No underdogs this year. No Wild Cards. No weak division winners. No “undeserving” teams. No sixth seeds; not even a fifth, fourth, third, or lowly second. Nothing but number ones invited to this shindig. The NFL’s two top teams, both of which beat their stiffest competition in their respective conference championship games. High-powered offence vs. punishing defence. Record-setting QB and receivers vs. the top defensive secondary.

Welcome to the greatest Super Bowl matchup of all time.

It doesn’t feel like it, though. At least not to me.

Where’s the controversy. The drama. The HYPE! Did I miss it?

The biggest story in the lead up to the big game was Richard Sherman, after his outburst on live TV immediately following the Seahawks’ victory over their hated rival the 49ers in the NFC Championship game. However, the whole controversy devolved into abject stupidity, at which point sanity somehow prevailed and the story fizzled.

Lemme ‘splain… no, there is too much… Lemme summup:

Richard Sherman is a jerk because he gave a choke sign to an opponent then yelled at a pretty, mentally-challenged girl holding a microphone but we don’t know what the other guy said about him so maybe he was justified and isn’t this criticism really just racism and Sherman isn’t really a bad guy I mean how could he be he went to Stanford and got a degree in communications and everything and you don’t know the real guy and there’s two sides to him and you really just need to get to know “Stanford Richard Sherman” because college-educated equals class and intelligence and hey did you read the column he wrote in Peterland and blah blah blah blahblahblah………………….

Oh, and Marshawn Lynch hates reporters and likes Skittles. That should describe everyone, really.

Boring.

Richard Sherman is a physically-gifted, hard-working athlete. He is a very good football player. He may very well be a drug cheat, but I have no proof of that. Off the field, I don’t care a whit about what he does. On the field, he is a jerk. He is a trash-talker. He likes to show-up opponents. He likes to disrespect opponents. He represents everything that is good and bad about the game itself, and therefore everything I like and dislike about it.

That’s enough about that. It’s time to talk about the game.

NFL Championship Game

Seahawks at Broncos, Snoopy Stadium, New Joisy, USA

These two teams are really evenly-matched. Picking a winner is tough, kind of like guessing which of two Sean Bean characters would win a fight to the death. To me, it’s simple. It’s all about the QBs. No matter what kind of offence you run, no matter your team’s strengths, tendencies, talents, it all begins with the man behind center. He touches the ball on every play. He runs the show. He has to make some plays. Maybe a lot, maybe a whole lot. Russell Wilson is undeniably talented. He has a strong arm. He’s smart. He’s quick. He can make plays with his feet, scrambling, buying time, avoiding pressure, or just running with the ball. He can also make mistakes. He’s young. He most likely still hasn’t fully absorbed the magnitude of this game.

This really is Peyton Manning’s season. He has been getting ready for this game all year. He’s a machine, a cyborg, the Quarterbot 18. He’s the computer who wore cleats. Yes, the Seahawks’ defence is deep, talented, well-coached, hard-hitting, and prepared. How prepared can you be, though, against a player who is playing the game on as high a level as Peyton is now? As good as the Seahawks are, they have to react to Peyton and his offence. Peyton gives so many looks, knows so many wrinkles, has an unparalleled command of the game, sees things so well. When I’ve watched him this season, especially against New England in the AFC Championship, he looked like the only player on the field. And by that, I mean that the other players, on both teams, were merely pieces in a game he was playing by himself. He’s that locked in.

That’s how I see this game. Make no mistake; this Seahawks defence is everything it’s advertised to be, and they will make it extremely challenging for Manning to do the things he wants to do. The going will not be easy for the Broncos offence. Manning’s pieces, and he has some really great pieces (not a pawn in the bunch) will have to execute against a defence that will push them, challenge them, punish them, even hurt them. Peyton will do his thing. This is the ultimate challenge, and he loves it.

The key to the Seahawks’ chances is Russell Wilson. Seattle’s defence will do everything it can to give Wilson the chance to make the plays he needs to make to win. He won’t be up to the challenge. It’s no knock on him.

There’s no shame in not being Peyton Manning, unless you are Peyton Manning.

Oh, and I’m rooting for Champ Bailey in this one. Guy needs a ring.

Seahawks 23, Broncos 30

In case you’ve been living under a rock (or, in the case of my home country, the “True North strong and free,” a snowbank), the NFL’s playoff seeding format is a mess, the wrong teams made the postseason, good teams have to play road games against bad teams, and the playoffs are going to suck, again, just like every year. Pity the poor San Francisco 49ers, winners of 12 games, being forced to test themselves in the sub-zero (yes, even sub-American-zero) temperatures of Lambeau against the 8 win (and one tie) Green Bay Packers. And as if that alone wasn’t enough to convince you of what a travesty this Wild Card round will be, the 11-win New Orleans Saints have to play their opening round game OUTSIDE FOR GOSH SAKES against a Philadelphia Eagles team that only managed to win 10 games this season! We can only hope that the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers, the deserving top two seeds in the NFC, make it to the conference championship game, or otherwise the regular season will have been rendered a pointless sham.

However, even though all of the attention is focused on the NFC, it’s the AFC where things are really wrong. So, in honour of all the people crying that the regular season should matter more and that changes have to be made when the end result isn’t what we want, I have taken the liberty of re-seeding the AFC so that an emphasis is placed on regular season results and so it’s fair. You’re welcome.

Since it’s Wild Card Weekend, let’s start with those wild cards, the Chiefs and the Chargers. Chiefs, you’re good. Chargers, we all know the only reason you’re in is because you got a bogus non-call (which the league admitted to) to win your week 17 game. Now, I was about to say that the league should retroactively take away that victory, but since the beneficiary team would be the Steelers, and the referee in question was Bill Leavy, I say retribution is a dish best served extremely cold, so suck it, Steelers. Chargers, you’re good too, and Mike Tomlin, use the extra time to learn the subtleties of not wandering on to the field while the players are, you know, playing.

The Denver Broncos earned the top seed based on their 13-3 record. Sorry, not good enough. I mean, it’s not really fair that the Broncos finish ahead of the Patriots, since the Pats beat them in Week 12. So, let’s swap them. Then, of course, there’s the matter of the Bengals. They beat the Pats, and they also beat AFC South champs the Colts, who also beat the Broncos. Regular season results should count, right? Congratulations, Cincy, you’re number one now. That leaves the Pats at two, Colts at three, and Broncs at four.

That’s much better, right?

I’ve read some pretty interesting takes on what’s wrong with the playoff seeding format this week. I’m not going to link to any of them; these guys get enough attention as it is, and I’m not giving them any more free advertising. My take, which I touched on last week: it is what it is. If you listened to the experts, the NFL would have a format completely based on won-lost records, or with the caveat thrown in that division winners automatically get a playoff berth, but then get seeded based on their record. So, the 49ers and Saints playing home games this weekend would be justice, but the 10-6 Cardinals making it over the 8-7-1 Packers would not? See, this is the thing that gets me about the media whining about playoff seeding EVERY YEAR; unless you can come up with a perfect solution, it’s probably better if you leave things as they are.

When I look at the Green Bay Packers, this year’s “problem,” I see a team that:

• Was 5-2 after Week 8
  
• Had Aaron Rodgers suffer a broken clavicle in a Week 9 loss against division-rival Chicago
• Went 2-4-1 over their next seven games without the best QB in the NFL
• Won a winner-take-all finale against the Bears with Rodgers playing for the first time since his injury
  

So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not too broken up over Green Bay, and Rodgers, being in the playoffs, or even hosting a game. If you look at the Packers, they’re clearly better than their record.

Tinker with the playoff seeding format if you want. You’ll never make everyone happy. More importantly, the media will always find something to complain about. Don’t believe the hype.

Oh, and the playoffs are going to be awesome again. Just like every year.

Saturday

Chiefs at Colts

With LB Justin Houston expected to make his return, the Chiefs’ pass rush should be better than the one that Andrew Luck faced two weeks ago in KC. LB Tamba Hali will not play, however, which should make Houston easier to handle. The Colts defence seems to have returned to its early-season form as the secondary has gotten healthier. Since the Chiefs have no real big-play threat at receiver, this will make it easier for the Colts to focus on stopping Jamaal Charles. That should be the difference in what should be a competitive game. Winner: Colts

Saints at Eagles

It’s easy to say that I should pick the Eagles because the Saints are playing on the road, outside, in the cold. So that’s exactly what I’m saying; I’m picking the Eagles because the Saints are playing on the road, outside, in the cold. As long as Eagles’ QB NickFoleon Dynamite doesn’t experience an “Ohmygod I’m in the playoffs!”-Spaz Attack, Philly should be able to outpoint Drew Brees and company. Winner: Eagles

Sunday

Chargers at Bengals

Congratulations San Diego! Now, meet your destroyer. For me, this game comes down to the fact that, while both teams can score tons on offence, the Chargers’ defence is not very good, and the Bengals’ defence is. As long as Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton doesn’t experience an “Ohmygod I’m in the playoffs!”-Spaz Attack, Cincy should be fine. Winner: Bengals

49ers at Packers

This one’s easy, right? What, haven’t you heard? The 49ers are much better than the Packers. The 49ers own the Packers. The only thing that gives the Packers a chance is the cold. Seriously though, that 49ers defence is awfully good. In the bitter cold, that’s a huge advantage. Still, I’m going to act like the huge Rodgers fanboy that I am and pick the Green Bay. The Packers’ secondary just might be healthy enough to allow their defence to focus on taking care of business up front. Plus, we all know that, if the ‘niners’ defence does have a weakness, it’s in the secondary. Winner: Packers

Just a quick look at the standings will tell anyone that this is a week when a lot of teams are going to have to turn it up a notch. In the AFC: the once-unassailable Pats find themselves hotly-pursued by their arch-rivals, the Jets; the injury-plagued Bengals face a head-to-head challenge from their top division challenger, Cleveland; the Chiefs travel to Denver in search of a win and respect, and; the Chargers, Ravens, and Dolphins just hope to stay in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, in the NFC: the Bears and Packers, without their number one QBs, have to find a way to keep pace with the North-controlling Lions; the Saints hope to hold off the surging Panthers in the South; the Cardinals are still holding out hope for a wild card berth, and; the East, amazingly, is still any team’s for the taking.

This is the time of year when teams need to dig deep. Through, adversity, pressure, injuries, even when they think they’ve given it all they can, they have to ask themselves, “Where can we go from here?” They have to find a way to find that little extra push over the cliff. Should make for some exciting football.

Lions at Steelers

The Steelers are tough at home, but their defence is a shadow of its former self, and the Lions can move the ball. On offence, the Steelers lack of an effective running game means that Ben Roethlisberger will be running for his life against Detroit’s daunting front four. Winner: Lions

Browns at Bengals

Bengals’ fans must be wondering if the team is jinxed (Any Bengals’ fans want to chime in here?); few teams have struggled as much with injuries to key players. The pressure is really on Cincy’s offence this week, as the suddenly too-close-for-comfort Browns come to town. Cleveland has proven to be a dangerous foe when QBs not named Brandon Weeden are behind centre. Cagey veteran Jason Campbell will make this a tough test for the Bengals, in what should be a close contest. Winner: Bengals

Raiders at Texans

My favourite new player this season is out, as is Darren McFadden, thus alleviating my fear of picking Houston to do anything but self-destruct. Winner: Texans

Falcons at Buccaneers

I always find these games so tough to pick; two teams going nowhere. Tampa looks like the better choice, from a healthy talent perspective, and they’re playing at home. Winner: Buccaneers

Jets at Bills

The Jets’ tough defence against a Buffalo offence that may have to resort to pulling people out of the stands to play wideout is the deciding factor in this one, even though the thought of taking hot-then-cold rookie QB Geno Smith on the road makes me cringe. Look out Pats; here come the Jets. Winner: Jets

Ravens at Bears

Because of the Bears’ putrid defence, I was leaning toward the Ravens, until I heard that the weather in Chicago is supposed to be nasty, with thunderstorms followed by high winds. I’m going with reliable Josh McCown and Chicago’s superior running attack leading the way. And besides, my buddy Joe insists that the Ravens can’t win on the road. Winner: Bears

Washington at Eagles

Philly’s offence, which looked stagnant only a few short weeks ago, has been humming along again with Nick Foles running things. The Eagles should be able to light up the porous Washington defence like an early Christmas tree, giving Philly fans the treat of a rare home win. Winner: Eagles

Cardinals at Jaguars

Congratulations on winning last weekend, Jaguars. You may now relax and return to losing. I hope you get a really good player in next year’s draft. Winner: Cardinals

Chargers at Dolphins

The Dolphins are done. Poor Ryan Tannehill was one of the worst-protected QBs in the league BEFORE his terrible offensive line was revealed to be the NFL-equivalent of “Mean Girls.” Not only am I picking San Diego, but I’m going on record that I hope Miami loses all of their remaining home games. Their asshole fans deserve that. Winner: Chargers

Vikings at Seahawks

I don’t anticipate Seattle having much difficulty handling the Vikings in the noisy confines of CenturyLink Field. Winner: Seahawks

Packers at Giants

In the less-than-stellar NFC East, the 3-6 Giants are still a viable playoff contender. Green Bay is another of those teams that has seen its high hopes severely hindered by injuries to its best players. The Packers have to try to keep pace with the division-leading Lions. If ever there was a week for the Packers’ defence to come through with a superior effort, this is it. They need to pressure Eli Manning, force some turnovers, and let the running game grind out a victory. Expect a close game. Winner: Packers

49ers at Saints

I find it difficult to put too much stock in either one of these teams. Neither one has beaten any really good opponents. For this game, though, I’ll go with Drew Brees and his high-octane offence, at home. Winner: Saints

Chiefs at Broncos

I get it, really, I do: Peyton Manning and all his receiving weapons scoring TDs at record pace, against a KC team that no one really believes is as good as its 9-0 record, so why not make the Broncos huge favourites? No, wait, I don’t get it. Here’s what I see: Manning is gimpy, with injuries to both ankles; KC’s defence is really, really good, can get solid pressure up the middle and on the edge, and has a deep secondary; KC’s offence is efficient, runs well, eats clock, and takes care of the ball; Denver’s defence is not very good; Jack Del Rio is running the show in Denver in John Fox’s absence, and; November nights in the mile-high city are chilly, which brings us back to Manning. If the Chiefs can get off to a good start and avoid falling behind early, the Broncos are in for a long night. Winner: Chiefs

Monday Night

Patriots at Panthers

Let’s put aside the mystique of Brady, at night, in a nationally-televised game that is now a must-win due to the lurking Jets, and deal with the facts:  this Carolina defence isn’t just good; it may be the best in the NFL right now. That’ll be the difference against a Pats team that can’t count itself as among the league’s best on either side of the ball. Winner: Panthers

"HAPPY FOOTBALL SUNDAY!!!!"

“Yes It Is.”

“YAHOOOOOOOOOO!”

One of the best things about football season is that, even though we are hundreds (or thousands) of Kilometres apart, I know where my football fan friends are, and it’s heartening to know that we’re doing the same things, together/apart.

I watch football because I enjoy it. That’s the same reason I write about it, and I hope that’s the same reason you’re reading this. I’m no expert. Players and agents don’t text me, and I don’t have any coaches, owners, or GMs on speed-dial. My picks are part observation, part psychology, sometimes part wishful thinking.

This week, as with every week, my needs are simple when it comes to the product on the field:

·         That the players and coaches get to decide the games, not the officials

·         That no one gets injured

·         That we are entertained

(Above: Maximus Decimus Meridius snaps when he sees a Jets fan in the press box)


This week, and for the rest of the season, we are missing the likes of Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, Leon Hall, Dennis Pitta, Brian Hoyer, Reggie Wayne, Brian Cushing, Sam Bradford, Brian Bulaga, Henry Melton, Julio Jones, Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez, Maurkice Pouncy, Larry Foote, Ahmad Bradshaw, Danieal Manning, Ryan Clady, Dwight Freeney, David Baas, Chris Snee. The game is better with these guys healthy, because they raise the level of competition (or, in the case of Sanchez, provide comic relief and make Jets’ fans suffer). Come back healthy next season, guys.

Happy football Sunday? Yes, it is. Yahoo!

49ers “at” Jags FC

Location doesn’t matter. Rain shouldn’t matter. Winner: 49ers

Cowboys at Lions

Lions favoured only because they’re at home. Winner: Cowboys

Dolphins at Patriots

Until the Dolphins fix the O-line, they’ll only beat bad teams. Winner: Patriots







Bills at Saints

(All signs point to) No Jimmy Graham. Bills’ defence is good. Saints favoured by too much in this one. I’d pick the Bills is Spiller was healthier. Winner: Saints

Giants at Eagles

A win against a wretched Vikes team isn’t enough to tempt me yet, Coughlin Mystique. Winner: Eagles

Browns at Chiefs

Imagine trying to play QB against a top NFL defence with the equivalent of a jet engine screaming in your ear. Winner: Chiefs

Jets at Bengals

“The Red Rifle” is smokin’ hot, Gio “Storm” corners like he’s on a rail, and AJ Green, he’s pretty good too. Winner: Bengals

Steelers at Raiders

This pick’s all about Terrelle Pryor, my favourite new player this season. Winner: Raiders

Washington at Broncos

Back to pushovers. Winner: Broncos

Falcons at Cardinals

Roddy White’s a no-go. Steven Jackson is a go-go, at least until he’s gone-gone again-gain. Winner: Cardinals

Packers at Vikings

This is the best the Pack’s running game has looked since Aaron Rodgers became the starter. Winner: Packers

Monday Night

Seahawks at Rams

Since the Panthers played on Thursday, would it be completely out of the question for Steve Smith to do a run-in and hit Janoris Jenkins with a steel chair? By the time the Seahawks are through with them, most of the Rams will probably feel as though they suffered a similar fate. Of course, no one in St. Louis will be watching. Winner: Seahawks

It’s Thanksgiving weekend north of 45 (or, in my case, about 40km south of 45), and I have a great many things for which to be thankful:

 I am thankful that I live in a country where, as we in Nova Scotia demonstrated last week, I can participate in free elections to choose my government. I am also thankful to live in a country where a person can choose not to vote at all (even though I believe that that is wrong).

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to write this column, and I am thankful that people read and enjoy it (and sometimes give me feedback… comments always welcome… follow me on Twitter @GFHowie).

I am thankful that I have some of the best friends in the whole world. Seriously, I would stack my friends up against anyone else’s ( Some of my friends might even enjoy being stacked against others, kind of like human Jenga… who am I kidding… they would LOVE it!)

I am thankful for my two intelligent, talented, beautiful, daughters, who bring me so much joy and aggravation (but mostly joy).

And I am especially thankful for my wife. Words cannot adequately describe everything she means to me.

Now that that’s of of the way, let’s dispense with the sap. There’s football to be played.

Packers at Ravens

Looking ahead, I was feeling pretty good about picking the Packers in this one, but without Clay Matthews, I’m a lot less sure. I’m counting on Aaron Rodgers and his cadre of talented receivers to come up with a superior effort against a Ravens team that has its own division race to worry about, and will be playing hard. Expect this one to still be a game in the 4th. Winner: Packers

Panthers at Vikings

I’m starting to wonder if Carolina would do better if its horrendous coaching staff were kidnapped just before kickoff. They sure have the talent on offence, but it’s being stunted by poor decision-making on the sidelines. If this ends up being a tight contest, as I expect it will, I like Adrian Peterson to carry the team on his back to victory like he did so many times last season. Peterson’s playing with a heavy heart this week, and I for one will be rooting for him. Winner: Vikings

Eagles at Buccaneers

Since I have no faith in Tampa right now, and I know that Philly can move the ball, I know which way I have to go. Winner: Eagles

Raiders at Chiefs

Though I have openly expressed my admiration for Terrelle Pryor in previous columns, he managed to impress me even more in beating the Chargers last week in a very special “NFL After Dark” presentation. Pryor’s maturation process continues this week as he faces a buzzsaw Chiefs defence in noisy KC. Pryor is in for one heck of a ride. Winner: Chiefs

Bengals at Bills

Cincy, fresh from shutting down Tom Brady, face the slightly less experienced Thad Lewis at QB for the Bills this week. Now, in a very winnable road game, is not the time for a Bengals letdown/meltdown. Winner: Bengals

Rams at Texans

Here’s the cold, hard truth: Matt Schaub’s psyche must be so fragile right now that I would not be surprised by anything at this point. Houston’s defence should be able to overwhelm Captain Checkdown (aka Sam Bradford), but, if Schaub starts throwing touchdowns to the Rams’ gambling secondary, is there a point where JJWatt and Co. start questioning just what in the hell they’re killing themselves for? I think Schaub’s threshold for benching in this game is very low. Still, I have to go with the better team, playing at home. I imagine that this is what Texans’ head coach Gary Kubiak must feel like now, giving Schaub another chance. Winner: Texans

Lions at Browns

Any time you watch Detroit play, you get a real appreciation for how important Calvin Johnson is to everything they do on offence. Johnson is in phenomenal shape, plays hard, consistently wins one-on-one battles, and demands opposing defences’ constant attention. In Megatron’s absence from the lineup last week, the Detroit offence managed only 9 points against a Packers team that in previous weeks had given up 34 points to the Bengals, 20 to Washington, and 34 to the 49ers. Not to put too fine a point on it, but Johnson will either be playing hurt, or not at all, against a really good Cleveland defence. Also of note: for all his shortcomings, Browns’ QB Brandon Weeden has been really careful with the ball this season. Winner: Browns

Steelers at Jets

As much as I may dislike admitting it, that Rex Ryan sure is one hell of a coach. The Jets’ defence is playing extremely well, which takes a lot of pressure off the offence and rookie QB Geno Smith. At home, against a struggling Pittsburgh team, that’s a formula for success. Winner: Jets

Jaguars at Broncos

This game features the Jacksonville Jaguars, an NFL team, against the Denver Broncos, another NFL team. Winner: Broncos

Titans at Seahawks

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. the 12th Man. Oh, and the Seahawks are pretty good, too. Winner: Seahawks

Saints at Patriots

Here we go with the “Patriots don’t lose two in a row” crap again. With the loss of DT Vince Wilfork, the Pats are suddenly soft against the run. Subtract DT Tommy Kelly, and the Pats are potentially heading towards getting blown out at home by Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints offence. Winner: Saints

Cardinals at 49ers

Arizona’s defence is pretty decent, but on the whole, San Fran is just a better team, playing at home. Winner: 49ers

Washington at Cowboys

I know what happened when Dallas played Denver last week; two teams with so-so defences and great QBs with lots of weapons at their disposal went toe-to-toe in a thrilling display of offensive firepower. Denver won, Dallas lost. End of story. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Putting aside all the jibber-jabber about heartbreak and letdowns and whatnot, what we have in this game is a Cowboys team that is in first place in its division, playing at home against a Washington team with a really horrendous defence. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something. Winner: Cowboys

Monday Night

Colts at Chargers

Okay, I believe. I believe in the Colts. I believe in their defence. I believe in their coaching staff. I’ve always believed in Andrew Luck. I believe. Winner: Colts

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

(Note: After being implored by a reader to post my picks earlier, I actually started writing this on Friday. However, life and family duty intruded, and I had to make a sudden unexpected trip to Cape Breton. I arrived back home at around 1am Sunday, and stayed up all night finishing this sucker. This one’s for you, Paul.)

(Another note: If you're so inclined, you can follow me on Twitter: @GFHowie) 

 Well, I made it all the way to Week 4 without one of those idiots getting to me.

I try. I mean, I really try to focus on the game. Unfortunately, I like to keep up on things, which means I have to make forays into the mainstream media to look for information. And that’s when, invariably, I see something that pisses me off.

One of the fairly recent developments in the NFL that I really like is the fact the mechanisms that the league put in place to limit rookie salaries. I watched for years as high draft picks signed progressively more ridiculous contracts, guaranteed bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars, plus salaries that often eclipsed those of proven NFL veterans, based on college statistics, and without ever having played a down of professional football.

So, you can well imagine how frustrated I was to read this post by Mike Florio on NBC’s PFT. Specifically this paragraph:

It’s believed that the 2011 rookies who have become great players will be lining up at their owners’ doors, demanding the money that was kept from them by a system aimed at keeping windfalls from going to incoming players who never earn it.  From Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to Bengals receiver A.J. Green to Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson to Falcons receiver Julio Jones to Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt, guys taken at the top of the draft two-plus years ago will want next year what they should have gotten in the first place.

The phrases “…kept from them…” and “…what they should have gotten in the first place,” indicates clearly that Florio would be much more comfortable with a system that awards multi-million dollar guarantees to college superstars like Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Vernon Gholston, and Matt Leinart. Or, you know, you could endorse the current system which makes players earn the big contracts. All of the players mentioned on the excerpted paragraph have earned the opportunity to sign a big contract due to superior play at the pro level. If anything, the new rookie salary scale motivated them, rather than hindered them. Florio’s failure to understand this is baffling, but is indicative of a streak of arrogance which has pervaded his site since he sold out to NBC and became a blow-dried TV talking head. Case in point: in the very next paragraph of the same post, he makes this statement:

While there’s no disputing that Broncos linebacker Von Miller and 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith are among the best defensive players in the league, off-field issues could make their teams more reluctant to make a gigantic financial investment in them after only three seasons.

No disputing, eh. Well allow me to retort. Aldon Smith is in rehab, because he’s an idiot millionaire drunk driver, and will not be playing for a while. He may not even play again this season, if Uncle Roger steps up and makes the example out of him that the league sorely needs. Von Miller hasn’t played at all this season. He was suspended for six games; four is the standard for violating the league’s drug policy, plus they tacked on an extra two games because he attempted to cheat the drug testing procedure (Aside: It’s been alleged that Miller conspired with someone from the drug testing company to beat the test; if this is true, Miller should be suspended indefinitely, and should have to apply to the league for reinstatement.). Anyway, my point is this: how can you be “among the best” anything in the NFL if you’re not playing. Smith and Miller are criminals. Besides that, they’re selfish; their actions have hurt their respective teams. Are they talented? Sure. Fat lot of good that’s doing the 49ers and Broncos right now. Sitting on my couch watching the games this week, I guarantee you I will have just as many sacks and tackles as both Smith and Miller put together. Football, Florio; you remember football, don’t you? It’s played on a field.

Colts at Jaguars

Indianapolis is coming off a HUGE road win against San Francisco, and would be prime pickings if they were playing a competent team. Alas, it’s just the Jags. Winner: Colts

Seahawks at Texans

If you had asked me three weeks ago, I’d have said that this would be a titanic struggle, and that the Texans would prevail at home. However, after watching Houston’s offence struggle mightily as the team squeaked out wins against the Colts and the Chargers , then lost to the Ravens, I’m seriously starting to question whether the Texans are the contenders I thought they’d be this season. The Seahawks, on the other hand, have lived up to and beyond expectations thus far. If they can win against a tough opponent on the road, they will become the NFC’s frontrunner for certain. Winner: Seahawks

Ravens at Bills

Buffalo is coming off a horrible performance on the road against the Jets, where they lost in spite of the fact that New York was penalized (this is not a misprint) 20 times for 168 yards! CJ Spiller is banged-up, and isn’t a lock to play this week. EJ Manuel is talented, but erratic. The defence is a mess. Baltimore’s offence showed some signs of life last week against Houston. That’s bad news for the Bills, especially considering how much better the Ravens’ defence has looked on a week-to-week basis. Winner: Ravens

Bengals at Browns

Cincy is coming off a big win against the Packers. Sure, it was a sloppy, turnover-filled affair, but a comeback from 16 points down in a game where you give up 30 consecutive points to a top team is impressive no matter how you do it. Travelling to Cleveland has the whiff of “trap game” all over it. Sudden genius Marvin Lewis should have his Bengals ready. Winner: Bengals

Cardinals at Buccaneers

So, “As Tampa Turns” continues. In this episode, QB Josh Freeman gets benched for rookie Mike Glennon. The Cardinals got thumped by New Orleans last week, but the Bucs sure ain’t the Saints. Winner: Cardinals

Steelers at Vikings (In Jolly Old England)

Pittsburgh showed a bit of life against Chicago last week before turnovers did them in. Ben Roethlisberger got a little careless with the ball, and I bet he’s pretty pissed at himself. The Vikes gave up 31 points to the Brian Hoyer-quarterbacked Browns. Matt Cassel gets the start at QB for Minnesota this week. Also key is the fact that this is not a true home game for the Vikings; they'd probably do better in one of the Scandinavian countries. Winner: Steelers

Giants at Chiefs

Sure, there are lots of fans rooting for terrible teams, but is there anything quite as exquisite as the agony that Giants’ fans must be feeling about now? I mean, they expect their team to be good, and they are just absolutely horrible. Not that the Carolina Panthers aren’t a talented team, but 38-0! Now the turnover-prone Gothamites have to go into one of the loudest barns in the league to face a legitimately good defence and a QB who does not turn the ball over. I’m just sayin’… Winner: Chiefs

Bears at Lions

Chicago handled these guys last year, earning the season sweep. The Bears are better this year, particularly in pass protection, which is bad news for the Lions, who have a strong pass rush, but have not improved appreciably anywhere else on defence. Detroit’s offence upgraded slightly with the acquisition of Reggie Bush, but he’s less than 100%. Also, #2 wideout Nate Burleson is out, putting the focus of Detroit’s offence on, surprise surprise, Megatron. The Bears handled him pretty well last year, too. Winner: Bears

Jets at Titans

I’m starting to believe in the Tennessee renaissance (Tennessance?), especially after they pulled one out against San Diego last week. I still believe in the Jets. Believe that they’re terrible, that is. Winner: Titans

Washington at Raiders

I’d be comfortable picking Oakland if I knew that Terrelle Pryor was healthy. I really like this kid. I watched the Monday nighter against the Broncos; Pryor was under intense pressure all night, but he hung in and kept his cool. Pryor has a lot of talent and a good attitude. I hope, for the sake of Raider fans that he gets developed properly. They can build around this guy. This game sucks. Winner: Washington

Eagles at Broncos

As intrigued as I am about how Philly’s offence matches up against Denver, I still don’t think the Eagles will quite be able to keep up with the Broncos’ offence, which is quickly moving towards juggernaut status. Winner: Broncos

Cowboys at Chargers

Are either of these teams any good? Based on what I’ve seen of them thus far, neither is a contender. I’m basing this pick on the Cowboys’ big win last week against St. Louis. I had the distinct displeasure of watching the Rams’ putrid offence in action this past Thursday, and going from Sam Bradford to Philip Rivers could be a bit of a shock to the Dallas defence. Winner: Chargers

Patriots at Falcons

This looks like a bad matchup for Atlanta right now. New England doesn’t have to crowd the box to stop the run, allowing them to focus on pass defence. Pats CB Aqib Talib is big and physical enough to handle Falcons WR Julio Jones with Safety help over the top, which is easier to provide consistently when Roddy White is less than 100%. This game will be won or lost based on how much progress Tom Brady has made with his new young receivers. The injury-depleted Falcons’ defence should give Brady the time and space he needs. Winner: Patriots

Monday Night

Dolphins at Saints

This is another game where I’m more focused on who isn’t playing than who is. Star Miami DE Cameron Wake will either be playing hurt, or not at all, and getting pressure on Drew Brees is imperative for any defensive unit that wants to stop the Saints’ offence. I might have been tempted to pick the Dolphins here, but not without a healthy Wake. Winner: Saints

It’s no secret: I can’t stand San Francisco 49ers’ Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

I’ll give the man credit: he turned that team into a winner, after the disastrous tenure of previous head coach Mike Singletary, and was instrumental in saving QB Alex Smith’s career. He’s a really good football coach, when it comes to coaching football. Unfortunately, as a football coach, he’s a terrible human being. He’s a cheater, a liar, and, worst of all, he’s a hypocrite.

This week, star 49ers OLB Aldon Smith was arrested after he crashed his car, blew a 0.15, and was in possession of marijuana. At 7am! Questioned by reporters later in the day, Harbaugh said that he expected that Smith would play on Sunday. Last season, special-teamer Demarcus Dobbs, (not a starter or star) was arrested for a DUI and the 49ers did not allow him to travel with them to their next game. When asked about this double-standard, Harbaugh gave a lame excuse, then clammed up. He even had the nerve to play dumb when asked about the possession charge.

This is classic Harbaugh. Some of his other transgressions:

Earlier this year, Harbaugh, champion of fair play, admonished other teams and players to “Play by the rules.” This, from the same guy who blatantly cheated in a game against the Vikings last season, not once, but twice.

Harbaugh complained incessantly at the beginning of the season about the rule that read-option QBs could be hit, then watched as his defence took shots at Seahawks QB Russell Wilson when Wilson was in that formation.

Harbaugh complains constantly about cheap shots, like the one Packers LB Clay Matthews took at Colin Kaepernick in week one, but says nothing about the fact that his own players have been fined for personal fouls after both of this season’s games.

Harbaugh also like to trash talk. He chided Matthews for being a phony tough guy. Put on some pads, old man. Just don’t let a little noise get to you.

Chargers at Titans

Phillip Rivers has surprised me in the first two games, lighting up the Texans (impressive) and the Eagles (not so much, but still…). I’m still not completely sold on Tennessee’s defensive revival, but they have looked better this season, and it’ll be interesting to see how they handle a revitalized Rivers. San Diego’s offence is just a bit too much here. Winner: Chargers

Cardinals at Saints

Nice to see Arizona actually scoring points again; they’ve been in both of their games thus far, losing then winning in close contests. Playing the Saints in the Big Easy won’t be quite as easy, though. New Orleans’ offence is as steady as ever, and the defence has been decent so far. Winner: Saints

Packers at Bengals

Are Bengals fans starting to worry about Andy Dalton? I know I expected better from him against the Steelers last Monday night. Sure, Cincy won, but Dalton looked tentative at times, and he was often off-target on throws he should be making. I like the way the Bengals defence matches up against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offence; Cincy has depth and talent up front to pressure Rodgers and slow down any attempts to run the ball. I just can’t pick against Rodgers. Winner: Packers

Browns at Vikings

There’s been lot of talk about Cleveland trading RB Trent Richardson this week, arguably their best skill player on offence. Oddly enough, that doesn’t change my pick. The Vikings should handle this one easily. Winner: Vikings

Rams at Cowboys

St. Louis has the pass rush to make Tony Romo a very worried boy this week, and we all know what happens when Romo feels the heat, right? Winner: Rams

Texans at Ravens

Texans fans: another extremely stressed-out crew right now. Pegged as possible Super Bowl contenders, Houston has just barely been able to squeak out two wins, as their offence has struggled. Baltimore may not be the team they were last season, but they are proud, angry, and they are at home. I know it’s only week 3, but it’s time the Texans stepped up. Winner: Texans

Giants at Panthers

Who to pick here; my mind reels at the possibilities. Eli’s got the receivers he needs to put up good numbers, and New York’s pass rush is playing itself back into shape after some injuries. Still, their secondary is thin, the running game is in stasis, and they’ve been a turnover machine in the first two weeks. The Panthers have a solid defence, and the offence looks good on paper, but they have the worst coach in the league, Ron Rivera, who seems adept only at finding new and more heartbreaking ways to lose. I’d just settle for a clean, competently played and coached game here. Winner: Panthers

Lions at Washington

Those idiotic Lions lost to Arizona last week, and it looked good on them. This week, they travel to a location near the nation’s capital (where the Detroit franchise has never won, according to every sports journalist in North America, as if it mattered) to face a Washington team that has not looked very good thus far. The Lions will be without RB Reggie Bush this week (funny, but they were without him all last season, and I don’t remember the offence struggling too much), but Washington hasn’t shown much ability to stop anyone. RGIII continues to struggle in his attempt to come back from his career-ending (that’s right, I said it) knee injury. Bad enough that he isn’t as mobile, but his passing accuracy, superb last season, has gone in the shitter. One thing the Lions do well on defence is get after the QB. Will Suh grab the dreads? Nothing would surprise me. Winner: Lions

Buccaneers at Patriots

Tampa Bay is still a team in turmoil. Travelling to Foxborough to play the Pats defence is hardly a remedy for what ails the Bucs’ offence. Tom Brady continues to try to find dependable hands among his receiving corps. He’s looked good between the lines, but he looks like he’s losing patience. He probably feels the Dolphins nipping at his heels. Winner: Patriots

Falcons at Dolphins

I never saw Miami at 2-0, but after seeing their defence in action in week one, I picked them to upset the Colts last week. They certainly are getting Atlanta at an opportune time. Newly acquired RB Steven Jackson is injured, as are key contributors in the WR, LB, and OL corps. The Falcons should be particularly concerned about injuries on the offensive line, as the Dolphins’ pass rush is formidable. Matt Ryan under pressure spells good news for Miami’s opportunistic DBs. Winner: Dolphins

Jaguars at Seahawks

The Jags, one of the two or three worst team in the league, on the road in the noisiest stadium in the league, against a team that just dominated last year’s Super Bowl runner-up (I watched the whole thing, and Harbaugh’s agony was delicious). What more need be said? Winner: Seahawks

Colts at 49ers

I might be tempted to give Andrew Luck a shot in this one if San Fran had decided to bench Aldon Smith, or if the league had stepped in. In reality, the Colts don’t have nearly enough talent on defence to stop the ‘niners, and Luck, who gets hit way more than he should against most teams, is in serious trouble this week. (Aside: Imagine you’re a Colts OL who has (or knows someone who has) experienced an intense personal tragedy a the result of a drunk driver. You have a chance to cut or crack back on Aldon Smith. Are you tempted to go for his knees?) Winner: 49ers

Bills at Jets

I’m picking the Bills because I like their rookie QB EJ Manuel, and the Bills offence, much better than Jets rookie QB Geno Smith and his cohorts. Buffalo just has more talent at the skill positions. The Jets have looked better than they are against a messed-up Tampa team and in a soggy, sloppy, drop-fest against New England. Winner: Bills

Bears at Steelers

These are the types of games Chicago has to win. Sure, the Steelers are at home, but they are a mere shadow of a great team. The Bears’ defence should be able to limit the struggling Steelers more than enough for Jay Cutler and Co. to operate comfortably. Winner: Bears

Monday Night

Raiders at Broncos

Love Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor, and RB Darren McFadden is showing signs of life again. Still, the Broncos are on a roll, and they’ll keep right on rolling for now. Winner: Broncos

I’ve had an extremely busy weekend, so I’ll skip the preliminaries and get right to business.

Rams at Falcons

Atlanta suffered a disappointing beginning to their defence of the NFC South crown by losing to arch-rival New Orleans. Roddy White’s injury served to highlight the delicate balance that exists in the Falcons’ offence; in order to run smoothly, all its parts have to be in top form. White is still less than 100%, and now, apparently, so is Julio Jones. The good news for Falcon fans is that the defence held the Saints to 23 points, no mean feat. The Rams had to stage a late comeback to beat the Cards last week, but at least their offence showed some life. This one could be closer than the Falcons will like. Winner: Falcons

Browns at Ravens

Cleveland lost at home to start the season again, as their offence succumbed to Miami’s speedy pass rush to the tune of six sacks. Baltimore got blown out in Denver, due to a disorganized with too many new parts, and a defence that got overwhelmed by Peyton Manning’s vast array of options and opportunities. Look for the Ravens to bounce back with a more solid effort at home. Brandon Weeden is no Peyton Manning. Winner: Ravens

Panthers at Bills

Bills fans, though disappointed that the team let a glorious opportunity slip away against the Pats, should be happy about the debut of QB EJ Manuel (although I spoke to one Bills fan who is reserving judgement for now). Manuel looks like he has the tools and the talent to become a legitimate NFL QB. As always, time will tell. Manuel, CJ Spiller, and the gang will be sorely tested by a tough Carolina defence this week, one which gave the Seahawks all they could handle last week. The best chance for Buffalo is if its pass rush can harry (no, that’s not a typo) Cam Newton into making mistakes and turning the ball over. Expect a low-scoring affair: Winner: Panthers

Washington at Packers

Washington’s offence looked disorganized on Monday night. The final score was deceptive, as RGIII and Co. made a late surge against an Eagles defence that was tired (more on that later). They won’t be quite so lucky in Green Bay. Winner: Packers

Titans at Texans

If you believe everything the experts are saying, then Tennessee proved last week that their defence is straightened out after last year’s horrific performance. I say, “Have you seen Pittsburgh’s offence?” Let’s just say that the Titans, to use a boxing metaphor, are stepping up in weight class. Houston won its opener, but looked unimpressive in doing so. Their vaunted defence got shredded by Phillip Rivers early, but stiffened in the second half to allow the Texans’ comeback. Houston needs a solid effort on both sides of the ball this week. I think they learned a valuable lesson against the Chargers. Winner: Texans

Cowboys at Chiefs

Kansas City did last week exactly what a team that wants to be taken seriously needs to do: they beat the shit out of a bad team. Now they host a Dallas team coming off an emotional win over its nemesis New York Giants. Sure, the Cowboys scored a lot, but they had way too many chances due to the Giants’ early ineptitude, and they still had to hang on at the end for a close win. If they’re expecting the Chiefs to just hand them a bunch of extra possessions like New York did, they’re in for a rude awakening. Winner: Chiefs

Vikings at Bears

Minnesota looked better than they are last week, but only because they played the poster boys for imbecility. Chicago won’t give them nearly as much mercy. Winner: Bears

Chargers at Eagles

Well, I watched the new Philly offence in action on Monday night, and all I can say is, “Holy shit!” They were bold, fast, innovative. Their defence faded at the end because the pace of the offence kept sending the defence back onto the field, and thus allowing Washington to mount a rally. Call the whole Chipmouse Kelly experiment a work in progress; it’s one that I will definitely watch. This week, Philip Rivers gets to see what it’s like on the other side of an early lopsided score. He could throw for 400 yards in the second half during his comeback.

I am. Winner: Eagles

Dolphins at Colts

Look out Andrew Luck; Miami’s pass rush is coming. I’m tempted to pick an upset here, and it’s my column, so what the hell. Winner: Dolphins

Lions at Cardinals

Stupid head coach. Stupid defensive coordinator. Stupid players (one of whom, I believe may be legitimately mentally unbalanced and dangerous). Is it possible for the league to suspend a whole team? Of course, then Uncle Roger would have to suspend himself for allowing things to get this bad. At any rate, there’s a game to be played. As I predicted, new Cards QB wasted no time getting the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, and the Cards actually showed some life on offence. Oddly enough, it was their defence that blew it. Palmer should be able to make a few plays against Detroit’s stinky secondary, but he’ll be running for his life against the Lions’ front four. Perhaps literally. Winner: Lions

Saints at Buccaneers

In my Thursday column, I touched on the Bucs’ soap opera. Right on cue, here come the Saints. Getting blown out at home should raise the panic level in Tampa to 11. Winner: Saints

Jaguars at Raiders

Newly anointed Raiders starting QB Terrelle Pryor has some skills. The Raiders put a hell of a fright into Indy last week. Pryor looked spectacular at times. After the game, he said he was disappointed in himself. I like this kid. Oh, and to no one’s surprise, the Jags are terrible, but at least this week, they will experience an upgrade at QB from terrible (Blaine Gabbert) to just good enough to still get you beaten (Chad Henne). Winner: Raiders

Broncos at Giants

Apparently, there’s a Peyton Manning-inspired strain of marijuana. This begs the question, “Does one smoke it in a Manning Bowl?” Now, if that’s not the best use of an overused title this week, then I’d like to know what is. The Giants had a severe case of the butterfingers last week (there’s another commercial opportunity, Elisha), and won’t be quite as bad this week. Unfortunately, New York doesn’t have enough on defence to stop Denver’s offensive juggernaut. Winner: Broncos

49ers at Seahawks

Bandwagons are funny things, aren’t they? Before last week, Seattle was in the conversation as best team in the league. Now, some experts are backtracking because they struggled against the Panthers. Seriously? No one’s going to blow out Carolina’s defence this season. Also, the Seahawks defence held Cam Newton’s offence to seven points. That’s impressive. This should be a great game. Two good offences. Two mobile QBs who can chuck it too. Two punishing running attacks. Two of the top defensive units in the league. Division rivals. Loudest barn. Genuine bad blood. Can’t wait for this one. Oh, and shut up, Harbaugh. Please, just shut the hell up. Winner: Seahawks

Monday Night

Steelers at Bengals

So, who’s playing offence for Pittsburgh besides Ben Roethlisberger? The Steelers disastrously lost C Maurkice Pouncy for the season. He’s not the only key part missing this week, either; among Pittsburgh’s losses, their best TE Heath Miller. The Bengals can’t be satisfied with just a win this week. They have to win decisively. A word of caution to Cincy’s defenders, though: when you’re sacking el Ben Grandé (and you had better be sacking him a lot), don’t let the big bastard fall on you. Winner: Bengals