't care how they're statistically ranked, that rushing offense is what the Spanish call el horrible.

NBA
Allen Iverson reportedly asked to be traded. Might not happen this weekend or ever, but keep an eye out. This article came from Peter Vecsey, who made a career of pulling things from his butt.

My preseason pick to be Eastern Conference Champions will be labeled "surprise of the season" by the morons running ESPN after Orlando's Dwight Howard punishes Detroit down low. How's Darko Milicic (and Carlos Arroyo) looking now?

MLB
Kansas City team officials will announce they're sorry for not holding onto Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon or Jermaine Dye in years past, but more than made up for it by signing Gil Meche to a five year $55 million contract.

NASCAR
I don't even have a joke. Well, not one that's better than the Meche joke.

WHAT I'LL BE WATCHING THIS WEEKEND
NCAA Men's Hoops:
No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 6. Texas A&M, 2:30 EST Saturday on CBS.

NFL: Back to the Future - Vince Young to Randall Cunningham

By Dustin Hockensmith

Look at Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young next to former Philadelphia Eagles great Randall Cunningham, and just one glance should reveal their similarities. Both are 6-foot-4 or better and stand that way in the pocket, but they can also tuck it and run with the best of them in any instance of a breakdown. The difference between the two is mental, and you'll watch in the not-so-distant future as Young and the Titans (or whoever else) succeed in the playoffs where Cunningham and the Eagles (and Vikings) failed.

There's obviously no mistaking just how talented Young is on the exterior, but what he has shown over the Titans' surprising three-game win streak is the inner toughness of a champion. Not that it should come as a shock, Young single-handedly carried his underdog Texas Longhorns to a win in the 2006 national championship game.

Young's heroics have continued as a pro quarterback, which is arguably the hardest position to learn in all of sports. A little erratic as a passer thus far, Young has thrown five touchdown passes and two interceptions over the last three Titan wins. If he keeps minimizing his mistakes through the air and making timely runs, there's no telling how successful he can be.

Cunningham had similar accuracy troubles as a young QB, but grew and put up big numbers his entire career. He had his best season as a pro in 1988 when he finished second in the NFL with 30 passing TD's and ninth with 942 rushing yards. Cunningham was a Pro Bowler that season and took his team to the playoffs for three straight years (1988-90), but he threw zero touchdown passes and five interceptions in three straight Eagles losses.

I simply have a hard time believing that a Young-led team would whimper like that and get dominated in the playoffs.

Of course there's still projection and you can never account for the kinds of injuries Cunningham suffered, but you get the sense now that Young is destined for a brighter future. Considering he's beaten both Manning brothers in back-to-back weeks, the future might just be now.

SPORTS: A Glimpse at This Weekend's Action

As many baseball enthusiasts are well aware, some of the most exciting action in the next week will not be taking place on dirt, grass, ice or the hardwood. Depending on the outcome of upcoming free agent signings and next week's winter meetings (Dec. 4-7), what happens this weekend could go largely unnoticed by a nice chunk of the sports viewing population. Don't get caught out of the loop, take a look at the daily breakdown below. Times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.

Friday
NCAA Basketball - A slow night, but watch No. 9 Marquette and Tennessee win big and a decent matchup between Vermont and Towson ... NCAA Football - Southern Miss and Houston play for the Conference USA title (8 p.m., ESPN2) ... NBA - Chicago takes its recent signs of life into Oklahoma City for an 8 p.m. meeting with the Hornets, and the Kings take a run at the Mavericks' 11-game winning streak ... in an upset alert game, look for Atlanta to challenge Cleveland (2-4 on the road) at home.

Saturday
NCAA Basketball - Lots of intriguing matchups and a few trap games ... Kentucky at No. 6 North Carolina (Noon, CBS), No. 23 Georgetown at No. 10 Duke (7 p.m., ESPN2), No. 22 Wichita State at No. 14 Syracuse, Illinois at No. 16 Arizona (5:15 p.m. EST, ESPN) and No. 21 Gonzaga at No. 25 Texas (3 p.m., ESPN) highlight the schedule ... NCAA Football - No. 2 USC at UCLA (4:30 p.m., ABC) is the only game with national championship implications, but check out the various conference championship games, including No. 8 Arkansas at No. 4 Florida (6 p.m., CBS) in the SEC ... NBA - Seattle at Utah -- how do the Jazz respond after being blown out by the Lakers? ... Cleveland (at Houston) and Indiana (at Denver) both attempt to un-skew the Eastern vs. Western Conference results, but have to win on the road to do it.

Wichita State upsets Tennessee in the 2006 NCAA Tournament


Sunday
NCAA Basketball - No. 3 Pittsburgh continues its walk on the tight rope at Auburn, and No. 20 Nevada (at Cal) and No. 24 Georgia Tech (at Miami) get put to the test on the road ... NCAA Football - With 51 touchdowns, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan stands just three shy of David Klingler's NCAA record of 54 and should set a new record against Oregon State (TBA, ESPN) ... NFL - Shawne Merriman returns to the Chargers lineup against the resurgent Bills, and the JP Losman Injury Alert goes from Yellow to Orange ... Titans QB Vince Young's progression continues against the 10-1 Colts (1 p.m.), and Dallas vs. New York (4:15 p.m.), Jacksonville at Miami (4:05 p.m.) and Seattle at Denver (8:15 p.m.) all have playoff implications ... Rookie QB Jay Cutler makes his Broncos debut in primetime against the Seahawks.

FANTASY: Blue Chips vs. Day Trades

Potential Fantasy NBA Blue Chips

While SF/PF Andrea Bargnani, SF/PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge and SF/PF Shelden Williams have yet to justify their NBA draft selections, all three appear poised to do so. As is the case with all rookies, you need to exercise a little patience, both from a consistency and playing time perspective, but these are all guys who can help you in the short to medium term.

Bargnani is scoring points (averaging 12.3 ppg in his last six) and showing some nice potential in the hustle categories, but is rebounding like his effeminate first name suggests he would. Aldridge was just starting to play a more prominent role in Portland, but took an elbow to the chops on November 26 and has played just 12 minutes in the last two games. Williams is beginning to put it together, but remains a little weak in the points and rebounds departments.


Historically Awesome Fantasy NHL Blue Chips

After the NHL lockout, many young stars emerged. The trend in fantasy hockey is to take youth, which means there is tremendous veteran value on the waiver wire.

Pittsburgh's LW Evgeni Malkin and C Sidney Crosby have been the talk of the hockey world, but why not pick up RW Mark Recchi? With 490 career goals, he's the perfect veteran to play on their line. ... C Brad Richards and LW Gary Roberts similarly had great months and may be worth a look.


Day Trading to Fantasy NFL Glory

In my fantasy football league, there is literally nothing available on the waiver wire. You're likely screwed if you need waiver help now. But everyone thinks they can strike it rich in a week. A good place to look for quality depth this point in the season is WR.

Marty Booker was once was nasty and since Joey Harrington took over, Booker is 17 yards behind Wes Welker for the team lead in receiving yards. ... In my league, Kenny Bloggins just picked up Santonio Holmes, a strong short-term buy. Hines Ward could miss two weeks and Holmes is a pedigree wide out with a bright future, one Kenny hopes begins Sunday. ... Tom Brady consistently spread the ball this season. Maybe, just maybe, Reche Caldwell will replicate his 9 reception, 90 yards and 1 TD Week 10 performance? Against a soft Detroit defense this week, I'd say the chances are better than average.

SPORTS: This Week's News and Happenings

MLB
The Yankees had an answer to Boston's $51 million bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka, offering a reported $25 million for the rights to negotiate with LHP Kei Igawa. This was one of many Hot Stove happenings in the past 48 hours. MLB Trade Rumors nicely recaps all of the signings and rumors, including the Cubs 3-year, $45-million offer to RHP Jason Schmidt, the Cardinals signing of 2B Adam Kennedy and more on Igawa.

Prospect Insider spoke with an American scout who saw Igawa in Japan, and the YouTube video below backs up his report. You see a decent fastball that has downward action, a quality slider that actually flattens out and gets pounded by David Wright in the video and arm action that's very condusive to a change-up.



NBA
Bobby Jackson was fined $20,000 by the league for being ejected and verbally abusing officials in a loss at Dallas on Saturday. "I think the officials have to be reprimanded just like we get reprimanded," Jackson poignantly noted. Maybe you're right, but maybe you should make your case without dropping F-bombs and making a spectacle of yourself and officials in front of 20,00 fans? ... the Clippers and Mike Dunleavy agreed on a four-year contract extension on Monday, and it came just in time for a five-game losing streak and a fall to the cellar of the Pacific Division ... Check out scores from around the league and updated standings that feature the 5-8 Celtics at the top of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. Wow.

NFL
Falcons QB Michael Vick was fined $20,000 for his postgame antics after the team's 31-13 loss to New Orleans on Sunday. As head coach Jim Mora points out in this video clip from Fox Sports though, "Vick has courage and the heart of a lion." Unfortunately, he also has the middle finger of an angry and drunken Dutch prostitute and is quicker on the draw than Lightning Jack.

SPORTS: Recapping the Weekend

NCAA Football
Chuck Amato was fired yesterday as head coach of the North Carolina State Football Program. Also fired was Alabama coach Mike Shula, who finished a disappointing 6-6 this season after posting a 10-2 record in 2005. (Full story on Sports RX)

As expected, USC jumped Michigan and moved up to No. 2 in Sunday's Bowl Championship Series standings. For those in favor of a Michigan-Ohio State matchup for the national title, Los Angeles Times journalist and true homer Chris Dufresne defends USC's ranking and talks about the present and future of the BCS system.

NBA
The frustration behind Ben Wallace's insubordination Saturday night has been brewing since the first week of training camp. According to league and Bulls sources, Ben Wallace has felt unfairly singled out by team rules that have taken away his pregame music, his headband and his tape-free ankles. (Full story on Need4Sheed.com)

NFL
A frustrated Michael Vick saluted Atlanta fans with the same middle finger that has helped him throw so many incomplete passes this season. Sports Frog tracked down photo evidence and commented on the heinous event.

NCAA Basketball
A crazy start to the 2006-07 college basketball season continued on Friday night when Kansas knocked off top-ranked Florida. Check out how that and other weekend action affected Bracketology 101's First Field of 65.

NFL Scoreboard -- Sunday NBA Scoreboard -- NCAA Basketball Top 25 -- NCAA Football

SPORTS: Recapping the Weekend in Sports

By Dustin Hockensmith

College Football
Ohio State vs. Michigan – Both teams proved how good they really were, but Troy Smith and the top-ranked Buckeyes won 42-39 and secured a spot in the national championship game. The teams went nose-to-nose like a couple of heavyweight fighters, but Smith threw for four touchdown passes and essentially locked up the Heisman Trophy … BCS Implications – Ohio State became the first team in three seasons to earn a perfect 1.000 BCS score, and both OSU and Michigan finished their regular seasons … despite the loss, the Wolverines ended up No.2 in Sunday's BCS rankings, but won't stay there when No. 3 USC takes care of No. 5 Notre Dame next week.

NBA
Shaq to Have Surgery - Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal is having surgery on his left knee and is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks. We're starting to see accelerated wear and tear from supporting such a large human all these years. Maybe again he's 'fresh' for a playoff run, but that only happens if he can return to the lineup by January and get back into playing shape … Don't Get Too Excited Jazz Fans - The Utah Jazz is off to its best start in franchise history at 9-1, but don't get too excited just yet. This isn't the first time a Jazz team has flown out of the gates, and I don't buy them as a contender just yet. The Northwest Division is very average, so they'll win that and get a Top 4 seed, but they're not up to par with the Mavs or Spurs.

NFL
Chad Johnson Did It Again - Bengals WR Chad Johnson caught six passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns against the Saints on Sunday. That gives the wideout two-week totals of 17 receptions for 450 yards and five TD's … McNabb, Eagles Done - Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb tore his ACL on Sunday, effectively putting an end to the Eagles and your fantasy season. Needless to say, that offense just won't run the same with Jeff Garcia leading it ... Steelers Still Have a Pulse - They've got work to do, but the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't dead yet. Big Ben Roethlisberger threw for 224 yards in the third quarter after being picked off three times in the first half, and the Steelers rallied to beat the Browns on a Roethlisberger-to-Willie Parker connection with 30 seconds remaining … Colts Loss a Blessing in Disguise – They've been walking a tightrope for some time now, and I don't think anyone was shocked when the Colts lost to the Cowboys on Sunday. They'll get their edge back and be in better shape for the playoffs than they were last year … LT a Touchdown Machine – Not much you can say here that the numbers don't already suggest. LaDainian Tomlinson reached the 100-touchdown plateau faster than any player ever over the weekend, and he put the Chargers on his back in a comeback win in the process.

MLB
Cubs Keep Working in Free Agency – The Chicago Cubs have inked outfielder Alfonso Soriano to an 8-year, $136 million contract, it was announced on Sunday. It was the fifth-largest deal in Major League Baseball history. His rare 40-40 potential and dynamic bat combined with the signings of Neal Cotts and Mark DeRosa and the resigning of Aramis Ramirez have made for an outstanding off-season already for the Cubbies.

NFL: DegenerateGambler's Week 10 Picks

As some of you may be finding out the hard way, the nickname "DegenerateGambler" is well deserved. An 0-3 Lockdown record in Week 9 is really the story of my gambling career. Is this the week I turn it around? You may want to double up on this week's picks because I have a good feeling about it.

Home teams in CAPS; Picks in RED

LOCKDOWN PICKS

Broncos -9 RAIDERS
Over the past few weeks the Broncos have silenced the critics. Their offense has shown some life and all of the sudden the defense has room to breathe. That isn't good news for Raider Nation. Oakland is a mess...
The Pick: I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't a mirror image of the Oakland's Monday night performance. Lay the 9 and take the BRONCOS on the road.

Chiefs -1 DOLPHINS
Last week I mentioned Miami's 0-7 record against the spread. A week later they are 1-7 ATS, with last week's drubbing of the Bears accounting for their only win. Joey Harrington has helped stabilize the Dolphins offense, but the inconsistent running game is a concern.
The Pick: I do not see a repeat performance for Miami in Week 10. I'm taking the CHIEFS.

Packers +5.5 VIKINGS
A couple of numbers that make this one an easy pick... The Vikings are 5-1 ATS versus NFC opponents this season... The Packers? 2-4. Minnesota is also boasting 4-1 record ATS versus the Packers over the past 3 seasons.
The Pick: You guessed it.. I'm going with the VIKINGS at home.


All the rest...
Texans +10.5 JAGS
Chargers -1.5 BENGALS
Browns +8 FALCONS
Ravens -7.5 TITANS
Bills +12 COLTS
Saints +4 STEELERS
Redskins +7 EAGLES
Bears +2.5 GIANTS
Jets +10.5 PATRIOTS
49ers +5.5 LIONS
Rams +3 SEAHAWKS
Cowboys -7 ARIZONA

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Bucs +9.5 PANTHERS

Season Lockdown Record: 1-7-1

FANTASY NFL: Keeper Quandary

By Steve "Supreme Commander" Cernak

Gabe dropped one hell of a fantasy football question on MySpace:

Hey who would you drop if you had to drop one? Deshaun Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, Brandon Jacobs. I'm leaning towards keeping BJ because i'm in a keeper league. I'm also thinking of trading my Shaun Alexander. I can only have 4 RB's max in my league, and don't know who to let go of. Should I let go of Foster or MoJo? I'm afraid that Williams will start to play a bigger role, as Deshaun hasn't produced like i’d have thought he would. Not to mention the poor O-line play of the Panthers. I'm also afraid of Fred Taylor getting hurt and then MoJo will be the stud.

Keeper fantasy adds complexity in how a manager plays the season. Production is typically all that matters. In keeper, you try to win both immediately and over the long haul.

Let's start by looking at my current 2006 rankings:

1. Shaun Alexander
2. Maurice Jones-Drew
3. DeShaun Foster
4. Brandon Jacobs

Alexander is injured now but who is the first RB you'd start in the playoffs?

Jones-Drew put serious production up this season for a back-up. Taylor complained about not getting enough carries for his incentive laden contract. Taylor knows Jones-Drew is legit and actually is pondering retirement because it apparently takes a lot of money to want to constantly rehab injuries.

Foster is an injury risk, but at least he is a starter. Brandon Jacobs has "fantasy stud" written all over him, but the future NFL Hall Of Fame RB Tiki Barber is the Giants starter.

Fast forward to my 2007 projections:

1. Shaun Alexander
2. Brandon Jacobs
3. Maurice Jones-Drew
4. DeShaun Foster

Alexander is a proven TD machine. Jacobs may eventually become better than Alexander, because he has feature back speed and is a goal line power. Maybe this is just the giants fan in me, but I see him as an athletic Jerome Bettis (meaning he isn’t a fatty). DeAngelo Williams will be better and start over Foster soon.

To answer the question: hold onto Alexander, Jacobs and Jones-Drew. That will be the nastiest platoon in your keeper league next year.

As for Foster, you have two options. Either (1) hold onto him to cover for Alexander or (2) trade him now for an older productive player. Let’s say you need a QB and the guy who has Brett Favre needs a RB. Favre will likely retire, so why not maximize production from a guy who will likely retire after this year for a player you were planning to cut? Foster could get you a productive older player and I'd do that if a decent RB is on the waiver wire.

EDIT: originally I had Amani Toomer listed as a possible replacement, but news just broke that he may have torn his ACL. DEFINITELY DO NOT PICK AMANI TOOMER UP.

NFL: DegenerateGambler's Week 9 Picks

As I drag myself to my computer, uncurling from the fetal position I have been in for countless days, I dread even looking at the lines for Week 9. But this is no time to throw in the towel. We are on the board with a lockdown record of 1-2 against the spread in Week 8 of the NFL.

Oh, and enough with all of the analysis. I didn’t become who I am today, for better or worse, by over-thinking and second-guessing. This week I am going with the something I trust more than all the stats in the world… my gut. And I have a lot of gut to go around.

Is this simply the ramblings of a DegenerateGmabler who is on the ropes, or am I thinking with a clear head? Only one way to find out… bring on the matchups!

Home team in CAPS - Picks in Red


LOCKDOWN PICKS

Falcons -5.5 LIONS
Atlanta is 5-2 against the spread (ATS), including 2-1 ATS in road games. That may not seem like an overpowering number, but their three road opponents were the Panthers, Saints and Bengals. Detroit is 2-5 ATS… that’s as far as I need to go there.

The Pick: I’m riding the Mike Vick train. Lay the 5.5 points and take the FALCONS.

Dolphins +13.5 BEARS
The Dolphins are fairing even worse than me this season. I’m not even going to bore you with the details…

The Pick: Combine Miami’s atrocious 0-7 record ATS, with the Bears knack prove me wrong each and every week, and my decision is easy. Da BEARS!

Vikings -4.5 49ERS
This one seemed too easy, and at second glance it feels like a trap. But I promised I wouldn’t second-guess myself. Minnesota is 2-1 ATS on the road and a pretty impressive 5-2 ATS overall. As for the 49ers, well, they just aren’t very good.

The Pick: After taking a pounding at the hands of the Patriots, Minnesota will be looking to take out some aggression. Lucky for them, Alex Smith is no Tom Brady… Give up the 4.5 points and consider yourself paid! VIKINGS in a route.


Chiefs +2.5 RAMS
Bengals +3 RAVENS
Texans +13 GIANTS
Titans +10 JAGUARS
Cowboys -3 REDSKINS
Packers +3 BILLS
Saints -1 BUCS
Browns +12.5 CHARGERS
Broncos +2 STEELERS
Colts +3 PATRIOTS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Oakland +7.5 SEAHAWKS


Season Lockdown Record: 1-4-1

NFL: DegenerateGambler’s Week 8 Picks

Ouch! That one stung a little bit. Last week was full of interesting games, capped off by a team winning a game despite being out gained by more than 200 yards, scoring no offensive touchdowns, and needing a 62-yard field goal as time expired to win the game… Tampa Bay, you are the epitome of my Week 7.

After starting with an 0-2-1 record against the spread on my “Lockdown” picks, we need a boost. So, get your pen and paper ready, because I am about to drop some knowledge –

(Home teams in CAPS; Picks are in Red)

Lockdown Picks

Texans +3 TITANS
This one won’t be pretty. Call this Vince Young’s coming out party, with Houston having arguably the worst secondary in the NFL. With the injuries/suspensions to the Titans’ defensive line, the one spot they may be vulnerable is against the run… Lucky for them, Wali Lundy and Ron Dayne have a hard time even running against a strong wind gust.

The Pick: Give the 3 points and take the TITANS.


Cardinals +3.5 PACKERS
As poor as the Houston secondary is, the argument for the worst in the league may start and end in Green Bay. The Packers are giving up nearly 300 yards per game passing. If Matt Leinart can hit his talented pass catchers early and often, Edgerrin James just might find a little room to move, despite the lack of an NFL quality O-Line.

The Pick: Arizona has shown they can take an early lead, the problem has been keeping that lead. Take the 3.5 points and hope the CARDINALS hold on down the stretch.


Rams +9.5 CHARGERS
San Diego relinquished their top spot in scoring defenses when they gave up 30 points a week ago. Having said that, they are still a force. To compete with them on a normal week, you will need a top notch running back (Steven Jackson), two solid receivers (Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce), and an accurate QB with a quick release (Marc Bulger).

The Pick: The Rams may not win this game, but they will keep it close. I’m taking the RAMS and the 9.5 points.


Jaguars +6 EAGLES
Falcons +4.5 BENGALS
Bucs +9.5 GIANTS
49ers +16 BEARS
Seahawks +6 CHIEFS
Ravens +2 SAINTS
Steelers -9 OAKLAND
Jets +2 BROWNS
Colts +3 BRONCOS
Cowboys +4.5 PANTHERS


Lockdown Record: 0-2-1

NFL: Tiki Barber is Like a Minature Buhda, Covered in Hair

By Steve "Supreme Commander" Cernak

Ohhhhhhhh Tiki. You are a legend. LEGEND. He is the best offensive player in Giants history and possibly the best player in team history. He very well could be more important to the Giants than Lawrence Taylor. Did I just say that? The argument will hold water IF the Giantswin a Super Bowl.

Check this out: Amani, Shockey, Burress, Strahan, Umenyiora, Pierce, Madison, Wilson, Arrington, Tyree, Morton, Feely, Feagles... it goes on and on. Arrington likely is out for the year, which sucks, but I'm still giddy.

Good Lord. Ernie Accorsi, that is legit GM'ing. Now, it's the players and Mr. Coughlin, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Hugnafel... don't screw this up. They aren't though. Coughlin had a heart-to -heart with his players and look at how the defense tightened up after the bye week. The offense stopped taking stupid penalties as well.

Hahaha. Eveything I just wrote didn't factor in young studs Eli Manning or Brandon Jacobs.

You picked a good year to call it quits Tiki. I wish you'd come back next season though.

Note that I literally am knocking on wood now.






* I'm taking the next few days off to take care of some personal stuff. Be back soon though.