These are the picks for the 2005 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.
Well, we finally reached the last stop of the regular season. Week 17. For 12 teams, the ride doesn't stop here. They will transfer to the playoffs. The remaining 20 teams, however, have gone as far as they could. Some knew their fate weeks ago, while others will have their tickets rejected due to the result of other games. For many teams, it's the start of the long walk to the 2006 season. For others, the off-season is about to get very interesting, as owners and general managers activate the coaching carousel. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Granted firing and hiring a new coach isn't a fun transition for the coaches or the GMs. But for teams going in the wrong direction or going nowhere, change is the only way the hopefully change things for the better. We already know two coaches who probably won't be back with their teams: Steve Mariucci formerly of Detroit and Mike Martz likely won't be invited back to St. Louis. There will be other easy decisions, some a bit more difficult, and others where the choice is in the coach's hands.
Two situations that stand out and will be watched closely is Bill Parcells in Dallas and Dick Vermeil in Kansas City. Both coaches were already questioned about their future and both swiftly struck down those rumors. But their irked reactions has done nothing to quiet the murmurs.
For Vermeil, some wonder if he wants to continue to subject himself to the long hours it takes to be a pro coach. Vermeil retired twice before for similar reasons. If Vermeil decides to hang up his headset, yes the Chiefs organization might not have to look far for his successor. Last season, Gunther Cunningham was brought back as the defensive coordinator. In his second season, Cunningham made the defense respectable. But Cunningham once coached the Chiefs for X years. Though his record was disappointing, sometimes a coach is significantly better in his second chance. Championship coaches during a second tour as general: Bill Belichick won three, Mike Shanahan two, and Vermeil got one.
Then there's Parcells' situation. It is believed the loss of his brother earlier in 2005 is behind his desire to step away. Such losses can make one desire more time with family. If Parcells goes off into the sunset, owner Jerry Jones has a problem in finding a replacement. Finding a coach willing to follow in the footsteps of the hall of fame-bound coach could be a challenge. Trying to do the job with the expectations set by Parcells in the past didn't do any favors for Ray Handley (New York Giants) and Pete Carroll (New England). And if Jones wants to move forward seamlessly, he needs to hire a coach that wants to run a 3-4 defense, which might be regaining popularity but still is a minority defense in the league.
To be fair, some coaches will avoid the ax. Baltimore's Brian Billick will return for '06, likely thanks to the quantum leap of improvement by quarterback Kyle Boller in the last two games. And Mike Tice in Minnesota could had earned at least one more year leading the Vikings to playoff contention with a team that had plenty of distractions and obstacles to overcome.
But others (Houston Dom Capers, Oakland's Norv Turner, Green Bay's Mike Sherman, New York Jets' Herman Edwards) might not be as lucky. The coaching carousel can be fast and furious so buckle up.
Unfortunately for me, my record took a dip to 8-8. Hopefully the downward momentum can carry me over the net hill.
Denver at San Diego - Saturday - L
Think about it. If it wasn't for the five games the Chargers blew, they'd have a bye and the top spot gong into the playoffs. For now, they must settle for being spoiler for a Denver team...already...in...the...playoffs. <Sigh> Well they could always play for pride. Since the Broncos have nothing to gain, they'll let the Chargers have this game.
New York Giants at Oakland - Saturday - W
Raiders QB Kerry Collins wants to prove to the Giants they were better off keeping him. While Collins may be driven to play hard, many of his Oakland teammates won't be as inspired. Going through the motions won't be enough as the Giants execute like they mean it.
Carolina at Atlanta - L
While asking for a personal foul, 'Lina wide out Steve Smith committed one by touching an official. He was ejected from the game and his team lost. Smith and the Panthers defense will need to exercise much more discipline trying to stop Atlanta's Michael Vick. They'll fail as the Falcons clip the Cats.
Baltimore at Cleveland - L
And I thought the only way the Ravens' Kyle Boller could get a hot hand would be by eating buffalo wings drenched in sauce. The Baltimore passer must of had a epiphany or gone into The Matrix and became Neo. Whatever the case, Boller's pinpoint passing continues as he directs the Ravens and defeat the Browns.
Arizona at Indianapolis - L
OK, so if the starters only play a couple of series, do they still get a full paycheck? Gee, I wanna be a Colt too! Since Indy's only going through the motions, the Cardinals take advantage in the Upset of the Week.
Cincinnati at Kansas City - W
Chad Johnson trumped himself. The Santa routine of giving away autographed paraphernalia to the fans after the score was the best yet by the Cincy receiver. Unfortunately his teammates had a similar giving feeling as they gave away the game against Buffalo. Christmas is over, but the Chiefs get what they want and that is a win.
Chicago at Minnesota - L
Geez, the way quarterback Rex Grossman spoke about the lackluster offense before he returned you'd think Grossman would help the Bears score more than 24 points on the near non-existent Green Bay defense. He better show more because right now Grossman is all talk. The Vikings will hear from the Bears D, but the offense will have their say in Chicago's win.
Miami at New England - L
Some highly sensitive information was extracted out of Gillette Stadium. Thanks to the use of wire tapping used by Secret Service and endorsed by President Bush, we now know N.E. linebacker Tedy Bruschi has a leg injury. Damn, head coach Bill Belichick is good. The Dolphins find out how good the Patriots are now that they have found their groove.
Buffalo at New York Jets - W
This will be the last game for Eric Moulds as a receiver for Buffalo. After refusing to return to the game against Miami and being suspended the following week, his exit has already been mapped. Moulds will leave on a good note as the Bills flatten the Jets.
Detroit at Pittsburgh - W
If a team ever had the option to forfeit, this would be a game. The Steelers get a second consecutive shutout against the Lions.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay - W
Be nice to your guest. That's what's being asked from the Saints players as they meet with commissioner Paul Tagliabue. That request wasn't proposed to the Buccaneers so they abuse the Saints.
Tennessee at Jacksonville - W
Byron Leftwich made the injury report as questionable after recovering from a broken ankle? Leftwich won't play, as the Jaguars won't need him to dispose of the Titans, but the paves the way for his return in the playoffs.
Houston at San Francisco - L
The recent wins by these teams actually make the match-up interesting. Will Houston regain their momentum after a loss to Jacksonville? Was that a true sign of Alex Smith development in his first pro win with San Fran? Neither wants to be the absolute worst team in the league, though the reward (first pick overall) is nice. One win don't mean jack so I'll take the Texans.
Seattle at Green Bay - L
Brett Favre addressed the media and was noncommittal about his future. Maybe he's holding out to see if the Packers draft Reggie Bush. That would be worth sticking around for at least another year. Until then, the Seahawks pummel Green Bay.
Washington at Philadelphia - W
Maybe the best off-field entertainment has been the multiple personalities created by Redskins RB Clinton Portis. He's had more looks than Madonna, while being funny on purpose. Portis and the Redskins will have reason to smile by defeating the Eagles and reaching the playoffs.
St. Louis at Dallas - L
Julius Jones can become Dallas' first 1,000-yard rusher since Emmitt Smith. Smith was one third of the potent Cowboys triplet including quarterback Troy Aikman and receiver Michael Irvin. Those roles are being played by QB Drew Bledsoe and WR Terry Glenn. Leaves something to be desired, huh? Today's trio ain't on that level, but good enough to lead the Cowboys back to the playoffs.
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