Sean Taylor 1983-2007

Another great athlete lost before his time. Prayers and condolences to the Taylor family.

NFL 6 Pack Week 12 Results 5-1

I was 5-1 this week, and 21-9 for the season.

1. Green Bay vs. Detroit
PICK:Packers RESULT Packers 37-26 Brett Favre had his way with the Packer's NFC North rival and set themselves up for their showdown Thursday with the Cowboys.

2. NY Jets vs. Dallas
PICK: Cowboys RESULT Cowboys 34-3 The Jets were no match for the Cowboys, who continue to look like a possible Super Bowl contender. Thursday's game against the Packers will determine the top team in the NFC.

3. Indianapolis vs. Atlanta
PICK:Colts RESULT Colts 31-13 After Atlanta jumed out to an early lead it was business as usual as Peyton Manning led the Colts to victory.

4. Philadelphia vs. New England

PICK: Patriots RESULT Patriots 31-28 A little bit of their own humble pie for the Pats, but they got it done. The Eagles just like the Colts showed that putting pressure on Brady is the key to slowing down the Pats passing game. When pressured, Brady's accuracy declined and he was not helped by his receivers who dropped a lot of passes. The Patriots running game continues to struggle and will force the Pats to live or die with the passing game going forward this season.

5. Miami vs. Pittsburgh

PICK: Pittsburgh RESULT Steelers 3-0 If you thought the field in London was bad, the NFL and Steelers should be embarrassed by the field in Pittsburgh last night, Field Turf should be expecting a call today for an estimate. The field made this game unsafe and unplayable. Thi was probably the best chance for the Dolphins to grab a win thus far but couldn't score any points.

6. NY Giants vs. Minnesota
PICK: Giants RESULT Vikings 41-17 There wasn't much the Giants did right, Eli Manning completed more TDs (3) to the Vikings then he did for his own team (1). The Giants continue to show how far a gap there is between the top teams in the NFC (Cowboys, Packers) and themselves.

Fantasy Football "On the Rise"

Here are some players who could see an increase in value this week, players are not listed in order of value.

1. WR Keenan McCardell Wash-Basically picked up off the street earlier this season, McCardell has been steady for the Skins, he has averaged 5.5 receptions and 68 yds in the last 2. WR Brandon Lloyd was put on IR last week and Santana Moss has had a case of the drops lately.

2. QB AJ Feeley Phi-Feeley accomplished something Donovan McNabb hasn't been able to do as of late, no not stay healthy, Feeley energized the Eagles offense. Feeley almost helped upset the mighty Pats by throwing for 345 yds, 3 TDs but also 3 INTS (2 late in the game) McNabb may be healthy next week, but there may be a QB controversy in Philly, could Feeley be this year's Jeff Garcia?

3. RB Adrian Peterson Chi-The "other" Adrian Peterson is not the beast that the rookie star is but this AP is not too bad. For weeks I have been wondering why the Bears would not give this guy more carries, with Ced Ben struggling big time. Well, after Benson's ankle injury (rumored to be season ending) Peterson got more carries, he didn't light the world on fire 17 carries for 45 yards, but he did have a TD and added 5 receptions for 41 yards. If Benson is out I think Peterson is the pick up of the week, provided you listened to Tony and picked up RB Kolby Smith last week.

4. QB Gus Frerotte Stl-Marc Bulger left yesterday's game with a concussion and his status for next week will not be known until later in the week. Hopefully if you have Bulger you have a better backup then having to pick up Frerotte, but he did throw a TD yesterday, does have Torry Holt to throw to, and the Rams play the Falcons next week.

5. RB Andre Hall Den-With Henry and Young out, Andre Hall got the start and nobody can make a nobody a star like the Broncos. Hall followed up his limited duty 89 yd, TD performance in Week 11 with 167 total yds and a TD in Week 12. Keep an eye on the status of Henry and Young this week. Hall's start also shows how far last year's undrafted gem Mike Bell has fallen in the pecking order.

6. WR Reggie Williams Jax-Williams has averaged 65.5 yds and has scored 3 TDs in his last 4 games. I'm not so high on Williams, he has most of his catches on unreliable long bombs and the Jags are a run first team.

7. WR Mike Williams Ten-The Titans reunite Mike Williams with former USC o-coordinator Norm Chow, and teammate LenDale White. Williams was a bust in Detroit after sitting out a year of football, former USC/current Raiders coach Kiffin gave him a shot and called him lazy and early reports have Williams reporting to the Titans weighing over 270 lbs. The Titans plan to give him a look at TE and H-back. Williams doesn't appear to be an immediate factor and shouldn't be added to your team.

Also, some readers have asked me about WRs Greg Lewis and Jabar Gaffney who both had big games in the Sunday nigther. I don't like either of them going forward. Lewis only had 4 catches on the season before last nights 4 catches, and he sits behind Westbrook, Curtis, Brown and Smith for looks. Gaffney has been a little more involved in the the offense than Lewis but he sits behind Moss, Welker, Stallworth, Watson and the Pats use K. Brady and Vrabel in the red zone. I think both players had their big games and no further attention should be given to them.

Remember to send your fantasy questions by clicking on the envelope below the article.

Tony College Top 5

Tony Top 5

Rank Team (Record) wins over ranked opponents
1. Missouri (11-1) Texas Tech, Nebraska, Kansas

2. West Virginia (10-1) Rutgers, Cincinatti, UConn
3. Ohio State (11-1) Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan

4. LSU (10-2) Virgina Tech, S. Carolina, Florida, Auburn, Alabama

T5. Oklahoma (10-2) Missouri, Texas
T5. USC (9-2) Nebraska, California, Arizona State

Fell out of last week's top 5; Kansas

Tony 's 5(6) College Picks Results 6-0

A big week for Tony, 6-0 puts me at 18-8 for the season.

1. #12 USC vs. #6 Arizona State

PICK: USC RESULT USC 44-24 USC dominated the Sun Devils and with Oregon's loss took control of the Pac 10. The Trojans are yet to lose a November game under Pete Carroll. A victory next week vs. UCLA will but USC in the Rose Bowl, an unlikely berth just a few weeks ago.

2. #14 Florida vs. Florida State
PICK: Florida FLORIDA 45-12 Not even the magnitude of this rivalry could get the Seminoles going, Florida pounded their instate rival, lead by QB Tim Tebow who added 5 more TDs to his Heisman resume, giving him 51 for the season. Tebow finished the game after breaking his right non throwing hand while scoring a TD early in the game. WR Percy Harvin returned to the lineup with 224 total yards and a TD.

3. #2 Kansas vs. #4 Missouri @ Kansas City

PICK: Missouri RESULT Missouri 36-28 For a lot of people this was the first time they got to see Kansas play and through the first 3 quarters you may have been asking yourself, how this team was undefeated as they couldn't execute on offense and looked to have no answer for Missouri's spread attack on D. Chase Daniel led Missouri's offensive attack with precision connecting with 9 different receivers on the night, and RB Tony Temple chipped in 98 bruising yards. Both teams had exciting freshman WRs Dezmon Briscoe for KU and Jeremy Maclin for Mizzou to keep your eye on in the next few years. Missouri moves on to face Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game and Kansas, as one sign read "Football tradition since, September" will get ready for basketball season. And please, someone in Lawrence, get coach Mangino on a treadmill, I held my cell phone in my hand ready to call 911 the entire game, figuring he could drop at any moment.

4. #8 Virginia Tech vs. #15 Virginia
PICK: Virginia Tech RESULT Virginia Tech 33-21 V Tech got the better of their rival in a back and fourth game and earned the rematch against Boston College in the ACC title game. Since the loss to BC, the Hokies have been playing their best ball outscoring opponents 144-59 and winning 5 games.

5. #17 Boise State vs. #13 Hawaii

PICK:Hawaii RESULT Hawaii 39-27 Hawaii finally got the monkey off their back by beating WAC rival Boise State, and capturing the division title. QB Colt Brennan threw 5 TDS giving him 126 for his career and moving him past former BYU Heisman QB, Ty Detmer who had 122. If Hawaii remains undefeated by beating Washington next week they would be in position to secure a BCS bowl berth, it would be the 2nd straight year a WAC team would crash the BCS.

6. #21 UCONN vs. #3 West Virginia

PICK:West Virginia RESULT West Virginia 66-21 UCONN's defense just couldn't keep up with the track meet the Mountaineers were running. QB Pat White has been carrying WVU the past few games and will try to carry them to the BCS title game.

Fantasy 5x5x5 Week 12

Each week I list 5 players I would start, 5 I would bench and 5 I might take a chance on.

Also, by now you should know to start your studs like Manning, Brady and LT, if not, you need more then my help. Now that bye weeks have ended most teams should have their core lineup set up, but some people are in leagues that start 2 QBs or 3-4 WRs, and we all must deal with the ill timed injury, so some owners may still need to adjust or tweak their lineups from week to week.

5. players I'm starting this week

1. QB Brett Favre GB-Favre has found the fountain of youth and is already talking about playing next year. Favre has thrown for 10 TDs vs. 2 INTs in his last 4 games, and faces Detroit's 24th ranked D.

2. QB Tony Romo Dal-you should be starting him every week anyway, but last year on Thanksgiving Romo threw for 5 TDs against the Bucs, and this year he gets the dreadful Jets, So look for an extra big day from Romo.

3. RB Willie Parker Pit-The Steelers play the Dolphins this week. Parker averages over a hundred yards per game at home and the Dolphins are one of the worst run Ds.

4. WR DJ Hackett Sea-Last week, he was on the take a chance list, this week he gets the start. Since returning from his high ankle sprain, Hackett has increased his receptions and yards each week, he is averaging around a hundred yards and a TD in his last 3 games.

5. RB Maurice Jones-Drew Jax-He has scored a TD in each of his last 2 games, he has a good matchup against a Buffalo team that was demoralized by the Patriots last week. Also, consider last year MOJO Drew scored 10 of his 13 TDs in the 2nd half of the season.


5 guys I'm sitting this week

1. RB Kevin Jones Det-Jones has only rushed for 21 yards in the last 2 games combined, and Detroit should be playing from behind in this game and Jones may not get the carries, his only benefit may be in the passing game where he has 11 catches in the last 2 games.

2. RB Brian Westbrook Phi-You are never going to sit him but, he could be in for a tough night against the Pats. The Eagles will likely be without QB Donovan McNabb and that will allow New England to stack the box against Westbrook, his greatest benefit may be in the passing game with Feeley looking for the short dump off, often.

3. RB Jesse Chatman Mia-Believe it or not since Chatman took over the starting RB job, he has averaged over a 100 total ypg in three games. This week he gets the Steelers tough D, the Dolphins will be starting rookie QB Beck for his 2nd game and there is the possibility that RB Ricky "Smoke" Williams may be activated to steal some carries. Overall, just a bad matchup.

4. WR Lee Evans Buf-The Losman to Evans connection had been on fire until last week against the Pats where they only connected for 40 yards. The Bills draw another tough game against the Jags, and Evans will face CB Rashean Mathis this week. But there is always the chance of the big play with Evans, but that makes him a risky play. UPDATE: Mathis may miss the game for the Jags, if he is out Evans would benefit and have a slightly better matchup.

5. Seattle D-The Seattle D has been a solid play this season, especially against the weak NFC West where they are only allowing 8 pts per game. However this week they face a recently healthy Rams team that has won 2 straight and have moved the ball a lot better since QB Bulger and RB S-Jax have returned to the lineup.

5 guys to take a chance on this week

1. TE Donald Lee GB-The Packers are airing the ball out and everyone has been involved including Lee, who has averaged over 5o yds and a TD in the last 3 games.

2. RB Kolby Smith KC-With the retirement of RB Priest Holmes, and the ongoing injury to Larry Johnson, Smith is the only available RB, and has a good matchup against Oakland, who has allowed big games recently to "Fat" Ron Dayne and even Cedric Benson, Smith could be a guy to take a chance on. Smith also has a favorable schedule going forward.

3. RB Ron Dayne Hou-"Fat" Ron has averaged over hundo in his last 2 games and the Browns are allowing over 400 yds per game and over 136 yds on the ground. With RB Ahman Green's knee injury continuing to keep him out, Dayne may be a good play.

4. K Steven Gostkowski NE-Even though the Patriots, seem content on no longer attempting FG's, all those Xpts add up as Gostkowski has averaged 8.7 ppg.

5. WR Armani Toomer NYG-This is the big chance of the week pick, The Giants will likely be looking to pass the ball alot this week, with RB Brandon Jacobs likely out and the Vikings tough run D. The Vikings will try to take Burress out of the game plan and focus on Shockey which, could allow a lot of one on one coverage on Toomer. Toomer is usually good for one monster game a year, this could be it.

Tony's 5 College Picks

I'm 12-8 for the season, and there are so many good games this week, I'm going to pick 6.

1. #12 USC vs. #6 Arizona State

Both teams are still alive in the Pac 10 and one of these teams could end up in the Rose Bowl. Both teams lost to Oregon this season on the road. USC is finally healthy and has the experience needed to finish the season strong compared to an inexperienced ASU team. PICK: USC

2. #14 Florida vs. Florida State

Major rivalry, that has lost some of its luster over the past few years, due to Florida State's lack of success. No matter the records, both teams always play tough and this game should be no different. The Seminoles will try to do something not many teams have been able to do so far, stop QB Tim Tebow (46 total TDs) he is the most complete player this season and the likely Heisman front runner. The Gators will also benefit from the return of WR Percy Harvin. There are no league titles on the line for either team, just bragging rights. PICK: Florida

3. #2 Kansas vs. #4 Missouri @ Kansas City

Another major rivalry, (53-53-9) that takes on national attention this season because the winner gets a spot in the Big 12 title game vs. Oklahoma. Both teams have appeared to have come out of nowhere this season. Both teams have solid, undersized and underrated QBs Chase Daniel for Missouri and Todd Reesing for Kansas. Both teams can put up points averaging over 40 per game. Kansas has the better D, but these 2 teams are pretty evenly matched. #2 ranked teams have not fared well this year and while both QB's are winners, Chase Daniel was getting it done last year. PICK: Missouri

4. #8 Virginia Tech vs. #15 Virginia

88th meeting between these in-state rivals with a date in the ACC title game against BC on the line, not to mention a year of bragging rights. Virginia is 5-0 at home this season and their average margin of victory is only 6.9 this season. Tech has won 7 of the last 8 meetings. Both teams rely on their defenses. If not for their collapse in the final 2 minutes against BC, the Hokies may be in the national title picture. Look for V-Tech to get the rematch with BC.

PICK: Virginia Tech

5. #17 Boise State vs. #13 Hawaii

This game is for the WAC title, and possibly a BCS at large bid. The Broncos leave their blue turf to travel to Hawaii (sounds awful) Boise St. has won the last 6 WAC titles and has won 7 straight against the Warriors. QB Colt Brennan missed most of last week's game with a concussion, but is expected to start, he has thrown for 15 TDs with just 2 INTs at home this season and his next TD pass will make him the Division 1 all time leader in TD passes. It's Hawaii's turn to crash the BCS. PICK:Hawaii

6. #21 UCONN vs. #3 West Virginia

This one is for the Big East title and a BCS berth. UCONN brings its stingy D to the table while West Virginia relies on their speed option O, led by QB Pat White. With a chance at the BCS title still on the line, WVU will not be denied as their big game experience will trump UCONN. PICK:West Virginia

NFL 6 Pack Week 12

Here are this weeks picks a little early to incorporate the Thurs. schedule. I'm 16-8 for the season;

1. Green Bay vs. Detroit

The Packers are on fire and flying under the radar as the Cowboys are getting all the attention in the NFC. Both teams are working on the short week, the Packers have yet to lose on the road this season and the Lions lost for the first time at home last week to the Giants. Look for the Packers underrated defense to force the Lions to pass, and face their top CB tandem of Harris and Woodson. Al Harris is one of the top CBs in the NFL, he is the other guy with long flowing hair coming out of his helmet and covering his name (Polamalu) I encourage you to go to NFL.com and vote for Harris for the Pro Bowl. PICK: Packers

2. NY Jets vs. Dallas

Also a Thurs. game so teams are playing on short rest. The Cowboys are coming off a tough win against the Redskins where T.O. caught 4 TDs. The Jets upset the Steelers last week, besides that the Jets have been awful this year. Last year on Thanksgiving, Tony Romo threw for 5 TDs he may be able to surpass that this year. PICK: Cowboys

3. Indianapolis vs. Atlanta

This is the primetime game for turkey day on NFLN a channel that most of America can't even get yet. I'm sure this looked like a much better matchup before Mike Vick was found out to be the Don King of dog fighting. The Colts come limping into this one, having lost 2 of their last 3, just beating KC last week 13-10. Manning has few healthy bodies to throw to besides Wayne, Clark wasn't targeted much last week coming off the concussion in Week 10. Gonzalez was active last week but didn't play, Harrison has been out since week 3 with a strained knee? (I'm not a Dr. but, a strained knee doesn't cost you 9 weeks of the season), Moorehead went on IR this week, get to know the other TEs Utecht and Fletcher and former FSU player Craphonso Thorpe should get some time at WR. RB Joesph Addai should be heavily involved. The Falcons are starting Joey Harrington this week, and hoping that Louisville QB Brian Brohm doesn't hurt himself this week. PICK:Colts

4. Philadelphia vs. New England

Regardless of who starts for Philly at Qb the Eagles are in trouble against the Pats. I mean they don't even kick FGs anymore, asking a team to stop them on 3 downs is tough, 4 is impossible. The Pats will roll to 11-0 this week. PICK: Patriots

5. Miami vs. Pittsburgh

Well on paper this looks like an awful Monday nighter, but the Steelers just loss to the Jets last week and will likely be without WR Santonio Holmes and SS Troy Polamalu and besides the Dolphins need to win sometime right? Not this week, the Steelers could run Willie Parker every play and still beat the Fins at Heinz. PICK: Steelers

6. NY Giants vs. Minnesota

The Giants will look to pressure QB Tavaris Jackson who has little talent to throw to. Chester Taylor had a monster game last week (202 total yds, 3 TDs) but as Vikings coach Childress said you don't play the Raiders every week when asked what he thought of Taylor's performance (nice positive reinforcement.) The Giants may be without RB Brandon Jacobs (hamstring) but will need to win this game through the air anyway. PICK: Giants

Check back next week for results

NFL 6 Pack Week 11 Results 4-2

I was 4-2 this week, making me 16-8 for the season. Due to travel and time constraints this week the results article will be limited.

1. New England vs. Buffalo

PICK: Patriots RESULT: Patriots 56-10 As expected the pats demolished the Bills scoring on every possession but one. I have tried to defense the Patriots for the notion that they have been running up the score, and sticking with the if you don't want them scoring stop them theory but, after the Pats chose not to kick FGs on two 4th downs while they already had a huge lead, I'm gravitating towards the other side. A few weeks ago after the Colts game and the half handshake, half get out out of my way that Belichick gave Tony Dungy a few ESPN commentators said while Belichick is a great coach he is a dirt bag with no respect for his opponent or the game. I think the Pats had already proven they could do whatever they wanted to the Bills, and there was nothing left to prove by going for TDs instead of FGs. What ahppens if Gostkowski needs to kick a big FG, and he hasn't had any attempts in weeks? I realize the Patriots team may be the best ever (in fact I wrote an article for two websites stating so) but I'm not sure Belichick is familiar with a thing called Karma. For any team to win a SuperBowl, a team needs a little bit of luck throughout the year and as we know the best team in the league usually doesn't win the SuperBowl. But if Belichick continues to disregard the "unwritten rules" teams will take notice and maybe someone cheap shots Tom Brady after a play. "O'Doyle, I got a feeling that your whole family is going down," I just don't think the Pats will go all the way this year.

2. Tennessee vs. Denver

PICK: Titans RESULT Denver 34-20

3. NY Giants vs. Detroit

PICK: Giants RESULT Giants 16-10

4. Chicago vs. Seattle

PICK: Seahawks RESULT Seahawks 30-23

5. New Orleans vs. Houston

PICK: Saints RESULT Texans 23-10

6. Cleveland vs. Baltimore

PICK: Browns RESULT Browns 33-3- OT In one of the stranger games, The Browns had appeared to miss the game tying FG has time ran out, After the referees consulted (watched a few replays?) they ruled that the ball had hit the upright and then hit the support for the crossbar before bouncing back towards the field. they ruled the FG good, called for the players to return to the field and play OT in which the Browns won by kicking a FG, (That's a little of that luck I was talking about earlier) this game was big for the Browns as they fight for a wildcard spot in the AFC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DEy2UAHKNE&feature=related

Friday Night Lights "Pantherama"

Tami is still overwhelmed by being back at work and asks, not so BFFs Tyra nad Lyla to plan the entertainment for "Pantherama" (I think it's a bigger pep rally than the ones they seem to have every other week.) Julie is writing an article about "Pantherama" for the school newspaper, not from a football perspective but, where does the money raised end up? angle. Her advisor is "John from Cincinatti!" Now a creepy teacher in Dillon (Noah) who spends a little too much one on one time with Julie. Julie seems to like the attention now that Saracen is all hot and heavy making out in the halls with his new girlfriend, the "Transfer Cheerleader." Riggans packs up his stuff and moves out of the house he shares with his brother, who is now dating the lady from across the street that Riggans was hooking up with last season. Where has her kid been? Riggans asks Tyra if he can crash at her place, she says he gets 48 hours. Riggans still has nowhere to go, Tyra's stripper sister Mindy gives Riggans the # of a guy who will let him stay if he helps take care of his pets (?) When Riggans shows up a fat shirtless guy who is probably on Dillon's list of registered sex offenders answers the door, Riggans agrees to stay. Tyra and Lyla have a hard time getting any students to perform at "Pantherama" so Tyra seduces the football players into signing up to perform a dance routine. College recruitment has begun and Coach Taylor warns the players not to accept any gifts from recruiters because they will be ruled ineligible and asks players to set up appointments through his office. Smash jumps out of bed on the first day of recruiting and begins working out in his room, looking at all of his recruitment letters hanging on his wall. The phone is ringing off the hook at the Williams' residence. Smash and his momma meet with a recruiter from a traditionally black university, who tells Smash they can offer him a great education, but they don't offer athletic scholarships, that if he works hard he can get an academic scholarship. Smash basically laughs the man out of the room and tells the man his football team sucks. Smash also meets a girl at school whose brother went through the recruitment process a few years prior and she tells Smash that the fictional South Florida school he chose gave him a Porshe to sign. Smash goes home and tells his momma he doesn't need her to attend the meetings any longer, that he is man and will pick the school that will prepare him the best for the pros. His momma cries and asks what if you pull a Jason Street and can't play? Smash says that won't happen to Smash (3rd person) Anyone familiar with the book "Friday Night Lights" knows that the arrogant star running back James "Boobie" Miles destroys his knee and ends up with no future without football because he hadn't made good grades. Kids, Stay in School! Besides, in all the game footage they show, Smash isn't really that good, he had a 1 yard TD this season, WOW! Coach later sees Smash meeting with a recruiter that wasn't set up through Taylor, he warns Smash not to screw up the season for everyone. Saracen is having a hard time learning his dance moves and grandma's nurse helps him work on some hip movements. Saracen's "transfer cheerleader" girlfriend helps him negotiate a deal on a used car. At "Pantherama" the football team performs a striptease dance for the school that leaves both Tami and Coach Taylor disappointed with Lyla and Tyra. After the dancing, out in the parking lot Saracen thanks the nurse for helping him with his moves and kisses her. An awkward moment follows, then an awkward breakfast the next morning. But kids, its going to happen, just as Tony predicted. What about "Transfer cheerleader?" Santiago seems to be catching on to this whole football thing and Coach Taylor asks him to go see his wife and make sure his grades are ok to play football. Tami discovers that Santiago has no family and wrestles with whether she should call social services. (Not sure she really has the option in real life, but...) Coach Taylor convinces good old Buddy Garrity into being Santiago's guardian. After all what a great example Buddy is for his real kids, cheating on his wife and getting kicked out of his house. Santiago moves into his new room as the Taylors tell Buddy this is for real, he needs to do a good job. Buddy apologizes for the old furniture it was Buddy Jrs, a small desk and bunk bed. (if Riggans was still a Panther, Buddy could give him the other bunk, right?) Santiago tells Buddy its the first room he has ever had and when Buddy leaves the room Santiago puts some letters under his pillow. Also in the episode there was a creepy scene where Tami walked in on Noah and Julie talking and Tami has a strange exchange with Noah after Julie leaves. It doesn't look like any good is going to come out of this situation and we see that Julie still has a thing for the older guys.

No episode this week, the following week: Landry confesses to the police, will he implicate his dad for lighting the car/evidence on fire?