This was fun to watch live.

Here goes (1-1 for Conference Championships, 7-3 for playoffs, 135-122-1 on season)…

Giants (+3) over Patriots: My head says Giants. My gut says Pats. The G-Men are rolling. They have the better defense. They are as close as you can get at quarterback. And there’s a chance Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz totally dominate the New England secondary. After all, those guys are a big step up in class from the Broncos and Ravens air attacks. Still, something feels wrong about the confidence surrounding New York. The Patriots were 13-3. They still have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Their defense is improving and not nearly as bad as people are making it out to be. And they never beat themselves. I’m extremely tempted to go that way but I’ll stick with my initial logic and go with the Madden result, a lot of work goes into that game, they have to know better than me…Giants 27 Pats 24.

Off to Indy…

I see a rematch brewing (3-1 last week, 6-2 for the playoffs, 134-121-7 on the season)…

Giants (+2.5) over 49ers: If you read my post a couple entries below, you’d know who I’m taking in this game. The 49ers are an excellent team all around. They went 13-3, weren’t blown out all season and beat the Saints in the playoffs; that speaks for itself. However, the Giants are playing like a borderline dominant team right now. They’ve taken four consecutive must-win games by a combined score of 121-50. They dominated the 15-1 Packers and their historic passing attack. I’m just not sure what San Francisco does better at the moment (other than have the edge in the kicking game). As good as the Niners defense is, they narrowly defeated New Orleans despite getting five turnovers and Drew Brees still managed to throw for 462 yards and four scores. I think the Giants are the better team.

Patriots (-7.5) over Ravens: Much like New York, I believe New England has improved as the season has gone along, particularly on the defensive side. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a stout D but I don’t think its a special one. And then there’s the Tom Brady-Joe Flacco matchup.

I frankly cannot believe the level the New York Giants are currently playing at. It was just several weeks ago when I thought they weren’t of much greater quality than the Washington Redskins. Then they lost to the Redskins (for the second time this season). That was the end of the slightly above average Giants team.

Something happened after that game. Actually, many things happened. It would be too convenient to attach one reason for such a drastic improvement. In the Helen Keller movie I watched in school, Helen was having trouble learning due to her handicaps and her teachers were growing frustrated. Until her instructor signed water into Helen’s palm while holding her hand under a pump. I think it would be too simplistic to define one such breakthrough moment for this Giants team.

This was a group that was dead-last in rushing offense, 27th in total defense and 25th in scoring defense. Simply put, they weren’t very good. However, those statistics are no longer relevant. Through some combination of playing the Packers tough in the regular season, getting healthy at the right time (perhaps the most important detail), winning the much hyped New York bowl (probably the singular psychological factor I would point to), beating Dallas in an elimination game and steam-rolling through the Falcons, the Giants became a beast of a squad.

The Packers were 15-1 and didn’t belong on the field with them. Aaron Rodgers and a historically great passing attack got crushed despite having an incredibly favorable call go their way. They were inferior. Just like every other team might be.

The San Francisco 49ers have a great defense but the Giants D is playing at an elite level right now. After all, they held Atlanta and Green Bay to a combined 22 points. And with the way Eli Manning is playing and the weapons he has on the outside, their offense can go toe-to-toe with anybody.

As a team, they believe if they play their game, they can’t lose. I’m not sure they will. The only team I’m uncertain they are better than is New England. I think that’s where we’re headed; a rematch of one of the more memorable Super Bowls ever.

Tebow, Tebow, Tebow. Just trying to meet my quota (131-120-7 on the season)…

49ers (+4) over Saints: We are enamored with the Saints because we just saw them dust Detroit. But the Lions were allergic to tackling, San Fran isn’t. The Lions also dropped some sure interceptions, San Fran won’t. New Orleans is virtually unbeatable in their dome but outside of it, they’ve lost games to the Rams and Bucs. The 49ers are built for this and as long as they don’t turn the ball over, I like them to win outright.

Broncos (+13.5) over Patriots: I refuse to doubt Tebow anymore. And Denver was good enough to build an early lead last time these two played. If they are aggressive, they’ve got a shot. However, the Patriots have shown they could care less about playing from behind (49 straight against Buffalo a few weeks ago). I’ll take the Pats by ten.

Texans (+7.5) over Ravens: The only major advantage Baltimore has is at quarterback and Joe Flacco’s performance this year has been questionable at best.

Giants (+7.5) over Packers: Perhaps my judgment is clouded having just seen the Giants, while Green Bay is more out of sight, out of mind. But there was a time when the G-Men could not run the ball and were terrible on defense. That time has passed. I actually believe they are the more well rounded team. Will that be enough to topple Aaron Rodgers and Pack’s historically great passing attack? I’ll say yes for the heck of it.

If you haven’t seen Ricky Rubio play yet, you need to.

Rookie guard Iman Shumpert brings the Knicks and mixtapes together in an enjoyably terrible fashion. (Originally aired on ESPNNewYork1050. )

I’ve yet to pick a playoff game wrong (7-9 last week; 128-119-7 on the season)…

Texans (-3) over Bengals: Houston defends and runs the ball better than Cincy does anything. I won’t give the Bengals rookie quarterback a big enough advantage to go with them.

Saints (-10 1/2) over Lions: New Orleans has won its last eight and by an average of 17 points. Plus, Detroit got torn up by Matt Flynn last week. I’ll roll with Drew Brees and company.

Steelers (-8 1/2) over Broncos: I don’t have complete faith in Pittsburgh’s offense considering the health of Ben Roethlisberger. But I have 100% faith in their defense going against Tim Tebow and the Denver offense. You can’t give a consistently dominant defense that allowed only 14 points per game just one dimension to focus on. The Steelers defense is going to treat Tebow and the Broncos offense like a killer whale does a baby seal or like the Incredible Hulk does purple pants.

Giants (+3) over Falcons: If I could pass on any game, it’d be this one. I’m not sure about the G-Men. Are they getting healthy and everything is clicking for them at the right time? Or did they simply beat a Jets team in disarray and a Cowboys team that lost four of five (with the lone win coming against the Bucs)? Are they still the team that lost to the Redskins three weeks ago? If they beat Atlanta (who I’m not really sold on either but are certainly solid), they can count me as a believer.

Boris Diaw is the latest player to benefit from the world’s best basketball improvement technique. (Originally aired on ESPNNewYork1050)

It would take an epic failure in order for me not to finish with a winning record (8-8 last week; 121-110-7 on the season)…

Bills (+10.5) over Patriots: Something tells me N.E. goes into cruise control.

Saints (-8) over Panthers: I’d pick Cam and company on a neutral field given the points but New Orleans has been a monster at home.

Vikings (-1.5) over Bears: Joe Webb > Caleb Hannie?

Packers (+3) over Lions: Meaningless or not, it’s rare when the pack get points.

Colts (+3.5) over Jaguars: Indy is rolling now.

Dolphins (-3) over Jets: Not sure they aren’t just better. (Reggie Bush’s injury changes things but I’ll stick with the choice for the heck of it.)

49ers (-10.5) over Rams: Know they are better.

Titans (-3) over Texans: Playing for their playoff lives.

Bengals (+2.5): Same deal but in their own building.

Eagles (-8.5) over Redskins: Just because.

Broncos (-3) over Chiefs: Only because it’s in Mile High.

Steelers (-6.5) over Browns: I can’t remember if I’ve ever picked Cleveland.

Chargers (+3) over Raiders: San Diego spoils their playoff hopes.

Seahawks (+2.5) over Cardinals: No reason.

Falcons (-11) over Bucs: Tampa es no bueno.

Giants (-3) over Cowboys: I trust New York more, just slightly though.

This sports weekend is spectacular. Happy holidays everybody! (10-6 last week; 113-102-7 on the season)…

Colts (+7.5) over Texans: I deserve to lose this one. (I didn’t.)

Cardinals (+4.5) over Bengals: I think Arizona is just as good as Cincy at this point.

Ravens (-12.5) over Browns: Bounce back game for Baltimore.

Broncos (-3) over Bills: Buffalo is terrible and can’t stop the run.

Titans (-7) over Jaguars: Simply because they are at home.

Dolphins (+9.5) over Patriots: Miami deserves some respect for how they’ve been playing and the Pats have wrapped up the division.

Redskins (-6.5) over Vikings: In Grossman I trust.

Jets (-3) over Giants: The Giants are 7-7, have been outscored on the season and rank 28th in points allowed. Eli Manning is better than Mark Sanchez, everywhere else I think the Jets have a slight edge.

Chiefs (-2.5) over Raiders: Carson Palmer will throw some picks at Arrowhead.

Steelers (-11.5) over Rams: I don’t care who the quarterback is.

Panthers (-7.5) over Bucs: Tampa sucks.

Chargers (+2.5) over Lions: San Diego has their December super powers working again.

Eagles (+1.5) over Cowboys: If Philly has something to play for, they’ll dust Dallas.

Seahawks (+2.5) over 49ers: Seattle has been playing well, is at home and San Fran played Monday night.

Packers (-12) over Bears: Caleb Hannie.

Saints (-7) over Falcons: New Orleans seems unbeatable in the Superdome.

I just left the newly renovated Madison Square Garden following the Knicks and Nets second preseason meeting, my first taste of live basketball this season (yeah, I know it doesn’t really count). Despite the ugly nature of that particular game, I’m currently experiencing a state of antsy euphoria knowing the actual season is only a few days away and will gladly ignore a little post lockout sloppy play.

I feel like a kid fresh off a month-long grounding. There are simply too many stories to delve into come Christmas day. I’ll start with the two teams I just saw.

–Tyson Chandler is clearly going to have a significant impact on the Knicks. He is big, coordinated, active and athletic. He should improve their defense, keep attention away from Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire offensively and clean up the boards to limit teams to one shot (a huge problem for New York last year). His positive attitude also seems to be contagious.

With that said, their backcourt is currently a travesty. They’ve got absolutely no one who can break down a defense off the dribble. It’s probably not a good thing when Toney Douglas is the best guard on your team. Maybe Chandler’s positive energy can help heal Baron Davis’ back.

Another story to watch is the dynamic between Anthony and Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni, considered an offensive guru, is coaching for his job. Meanwhile, Carmelo is attempting to justify his star status. Melo is a savant as a scorer but he’s never really made his teammates dramatically better like other top players (he’s been eliminated in the first round in seven of his eight playoff appearances–in an average of 4.7 games). D’Antoni promises to run the offense through him. Can they help each other get better? Will this be the year Carmelo becomes a true superstar?

–The Nets are currently Deron Williams and a bunch of scrubs. Brook Lopez is far and away their second best player and their third best player isn’t even known for basketball (the Garden crowd booed Kris Humphries vociferously, as if they were defending Kim Kardashian’s honor). *Brook Lopez’ injury was revealed after I wrote this and could make number two below the more likely outcome.*

No team has more at stake this year. It really is all or nothing for the Nets. Think about the two possible outcomes for them.

1. They acquire Dwight Howard. Then they would be heading to Brooklyn with two stars, an intriguing Russian billionaire owner, a mega star minority owner and a team capable of competing for years to come. They would actually matter and a fun rivalry would develop with the Knicks for the first time in New York basketball history.

2. They don’t acquire Dwight Howard. They continue to stink. They lose Deron Williams and move to Brooklyn with nothing. They remain irrelevant.

–Speaking of intra-city rivalries…how about the Clippers and Lakers seeming like legit competitors for the first time ever? The Lakers still have Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum making them ever dangerous. But Kobe is older (and hurt) and the team overall is slow. Plus, Josh McRoberts is their fourth best player. Meanwhile, the Clips now feature Chris Paul lobs to Blake Griffin, otherwise known as basketball pornography. Toss in the soap opera that was David Stern determining CP3’s trade destination and you have compelling theater. Jack Nicholson should just stay in his seat at all times.

–Then there’s that team in Miami. Will their chemistry continue to grow with experience or will they ultimately prove that simply assembling talent doesn’t guarantee results, even if you have the two best players in the world on the same team? (Or does it just prove that three great players need more than complete bums for a supporting cast?)

I’ll bet on them. And yes, I’ll still bet on LeBron James (even in the Finals). Give me Heat over Thunder in June.

I could care less about my record last week. I was up six points in fantasy going into the Sunday night game with DeMarco Murray going up against Victor Cruz. Murray’s ankle injury cost me my season. Thanks a lot DeMarco. Also, I wish you a speedy recovery and great success in the future, I don’t hold grudges (7-9 last week; 103-96-7 on the season)…

Falcons (-11 1/2) over Jaguars: I picked this. Trust me.

Bucs (+7) over Cowboys: Dallas hasn’t been impressive in weeks.

Redskins (+6 1/2) over Giants: Washington is actually playing well. G-Men by a field goal.

Eagles (-3) over Jets: With absolutely zero confidence. Jets offense shouldn’t be able to keep up with Philly but their physicality should be way too much for the Iggles to handle. I’ll just ride Philadelphia until they are mathematically eliminated.

Packers (-13 1/2) over Chiefs: Um, Kansas City was not impressive last week.

Saints (-6 1/2) over Vikings: New Orleans is better than Minnesota.

Seahawks (+3 1/2) over Bears: Seattle is better as currently constituted.

Dolphins (- 1 1/2) over Bills: The wheels have fallen off Buffalo’s wagon.

Texans (-6 1/2) over Panthers: That defense has been ballin’.

Titans (-6 1/2) over Colts: Indy hasn’t balled all year.

Bengals (-6 1/2) over Rams: One team is playing for its playoff life, the other sucks.

Raiders (+1) over Lions: At home.

Patriots (-6 1/2) over Broncos: Denver’s D and toughness on offense should actually make this close but I’m taking Belichick and Brady over the force of Tebow.

Cardinals (-7) over Browns: Arizona is kind of ok.

Chargers (+2 1/2) over Ravens: Say what you want about Norv Turner, he seems to have magical coaching powers in December.

49ers (-2 1/2) over Steelers: I’ll take that San Fran defense in their own building.

I’m still too consumed by all the NBA stuff to properly formulate thoughts on NFL picks. Chris Paul’s tweet said it all…in one word…WoW. Say what you want about David Stern, he’s not boring.

Here are the picks, devoid of any explanation whatsoever (9-7 last week; 96-87-7 on the season)…

Steelers (-14) over Browns (I lost this one)

Panthers (+3) over Falcons

Bengals (-3) over Texans

Ravens (-16.5) over Colts

Chiefs (+11) over Jets

Vikings (+10) over Lions

Patriots (-8.5) over Redskins

Titans (+4) over Saints

Eagles (+3) over Dolphins

Jaguars (+2) over Bucs

Broncos (-3.5) over Bears

49ers (-4) over Cardinals

Chargers (-7) over Bills

Raiders (+11.5) over Packers

Giants (+3.5) over Cowboys

Seahawks (-7.5) over Rams

*Update: The NBA killed the CP3 deal. Vince McMahon would be proud of them for this soap opera. Most of what I wrote below is no longer valid (it wasn’t any good anyway) as Chris Paul is the only player still in a lockout.*

The lockout is over and it’s like it never happened. There were so many gigantic moves in the NBA today that I can’t even process them yet.

Leave it to the Lakers to acquire a superstar that Kobe Bryant won’t even have to pass the ball to. Did they just form the best backcourt in history teaming him up with Chris Paul? Will trading away all their size but Andrew Bynum leave them with a huge weakness? Could they possibly still get Dwight Howard?

How about the Knicks who lost out on CP3? Tyson Chandler was exactly what they needed in the middle, defense and rebounding. But will they have to put a help wanted sign outside the Garden in order to fill their glaring hole at point guard?

Plus, the Heat signed a solid role player in Shane Battier and are giving Eddy Curry a shot. It’s too much. I don’t know what to make of it all. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!

So Marvel announced an X-Men versus Avengers crossover set for the spring of 2012. This is an awesome idea (the Mayan calendar better not mess it up). It’s also an excuse for me to ponder which super team will win this epic showdown…

Of course any discussion pitting Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters against Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is going to be largely dependent on rosters. Each team has had a revolving door membership over the years, with power level varying by the various makeups of the squads.

Where this becomes extremely relevant is in the case of wild cards like Magneto and the Hulk. The Hulk was a founding member of the Avengers but his mercurial nature has kept him from being a mainstay. Meanwhile, Magneto is the X-Men’s greatest villain but has also been a member on a number of occasions (as I believe is the case currently). With the Hulk being the strongest one there is and Magneto the master of magnetism, each is a one-man wrecking crew and could swing the battle greatly to one side or the other.

Now going with the consistent rosters, I think each team has one distinct advantage. For the X-Men, that is the realm of mental powers. Professor X’s telepathic abilities are unmatched and Jean Grey (if she’s alive for this one) and White Queen are no slouches in that department. For the Avengers, it is overall power. There’s no muscle on the mutant team that can stack up to Thor, Iron Man and the aforementioned Hulk.

There are a couple aspects of this showdown that should be considered dead even going in. One of these is in-battle leadership. Captain America’s reputation speaks for itself, while Cyclops is almost his equal in that regard and has much more potent powers. Another draw would be in the intelligence/technology realm where Tony Stark and the Beast would have a heck of a battle of wits.

Some other factors would be at play as well. No one on either side can match Wolverine’s ruthlessness and the fact that he is nearly impossible to keep down for good. The X-Men could add another unaccounted for gem with Storm’s ability to manipulate the elements. However, the Scarlet Witch nearly eliminated mutants in one fell swoop, so that’s a major trump card for the Avengers.

There are certainly many variables at play here, none bigger than roster composition. In the end, though I’m team X-Men at heart, the Avengers possess too much raw power not to assemble a victory.

Chris Paul wants to be a Knick. At least according to I’ve everything I’ve seen, read and common sense. And if that’s what he truly wants, he can make it happen. I’m here to make the case that it should happen before the start of the season.

Look, the Knicks don’t have much to offer New Orleans. Pretending they can put together an even deal is laughable. New York shouldn’t pretend otherwise. However, they do have one thing they can offer the Hornets; the chance to be terrible. Right now. Not in a year. Not later in the season. Immediately. From the opening tip.

Now you might ask, why would the Hornets want to be terrible? Because being terrible is preferable to being mediocre. The worst thing an NBA team can be is mediocre. No chance at a championship, no chance at high draft picks. Other teams with more valuable trade pieces than the Knicks are offering the Hornets the chance to be just that.

Think about some of the possibilities. There’s no way the Hornets will get a player in return that can replace a true superstar, in my opinion the best point guard in the league. They can only hope not to be embarrassed by what they get in return. Take the rumored Rajon Rondo deal. Rondo is an excellent player but his talents have been maximized playing alongside three future Hall of Famers. Put him on New Orleans and you have a really good player with a bunch of average ones, equalling…you guessed it, mediocre. Or how about the other rumored suitor, the Clippers? They could offer a package built around say Eric Gordon, a very good young player. He and some filler might make N.O. slightly above awful. Not exactly a recipe for success. (Remember, any draft picks they’d get from these teams would wind up being late, especially after those teams added CP3.)

By trading Chris Paul to the Knicks, the Hornets give him exactly what he wants without getting much in return. Doesn’t exactly seem fair. But they can’t get a fair deal. Their course of action should be to rebuild and the best way to rebuild is to bottom out and get a bunch of ping pong balls in the next draft (one that happens to be deep because kids stayed in school to avoid the lockout).

Drafting a stud is the only way they can approximate CP3 and they’d only have to suffer one year to do so. Then, their fans would have something to look forward to watching develop, with the draft pick, a couple of young complementary pieces acquired in the deal and a roster devoid of bad contracts (which the Knicks would take on).

By making this trade, by swallowing pride and agreeing to be terrible right away, their front office would have a shot at a do-over, a chance to succeed where they failed with Paul.

Got some breathing room last week (10-5-1 last week; 87-80-7 on the season)…

Eagles (-3) over Seahawks: Don’t know why I’m picking the Iggles again.

Falcons (-3) over Texans: I didn’t know who TJ Yates was until last week.

Titans (+3) over Bills: Better team getting points?

Bears (-7) over Chiefs: Tyler Palko=Caleb Hanie, Rest of Bears > Rest of Chiefs.

Dolphins (-3) over Raiders: Miami’s corners will pick Carson Palmer once or twice.

Steelers (-7) over Bengals: With no confidence.

Jets (-3) over Redskins: Don’t have much confidence in Jets either.

Panthers (+3) over Bucs: I guess.

Broncos (+1) over Vikings: Vikes can stop the run but I’m not will in to bet against the end of Tim Tebow’s run yet.

Ravens (-7) over Browns: Watch Baltimore not show up.

Rams (+14) over 49ers: Too many?

Cardinals (+4 1/2) over Cowboys: Dallas has been playing squeakers.

Packers (-7) over Giants: Can’t go the other way after seeing what the Saints did to Big Blue’s D on Monday.

Saints (-7) over Lions: I’m ready to stomp on Detroit’s season.

Jaguars (+3) over Chargers: Whoever is coaching Jacksonville has got to be better than Norv Turner.

Patriots (-21) over Colts: Yep.

It’s over. I can’t believe it’s finally over. The NBA lockout has ended (tentatively) and my life has gotten somewhere between 49 and 51% better.

In the aftermath I’m sure some will analyze who won the deal. Others may wonder whether there will be any lingering negative effects or anger amongst the fanbase. Me? I say who cares. Basketball is back and that’s all that matters. I can immediately forget about all the other nonsense.

No more talk of BRI’s or system issues or escrow or luxury taxes or disclaiming unions and anti-trust suits. And to make it even better, with the NFL lockout in the rearview and MLB’s labor situation quietly resolved, we won’t have to deal with the word lockout and the surrounding babble that goes with it for the better part of a decade.

Now we can turn our attention to less boring and frustrating things. Like say…the Miami Heat act two, the last stand for Kobe’s Lakers and the Boston Celtics, the first promising Knicks season in years, the continued emergence of young stars like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose, endless rumors surrounding Dwight Howard, Deron Williams and Chris Paul and whether his short time with Kim Kardashian will vault Kris Humphries to superstar status.

Because, as it turns out, Nuclear winters are no match for Christmas miracles.

(And since many on the internet seem impervious to sarcasm, I was kidding about the Kris Humphries one.)

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! (6-7-1 last week; 77-75-6 on the season)…

Packers (-7) over Lions: Green Bay has been a fairly safe pick thus far this year.

Dolphins (+7) over Dallas: Miami has outscored opponents 86-20 in the last three weeks.

Ravens (-3) over 49ers: San Francisco is really good but if there is a game for Alex Smith to have a retro performance, it’ll be on the road in Baltimore.

Jets (-8) over Bills: Buffalo stinks and Rex Ryan’s defense owns Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Cardinals (+3) over Rams: Arizona is better. Maybe.

Panthers (-3.5) over Colts: Keeping with the don’t pick the Colts no matter what rule.

Browns (+8.5) over Bengals: Cincy likely wins but I’m not sure they crush them.

Texans (-3.5) over Jaguars: A Matt Leinart led Houston offense is still vastly superior to Jacksonville’s.

Falcons (-9.5) over Vikings: Atlanta is great at home and the Vikings are no good. They should be even more no good without Adrian Peterson.

Titans (-3.5) over Bucs: No reason.

Bears (+4.5) over Raiders: Jay Cutler was playing very well but the Chicago defense, running game and special teams are still good enough for them not to fall apart.

Seahawks (-4) over Redskins: I will not be watching this game.

Broncos (+6.5) over Chargers: Can’t give Tebow that many points, can you?

Steelers (-10.5) over Chiefs: Tyler Palko, meet the Steelers defense.

Eagles (+3) over Patriots: Philly is going to make the rest of this season interesting.

Saints (-7) over Giants: Bad matchup for G-Men.

Doh ! (6-9 last week; 71-68-5 on the season)…

Jets (-7) over Broncos: Actually not that confident in this pick but Jets need this one.

Dolphins (-1.5) over Bills: I know longer believe in Buffalo and Miami has looked upper tier mediocre recently.

Panthers (+7) over Lions: Don’t know why.

Ravens (-7) over Bengals: Baltimore is hard to predict but they seem to play well against good teams.

Cowboys (-8) over Redskins: Washington might currently be the worst team in the league.

Jaguars (Even) over Browns: I think I believe Jacksonville is slightly better.

Raiders (-1) over Vikings: Um, Minnesota is not very good.

Packers (-14) over Bucs: Um, the Packers are.

Cardinals (+10) over 49ers: Seems like too many points.

Rams (-1) over Seahawks: In a battle of two bad teams, I’ll take the one at home.

Bears (-4) over Chargers: Chicago is for real.

Falcons (-6) over Titans: Atlanta is so much better at home than on the road.

Eagles (+4.5) over Giants: Last chance Philly.

Patriots (-15) over Chiefs: I believe the first team in this matchup says Patriots and the second one says Chiefs.

Sometimes when you back someone into a corner, they fight back. That’s the situation we have now in the NBA.

The players feel like their backs are against the wall and the only prudent thing to do is stand up to their perceived assailant; Commissioner David Stern and a group of hardline owners. I vehemently disagree with this tactic but I totally understand it.

By issuing a take it or leave it ultimatum, the league played off of all the wrong aspects of its players (some of the more competitive people on the planet). I suspect this negotiating strategy was meant to break the union and pressure them into taking a deal they deemed unfavorable. Instead, it played to their emotions and caused them to stand up for what they believe in, even if the battle they are waging is a futile one.

Stern appears confident he will prevail and he probably will, in the literal sense of this particular situation. (As a side note, he has a lot of nerve insinuating the players failed to negotiate in good faith when they made economic concessions worth well north of $3 billion.) Where he will not win is in representing his product, the National Basketball Association. It was his job to get the more hawkish owners (the ones who clearly hate the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers) to back off. It was his job to massage a situation that was more than two years in the making. It was his job to harness the momentum his league had, not potentially destroy it. It was his job to get a deal done. It was his job to save the season. It looks like he has failed.

This is no longer a battle over money. For the owners, this is about control. For the players, it is about pride. The owners are correct but they aren’t right. The players aren’t correct but they are right. And neither side is relying on logic nor acting rationally in an effort to win this fight. So in the end, we all lose.

I just wish I could make like the players and disclaim my interest.

I know Penn State is the biggest story right now but I’ve talked enough about it on the radio and there’s nothing I can write that I haven’t or hasn’t been said. I’ll sum it up in one word, terrible. And then there’s my unending frustration with the NBA lockout.
At least there’s picks to make (8-6 last week; 65-59-5)…

Raiders (+7.5) over Chargers: I don’t think San Diego is good enough to get this many points against anyone.

Bills (+5.5) over Cowboys: Don’t trust Dallas.

Eagles (7.5) over Cardinals: I’ve been wrong on Philly all year. I’ll give them one more chance.

Chiefs (-3) over Broncos: I’ll take Kansas City at home.

Texans (-3.5) over Bucs: I’ve got a gut feeling Tampa takes this but logic and numbers say Houston.

Jaguars (-3) over Colts: I vowed never to pick Indy again.

Saints (-1) over Falcons: With no confidence whatsoever.

Steelers (-3.5) over Bengals: Not a Bengals believer yet.

Rams (+3) over Browns: Why not?

Panthers (-3.5) over Titans: Tennessee is very vulnerable through the air.

Dolphins (-4) over Redskins: Miami is favored. That tells you how good Washington is.

Ravens (-7) over Seahawks: Can’t think of a reason to go the other way.

Bears (-3) over Lions: I’ve been impressed with Chicago over the last several weeks.

49ers (-3.5) over Giants: Tough game for G-Men having to go across the country after a huge win to face the best defense in the league.

Jets (-1.5) over Patriots: Jets simply might be the better team.

Vikings (+13.5) over Packers: I’ll say rivalry keeps them within two touchdowns.

Looking to put .500 further in my rearview mirror (5-6-1 last week; 57-53-5)…

Bills (-2) over Jets: Huge game. The Bills are third in points per game, near the top in rushing and first in takeaways. Though the Jets pass coverage may be enough to carry the day.

Patriots (-9) over Giants: I originally took the Giants because that is too many points to give the NFC East leaders but the Giants simply have too many injuries.

Falcons (-7) over Colts: I’m never picking Indy again.

Saints (-8) over Bucs: Bounceback game?

Browns (+11) over Texans: Too many.

Dolphins (+4) over Chiefs: Miami may have lost every game but they’ve been in a bunch of them.

49ers (-3 1/2) over Redskins: I think Washington officially stinks now.

Seahawks (+11 1/2) over Cowboys: Dallas isn’t good enough to be favored by double digits.

Raiders (-8) over Broncos: Denver hasn’t looked so good.

Bengals (+3) over Titans: I don’t know who is better.

Cardinals (-2 1/2) over Rams: Home team?

Packers (-5 1/2) over Chargers: Better team.

Steelers (-3) over Ravens: Revenge.

Eagles (-7 1/2) over Bears: I’m back on the Eagles bandwagon.

I’ve been on the player’s side. I always thought the owners were going not just for the kill but for the fatality, Mortal Kombat style. Check that, not just the fatality but a flawless victory.

However, after Billy Hunter reportedly walked out of the last set of negotiations, the players are out of moves. The only strategy remaining is holding out and possibly missing the season, which would be insane because it wouldn’t make the deal any better. At best, they’d wind up with the same deal…while losing millions upon millions in the process.

It’s like this. Someone tells you they’ll trade you a banana for your Snack Pack. You’d like to keep the Snack Pack but you have no leverage in the negotiations. Your choices are to take the deal you’re not thrilled about now or take it later while also sacrificing a year’s salary. The only reason to choose the latter is pride. The type of pride that can only be labeled as foolish.

It’s time for the player’s to hand over the Snack Pack. They have to know how badly the owners can beat them.

(Of course, I don’t know what I’m talking about when it comes to this stuff, so feel free to ignore everything I just wrote.)

Something terrible happened to me toward the end of my vacation that rendered me helpless. My laptop and phone broke at the same time. Oh, the humanity!

What is one to do when his two most important possessions go kaput? (Well, other than go to the store and get them fixed. Which I did. My computer should be back in a couple of days and I already have a new phone. But that’s beside the point.) My first thought was to cry. How would I look up useless information? How would I tweet? Was I supposed to listen to music on a regular iPod like a caveman?

I suppose I could’ve talked to people. But why would I do that when the phone part of my phone is the only part I never use? I could’ve gone outside which I enjoy. But it was hotter than Hansel. I couldn’t even look up stuff to do on my phone or my computer!!!

I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. A man without his technological appendages is akin to Thor without his hammer, Popeye without his spinach or a contestant on “The Bachelor” without a rose. At the end of the day I will survive this ordeal. But remember, at the end of the day I think at the end of the day is the phrase I hear the most by the end of the day.

I’d like to put some distance between me and .500 (7-5-1 last week; 52-47-4 on the season)…

Ravens (-13) over Cardinals: Baltimore won’t replicate last week.

Colts (+8.5) over Titans: Too many points. Titans aren’t good.

Jaguars (+10) over Texans: Jags defense is actually playing really well.

Dolphins (+10) over Giants: Giants win, not quite sure it is by more than ten.

Panthers (-3.5) over Vikings: I believe in Killa Cam.

Saints (-14) over Rams: The Rams are the worst team in the league.

Broncos (+3) over Lions: TEBOW!!! I don’t even believe that but I wanted to type it.

Bills (-7) over Redskins: Washington will finish last in the NFC East.

Bengals (-3) over Seahawks: Much lesser of two evils.

Browns (+10) over 49ers: San Francisco is strong on defense, not sure they can run up the score on people.

Patriots (-3) over Steelers: Tom Brady owns Pittsburgh.

Eagles (-3.5) over Cowboys: Philly is playing for its season.

Chiefs (+4) over Chargers: San Diego is overrated.

Last year, the beginning of the NBA season was met with heightened fervor. This was due to the fallout of “The Decision” and the debut of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. Despite the success of last year’s finals, that anticipation would have been difficult to replicate this year.

Unless, fans thought they weren’t going to get a season at all. We always want what we can’t have. When you were grounded as a child, going outside and playing with your friends felt like the most exciting prospect imaginable. (I suppose that’s the most innocent analogy for being locked out.)

I was as angry as anyone in regards to the NBA’s work stoppage. But with optimism in the air and prospects of a full 82-game season, my anger is morphing into nervousness and measured excitement. And I’m now firmly convinced missing the entire year was a bluff from both sides.

Look, I’m not implying this was orchestrated, that would be ridiculous. But I am saying, what better way to amp up the hype for the Miami Heat act 2, the first full season of Stat and Melo in New York, trade rumors around Dwight Howard and the Mavs attempt to defend their crown, then to have people believe it was not going to happen at all.

I won’t be fully at ease until a deal is reached but I believe again. And to quote Kevin Garnett, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

I seem to fluctuate week to week. So this must be my week (5-7-1 last week; 45-42-3 on the season)…

Chargers (-2) over Jets: Maybe if Rex Ryan were coaching the Chargers the spread would be larger.

Bears (-1) over Bucs: I was moderately impressed by Chicago Sunday night.

Panthers (-2 1/2) over Redskins: Cam Newton > John Beck

Browns (-3) over Seahawks: I hope I witness absolutely none of this game.

Titans (-3) over Texans: I hate the Texans, I’m not sure why, but I do.

Broncos (+2) over Dolphins: Tim Tebow > Matt Moore. I’m not sure what that says about Tebow but I am sure about that comparison.

Falcons (+3 1/2) over Lions: I see Detroit around 10-6, they’ve got to start losing at some point.

Raiders (-4 1/2) over Chiefs: I don’t care who their quarterback is.

Steelers (-3 1/2) over Cardinals: Look at the two teams I just typed.

Cowboys (-13) over Rams: I might pick the St. Louis Cardinals before the Rams.

Packers (-9) over Vikings: Bad pun alert…I didn’t have to Ponder this one.

Saints (-14) over Colts: I actually don’t believe this but Indy has burned me all season.

Ravens (-8) over Jaguars: Baltimore is one of the best teams in the league, Jacksonville one of the worst. Makes sense.

Rex Ryan is great for my profession. I can’t ever remember a coach providing more talk fodder. He’s been the gift that keeps on giving. Perhaps the best press conference performer of all time.

And while I’ve wondered whether he was approaching the clown line at times, I’ve always defended him. The results were there. Yes, he guaranteed Super Bowls and didn’t win them but he has coached the Jets for two years and they’ve appeared in two AFC Championship games. He may not have delivered on his ‘promises’ but he delivered the goods. I believe there is an old saying about only talking if you can back it up. To me, that’s backing it up, particularly when you bounce Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the 14-2 Patriots in the process.

However, the Jets success never stopped the ubiquitous question, ‘Does Rex Ryan talk too much?’ While most in the media appeared to be his sycophants, guffawing at his jokes on cue, there were others who were outraged, or at least feigned outrage. And they’ve been waiting for their chance to pounce. A chance they hope is nearing.

We love to build people up and tear them down (see the “South Park” Britney Spears episode) and I’ve always maintained that when Rex fell, he would fall hard. (Insert the bigger they are, the harder they fall joke.) He hasn’t fallen yet but the way his team is playing, coupled with locker room turmoil and his comments regarding Norv Turner and the Chargers, he may be on the ledge. Though, he now has more guaranteed and theoretical rings than any coach in history. So there’s that.

If this is indeed the end of the honeymoon, there’s one image I’ll look back on; Rex calling a timeout to argue the results of a play he already challenged as his team was getting embarrassed by the Ravens. He looked like a man who had lost control.

Now, maybe this will be nothing and he and the Jets will live up to their Super Bowl expectations. But I wouldn’t guarantee it.

Can’t complain (7-5-1 last week; 40-35-2 on the season)…

Buffalo (+3 1/2) over New York Giants: The Bills have scored more points per game than any team but the Packers and Patriots and the lead the league in takeaways. The Giants don’t do anything that good.

Green Bay (-15) over St. Louis: Can’t pick the Rams.

Pittsburgh (-12) over Jacksonville: Seems like a lot but see above and replace Rams with Jaguars.

Philadelphia (-1 1/2) over Washington: Last chance Philly.

Detroit (-4 1/2) over San Francisco: Lions are probably better and at home.

Carolina (+4) over Atlanta: Could see an upset here.

Bengals (-7) over Indianapolis: Every time I pick Indy, I lose.

Baltimore (-7 1/2) over Houston: Ravens are better, they’re significantly better with the Texans sans Andre Johnson.

Oakland (-6 1/2) over Cleveland: I don’t buy the Browns.

New England (-7) over Dallas: Picking Pats pays off most of the time.

Tampa (+4 1/2) over New Orleans: Gut.

Minnesota (+3) over Chicago: Vikings are better than their record.

Miami (+7) over New York Jets: The Jets should win but the Dolphins are a winless team off a bye, expect a good effort.

Anytime there is a failure as epic as missing games a year after one of the most successful seasons in league history, there is a lot of blame to go around. Everyone is somewhat at fault. But if I had to point my index finger directly at one person, it’d be NBA Commissioner David Stern.

It is David Stern’s job to represent the league and the owners. However, it is also his job to present the union with a proposal that they can realistically sell to the players. He did not. It’s a major problem that union heads Billy Hunter and Derek Fisher said they expected to reach this point and thought it was part of the NBA’s strategy. True or not, it’s an even bigger problem that Stern did nothing to change that mindset.

The league’s offer indicates they want to have their cake, eat it too and then have it again. According to reports, the sides would have reached a deal on money, with the players giving back a significant chunk. On top of that, the owners want to overhaul the entire system in their favor.

To me, it’s obvious some of this is in response to the Miami Heat and Carmelo Anthony. Some owners feel the players have too much control (I’d suspect Dan Gilbert and Stan Kroenke are amongst them). I bet they watched LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh celebrate their signing together and Carmelo force his way to New York while toasting to a future union with Chris Paul and thought, have your fun now, we’ll see you during CBA negotiations. And their demand of a pseudo hard cap is a way to seek retribution and put control back in their hands, even if they’ve shown an inability to competently wield it in the past.

The NBA hasn’t lost the casual fan yet, that won’t happen unless they miss a season and that fan forgets the league exists. Instead, they’ve spit in the face of their real fans and harmed the livelihood of their lower tier workers. And for what?

Minnesota (+3) over Arizona: I don’t know why I’m picking the Vikings but I am.

Jacksonville (-2) over Cincinnati: There must be a reason the Jags are favored.

Indianapolis (-2.5) over Kansas City: Colts are a bit better with Curtis Painter.

Carolina (+7) over New Orleans: Gut pick so it’s wrong.

Oakland (+6) over Houston: No Andre Johnson.

Philadelphia (-3) over Buffalo: Eagles gotta win this one, right?

Seattle (+10) over New York Giants: Ten points seems just about perfect.

Pittsburgh (-3) over Tennessee: I need one more week of proof from the Titans.

Tampa (+3) over San Francisco: I suppose.

New England (+9) over New York Jets: Gotta see the Jets look better after their recent performances.

San Diego (-4.5) over Denver: Chargers are better?

Green Bay (-6.5) over Atlanta: Packers are certainly better.

Chicago (+5) over Detroit: Feels like that trap division game for Lions.

It’s not fair that the owners are asking so much of a giveback from their most important employees. That doesn’t mean it’s not inevitable. What is the players’ leverage? Missing a season? I’m not sure how that benefits anyone (and I would probably cry if it happened).

This is a star-driven league and I believe if this lockout is prolonged, it will be star-driven as well. You see, guys like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett feel they’re worth a ton to the league. And they are. They also feel like they can financially withstand missed time. With their income, I’m sure they can. Plus, they’re competitive. They probably want to win this thing on principle.

However, that’s not the best thing for the majority of the players. The role players, the journeymen, the rookies. An average NBA career is around five years. Why would the typical player want to sacrifice the equivalent of 20% of his total earnings in order to fight until the end over the percentage points that would result in an annual pay cut.

The players had been winning the P.R. battle. They’ve managed to perpetuate the stereotype of the greedy owner. But they won’t win the war. If games are missed, fans will lash out at the players, because that’s who they know. The owners are just names to them. The players are the league, good or bad. And if there’s a significant stoppage, fans will lash out at them like they do the guy who makes a huge on court gaffe in a pivotal moment.

The players have already sacrificed hundreds of millions of dollars. They’ll have to sacrifice a little more. And the owners need to relax and throw them a bone. A 51-49 split should be a realistic deal. Owners win (players previously received 57%) but players get to win the last little inch of negotiating and keep their share over 50 percent.

I just hope both sides realize this in time.

Cincinnati (+3.5) over Buffalo: Marvin Lewis basically guaranteed a win. And if you can’t trust Marvin Lewis…

Chicago (-7) over Carolina: The Bears are a tough team to figure out but their most impressive performance of the season came at home and they are back in Chicago this week.

Detroit (Even) over Dallas: With no confidence whatsoever.

Minnesota (-2.5) over Kansas City: I think the Vikings are a better 0-3 than the Chiefs are.

New Orleans (-7) over Jacksonville: The Jaguars are not good at football.

Pittsburgh (+4) over Houston: The Steelers have not been impressive but I hate on the Texans.

Philadelphia (-5.5) over San Francisco: If the Eagles don’t win this one the dream might be dead.

Cleveland (Even) over Tennessee: The Browns are at home and the Titans just lost Kenny Britt. That’s the extent of my reasoning.

St. Louis (+1) over Washington: Gut.

Seattle (+5.5) over Atlanta: The Falcons haven’t done enough to be favored by that many on the road against anybody.

New York Giants (-1.5) over Arizona: Giants D-Line>Kevin Kolb

Denver (+13.5) over Green Bay: Suckered by the points.

Miami (+7) over San Diego: Suckered by fewer points.

New England (-5) over Oakland: The Patriots won’t lose two in a row, right?

New York Jets (+3.5) over Baltimore: A field goal sounds about right.

Indianapolis (+10) over Tampa: The Colts stink but they seem to stink just a little less each week.

“Moneyball”: Let’s start with the inspiration. Without realizing I was being completely sensical, when I was a child I used to wonder why walks weren’t viewed just as positively as hitting statistics and why teams would waste an out to bunt a runner from first to second base. The general approach behind the Moneyball philosophy and its reasonable approach to such issues and total dismissal of some of the old unwritten rules is laid out well here. The irony is that the implementation of some of these theories has led to longer (see Yankees-Red Sox) and arguably boring games, while the movie remains well-paced and entertaining. Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane is a likable and interesting protagonist and the dialogue is snappy throughout (particularly the jokes at the expense of old school thinking). Its only misstep is a drawn out ending that feels a bit unnecessary, kind of like a really long at bat filled with a bunch of fouled off balls.

“Contagion”: Matt Damon plays a pretty good version of Matt Damon here and the flick does a solid job of illustrating a believable reaction to a worldwide epidemic. A well made and directed movie that gives you what you expected when you bought the ticket to see it.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”: In a word, excellent. I’m not familiar with the mythos or the other films but I bet you I like this one better. From what I’ve seen of the originals, the apes are more humanoid. Here they are still regular apes, their intelligence is just enhanced. And the journey of the lead chimp, Caesar, is compelling. Good CGI, good action, good story. Good movie.

Three movies and no outs; Billy Beane would approve.

Denver (+7) over Tennessee: Seems like too many points.

Minnesota (+4) over Detroit: Home dogs.

New Orleans (-4.5) over Houston: The Texans have the number one ranked defense in the league. That changes this week.

Carolina (-4) over Jacksonville: Killa Cam gets his first W.

Miami (+2.5) over Cleveland: Whatever.

New England (-9) over Buffalo: Going with the Patriots seems to work pretty well.

Philadelphia (-6.5) over New York Giants: Same theory as with Pats and though it seemed the G-Men did a nice job against Michael Vick last season, the Eagles still put up 38 and 27 points against them in two meetings.

San Francisco (+3) over Cincinnati: I hypothesize that the 49ers are better than the Bengals.

Baltimore (-4.5) over St. Louis: I know the Ravens are better than the Rams.

Kansas City (+15.5) over San Diego: Probably a sucker bet.

Oakland (+3.5) over New York Jets: Don’t have enough faith in the Jets offense.

Arizona (-3.5) over Seattle: The Seahawks are not good at scoring points.

Atlanta (+1.5) over Tampa: Flip a coin.

Green Bay (-4) over Chicago: Aaron Rodgers > Jay Cutler.

Pittsburgh (-11.5) over Indianapolis: I went with the Colts two weeks in a row. No more.

Washington (+6.5) over Dallas: Are the Cowboys definitely better than the Redskins?

Washington (-4) over Arizona: The Skins are at home, have a good defense and an improved offense. The Cardinals do not have a good defense.

Baltimore (-7) over Tennessee: The Ravens just crushed the Steelers. The Titans are inferior to the Steelers.

Chicago (+7) over New Orleans: The Bears have to be the most disrespected team in the league. They won 11 games and went to the NFC Championship game last year. Last week they pulverized the Falcons. Yet, they are seven point dogs to a team that may or may not have recorded a single tackle in its opener.

Indianapolis (+2) over Cleveland: Yes, the Colts got crushed. But the Browns lost to the Bengals at home. As long as Kerry Collins doesn’t repeatedly fumble in his own territory, Indy’s got this.

Green Bay (-10.5) over Carolina: A lot of points. Still, I’m really gonna pick the Panthers (apologies to Killa Cam)?

Jacksonville (+9.5) over New York Jets: The Jets will win but they hardly ever win big.

Detroit (-8) over Kansas City: With no confidence whatsoever.

Oakland (+4) over Buffalo: Not sure why.

Pittsburgh (-15) over Seattle: It’s like I’m being dared to take the Seahawks. I’ll call.

Minnesota (-3) over Tampa: Hopefully Donovan McNabb throws for more than 39 yards.

San Francisco (+3.5) over Dallas: Probably wrong.

Denver (-4.5) over Cincinnati: I believe I think that the Broncos are slightly better.

Miami (+3) over Houston: The Dolphins looked solid against New England for three quarters.

New England (-7) over San Diego: Then the Patriots did what they do.

Philadelphia (-3) over Atlanta: Don’t think Vick is losing in his return to hotlanta.

New York Giants (-4.5) over St. Louis: They kinda have to win.