July’s lofty expectations come crashing down for 20 teams this weekend, then the real fun begins – but who will be playing for a shot at the Vince?
Inside This Edition
- Unrealistic Resolutions
- 0-16? Not going to happen
- AFC's most dangerous team QUESTION OF THE WEEK Motowners have the most to wish for this time of year so all three winners came from the Detroit Metro area.
Bill Platt suggested, “I wish that everybody in America saves some money, buys a car and helps keep the Motor City driving forward.” A true wish that deserves a point.
Melanie Miller wrote, “I’m hoping some of the Red Wings mojo rubs off on our gang in Allen Park. Maybe we can get Mike Babcock to give a motivational speech this Sunday before the Lionesses take the field in Green Bay.” Two points for what every Red Wings win would mean in the standings.
Taking the top prize is George Munn, clearly a graduate of Michigan State, who summed up 2008 this way, “My wishes have already been answered this year – the Spartans went to the Sweet Sixteen, the Red Wings won the Cup, the Pistons made a bold move, the Lions fired Millen, Dantonio led MSU to a New’s Years Day bowl and Michigan was horrible.” That answer nets George a point for every Wolverine win.
This week’s question – What’s the most unrealistic New Year’s resolution you can suggest?
Send responses to
tleyden@wxyz.comSONG OF THE WEEK It takes two baby, it takes two baby, me and LOG…
FOUR TOPS The best four games of the week This week’s Four Tops spotlights the four games with the most at stake:
Tampa Bay has gone down the toilet in December. The Bucs haven’t won since Thanksgiving weekend and that will likely cost them a spot in the dance. Oakland’s in town and you would think Jon Gruden will muster up enough creativity to get past his old team, but even then Tampa needs Philly to knock off Dallas. Possible, I guess.
In a two-week span, the Panthers can go from a possible one-seed to a five-seed that has to take the road route to Super Bowl XLIII. With Drew Brees gunning for Dan Marino’s passing yards record, look for New Orleans to hit the air early and often against Carolina. This should lengthen the game and give the Cats more chances to score. Because of that I like Panthers to win, claim the NFC South and the two-seed.
Miami and the Jets always makes my list of Four Tops because they never fail to impress. In a game featuring many storylines, the most intriguing is the tenuous nature of the Dolphins playoff fate – a win and the fish are the three-seed. A loss, coupled with a Baltimore loss, and the aqua are out! Such is the nature of Week 17.
For the first time this year, I’m putting the Lions in my Four Tops because the world will be watching as they look to avoid going 0-16. With that as a backdrop, I do see this game in Lambeau being competitive and I have a funny feeling in my gut that Detroit will get it done this week. Then again, that may be indigestion.
HOW’D I DO? Grading last week’s Four Tops Baltimore and Dallas kept you on the edge of your seat until the last two minutes ,which is all you can ask –
A Let’s hope Pittsburgh and Tennessee will be more entertaining when/if they meet in the playoffs -
C I hit the nail on the head with San Diego and Tampa. Figured both teams would be scrappy and the back and forth nature of the contest kept me intrigued all afternoon –
A Carolina and the Giants was quite possibly one of the best regular season games I’ve seen in the last five years –
A Season totals – 36 A’s, 14 B’s, 10 C’s, 3 D’s, 1 F
OVERTIME Other games to watch Denver/San Diego – If you live anywhere but Denver, how could you not root for the Chargers to win this game?
Chicago/Houston- Finally, I get Jim Patton to root for the Giants. A Big Blue win over Minnesota and a Bear win in Houston and Chicago has lift-off.
Dallas/Philly – Nasty rivalry, playoffs at stake. Mmmmm.
Jacksonville/Baltimore – The Ravens should scare anybody in the AFC as their defense is peaking at the right time.
EGG NOG
Tennessee/Indy, New England/Buffalo, Giants/Minnesota, Seattle/Arizona, goes down so smoothly at Christmas time.
COAL St. Louis/Atlanta, Washington/San Fran, KC/Cincy, in your stocking has to be the worst thing that could happen to you
HAPPY BIRTHDAYStacey Naffah, Glenda Lewis, Ozzie Smith, Jesus and Don Francisco, because that’s fun to say.
