Week 13 Wrap

So, I have a story to tell you all. I wouldn't normally toot my own horn like this, but this was pretty epic. My uncle called me on Sunday morning and was asking me about the Redskins/Jets game. I don't beat, but sometimes will pick the spread for fun. He asked me what the spread would have to be for me to pick the Redskins. I told him I'd take them if the spread was sixteen points or more. (I don't know what the actual spread was, however.) I hope he took that bet, because it was dead on. The Redskins lost by 15. Which means they beat my spread. And I was one point off in predicting that game. Just saying. 

Chiefs v. Bears (10-3)

This was actually a moderately entertaining game. The reason I’m writing about it is the two quarterbacks playing in this one. Tyler Palko did just enough to win, which basically was throwing an incredible hail Mary pass right before half time. Teams laugh at that, but in this case it was the difference in the game. He may be headed for the bench once Kyle Orton gets his feet under him, but at least he gave them one moment of brilliance. On the other side, Caleb Hanie didn’t screw things up that badly. So he hasn’t been an instant winner, but Martz’s offense is known for being complex. Give him a few more games – he may yet save the Bears playoff hopes.

Raiders v. Dolphins (14-34)

These Miami Dolphins may save Tony Sparano’s job. MAY. But they have really turned things around. It’s a shame that they didn’t get it together before they lost the first seven. If they finish at five hundred, then I predict his job may be okay, just because of positive momentum. However, regardless of the beat-downs they seem to deliever every week (now), I still think Sparano is one of the top coaches on the hot seat. We’ve already seen one go—so I wouldn’t be surprised if Sparano goes. It would be almost a tragedy, because he has gotten things together. Go strong, Miami, play for your coach.

Falcons v. Texans (10-17)

Who is T.J Yates? Well, he doesn’t seem to be a bad quarterback. Gary Kubiak has a reputation for having his back-ups ready and this season has shown it. But by having both Yates and Leinart ready to go when he lost his starter, and a pro-bowler at that, he has shown why he has remained the Texans’ head coach when many wanted to fire him. They’re poised to make the playoffs for the first time in team history. They might not get very far, but winning the division is just the first step. Manning won’t be around forever, so this might be a sign of things to come.

Packers v. Giants (38-35)

For a moment, I was thinking that the Giants could do it again. Twice in five years would have been quite an accomplishment. But they fell just short. It’s a shame they’re fighting for a playoff spot because they’ve had one of the toughest schedules of the NFC, if not the whole league. If the season ended today, they would be out and Detroit would be in. But they have a chance to win the division, being one game behind the Cowboys. The PACK is BACK. However, they don’t look as unbeatable as I thought they should. But I’ve been talking about them going undefeated (at least in the regular season) for a while now. However, I think going undefeated in the regular season, while awesome, is not a Super Bowl ring

Colts v. Patriots (24-31)

It’s a shame that what was once one of the best rivalries in the game was moved out of the top spot due to lack of interest. But let’s face it, without Manning, this isn’t much of a game. The Colts gave it a shot, like they have all season, but fell just short. It almost breaks my heart that the Colts are thrown out of primetime without Manning. Give them a chance. They’re playing well, but not producing. I think that Jim Caldwell is on the hot seat now. If they go 0-16, then there’s no way the management can justify not cleaning house. There’s so much more wrong with this team than just the loss of Manning. Two seasons removed from what was going to be an undefeated season, they can’t win a game. What does that say about the head coach? About everyone in that organization? Watch for some major changes here.