BY RICKY O'DONNELL
Not a bad way to kickoff what many consider to be the NFL’s best weekend, huh? We had two pretty exciting games on Saturday, and in both the favorites were able to hold on and advance. Lambeau Field never seemed to never live up to the ‘frozen tundra’ moniker as well as it did yesterday, and the game was just as wacky as the weather. Those oh-so-overachieving Packers found a way to overcome Ryan Grant fumbles on their first two possessions of the game, and rallied back to victory behind….Ryan Grant, who ran for over 200 yards. Seattle just looked hapless at times, clearly a team that only went as far as it did because of a poor division. But throw a real running back on that club next year, maybe someone like Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall, who could be available in the mid-20s for the Seahawks first pick, and that team may be able to contend next season.
The Patriots rolled as expected, though the Jaguars sure are tough. Is David Garrard, who I felt played magnificently, one of the leagues ten best quarterbacks? More importantly, why can’t the Bears ever find someone like Garrard, a former fourth round draft pick out of East Carolina?
I went 1-1 against the spread on Saturday, and today features, in my opinion, the two toughest games to pick of the weekend. To the spreads…
Dallas Cowboys (-7.5) over New York Giants
A lot of people like the Giants this week with TO being dinged up and Eli Manning never playing better. Personally, I’m rooting for the Giants in hopes of Eli celebrating a playoff win by heading to his favorite karaoke bar, but, alas, I don’t think it will happen. I always get nervous when everyone goes with the same Upset Special (never a good sign), and I expect a big game from Romo. Speaking of Romo, we learned yesterday that new girlfriend Jessica Simpson likes to sleep in his practice jerseys at night and even refuses to wash one of them. That’s, uh, kind of weird.
San Diego Chargers (+10.5) over Indianapolis Colts
Antonio Gates not playing in this game raised the line a couple of points, which is fine by me. Receivers Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers still give Phillip Rivers two underrated and reliable targets to pass to. More then anything, the Chargers have just been clicking on all cylinders lately after starting the season in a funk. Winners of 11 of their last 12 games, San Diego is peaking at playoff time, which is always a good sign. I might pick the Chargers if this line was a touchdown lower, and I really think they could win straight up. If it happens, expect a big day from cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who led the NFL this year with 10 interceptions and is a standout on special teams.
