Nice Start...

Always great to see Dallas lose, although this feels like one of those situations where everybody thinks the Cowboys are eliminated and they end up making the playoffs anyway. If Dallas ever got their offense and defense playing well at the same time they'd be the best team in the NFL. Put another way, watching their pass rush tonight makes me feel a little less bad about the impotent performance of the Giants OL last week.

It seems like Ed Reed is seeping back into the public consciousness after a few years of being overshadowed by Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders. The guy is such a phenomenal athlete that it's almost a shame that he "only" plays safety. I'd like to see him play running back, wide receiver, rugby, hockey, soccer, water polo. Whatever. There's nobody more confidence inspiring to have in the defensive backfield. In the split second when the ball is in the air and you spot Reed back there, you just know - he's got it under control and there's a decent chance that something really awesome might happen.

I'm planning on having some fresh thoughts in the morning along with a some picks. Tomorrow feels like it could be a good day and maybe even a "drinking Sunday" if we can get some numbers over here.

Sunday Morning:

Bengals (+2.5) over the Browns: For some reason, Cincy seems to have superior mojo than Cleveland. Either way, this game is a reminder why we're all models west of the Allegheny.

49ers (-5.5) over Rams: Same deal. The Rams are done. I'd imagine that Jim Haslett had a tough time even getting have the his players to show up for practice this week.

Patriots (-7.5) over Cardinals: Snow.

Afternoon:

During the course of a mild drinking Sunday I have forgotten to post picks for the afternoon games. So it looks like we're down to the night games.

Giants (-3) over Panthers: Go Giants. I'm a huge fan.

Bears (-4.5) over Packers: Ditka, etc.