These are the picks for the 2004 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
Season's Greetings! On the eve of Christmas, most people can finally relax, knowing their Christmas shopping is done and wait in anticipation for their opportunity to open their gifts. Many of us know what we want and will be fortunate enough to get what we dreamed of.
But everybody won't get what they want. NFL teams only want a chance, a chance to be in the playoffs where anything can happen. Only 12 teams earn a spot, leaving 20 teams home after the holidays.
At this point, the last few playoff spots are still up for grabs so some wishes still might come true. Others, while mathematically still alive for a Wild Card spot, know the truth and are already looking to next season. It's never too early to dream about what you want for Christmas 2005. Starting from the bottom, here's a look at what's on the wish list for NFL organizations on the outside of the playoffs:
San Francisco: The first pick overall. Very possible the 49ers take a USC player, whether WR Mike Williams or QB Matt Leinart, if he declares. But if Cal's Rogers wouldn't be out of the question either.
Cleveland Browns: A one-headed general manager. Whoever the next coach is, he won't be allowed to wear both hats.
Miami Dolphins: The orange jersey becoming the permanent home jersey. Hey, if they can beat the reigning Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots wearing those abominations, then maybe they can beat all comers.
Chicago Bears: A brand new medical facility. Injuries decimated the team so maybe a better training room prevents injuries or quickens recoveries.
Tennessee Titans: Money, the most appreciated gift for the holidays. If they had more, they would had been able to keep free agents and sign good ones to keep the team competitive.
Dallas Cowboys: A bushel of draft picks and a prescription of valium for head coach Bill Parcells. This season really has him down. An improved roster will make the 'Boys a better team and help Parcells abandon the pills.
Oakland Raiders: An apartment at a nearby retirement community. Owner Al Davis should leave the game behind and stop meddling in the everyday decision-making at all levels.
Arizona Cardinals: Roulette wheel. The numbers represent quarterbacks that head coach Dennis Green could use to start week to week. Roll the ball and spin the wheel. A decision made easy.
Washington Redskins: A time machine for a return to the Joe Gibbs glory days. Unfortunately with the current coaches operating the time machine, they'll mis-manage it like they mis-manage the game clock.
Detroit Lions: Training pants and how-to manuals on potty-training. This team is still very young. With encouragement, they'll learn how to play good football consistently.
New York Giants: Patience from the New York media and fans. Eli is not his older brother Peyton, people. Remember Peyton Manning has nine years of experience in the league on his younger sibling.
Cincinnati Bengals: A change at quarterback. I do like Carson Palmer. I really do. But when he was elevated to starter, it spurred Cincy on to change their uniforms. One more change and they'll have the ugliest uniforms in the league.
Green Bay at Minnesota - Friday - W
If the Vikings were on the list above they'd want the heimlick maneuver for all players in hopes of preventing another late season choke job. Then again, their playoff drive could stall again, meaning the Vikes' Christmas wishes didn't come true. Minnesota is served coal by the Packers.
Oakland at Kansas City - Saturday - W
He grew up so fast! Earlier this season, K.C. head coach Dick Vermeil said running back Larry Johnson needed to take off his diapers and grow up. Well he completed his second 100-yard rushing game in impressive fashion by tearing the Denver defense for 151 yards and two scores. He's beyond baby steps. Johnson and the Chiefs trample the Raiders.
Denver at Tennessee - Saturday - L
Quarterback Jake Plummer has the most expensive digit in the league, fined $5,000 for introducing the Denver fans to ornithology. His finger, and the rest of his digits, will cost the Broncos against the Titans.
New York Giants at Cincinnati - W
A meeting of the last two first picks overall. New York's Eli Manning made progress based on his latest performance.Cincy's Carson Palmer had improved dramatically from the beginning of the season. Nuthin' like a season of sitting to develop a franchise quarterback. Experience proves to be the difference as Palmer and the Bengals edge the Giants.
San Diego at Indianapolis - W
Hold on a second! With the game already in hand, Indy's Peyton Manning decided to kill the clock instead of trying to tie the season touchdown record. And he gets booed for being respectful? Y'all Indianapolis fans need to learn respect. Besides, wouldn't it be sweeter if the record-breaker comes at a time when the score means something? With the Chargers coming to town, Manning must toss a few TDs, not just for the record, but for the Colts to a win.
Houston at Jacksonville - L
Jacksonville safety Donovan Darrius was fortunate that the league only fined him for the clothesline tackle and resisted suspending him for any games. Always known as a hard hitter, now he has an even bigger reputation that should put fear into all Texan receivers. The Jaguars spook Houston.
Atlanta at New Orleans - L
Quarterback Michael Vick is the main reason why the Falcons are in the playoffs and are in position to secure a first round bye. With Vick out, N'Orleans doesn't have to worry about being Vick-timized. But that doesn't mean that rookie QB Matt Schaub is harmless. Matt will be as Schaub as a knife in his first start as the Falcons pull off the Upset of the Week.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh - W
The Ravens were the best thing to happen to Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. By knocking QB Tommy Maddox out of the game in their first match-up, Baltimore jump-started Roethlisberger's career. What better way to show his appreciation than by leading the Steelers to a win over the Ravens?
Carolina at Tampa Bay - W
The Buccaneers are known to have a great defense. But special teams need work. On a kickoff, five T.B. players formed a half-circle in front of New Orleans returner Aaron Stecker. He cut to his right and ran through coverage for a 98-yard touchdown. That was the difference in that game. A mental lapse of another kind cost the Bucs as they fall to the Panthers.
New England at New York Jets - W
Should New England be concerned that receiver Troy Brown is tied for the team lead in interceptions? Considering how often opponents go after Brown, he has plenty of chances. He was exploited last week, but the Patriots will protect him enough to will another win.
Buffalo at San Francisco - W
If Buffalo is concerned about the health of running back Willis McGahee, they ain't got nuthin' on San Fran. Linebacker Jamie Winborn and defensive end Andre Carter are both done for the year. The Bills' offense has been hot of late and will continue to burn against a depleted 49ers defense.
Washington at Dallas - W
Rumor has it that Cowboys head coach might give some playing time to the young passers on his roster. So that means Drew Henson gets back into a game, Tony Romo will finally get a chance to throw a pass, and fullback Ritchie Anderson will get a halfback option for his chance for the starting job next year. He is Dallas' highest rater passer with a TD pass, you know. These offensive tactics throw the Redskins off balance as the Cowboys edge the Redskins.
Arizona at Seattle - W
Sad to think that by re-signing a player, it earns 'Zona credibility. What's sadder is Seattle making the playoffs as a sub-.500 team. The Seahawks avoid distinction by reaching eight wins by defeating the Cardinals.
Cleveland at Miami - W
The Dolphins sound like they are close to having a coach while the Browns won't search in earnest until after the season is over. Miami is negotiating with Louisiana State University's Nick Saban, who wants full control. Cleveland would advise against that idea. But their word won't carry much weight since the Browns can't beat the Dolphins.
Philadelphia at St. Louis - Monday Night - L
"Hello, I'm Donovan McNabb. I'm addicted to T.O.nic." Philly made it to the NFC Championship without wideout Terrell Owens the past three years. QB McNabb used to carry the team and must find his old self to get his team over the hurdle. First the Eagles must get over in their next two games, first disposing of the Rams.
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