Week 16 NFL Picks: Birfmas With The Beard...

Merry Christmas, boys and girls. Hope you all had a pleasant holiday because Lord knows I did. So pleasant, in fact, that all I have for you on this yuletide edition of the 'Nache, is straight up picks. The meat and potatoes, if you will. As if you already haven't stuffed your face enough over the past 48 hours...

I wish everyone the best of luck this week, especially those of you fortunate enough to still be in your fantasy playoffs. I'm in the title game for both of the leagues for which I'm involved, myself, which makes me a huge fantasy pimp, but that doesn't mean I still don't need all the good will and glad tidings I can get. So for one more week, if you guys could all focus your positive holiday vibes on Aaron "the Beard" Rodgers and his band of merry men, I'd really appreciate it. Plus, it's an old fashioned Beard v Favre showdown in the champioinship game of the league where I'm commissioner, so if there is a just God out there somewhere, I should probably win based on just that fact alone. Besides, Jesus had a beard, and I'm pretty sure he was never caught wearing Wrangler jeans. So there's that...

Oh, and in the other league, our opponent already called and offered to split the 1st and 2nd place money and play for $50, which makes him a huge Ted. So we got that goin' for us too, which is nice...

So, without further dudes, let's get to these suckers. Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Happy Birfmas, Jesus. I'm outta here...

(*Top Pick)

Week 16 Picks
Jacksonville Jaguars (+7.5) @ New England Patriots

*Green Bay Packers (-13) vs Seattle Seahawks

Oakland Raiders @ Cleveland Browns UNDER 38

Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5) vs Kansas City Chiefs

New Orleans Saints (-14) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

*Atlanta Falcons (-9) vs Buffalo Bills

Miami Dolphins (-3) vs Houston Texans

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers OVER 41.5

Washington Redskins (+7) vs Dallas Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals (-14) vs St. Louis Rams

*San Francisco 49ers (-13) vs Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts (-5.5) vs New York Jets

New York Giants (-7) vs Carolina Panthers

*Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs Denver Broncos OVER 41.5


Monday Night
Chicago Bears (+7) vs Minnesota Vikings OVER 40.5


Last Week: 8-8-2 (Top Picks: 3-4-2)

Top Picks: 68-58-6 (.538)

Overall: 132-95-7 (.579)

Lock of the Week: 13-3-0 (.813)

NFL Week 15 Picks: I'm The Wiz!...

Gotta say, kids. The last week's got your man here feelin' like some sort of wizard. Or at the very least some sort of 3 card Monty operator. And it's not so much that everything I've been touching has been turning to gold, because it hasn't. It's more that I've just been so in tune with the universe of late, that I actually have been controlling all the things that I've always said I was controlling. Not just with my picks, either. Here, lemme lay a few examples on ya...

So I'm walking by the 92 PRO FM studio the other day while I'm at work, and I hear some crappy pop song featuring Diddy whispering at the beginning of it and some chick talkin' about how she likes to party all night and wash her teeth with Jack Daniels. I forget the name of the song, but you guys probably know the one. The chick's voice is all auto tuned out? Well, whatever. Point is, the second I heard it, I immediately predicted, to myself of course, that one of 5-10 chicks I know on Facebook would have a photo album named after a lyric in that song, and that album would feature them and their girlfriends taking shots, making faces at the camera, and sporting captions about how nobody remembers that night and how they couldn't believe how funny some random old guy on the street was...The album was up within 24 hours...

Next, and sticking with Facebook and chicks, was a correspondence with a female friend from college that was just completely broken off. We had been messaging back and forth, and all of a sudden, it just stopped. I sent a message that had some questions in it, and it was never returned. My guess, was that this whole time this girl was hoping something sexual or some type of rekindled relationship, and that now she wasn't answering me, because she had found herself a boyfriend. Bam! Two days after I thought it, it comes across the Facebook wire that she's in a relationship (with her ex that had dumped her a year back), and couldn't be happier. Truly, a shocking development...

Then, there's my fantasy team. I'm in the semifinals for the 3rd straight year (not to mention in the semis of the team I co-manage, as well), but it took a miracle on Monday night to get it done. More to the point, I asked everyone I came in contact with from Sunday night to Monday afternoon to throw good will and karma my way. I needed help to prevent Tim Hightower and Kurt Warner from scoring the 15 points they needed to put my fantasy season on ice. The result? They combined for 5 turnovers, and my 15 point lead actually ended up in a 20 point victory. An embarrassment of riches, yes, but yet another sign that I'm at the very least in some kind of zone...

Want more? How about the fact that I called the John Lackey singing more than 2 weeks ago? And add to that the fact that Theo and the Sox admitted to not knowing John Lackey wanted to come to Boston more than a few days ago OR that they would have the financial means to actually get the deal done. Scary, right? And just to give you the heads up, I'm still waiting for the "hot stove" to cool off a bit before I start judging Theo's off season. I said he needed to get a pitcher and a bat. He's halfway there...

And finally, as sad and sadistic as this might be, I called in college that there was no way Chris Henry was going to live past the age of 30. Hey, I know it's not cool, and I'm not mentioning it to brag or to toss mud on the guys grave, but it does mesh well with the overall theme. His talent will be missed, and by all accounts he was on the right path back to getting his life in order, so that's too bad. But if you had told me 5 years ago that guy would die getting thrown off the bed of a pickup truck while he was fighting with his fiance and baby mama as they were preparing to go engagement ring shopping? Not only would I have believed it, but I would have gone downstairs to Joe the Bookie (or as I coined him, "The Publisher") and asked him what kind of odds he wanted to lay me. Hey, this is the same kid that let me name my own odds when I wanted to bet on that black guy when they were picking the new Pope, so don't for a second doubt that it could have gone down...

So, what do you think? Am I a wizard, or is it just that I'm really in tune with other people's tendencies? I do know that people get pissed when you tell them you know their tendencies, so I think wizardry is probably the way to go. I mean I already know I'm gonna catch heat for those two Facebook remarks, and probably for the Chris Henry thing, too, but what can I do? Not talk about how right I was in all those instances? Yeah, cuz that sounds like me...

What does sound like me, is using that karma, that wizard-like power if you will, to help you, my friends, do well again to pick as many winner's this weekend as possible. Hey, what can I say? Even the almighty, with the ability to read minds and predict the future, has a soft spot for his homies. Not only that, but I'm just so unselfish that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't' let all of you benefit from this hot run that I've been on...

Yeah, cuz that sounds like me...

Enjoy this week's picks, kids. I have a gut feelin' you're gonna...

Week 15 Picks

Buffalo Bills (+7) vs New England Patriots

What? You were expecting me to pick the Pats? Why? It's not like I take other teams I don't root for when they're winless in true road games, right? Right! I just wanna make it clear that I'm not picking against the Pats because I think Randy Moss has shut it down or because Tom Brady is hurt. I said on Monday that nobody could say Moss "shut it down" unless they watched the game film and watched him on every play. Well, thanks to the TV and the Internet, I did exactly that over the past few days, and determined that while he didn't play all that well, Randy did not "shut it down". Is his less than stellar play a problem for the Pats? You bet your beard it is. It's just not the reason I'm picking the Bills to cover...

No, I'm picking the Bills because simple betting logic tells me I need to. Buffalo has won 2 of their last 3, have been playing well since Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson were injected into the lineup, and only lost to the Patriots by 1 @ Foxboro in the first week of the season. Now granted a lot of that stuff kind of contradicts itself as reasoning to pick the Bills to cover, but it mostly just boils down to the Pats...

Hey, I love 'em, but they're inconsistent as Hell, especially on the road. So just like last week, I'm picking them to win, just not to cover. It's been a solid strategy of late, and in this surprisingly key divisional match up, it's definitely the way to go if you're going to be betting...

Pats 24 Bills 20

That, my friends, is what we call some divisional breathing room...


New Orleans Saints (-7.5) vs Dallas Cowboys

I should have known better than to pick the Saints last week against Atlanta. You wouldn't think so, but despite my recent wizardry and my ability to read the human mind, I still can't pick games between NFC South teams at any better than like a 30% clip...

There's only one NFC South team in this one, though, so I feel good taking the Saints. They're the better team, they're at home, and Tony Romo is still awful in December. Plus, I gotta think Drew Brees and friends have a little extra motivation going in seeing as Indy has already captured their 14th straight win. That, and Drew needs to win every game he can to get enough money to have that small, hairy country removed from the side of his face...

Nah, moles aren't funny. One legged hookers are funny, but not facial moles. Unless it's a facial mole on a one legged hooker. But that's not funny either, that's more of a health hazard. It's also what in West Virginia they call a "Pittsnogle Surprise", but if I get into why and how they came up with that name, we could be here all day...


San Diego Chargers (-6.5) vs Cincinnati Bengals

On the flip side of Tony Romo, we have Philly Rivers. While Romo struggles in December, Rivers is still undefeated. Kid's like 15-0 or somethin'. That, and...well...I hate to bring it up for a second time, but there's no way I'm NOT picking a team that just lost a good friend to a tragic accident. Hey, if they're playing at home maybe I take 'em like I did UCONN earlier in the year. But on the road? Nah. Matter of fact, I'm making this one my lock of the week. The Bolts are just too hot right now, and all the vital components are trending in my favor...


Oakland Raiders (+14.5) @ Denver Broncos OVER 37

The betting logic is easy on this one, too. Logic says never pick a team that isn't dominant to win by more than 10 points, especially when that team is playing another team from their own division. I'm also taking the low OVER of 37 in this one, because of another juicy trend passed on to me a few years back by someone who knows these sort of things. That trend? The later it gets in the season, the safer it is to take an OVER in a divisional match up. I don't know why it works, but it works. It's like they know it's the last time they're gonna see each other this season, and they just wanna get that final punch in on the way out the door...

Well that, and the next "great" defense I see in this league this season is gonna be the first, so I'll take the possibility of offense


Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle was a lock to lose last week because they were on the road. This week, they're at home, and seeing as they aren't playing anyone of note, that makes them a lock to win. It's rather simple, really. Even easier than predicting which sugary hip hop jam the ladies of Facebook will pick to theme their albums around. "Would you look at me and my friends?!?! We're so outrageous! That's not how you're supposed to wear a hat, silly! And how awesome are those BIG sunglasses!? They don't fit and they are soooo hilarious!..."

Mix it up, ladies. I'm getting bored...See? That Seahawk chick knows what I'm talkin' about. Now that would make for a great Facebook album. Decent calendar or thong commercial, too. Nice little Northwest Pacific bum that it is...


Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers OVER 40

It's a must win for the Steelers, so I don't wanna take the Packers. But it's also Go Time for the Beard and any hopes I have for fantasy glory. So I'm a little torn...

What I decided on, was to pick the OVER 40, mostly due to the fact that I need points from Mr. Rodgers, and I love predicting a lot of points in a game where it's likely going to snow. Everyone always says teams like to run it in the snow, but time and time again the pass is proven more effective. Lineman can't rush, DB's can't react quickly enough. IT turns into big play central. They may not be the prettiest big plays you've ever seen, but they'll be pretty enough once these two pass by 40 like it was a hitchhiker on the road outside of a mental institution. Or a one legged mole-hooker on the....nah, too much...

FEAR THE BEARD!!...just gotta throw that in there for good luck, don't mind me...


Miami Dolphins (+3) @ Tennessee Titans

Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to next year's chic Super Bowl pick. The Miami Dolphins. Throw a few role playing free agents in there, maybe a solid draft pick or two by the Big Tuna, and people are gonna be gushing. Guaranteed. Both fans and critics alike have already admitted they were wrong about Chad Henne, and how he's blossoming into a fine young QB. And with Ronnie Brown coming back, and Pat White getting another year of Wildcat practice under his belt? Please. I can just call "Dr. Z" from Sports Illustrated and tell him he's gonna pick them right now, if he wants. I mean that guy's just a joke...

As for the game itself, I've been riding the Titans of late to great success, but with Vince Young probably out, I think their good fortune may have just run it's course. 14-10 and 22-22 wins over Jacksonville and New England tell me the Phins will at the very least keep this one close, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like them to outright win...


Arizona Cardinals (-12) @ Detroit Lions

The final Top Pick of the week brings us the Cardinals and the Lions...just like it says in the heading...

Now we learned last week that the 49ers own Kurt Warner and the Cardinals for some reason. But I'm here to remind you that's totally irrelevant when it comes to this game. Arizona is good. Kurt Warner is good. That defense, is good. They just had a really bad game, against an opponent that for whatever reason seems to have their number...

This week, despite the "short week" trend that's usually a good one, I'm taking the Cards to bounce back in a big way with a win on the road. They're 5-2 on the road this year, and while the 2 losses have come in their last 2 games, that's another ship I expect them to right. They're gearin' up for the playoffs, and the Lions are gearin' up for golf. Or as they call it in Detroit "Throwing Balls Into Flaming Trash Cans". It's really a fun game, once you get the hang of it. They also douse bums in lighter fluid and pay them to run across the "field". That makes things really interesting. Unlike this game, which hopefully won't be interesting at all. Unless of course a Detroit QB decides to blindly run out of the back of the end zone again. I'd be down for seeing' that again...

Now, here are the rest of the picks for your viewing pleasure. I recommend the Browns @ Chiefs...ya know, if you're having trouble throwing up. Those are the only circumstances under which you should be watching that game. That and maybe if you lost a bet to LeBron...or if Rasheed Wallace promised that if you showed up he would play "toss the leg" with you at halftime...

Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs San Francisco 49ers

New York Jets (-5) vs Atlanta Falcons

Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens OVER 40.5

Cleveland Browns (+2) @ Kansas City Chiefs

Houston Texans (-10.5) @ St. Louis Rams

Carolina Panthers (+9) vs Minnesota Vikings

Monday Night
Washington Redskins (+3.5) vs New York Giants OVER 43.5

51, 63 and 47. Those are the totals for the last 3 Redskin games...

65, 32, 55, 83. Those are the totals of the last 4 Giant games. Combine that with the "divisional trend" I was talking about with the Raiders and Broncos and the Redksins are at home, and there you have the reasoning behind my two picks...

And if Quinton Ganther happened to find the endzone a time or two, that wouldn't be too shabby, either...

Last Week: 10-5-1 (Top Picks: 10-5-1)

Overall: 124-87-5 (.586)

Top Picks: 65-54-4 (.545)

Lock of the Week: 12-3-0 (.800)


So there you have it, kids. I hope my new friend "the coach", likes the good work I've put in this week, but now it's time to call it a day. After all, if I don't go out and have fun, where's the material for all these Facebook album's gonna come from? Right? Am I right?..

Eh, whatever. This is Mr. Wizard, signing off, and letting you know that NO, I didn't touch the kids during the commercial breaks...

Have a good weekend, you crazy bastards, and I'll catch you on the flipman...That's Ted Flipman, in case you were wondering...

Teddy Williams...

100...

NFL Week 14 Picks: 'Tis The Season...For Guns?

The man said "May you live in interesting times". Well, they don't get more intersting than this...

Foxboro is falling, the Evil Empire is growing stronger by the day and the young men of the NCAA (hoops and football, of course) are starting to show us their mettle...

What? The fact that there's so much going on surprises you? Didn't I already tell you this was one of the best times of year to be a sports fan? 'Tis the season, man! Like the title says!..

But you're damn straight I told you, and the events of this past week just go straight to my point. Oh, and did you happen to notice I didn't even have to mention the NBA or the NHL in order to whet your proverbial whistle? That speaks to the point that I essentially don't really know any real Celtics or Bruins fans, but that's another column for another day...and one I've already written...and I bring those facts up like every other week...so moving on!

Yeah there's a lot of concern these days in both Red Sox and Patriot Nation, and I'll be the first one to tell you that the fear isn't completely unfounded...

In Boston, while the Sox have added Marco Scutaro and reportedly dumped Mike Lowell (and his contract) for a young catching prospect who Peter Gammons says is leading Winter Ball in "home runs and chicken eaten", most fans are waiting, and more importantly hoping, that the other shoe is about to drop. Their rivals down the road have already added dangerous OF Curtis Granderson via some sort of "Coke" deal, and are on their way to locking up Damon with an extension. Simple math there, is that the defending champions, and clearly the best team in baseball, have obviously gotten better, and don't seem to be done making additions...

So what's next for the Red Sox? Does Theo have a Lawyer Milloy or Richard Seymour

type move up his sleeve? One that'll shock and surprise both fans and players? IS he really content with this season being more of a transitional year, like so many rumblings have suggested? Could Theo really be interested in acquiring injury plagued, Adrian Beltre, in order to give Drew some company on the bench, and to continue proving his The-'O'-sis that RBI's are meaningless? I don't know. I don't have the answers. After all, I don't break news here, I just analyze it, and make the occasional prediction or two...and off color jokes. I love off color jokes. And Reeses' peanut butter...But no time for that now!

So what does my gut tell me? I say we're at a crossroads here for Theo Epstein as GM of the Red Sox. I feel in my heart of hearts that he's got that big move brewing, but should he not pull off enough magic to keep fans at ease, there could be trouble. Epstein's defense of JD Drew this off season, and his proclivity for overpaid "Moneyballers" have got fans uneasy, and should he put together a team that he needs to defend week in and week out starting in Spring Training, things could get ugly and fast. And we're not talking pre school finger painting ugly here, kids, we're talking marriage counseling at the Woods' residence ugly. I get the distinct feeling that this won't be the case, and that Theo has essentially set up cynics and critics alike with what he's said and done over the past few months. I expect the Sox to bring in 2 big players before all is said and done, whether via trade or free agency, and I wouldn't be shocked if one of those players isn't Jason Bay...

As for the how and the when? Well that's what makes this time of year so interesting. Like I said, I don't claim to have those answers, but believe me, I'll be the first one here to examine the fall out...

Now, about those Patriots...See that? That's what we in the business call, a "segue". We have other insider terms we use, as well. But if I told you those, I'd have to kill you. I have neither the time, nor the means, to make that happen...Although on second thought, my dad does have a lot guns...

Week 14 Picks

Carolina Panthers (+13.5) @ New England Patriots

Things haven't been this strange in Foxboro since Frosco told Adam Vinatieri that the lot was full at Luciano's, and that he wouldn't be able to park his truck...

Players are getting sent home from practice for being late, and then speaking out about it in the media? That's no good. Well, I guess Adalius Thomas' "I'm not George Jetson" line, in regards to not being able to fly over snow and traffic, was pretty funny...

What's more disturbing, though, is obviously the lackluster play that's been displayed on the field week in and week out. That's why I'm taking the Panthers and the points this week. The way I see it, there are two possible outcomes here. Either the Patriots blow the Panthers out, or they don't. It sounds basic and borderline retarded on my part to make such a prediction, but when it comes to dealing with expectations, it makes all the sense in the world. If they do cover the spread and win convincingly, there could still be a chance for them to be "the Pats", the Patriots of the past 5 years. But if they don't cover the nearly 2 touchdown spread, or should they actually lose this game? Well then you can pretty much end any Super Bowl talk right then and there...

Listen, I'm taking the Panthers this week because A) that's a lot of points and B) I'm a savvy bettor. I hope the Pats right the ship as much as the next guy, but the way they've been playing lately, I'm gonna need to see it before I start believing it...

And if they don't right the ship? Well if you thought a disagreeable Theo might be a lot to handle, imagine Bill B. Hoodsworth on the warpath amidst a locker room full of disgruntled veterans. As Brian Cox said so eloquently in JFK while celebrating the former President's assassination, "Here's to Camelot in smithereens". Yeah, it'll be something like that. And believe me, much like when the Yankees lose to a small market team, the Pats will quickly become the villain of choice to make fun of in professional sports. The angry, disrespectful, know-it-all coach, the cover boy QB? Yeah, I'd say that opposing fans and media might take just a little joy in kicking them while they're down, wouldn't you?...

In case you do lose, New England Patriots, Tiger Woods would like to thank you in advance. You're 9/11 to his Gary Condit, and anything to get him off the front page would be greatly appreciated...

To cover my ass, I'll take the Pats 27-14. I cover by 1/2 point, yet still leave the window open for them to be somewhat of a title contender moving forward. Right on the fence, baby. If it weren't for all the splinters, it wouldn't be a bad place to live. Maybe a step up from my parents' basement, at least. There are crickets down here that would choke a small elephant. Very disturbing...

Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts OVER 44

To catch you up on this week's theme, I'm taking all the games as my Top Picks again. Half to continue to chase and make up for my lackluster record, and half because...Hell...because I can and because I want to! IT's my Nation, dammit, and I can do whatever I want!...

In this matchup, I'm banking on the fact that Denver's D won't be as effective on the road as they have been at home, and both offenses will simply show up. Indy's defense is probably what will keep them from winning it all this year, and it's what I'm counting on this week to help me carry the OVER...

Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Minnesota Vikings

I wouldn't have believed it a year ago, myself, but the Bengals are one of the best team's in the NFL at controlling the tempo of a game. Props to Marvin Lewis and the

players for turning that thing around, and the fact that they've gone 6-0 in their division and are pointed straight for the playoffs is truly a marvel of modern science...or maybe modern medicine...

In Minnesota, I've been waiting all year for the Brett Favre train to come off the tracks, and it seems that finally might be starting to happen. Between the speeding tickets and Favre's penchant for crucial picks, things in the Twin Cities aren't as rosy as they were a few weeks back, and it's starting to show...

In this one, Cincy serves notice that they're too legit to quit, whether they walk away the W or not. Whether it's a grind it out run-fest or an aerial shootout, the Bengals will keep this one close enough as to where they should have a shot to take it down as the final seconds tick away...

Buffalo Bills (-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs

I've been riding the Chiefs as home underdogs all year to some moderate success, but picking against them worked for me last week so I'm gonna stick with it. They can't stop the run to save their lives whether at home or on the road, and with the way Buffalo has been running it of late with both Jackson and Lynch, that could serve as a problem. That, and I'm takin' the Ivy League QB every day and twice on Sunday. Nah, just kidding. I'm only gonna take them once...

Solid pick, right there, but taking the Bills as a 1 point road favorite as my lock of the week is something that perhaps even I am too bold to attempt...

Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Chicago Bears

Another thing that makes this time of year so great is the start of the fantasy football playoffs. If you're in the playoffs, congratulations. If you're in the playoffs in a league where less than 50% of the league actually makes it that far, then even more kudos are headed your way. Not only does it mean you're deserving of a playoff spot, but it means your Commissioner knows what he's doing, and should be acknowledged...

Personally, I'm co-managing a team that's 4th in a league where 8 of 14 make it, and 4th in my own league, where the more traditional 6 of 14 have moved on. I've always figured luck plays a large enough roll in fantasy football, anyway, why extend it to where you're giving some 6-7 team a chance to benefit from being at their computer at the right time when a star RB or QB ripped up their ACL during week 13. That's just not how I roll, and should you wish to someday form a legitimate fantasy football league of your own, I'd advise you not to roll in that fashion either...

But to the point, as yes, I do happen to have one. And the points is, that seeing as Aaron Rodgers is on both of my fantasy teams, my pick in this game is not to be trusted. Between both "Thanks Ted" and "Sobe's Ass Taste" (the two team names...don't ask) I have 5 Packers in action, 2 of them being the aforementioned Mr. Rodgers. For me, or my friend Derek, to have any chance of advancing, Rodgers and friends will have to come through and come through big time against the reeling Chicago Bears. And while that stache is more akin to an avid kid toucher than a fantasy stud, I'm hoping the beard we see in the cold @ Chicago on Sunday will provide more than enough warmth for both of us to move on to the secodn round...

So while I do think Green Bay is the better team, and I love how their defense is clicking right now, I just wanted to give you that little disclaimer. Let you know where my heads at...

Hey, I'm nothing if not brutally honest, so don't say I didn't warn ya...

FEAR THE BEARD!!!

Detroit Lions (+14.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

As was evidenced by my taking of the Browns and the points last night, I'm never one to go against a good trend, even if I wasn't the one to discover it. In that case, it was never taking the '09 Steelers as a double digit favorite, and in this case, it's never betting on a team that played the previous Monday Night, no matter how tasty the matchup. And you'll notice I tweeted that Browns pick by the way, so I'm counting it towards my overall record. Tweeting has become much more fun and much more useful now that I have a Droid. If you have a phone that even comes close to the pimpness of mine, I recommend you utilize it as well. When it comes to breaking news, nothing's faster...

In regards to the game itself, I don't have an opinion as to whether Detroit will be in it all game long, or if they'll sneak the cover in the backdoor, but that's pretty irrelevant when you're just playing a trend. So take the Lions. I know it's not gonna feel good when you do, but it didn't feel so hot when you took the Redskins last week either, did it? And how'd that work out for ya?...

...Yeah, YOU'RE WELCOME!


Miami Dolphins (+3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

I've been saying all year long that based on record, the Jags were the biggest fraud in the league. This week, I think those chickens are gonna finally come home to roost. In probably one of the cozier home games the NFL slate has to offer, the Phins won't even have to leave the state for this one. Granted it's still like 10 hours from Miami to J'Ville, but that "location" talk was just more or less me trying to think of another reason other than the "the Jaguars are frauds" to convince you that I know what I'm talking about...

Then again, Jacksonville is a dead town, so how much homefield advantage could they really have over a fellow Floridian team anyway?...

New York Jets (-3.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman excels at throwing interceptions (5 last week), and if there's one thing this Jet defense can do, it's pick off the bean and defend the pass. I see a pick 6 for Revis in this one, and a big day for Thomas Jones as Kellen Clemens is kept on training wheels...

New Orleans Saints (-10) @ Atlanta Falcons

Here we go, kids. It's Lock of the Week time. The Falcons are still too banged up, and when Drew Brees came out and said the Saints still really wanted to win them all, that sealed it for me right then and there...

Much like the Patriots of '07, the Saints are only going to lose to themselves, or to an inspiring performance like that of the Super Bowl champion Giants. They had a near loss last week against the Redskins, and this week they'll bounce back nicely on the road with one of those "Don't worry, we are who you thought we were" wins that'll make Mercury Morris spin over in his grave...Wait, you're tellin' me he's still alive? Well ain't that somethin'...Ya know my dad does have a lot of guns...

Houston Texans (-6) vs Seattle Seahawks

Seattle sucks on the road & the other Jim Mora is the only man on the planet that hasn't realized Justin Forsett is far superior to Julius Jones. NEXT!..

Tennessee Titans (-13) vs St. Louis Rams

Oooo forgot about this one in all my Saints gushing a few graphs back. You can go ahead and mark this down as lock #2, ladies and gents. It's a lot of points, I know, but between Chris Johnson emerging as the game's best runner, Vince young no longer wanting to take his own life, and the Rams being the Rams, I feel pretty safe taking Tennessee to cover this one in impressive fashion. Despite the fact that such a romp, and such a typical Chris Johnson performance will probably doom Thanks Ted. Oh well, guess it kinda turns into a win-win, then. If Johnson and the Titans crush, then I'll be right about my pick. If they don't, then there probably a good chance I'm movin' on to round #2...Yeah!

Washington Redskins @ Oakland Raiders OVER 38

Seems bizarre, but take a look at the numbers yourself and you'll see where I'm goin' with this one. Oakland gives up a lot of points, and with Gradkowski and Fargas providing some stability, they're actually scoring some too. Combine that with Washington's recent offense outburst, and you can see why I think taking the over in this game might be the best bet...


San Diego Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys UNDER 48

This game's gonna end 10-3, I just know it. Or 17-6 San Diego...

Hey, maybe it's just that it's December, and these two teams still are who they are, like I told Cyrus last week...

Still don't trust either of these teams farther than I can throw Wade Phillips 3rd chin. Ya know, the one that catches the spittle and fried Baby Ruth crumbs before they head onto chin #4. I like the Chargers to win, but either way I like this one being one sided. If that's the case, you always gotta take the UNDER...

It's funny too, becaues I had the OVER originally, only because it makes sense. Then I thought, these two teams? Playing in a normal game? Yeah, that's got a high probability of happening. Norv Turner and Wade Chinsworth? This one's gonan be fun, kids. one way or another, this game ends up being one of the best of the weekend. Maybe a fight between Philly Rivers and DaMarcus Ware. That would be nice. And then LT could cry, because that's what he does. And Merriman can do his little dance on the star before he gets literally eaten alive on midfield by Marion Barber. Yeah, that would be cool...

New York Giants (+1.5) vs Philadelpiha Eagles

It's gettin' towards the end here, Teds, and to be honest I'm runnin' out of steam. This 'pick every game' thing is a lot better as an idea than it is as a task, let me tell you...

So let's just say that I'm picking against the Eagles in this one mainly because I hate the Eagles, the city of Philadelphia, and all the crap that city holds holy. Granted whenever I pick against the Eagles out of spite it seems to backfire, but I can't seem to ever figure this team out so I guess what's the freakin' difference...

What? Philly sucks...

Monday Night
Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) @ San Fransisco 49ers

I've had success with the Niners at home this year, too, but between Arizona's road success in '09 and their play last Sunday night against the Vikes, they're just too good to pass up. I look for their defense to slow Frank Gore enough to make Alex Smith beat them, and their secondary and d-line to make enough big plays to make sure that doesn't happen either. Somethin' tells me a certain hyphenated player will be taking one to the house, too...


Last Week: 8-9-0 (Top Picks: 8-9-0)

Overall: 114-82-4 (.580)

Top Picks: 55-49-3 (.528)

Lock of the Week: 11-2-0 (.846)



So there you have it. Another week in the books. And while I didn't talk about Tiger Woods (really ESPN? The story of the decade? What the fuck is that about?), and make jokes about his potential "12 Whores of Woods-mas", I hope you were still thoroughly entertained. Well, as entertained as one could be when reading the ramblings of a madman...

There will be a non-picks related piece headed your way sometime next week that you're gonna wanna keep an eye out for, subject TBD. But until then, you're just gonna have to figure out a way to enjoy your weekend and get on with your life until I again decide to interrupt with my pearls of wisdom and layers of wit...Oh and I'll be back with my Bowl picks and we're only a few weeks away from the year's first Rooch Nation Collge Hoops Top 25. Ya know, to tie together my opening remarks and give your added incentive to come back and visit the next time you're cruisin along the ole information superhighway...

Have a great weekend, friends...

Teddy Williams...
100...

NFL Week 13 Picks: Hot Dog!

Greetings, loyal minions! Sick of all the Tiger talk, yet? Huh? Are ya? Well I know I am. And if you're anything like me, not only is the topic losing freshness faster than a gas station hot dog, but the fact that you're hearing "legitimate" news outlets now confidently citing "Perez Hilton", "Bubba the Love Spongue" and former Spitzer skank, Ashley Dupre as "insiders" and "authorities" on the matter, is making you feel like you're about to hurl up...well...something that probably will end up looking like a gas station hot dog...or at the very least like one of those 3 week old Mexican Egg Rolls, that they have the balls to try and tell you are for breakfast. Yeah, I'll have that after I scarf down my steak and doughnut sandwich. And of course I want cigarettes on that sandwich! What do i look like, a Mary?!?

So, as the over/under on Tiger's side action heads towards that of a Boise St./Hawaii game, I'll dip into my bag of "tricks" to help provide you with an adequate distraction...

Last week, I decided to abandoned my "Top Picks" in the interest of time and in order to hopefully gain some positive karma. Anyone that regularly follows along here at the Nation (and thanks to all the well wishes over the holidays I know there are a lot of you) knows that it's been a battle all season long to get my Top Picks to beat my "other picks". You would also know, if you follow me here, or on Facebook, or on Twitter, or on my Droid somehow using super-Droid Al Gore GPS/LoJack software, that like any true crazed and neurotic sports prognosticator, I believe that me picking a game, or in some cases NOT picking a game, somehow affects that games outcome. Sounds crazy, I know, but that's why I document it all right here. Like the true American Gangster that I am, I need all the witnesses I can get...

Either way, you'll get none of that this time around because this week I'm goin' all Top Picks. Got a couple of quirky "2-fers" that I'm still not so sure how I feel about, but my reasoning behind them is still good, so their shady packaging shouldn't discourage you. Remember, I'm the only person you know that can actually prove that they pick winners on a weekly basis, so to question me or my methods is to question the laws of nature. Nah, just kidding. I know I'm not infallible. But hey, I'm way cooler than that Ted, Bill Simmons. So I got that goin' for me, which is always a good thing...

Now go on, you crazy bastards. Enjoy the picks, and have a great weekend...

Week 13 Picks

New England Patriots (-4) @ Miami Dolphins

It's a prime bounce back game for the Pats, but in an unfriendly environment, and against a team on the brink. So which school of thought should I choose? Take the team on the brink, the team in a "must win" situation at home? Or just take the flat out better squad, despite their poor history in that particular city and their recent struggles? A little anti-climactic, I suppose, since you can already see that I've taken the Pats and the points, but that is the reason I'm taking the Pats in this one. Their better, their in dire need of a win, and even though they tend to struggle in the South Florida heat and Miami's backs are against the wall, the Phins are too dinged up to pull this one out. Not to say it won't be close like every other divisional game, but I'll take the 4 points, and feel rather comfortable...

Final score Pats 23 Phins 13...

Everyone likes to talk about the defense, but if the offense doesn't show up in this one, they'll be the unit worth worrying about as the Pats head towards the playoffs...

Denver Broncos (-5.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs
San Fransisco 49ers (-1) @ Seattle Seahawks

The first of the "2-fers", this combo pack features a pair of teams I'd normally take when their getting points at home in the Seahawks and the Chiefs. Both have served me well this year serving as home dogs, but I'm bucking the trend thanks to two less than stellar matchups...

In KC, the Chiefs run into a Denver team that seems to have found it's stride again, so I'm going with the resurgent Broncos...

And in Seattle, I look for the Niners new spread offense to really give the Seattle defense fits. Alex Smith and friends have really been in a groove the past few weeks since they begged Mike Singletary to open up the offense, and I expect that success to continue. And hey, even it it doesn't, Frank Gore gashed the Hawks for 200+ in their first meeting, so even if Smith should buckle under the pressure of all that noise made by Seattle's legendary "12th man", the San Fran running attack should have no problem controlling the ball, and ultimately controlling the scoreboard...

Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) vs Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans (+7) @ Indianapolis Colts

The next two pack, brings us to the AFC South...

In Jacksonville, it's your typical "home team with their back against the wall" pick as I'm taking to the (6-5) Jaguars to bounce back nicely after last week's loss to San Fran by putting the final nail in the Texans playoff coffin. Essentially, both these teams "need" this game, but I'm taking the healthier Jags, with Jack del Rio, over the reeling, but more talented Texans, and their mistake prone head man, Gary Kubiak...

In Indy, I like the Colts' to win another comeback classic as they pen a regular season for the history books, but it'll be close, and the Titans are too hot to spot 7 right now...

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants UNDER 46.5
Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals UNDER 42

The Bengals control the clock on both sides of the ball and have bee na great bet for UNDERs all year. Against the lowly Lions, it should be no different than when they went UNDER an even stingier 39 against the Browns...

In the Tedowlands, I see two sketchy teams playing in a hard fought game full of turnovers and missed opportunities. Red zone mistakes, drops, missed kicks and fumbles should keep this one UNDER, even though the pace of the action will seem to suggest the OVER...

Pittsburgh Steelers (-15) vs Oakland Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5) @ Atlanta Falcons

Another Keystone State twosome, and here's to hoping it works out better than last time. I don't remember the matchups off hand, but I do remember saying I know I shouldn't be giving Pennsylvania any love and that I knew it would come back to bite me in the ass...

Well, what can I say? I'm apparently a glutton for punishment. That, and these matchups are just too juicy for a logical man like myself to resist...

The bipolar Eagles, sans Desean Jackson, head to Atlanta to face a Falcon team with injury issues of their own, finding themselves down Michael Turner and Matty Ryan. That's enough to tilt the scales in my eyes, and barring the team bus being blown up in some sort of Michael Vick protest, I like Philly to win this one going away...

In Shattsburgh, the return of Big Ben and the need to right the ship are reasons enough to take the Steelers and lay that monstrous 15 points. (3-8) Oakland should play like it on the road this week, as they really have nothing to play for, and their minds will probably be more focused on Christmas lists than audibles and checkdowns...

Washington Redskins (+10.5) vs New Orleans Saints

Shock of the week? Eh, probably not likely. But a short week and a shady line are enough for me to take the Skins. Before I saw the spread, I pegged it for 14, and decided if it were around there, then I'd be taking the Redskins. When I saw it was 10.5, for whatever reason it only helped vindicate my original upset thoughts, and encouraged me to take the Skins even more. I mean, does it make sense that a team that just beat the Patriots by 21 is only favored over the (3-8) Redskins by 11? I know it's a short week and the Saints are on the road, but still...

But hey, if you're feelin' ballsy, and you smell a rat like I do, then come out on the limb with me. And trust me, chicks dig dudes that pick double digit dogs to cover...

San Diego Chargers (-14) @ Cleveland Browns

Chicks also dig powder blue uniforms, which is why I'm taking the Chargers. Not only that, but I'm making them my Lock of the Week. As I warned my good friend, SoCAL-er and recent NFL and Charger convert, Cyrus Mor, San Diego is due for their scheduled implosion, but those epic collapses are usually reserved for the opening round of the playoffs. This week, we should be safe...

But lemme say it right now. If I look up at that box score early in the 1st and see 7-0 Cleveland, I'm blaming Cyrus, I'm cursing Cleveland, and I'm hunting down and killing Norv Turner. Maybe I'll suffocate him by blocking his air way with Mexican Egg Rolls, who knows. Depends on if they come back to cover or not...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7) @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers might "need" this one, and they might get it, but I like Tampa's chances of at least keeping it close. They haven't lost by more than 3 in the Josh Freeman era outside of the blowout loss to the Saints, and against a wounded Panther squad starting backup Matt Moore and possibly without DeAngelo Williams (fuck!), they should be able to keep this one close as well...

Then again, it is the NFC South. And my track record there is about as good as...well...about as good as these next two teams...

St. Louis Rams @ Chicago Bears OVER 41

A shady pick, for a shady game. Think "Cleveland v Detroit" earlier in the season. Kyle Boller? Jay Cutler? Talk about gas station hot dogs! These 2 former 1sy round picks will look worth the investment this week, as two porous defenses should give them plenty of opportunity to shine. Both teams should be able to run the ball effectively, and what their passing offenses don't do in terms of scoring, I'm sure the defenses will more than make up for. A lot like the Dallas/New york game, this one's gonna be sloppy. It's just that in this one, the lack of defensive skill should lead to more of those opportunities resulting in 6...

(Disclaimer: This game could easily end 6-4, and make you want to cut yourself. And how the Browns aren't somehow involved in this game remains a mystery...)

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) @ Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are worse at home than they are on the road in '09, and a "speedy" Adrian Peterson and the Vikes should keep that trend going...Yea? you see what I did there? Tying in current events with clever puns and whatnot? Yeah...Slicker than grease this guy right here...


Monday Night
Baltimore Ravens @ Green Bay Packers OVER 43.5

Brett Favre created many lasting memories on the Frozen Tundra, and this Monday, with snow in the forecast, I expect my man, Aaron Rodgers, to create a lasting Packer memory of his own. My only issue here, is if Charles Woodson can take Derrick Mason out of the game, Joe Flacco and the Baltimore offense might be screwed. Failing that, the Ravens running game, led by Ray Rice, should be able to provide enough pop in combination with a big game from Rodgers, to push this game north of the required 43 points. I'm also a little scared that "the Beard" is heading into Monday Night Football not having thrown a pick in so long, seeing as they'll probably mention it 55 million times leading up to and during the game, but I'll stay positive and feel confident that he'll come up large on the big stage...

Prime time games often favor the over, at least that's what I've convinced myself, and I don't figure this must-see match up will be any different. Especially in the "pass friendly" snow...

Before we move on to the college picks, take time to admire my nearly-stellar record. Check out that Lock of the Week, huh? That's just sexy right there. Like that cougar (or "malfer", if you're so inclined) that was undressing me with her eyes the other day. But listen to me, you don't wanna hear about that. Who am I, Tiger Woods?


Last Week: 10-6-0 (Top Picks: 0-0-0)

Overall: 106-73-4 (.590)

Top Picks: 47-40-3 (.539)

Lock of the Week: 10-2-0 (.833)

I've had a great year picking college games, and this week I look to close out the regular season in style. I like Bama and Georgia Tech to cover in their respective title games, which kick off in just a few hours, and I like East Carolina to hang with Houston, and Boise St. to go "Old Yeller" on Ron Mexico St...

Catch that pun, did ya? I sure hope so...

Now as the flashlight app on my Droid says when it gives me the option to go to "strobe" mode. Let's Get Some! And Party On!...

NCAA Top 25 Picks
(2) Alabama (+5.5) vs Florida (SEC Championship: Atlanta, GA)

(3) Texas (-14.5) @ (21) Nebraska (Big XII Championship: Dallas, TX)

(5) Cincinnati (-1) @ (14) Pittsburgh

(6) Boise St. (-47.5) vs New Mexico St.

(12) Georgia Tech (-1) vs (25) Clemson (ACC Championship: Tampa, FL)

East Carolina (+3) vs (18) Houston

(19) California (-7) @ Washington

(20) USC (-7) vs Arizona

(24) West Virginia (-1.5) @ Rutgers



Last Week: 12-4-1

Overall: 129-79-5 (.617)


So there you have it, boys and girls. Another week in the books, and this one came complete with all the classic trimmings of a white trash Birfmas party. Now if you don't mind, I have to get back to producing radio shows before I get fired and lose my only steady stream of income. After all, I'm gonna need a lot of money if my new website venture is going to get off the ground...

Stay tuned for news on that, discussion about the Marco Scutaro scrutiny, my first comments on this year's coillege hoops season, and more of the irreverent and informative style that you've come to love and crave. Ya know, kind of like a gas station hot dog...

Have a great weekend, kids. And in the word's of the mentally retarded rooster, "Goodnight everybody!"...

Teddy Williams...
100...

Tiger Tiger Woods, Ya'll...

Tiger Woods, we thought we knew ye...

Well, I guess that's not entirely true. I mean, when I say "we", I mean most of you and not myself. And when I say "ye", I'm not even sure if that's proper English. Or even proper Olde English, for that matter. Like, what was that? Does "Olde" even need an "e" on the end of it right there? Who knows, right? What am I, British?...

Now, as you may have expected, I became jaded long ago when it comes to the private lives of star athletes. I chalk a lot of it up to my behind the scenes access as a youngster to the teachers of my school system, both my parents being teachers, and I've always carried those experiences with me. Not that I saw anything shocking, mind you, but access to my parents thoughts, combined with my own out of the classroom interaction with these teachers, helped teach me that people aren't always how they may project themselves in certain situations. Like Cuban Gooding Jr. says in Jerry Maguire in regards to single mothers, "I've been to the puppet show, and I've seen the strings". Now that's not to say that you assume everyone is an ass hole just because you don't know them intimately, it's just saying be careful what you take away as "genuine" as opposed to "courteous" or "professional"...

More or less, my experiences taught me to gauge how well I thought I "knew people", before trying to determine whether or not I could actually be surprised by anything they did...

Are you thoroughly confused? I sure hope not. But just in case, here's a little primer...

I can't be shocked by anything Tiger Woods says or does, because when it comes down to it, I don't really know the man at all. And that's a tough realization to come to, believe me I know. We watch these people on TV, and invest so much of our hearts, minds and bankrolls in their success, that sometimes we forget that we truly only know them in a very limited capacity. Face it, you know Tiger Woods about as well as you know the person that serves you your coffee at the Dunkin Donuts drive thru every morning. Extreme example? Maybe. But when it comes down to it, you know them based on how they act at work, nothing more, and that's exactly how well you know Tiger...

Again, I know that's a tough realization to come to, but when you do, it allows you to see through these cryptic layers of media mudslinging. To see the chain of events as they likely would have happened had you actually been there yourself with a video camera. It's why, when I was first given the broad strokes of the story on early Friday afternoon, I immediately imagined the EXACT scenario that's now being widely circulated. It went A LOT like this...

1) Elin went nuts, for whatever reason you choose. The scoop de jour is that Tiger was doing a little "night putting" with an NYC hostess, so we'll run with that...

...and a quick side note on that. If you're Tiger, how do you call a supposed mistress and leave a voicemail that starts out with "Hey, this is Tiger"?!? Shouldn't you either A) have lackies to do that shit for you or B) not have to say who it is when you call?! I mean, was this chick (in this case, Jamie Grubbs) a huge skank to the point where she has dozens of dude-suitors? Why else would he have to identify himself like that. He's one of the most recognizable people on the planet, for crying out loud. Oh well. Moving on...

2) Next, Elin scraps with Tiger, claws him up a little bit (irony), and he attempts to flea via his Escalade. No doubt, he was probably at least rolling on dubs. Possibly even Trubs, if that's a word...

3) As he tries to back out of the driveway, Elin cracks the back windshield with a golf club, further disorienting a man who was trying to come to grips with the fact that his wife had just beat him up. Tiger then loses control of the slow moving vehicle, and crashes it into a hydrant and a tree...

4) When paramedics arrive, Woods is in and out of consciousness on the ground, with Elin administering first aid. Why was he in and out of consciousness if he barely hit anything and was going at such a low speed? Not sure. Don't think he was drunk, but he could have been on pain medication. Or maybe he was just trippin' out because he couldn't believe what was goin' down. Who knows? Maybe he ate a pot brownie and thought Elin was a goblin attempting to steal his precious gems and magical swords? Like I said, let's not pretend like we know this dude...

That's what I immediately surmised had gone down on the night in question, and as time passes, it's becoming more and more evident that I was right on the money. Like a poor European artist, I was way ahead of my time...

And I'm not trying to brag that I somehow figured this out before the rest of you, despite being given the same information. Granted it's rather convenient, considering the stance I'm taking here, but it's not the point I'm trying to push across. Hell, for all I know, you were right there ahead of the curve with me. If so, kudos. My point is, while the news of trouble in what had otherwise seemed like sports' 'model family' is disappointing, it shouldn't be shocking. Screwed up shit happens to people I don't know all the time, and it doesn't shock me. So why should this? Granted, I get the sensationalistic aspect of it because he's sports' biggest star. I'd be an idiot if I didn't. But that's what makes it "news", it's not what makes it surprising or changes my mind about how I feel about the guy...

He's a golfer. He plays golf, I watch, and a lot of the time, he wins. More often than not, his wins come at the expense of a certain chunky Lefty, which is a total bonus...

My point, and it's a lesson that I've preached here several times before, is that acting like you're "surprised" by anything an athlete does, by anything any person you don't really know does, makes you sound foolish. I understand that following the story is entertaining, and like I said, we all have the right to feel disappointed. But acting as if the very foundation on which we walk on has been shaken because this seemingly squeaky clean person has gone astray, is just ludicrous...

I say it all the time. The only name that's going to surprise me if it shows up on one of those "steroid lists", is Greg Maddux. But would I be shocked if I found out that Mad Dog hadn't paid his taxes since 1984, regularly beat his wife, and/or got sexual pleasure from eating cheese from between the toes of AustralAsian transvestite hookers? Of course I wouldn't. Why? Because I don't know the man. That, and I know via Mark Grace that Maddux onve got a boner because he loved pitching so much, so that dude could be kinky as all Hell...

All we know about these athletes, is what they chose to show us. Now if Maddux was caught cheating, say with steroids, that would surprise me. Not because I know him, but because I do know how he acts on the field. How he treats the game. And by that logic, I would be surprised to learn that Tiger were cheating on the course. Probably not surprised by roid use, because who isn't using these days, but surprised if he were using an illegal ball, illegal clubs, or kicking his ball out from behind trees to improve his lie on a regular basis. Ya know, Judge Smails styles?...

But Tiger Woods? The Tiger Woods many of you think you know? He's just a front for a massive corporation. His PR team and his legal advisers map out every move he makes. Not just now, in time of trouble, but always. How do you think you came to the conclusion that he was a good guy to begin with, huh? It's all just part of a plan. And again, that's not to assume all these people are ass holes, or that you should have seen this coming. It's just the way it is. It's life, for better and for worse...

So what now? Well, now that Tiger has been "cleared" by the cops, and apologized via press release for his "transgressions", you probably won't see him again for about 2 weeks. Well, at least until his wounds heal. That's just obvious. I mean, the reason he's not talking now, and why he didn't talk to the cops, is because he doesn't "have to" and he wants to protect his privacy. The last thing Team Woods wants is for there to be pictures circulating of Tiger with scratches on his face. But when the scratches are healed, you'll see a few photos of Tiger, Elin and the fam playing in the park, carefully leaked to the "proper" media outlets. Maybe even an Oprah special with Tiger and Elin side by side on her legendary couch. It'll be scripted, contain the obligatory tears, and while seeming very fake, it will be exactly the medicine he needs to help restore his once flawless image...

Then, you won't see him for another 6 weeks, when he's finally scheduled to play in his next event...

That's just how it goes. And to use another quote that I feel wraps this up nicely, I turn to Armand Assante, as Dominic Cattano, in American Gangster. "We can be successful and have enemies. Or we can be unsuccessful, ya know, and we can have friends."

It's really so true. When Tiger Woods, or any athlete, decides to turn pro, they sign up for all the scrutiny and all the pressure that goes along with being in the public eye. They decide to be successful, at the risk of having to keep their true self hidden from the masses. It's your job as a fan, and my job too for that matter, to buy into their image just enough to enjoy what they do, but not enough to think we know who they are. It's a fine line, but it's one you need to walk to keep yourself from getting "hurt", and to prevent yourself from looking stupid...

I know I sound preachy, telling you who to trust and what to believe, but believe me, my intentions are good. I think of myself as a gatekeeper, as a conscientious advisor of sorts, protecting the real fans from all the bullshit that the sports and entertainment world can throw at them. You want to enjoy the games and the players that play them, while at the same time never forgetting that what you're being shown is all part of a big show. The line's have become blurred of late thanks to outlets like TMZ, Twitter, and even blogs like mine, but that doesn't mean they aren't still there. And if we're going to use all of this new info we learn about athlete's private lives determine how we feel about them, then sooner or later you're not going to have anyone to cheer for. For the third time, not to say they're all assholes, but you can pretty much find something you don't like about anyone if you look hard enough...

Me? I'll chose to leave my athletes to their private lives more or less until they show up in a mug shot. And even then, the charges will have to involve a corpse, a kid in a coma before, or a minivan full of illegal sex slaves before I take any of it too seriously. That's why, despite his "transgressions", I'm stickin' with my man T. Woods. I'm not condoning his infidelity, I'm just telling you it's too insignificant for me to worry about. I basically grew up with the guy, watching him on TV and following his rise to power, and as far as I can tell, none of the things I've admired about him all this time has changed in light of these recent events. I mean, the only thing I envied about him that involved Elin anyway, was the fact that he married that hot Swedish piece of strudel. And last time I checked, they're still married. I admire his drive, his determination, his earth shattering talent, and the way he just flat out goes and takes what he wants. Dude 'just DOES it'...

So maybe this time, "just doing it" got Mr. Woods in a little hot water. I say, who cares? If your expectations for your athletes were in the right place to begin with, you wouldn't even be having this problem...

When all is said in done, I see this having a Kobe Bryant-like (Colorado) affect on Tiger's career. If he makes any sort of heart felt apology, and goes back to winning, it will fade away like an MJ jumper...well not the jumper over Russell where he retired and came back right after, but you know what I mean. It's only if he continues to be defiant and standoffish, where this could get ugly, and ultimately damage not only his public image, but possibly his career...

Eldrick may be in some trouble, but Tiger can pull him out of it...if he lets him. And I'm pretty sure he will...

Put on the red shirt, T-Money, and close this deal like it's a Sunday at Augusta...or like it's a hostess at an NYC night spot...Either way, just get the damn thing done...

Be the Tiger we've grown to love. Be, the Tiger we know...

So there ya have it, ladies and Teds. My take on all things T-Woods. Hope you enjoyed it, because it sucked all my blog time this week. I will be back on Saturday morning instead of Friday with all my picks for the weekend, so you don't have to worry there...

Oh, and be on the look out for the possible unveiling of my new website. Trust me, you're gonna love it. Although some of you that end up on the site, might end up trying to hunt me down and kill me. Juicy, right? Yeah, I know. So stay tuned...

Teddy Williams...

100...