Welcome to the Tiger Zoo

AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File

Editorial.

Ever since Tiger Woods burst onto the professional golf scene in 1996 the media has tirelessly built him up and put him on a pedestal at a height of unbelievable greatness and professionalism.

In a matter of a few weeks, they media took great pleasure in demolishing his entire image.

Woods got into a car accident November 26 and his private life has since spilled into his public appearance.

Questions were numerous. How did Woods get into the one-car accident? Where was he going at 2:30 in the morning? Why did his wife use a golf club to smash open the back window?

Woods' refusal to talk with police did nothing to help him; rather, it opened him up for speculation.

Conspiracies ran rampant. Rumors swirled. Confessions from outside sources popped up. With each new idea the media pushed further and further.

While the traditional media was the catalyst, social media expedited the entire process. There was the Twitter trending topic. Saturday Night Live did a sketch and the video went viral. Text messages with alleged mistresses were revelaed and passed along throughout the Internet. There's also a "Tiger Hunt" web-based video game.

Now, Tiger Woods is losing endorsements and has announced he is taking a leave of absence from golf.

Tiger Woods' alleged actions are not commendable. They are wrong and are not model behavior. However, it is his private life and should not be news.

It is news however. The situation rings of hypocrisy.

Tiger Woods himself and the media have presented him as the most wholesome athlete on this planet. His endorsements are so strong because of the draw of being like Tiger, living the perfect life. However, he is not the wholesome man every one made him out to be.

Also, when Woods first issued a statement he said that his wife had courageously saved him from the car and that there was no truth to any other rumor out there. That turned out to be a bold-faced lie. The media called him out on it.

However, the media, both traditional and social, are not blameless.

They sensationalized Tiger. His first year on the pro tour he was named Sports Illustrated's “Sportsman of the Year” (he was named a second time in 2000). ESPN talked him up so much that in the summer of 2007 in an audience poll Tiger Woods was named the athlete who is "most now", essentially a popularity contest amongst athletes.

The sporting world had put Tiger on a Godly level. He could do no wrong. He was pristine.

Until he did do wrong. Very wrong.

One unanswered question lead to another, speculation grew in the tabloids, and the media ran with every bit of it, destroying piece by piece the ultimate figure they helped create.

Thou giveth, thou can taketh away.

Now, the media may have pushed too far. Woods has announced his leave of absence from the sport, and the media has now lost their biggest draw to golf.

Through Tiger’s misdeeds and the media’s relentlessness, Tiger loses some endorsements (and a lot of money), his wholesome image, and must go away from the sport he loves for an indefinite period of time. The media possibly loses access to Tiger in the future and for the time being loses the biggest attraction the sport of golf has to offer currently.

These seem like fitting penalties for both parties’ involvement in what should be known as Tiger Zoo.

NFL Week 14 Picks

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Two undefeated teams left. Will they both come out unscathed again after this weekend?

Some huge matchups with playoff implications this week, including Dolphins-Jaguars, Giants-Eagles, and Chargers-Cowboys. Bengals-Vikings is also bound to be a great game.

Who do you think will win this week? Which on the bubble teams do you think has a good chance at making the playoffs?

Pittsburgh (6-6) at Cleveland (1-11)

Pittsburgh is banged up, both literally and metaphorically. Four straight losses. Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, and William Gay are all not 100%. Troy Polamalu is out and unsure whether he’ll be back at all this season.

They’ve lost to bad teams such as Kansas City and Oakland.

Cleveland, however, has no weapons at running back or receiver, Brady Quinn is still not settled in as the starting quarterback, and the defense is banged up. There’s really nothing to look at with this Browns team that is encouraging.

Pittsburgh wins.

New Orleans (12-0) at Atlanta (6-6)

Michael Turner didn’t play again last week and is listed as questionable this week. Even worse is that Matt Ryan is unlikely to play again. Chris Redman is not a viable replacement. Atlanta’s defense is not good enough to keep them in the game against Drew Brees and company.

Saints stay undefeated.

Green Bay (8-4) at Chicago (5-7)

Green Bay has come alive, winning four straight games, scoring an average of 27 points and allowing an average of only 14.25 points.

Chicago meanwhile, before beating a horrendous St. Louis team last week (against whom they still only managed to score 17 points) had lost their previous four games, scoring an average of 14.25 points per game and allowing an average of 27.75 points per game.

The key here is quarterback play. Aaron Rodgers ranks in the top ten of all the major passing statistics and has only thrown seven interceptions.

Jay Cutler ranks first in the NFL in interceptions. The Packers do a great job of rushing the passer and stopping the run. They will make Cutler pay.

Packers win.

NY Jets (6-6) at Tampa Bay (1-11)

No Mark Sanchez for the Jets. However, they still have Thomas Jones at running back, who is fifth in the chase for the league rushing title, has rushed for nine touchdowns, and has only fumbled the ball twice. Against the second to worst run defense in the league, the Jets should make it out without too much of an issue.

Jets win.

Miami (6-6) at Jacksonville (7-5)

This game is going to have huge playoff implications. The Dolphins are chasing the Jaguars in the hunt for a wild card spot.

Last week Miami upset the Patriots and have some momentum swinging their win. Had it not been for their misstep against the Bills in week 12, Miami would be sitting pretty.

In Chad Henne’s six wins this season he has thrown only two interceptions. In his four losses, he’s thrown six interceptions.

The Jaguars have a great record at home (5-1) and against conference opponents (6-2). However, the do not put much pressure on the quarterback and cause opposing offenses to make mistakes. They are last in the league in sacks (12), tied for 12th in interceptions caused (12), tied for 21st in fumbles forced (10), and tied for 21st in fumbles recovered (7). Their pass defense is also ranked 23rd in the league.

Also going to factor into the game is not selling the game out. Approximately 9,000 tickets remain, and they are playing an in-state team, whose own fans could make the trip up.

Without a strong fan support behind them and a lack of ability to force the quarterback to make mistakes, Chad Henne could be in for another big game, following up his career-best last week against a stronger Patriots team.

Miami wins.

Detroit (2-10) at Baltimore (6-6)

Detroit is last in the league against the pass and their offense will be without number one overall draft pick Matthew Stafford.

Baltimore needs this game to stay in the playoff hunt. It should not be a difficult victory to achieve.

Ravens win.

Seattle (5-7) at Houston (5-7)

Seattle is in the bottom ten against the pass while Houston’s air attack is the fourth best in the league.

Seattle only has one win on the road and there is no reason to believe they will get their second on Sunday.

Houston wins.

Denver (8-4) at Indianapolis (12-0)

Denver has the second ranked pass defense in the NFL based on yards allowed. They also have good records on the road (4-2) and against conference opponents (6-3). They have only allowed one more point against than the Colts.

The biggest worry is that the Colts offense is more powerful than Denver’s. However their run defense is very modestly ranked 18th in the league based on yards against.

Denver’s rush attack is ranked ninth in the league and rookie Knowshon Moreno is ranked 13th in the league in rushing yards.

It will not be easy, but if Denver can punch the ball into the end zone, and limit Peyton Manning’s touches by controlling the clock with their run game, the Broncos could very well be the first team to beat Indy in 22 tries.

I’ll pick the Broncos to upset the Colts.

Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9)

Not a very entertaining game here. Both teams are bad against the run and do not score very often. Both teams are unsettled at every position except for running back.

Jamaal Charles has played well since becoming the number one back for Kansas City, however he did leave last week’s game with a shoulder injury. He returned, but he is still banged up.

Buffalo’s overall defense is better and they are a better road team than the Chiefs are a home team.

Bills win.

Cincinnati (9-3) at Minnesota (10-2)

This looks like the game of the week.

The Vikings have one of the league’s best offenses, but the Bengals have one of the league’s stingiest defenses.

Minnesota is undefeated (6-0) at home, but the Bengals are a very good 4-1 on the road.

Cincinatti’s rush defense is one of the best in the league. They have only allowed on running back to reach 100 yards, and only four have gotten as many as 50 in a game. Their passing defense is also very respectable, ranked 12th in the league based on yards allowed.

And isn’t it time for Brett Favre’s late season decline? What better opponent than a tough Bengals D?

Bengals win.

Carolina (5-7) at New England (7-5)

All of New England is in disarray after such disappointing play the past four weeks.

They are undefeated at home however, and the Panthers are nowhere near the level of the Dolphins, Saints, and Colts—the Patriot’s last three losses.

Patriots win.

Washington (3-9) at Oakland (4-8)

Somehow, Oakland has a better record than Washington, despite being outscored (200-142, second fewest in the NFL) and giving up more points (282-238).

However, Washington is winless on the road, and the Raiders had a huge win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

I’ll take Oakland for the victory.

St. Louis (1-11) at Tennessee (5-7)

Vince Young suffered his first loss of the season as a starter last week, but there is no shame in losing to the Colts. The Titans did keep it close and exciting for the most part.

Tennessee should bounce back nicely against a very bad Rams team.

Tennessee wins.

San Diego (9-3) at Dallas (8-4)

San Diego is 15-0 in their last 15 games in December. The Cowboys? Well it is well documented that they are abysmal in December. In their last eight games in December they have scored only 14.8 points per game.

San Diego is third in the NFL in points scored and are on a seven game win-streak.

Chargers win.

Philadelphia (8-4) at NY Giants (7-5)

The Eagles are a good road team (4-2) and have allowed fewer points than the Giants (235-285). Brian Westbrook returned to practice, but LeSean McCoy has been a very good replacement. Receiver DeSean Jackson has been upgraded to probable. Jackson’s return will boost an already strong offense.

The Eagles have outscored the Giants (327-303). In ten of their 12 games this season, the Eagles have scored at least 20 points, and have scored at least 30 five times.

The Giants have given up at least 20 points eight times, and in their five losses they have given up an average of 31.8 points per game.

The last time these two teams met, the Eagles trounced the Giants 40-17.

The Eagles will complete the season series sweep on Sunday.

Arizona (8-4) at San Francisco (5-7)

Arizona was very impressive in their road victory over a very tough Vikings team last Sunday night. They are rolling, having won four of their last five games. They have outscored the 49’ers 297-245 and have only given up one more point (234-233). They are 5-1 on the road, 3-1 against the division (that one loss coming in week 1 against San Francisco, so you can be sure they will be looking to avenge that loss), and are 6-2 in the conference.

After starting out so hot, San Francisco has stalled tremendously, losing six of their last eight games, culminating in a very disappointing division loss to Seattle, their first division loss of the season.

The 49’ers have struggled to put up points this year, and that ability to do so is crucial against a loaded offense like Arizona’s.

Cardinals win.

Last week: 9-7

Season: 108-52

Time for America to Show Soccer Some Love

AP Photo/George Frey

Ever since the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the nation has been hearing the same whispers:

“Soccer is catching on in America.”

However, the idea never really caught on. People constantly pointed out the growth of youth participants, but once those kids got to high school and football was more available to them, the trend tailed off.

The common response became “Americans will never embrace soccer.”

Silently, though, soccer continued to push forward. There was the spectacular quarterfinals finish in the 2002 World Cup, with wins against Portugal and Mexico, Major League Soccer’s signing of global icon David Beckham, and the U.S.’s Confederations Cup win this past summer over Spain.

It hasn’t been just American soccer that has drawn interest in the country either. Argentine and FC Barcelona sensation Lionel Messi graced the cover of ESPN Magazine in May and ESPN now owns the American broadcasting rights for the English Premier League and shares rights for the Spanish Premier League.

Little by little, soccer has started to make its way into mainstream American sports, and it just recently culminated in last Friday’s World Cup draw aired on ESPN2.

Coverage of the draw lasted three hours, 70 more minutes than the coverage provided for the 2006 draw in Germany. And that was only a teaser for what’s to come in June.

ESPN has sole broadcasting rights for this summer’s World Cup. In previous cups ESPN match commentators called the games from studios in Bristol, Connecticut. However this summer ESPN will send its commentators to the actual games in South Africa as part of a 150 person team.

They will air not only the games themselves, but features and player profiles in order for the audience to get familiar with the competing teams and players.

Don’t think these efforts will fall on deaf ears, either.

That World Cup the U.S. hosted in 1994? It’s still the single most profitable World Cup in FIFA history.

According to a report on ESPN.com from December 5, the latest ticket sales results saw 84,103 out of 674,403 tickets (12%) sold to the United States, the most for any country outside of host nation South Africa.

Even MLS is reaping some of the benefits as nine teams in 2010 will play in their own soccer-specific stadiums.

The U.S. is also bidding to host the World Cup again in either 2018 or 2022 (2022 being the more likely option)

All this begs the question, why do people feel that Americans do not, and will not, embrace soccer?

It will most likely never reach the status here that football or baseball has, but why does it have to? Why can’t it join them as part of a big five (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL are currently the big four of professional sports leagues)?

Americans love sports. ESPN will air anything from football and baseball to bowling and professional bull riding.

Americans also like supporting their country. With a national team that is on the cusp of doing unprecedented things in this country, what’s to stop this nation from supporting this team and sport?

Why are the soccer-haters so profoundly against the sport?

I hope they know, for reasons shown above, they are continually fighting a losing battle.

The (Possible) Future of Magazines

AP Photo/John Russell

In anticipation of the potential Apple tablet possibly coming out next year, the magazine industry, specifically Time Inc. and Sports Illustrated, is gearing up for what could be another huge twist in the state of journalism.

Time Inc. has released a demo of a tablet version of Sports Illustrated, the first of their magazines they will release in such a form.

The tablet-magazine will essentially be the print version on steroids. This is evident when what appears initially on the screen is a regular cover of Sports Illustrated, but when you touch it, the cover explodes into actual video.

There are countless numbers of photographs, a Google Flip type viewer of the magazine, and personal page with all your favorite teams' news and scores.

There is also a game feature where you can play along guessing what will happen with live events. Another feature is the ability to highlight certain pictures, videos, or stories, and click to share them through e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter.

All this makes the magazine more interactive for the user, but also could be better for the magazine's bottom line.

For starters the advertising would be stronger. The ads would be more vivid, with videos to go along with them, and would be targeted for the specific user. Also, Sports Illustrated does not require users to pay for web content. On the tablet, however, people would subscribe to the magazine or buy it like they would at a newsstand (once downloaded, the magazine portion of it will be available for the user off-line), thus creating more sales for the company and finding a way to boost on-line retail.

This Yahoo! Tech piece does a good job of juxtaposing the excitement of the tablet magazine with some real question that could derail its production and success.

1. The tablet is not even a definite to be released yet.

2. How many people, especially in this economy, are going to be willing to pay for the tablet in addition to any laptop and/or smart phone they have?

Still, the product in the demo looks very enticing. While there are a lot of "ifs" still in play in the production of this product, it will be an interesting step in seeing where the future of the journalism industry is headed.

If it looks this good, then I, for one, am excited.

Video from YouTube.

NFL Week 13 Picks

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

It’s the beginning of the last month of the season and teams are jockeying for playoff position.

Some games with big playoff implications include Philadelphia-Atlanta, Houston-Jacksonville, Dallas-New York Giants, Minnesota-Arizona, and Baltimore-Green Bay.

Here are my picks for week 13. Comment and tell me who you think will come out victorious and who you think is in good position to be playing in the playoffs.

NY Jets (5-6) at Buffalo (4-7)

They were able to pull out a sizable victory last week against all odds, overcoming an injury decimated front-line against a good pass rush and Ricky William’s 115 yards rushing. Still, there just isn’t much reason to buy much stock.

Buffalo’s porous run defense faces another top rusher this week in the Jet’s Thomas Jones.

Terrell Owens has been more effective the past couple of weeks, but he will face Darrelle Reevis, who has been one of the top shutdown cornerbacks all season.

I’ll take the Jets to win this weekend.

Philadelphia (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5)

Atlanta’s pass defense is not very good, but they will catch a break this week. Not only is running back Brian Westbrook out because of injury, but it looks like Philadelphia’s top receiver, DeSean Jackson, will also miss the game because of the concussion he received last week.

Philadelphia has not looked very sharp the past four weeks, even though they have won two games in a row (against Washington and Chicago).

The Falcons are also 5-0 at home this season.

I’ll take Atlanta to win this game.

St. Louis (1-10) at Chicago (4-7)

The Bears are reeling, having lost four games in a row and six out of their last seven.

Jay Cutler leads the NFL in interceptions (20), but is tied for 12th in touchdowns (16).

St. Louis, however, is tied for 23rd in the league in interceptions (8), and they do not rush the quarterback very well, ranking 29th in the NFL in sacks (18). Also, only ten teams have given up more yards passing then they have (2,482). Add those facts to their ranked fifth worst rushing defense, and this should be a game where Chicago can make up for their mistakes and get back into the win coloumn.

Bears win.

Detroit (2-9) at Cincinnati (8-3)

Detroit is 0-5 on the road and has given up the most points in the league (335), while only scoring more points than seven other teams in the league (193, 38 of which came against the Cleveland Browns).

Bengals will win.

Oakland (3-8) at Pittsburgh (6-5)

The Steelers are a better team when Ben Roethlisberger plays. But Dennis Dixon did a decent job in first first NFL start, minus the interception he threw in overtime. Dixon went 12-25 for 145 yards and a touchdown, and rushed three times for 27 yards and a touchdown before that crucial late-game interception. Still, not a terrible outing; there is some optimism there.

Pittsburgh has the benefit of playing this game at home, where they are 4-1. Also, since 2000, the Steelers are 28-11 in December.

A game against Oakland is the perfect opportunity for them to get back to their winning ways and make a last-second postseason push.

Pittsburgh wins.

Tennessee (5-6) at Indianapolis (11-0)

Vince Young has won five games in a row since being inserted as the starting quarterback, which really must have Tennessee fans puzzled over why Jeff Fisher stuck with Kerry Collins for so long.

Chris Johnson is the league’s top running back right now. If Young can really use this season as a launching pad for the rest of his career, Tennessee has a very good core on offense to build around with Young, Johnson, and rookie receiver Kenny Britt.

If the Titans were home here, I would strongly consider them to be the first team to knock off the Colts. However, the game is in Indy, and the Colts have just been too strong all season.

The Colts have scored 80 more points and given up 105 fewer points than the Titans.
The Titans also only have two road wins in six games.

It should be an entertaining game, but I’m going to go with the team that has been great all year over the team that has been the flavor of the month.

I’ll pick the Colts to win.

Denver (7-4) at Kansas City (3-8)

Big win for the Broncos last week against the Giants.

Denver is also 2-1 in the division and 5-3 in the conference. Kansas City has losing records at home (1-4), in the division (1-3), and against the conference (2-5).

Broncos win.

New England (7-4) at Miami (5-6)

The Patriots are vulnerable and have only one road victory this season (even then, that win came against Tampa Bay in London, so it’s not like the Buccaneers had home-field advantage really).

However, New England has not lost back-to-back games this season.

They also have two of the top five in receiving yards and the second most passing yards in the league, going up against one of the bottom-10 passing defenses.

Patriots win.

New Orleans (11-0) at Washington (3-8)

This could be a trap game. New Orleans’ victory over the Patriots was huge, and they could let their guard down against a weak Redskins team.

What Washington does have is a good pass defense that could potentially keep leading passer Drew Brees in check.

However, their run defense is ranked 25th in the league, while the Saints have a top five rush offense and have scored the most rushing touchdowns (18) out of any team in the league.

Also, while the Saints have scored a league-high 407 points, the Redskins have only managed to score 170 points.

Washington will not be able to keep pace with New Orleans ground attack.

The Saints will win.

Tampa Bay (1-10) at Carolina (4-7)

Believe it or not, Tampa’s pass defense is in the top half of the league, and Jake Delhomme is tied for second in the NFL in interceptions thrown.

Their rush defense is nothing to brag about at all, and DeAngelo Williams is one of the best in the league.

Even so, Tampa’s offense has put up only 18 fewer points over the season and they actually have more passing yards than Carolina.

I will take the Buccaneers in an upset.

Houston (5-6) at Jacksonville (6-5)

Jacksonville was embarrassed last week against San Francisco. Yet Houston has lost three games in a row (although in fairness, two of those losses came to Indianapolis).

The Jaguars do get the job done at home however, with a 4-1 record in Jacksonville, and against the conference, with a 5-2 record against the AFC.

Houston, meanwhile, is a paltry 1-4 against the AFC South. Their rushing defense also ranks in the bottom half of the league and will be put to the test against Maurice Jones-Drew, one of the top rushers in the league this season.

Jacksonville wins.

San Diego (8-3) at Cleveland (1-10)

The Chargers have won six games in a row. The Browns have lost six games in a row.
The Chargers are 4-1 on the road. The Browns are 0-4 at home.

The Chargers are third in points scored in the NFL. The Browns are second worst in points scored in the NFL. Cleveland is also fifth in most point allowed in the league.

These two teams are like night and day.

Chargers win.

Dallas (8-3) at NY Giants (6-5)

Eli Manning is 10th in the NFL in interceptions thrown and there is continuous debate over the health of his foot.

The Cowboys meanwhile have won six of their last seven games, and will come after Manning hard. Dallas is tied for seventh in sacks (28). Hurrying an injured and turnover prone quarterback will really hinder the Giants ability to get anything going.

Tony Romo hasn’t fared much better this season, however his team has pulled away from games victorious, while the Giants have been unable to make up for their quarterback’s mistakes and have lost five of their last six games.

I’ll take Dallas to win.

San Francisco (5-6) at Seattle (4-7)

While San Francisco has struggled at times this season, especially on offense, one arena where they dominate is against the NFC West. In the division the 49’ers are 3-0 and have outscored their opponents 78-26, including a 23-10 victory over Seattle in the two teams’ first meeting.

Seattle’s only two victories in the division have come against the Rams. In three meetings against the 49’ers and Cardinals, the Seahawks have lost by double digits.

San Francisco wins.

Minnesota (10-1) at Arizona (7-4)

Minnesota has been rolling this year. They are 8-0 against the NFC, and have scored more points than and given up fewer points than Arizona.

They are firing on all cylinders as Adrian Peterson is third in the chase for the rushing title, Sidney Rice is third in the league in reception yards, Jared Allen is second in the league in sacks, and Brett Favre has made himself an MVP candidate.

Arizona has gotten inconsistent performances from their running game, receivers Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston have been banged up since week 1, and starting quarterback Kurt Warner is still questionable after suffering a concussion in week 11.

Vikings win.

Baltimore (6-5) at Green Bay (7-4)

Aaron Rodgers has been a star this season. He’s third in quarterback rating, fourth in touchdown passes thrown, eight in completion percentage, and fourth in passing yards. He has also thrown only five interceptions all season.

The Packers are also 4-2 at home, while the Ravens are 2-3 on the road.

What really benefits the Packers here is that their rush defense is extremely stingy. They have allowed only three rushing touchdowns all season and are fourth in rushing yards allowed.

Running back Ray Rice has been what makes the Ravens offense go, but he will have his hands full against such a strong rush defense.

I’ll take Green Bay to win.

Last week: 11-5

Season: 99-45

The King of All Athletes using Social Media

AP Photo/Ed Reinke, file

Chad Ochocinco, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, was being portrayed a certain way in the traditional media.

His touchdown celebrations, name change, and trade requests got him characterized as self-absorbed, an ego-maniac, and, occasionally, a clown.

So Ochocinco took went to social media to really show what he's all about, and it has worked beautifully.

He has accounts on Facebook and UStream, but is most famous for his use of Twitter.

Ochocinco has used these outlets to display his true personality and to really connect with his fans.

"It gives me a voice, the ability to reach people directly and for people to see who I am without the filter of the media, the critics or whomever," he said in an interview with USA Today.

Ochocinco has been able to change much of the public's perception of him from a guy who was only interested in himself to a man who is just enjoying his life and is trying to share the fun he's having with others.

He invites people to the movies or dinner with him ("If you're coming to Davids just tell the hostess you're here for lunch with Chad, its on 17th n meridian, lunch on me the blessing is on GOD" from 11/30/09) and challenges them to play him in video games ("Getting on call of duty people Estaban 85, let's play" from 11/30/09).

"I try to interact with every fan," Ochocinco says. "I try to respond to everybody."

While showing what a fun loving guy he is, the public has responded favorably.

Through his social media endeavors, he has also become an extremely marketable celebrity.

Ochocinco has come out with his own book, he became the first NFL player to get his own iPhone application, has appeared on late night talk shows, and is apparently even coming out with his own brand of condoms.

What's making him even more successful is that he is also back to being a productive player on the field (773 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 11 games) and his team is in first place in the AFC North. He’s an athlete first and foremost and his success on the field makes him a credible figure.

Chad Ochocinco is a fantastic example of how to best utilize social media and the good that it can do someone.

He connects with people across the globe, giving them a vantage point into his life that they wouldn't have had previously, and he gives back to the community. He also has used it to create a brand name for himself. Most importantly, he changed people's perceptions of him, getting everyone to see him how he wants them to, not as how the media depicts him.

Ochocinco gets it and he's letting the rest of us in on the fun he's having.

NFL Week 12 Picks

AP Photo/John Marshall Mantel

Thanksgiving gives us three games this week on Thursday, and for being fans, the NFL has thanked us with some really fantastic matchup on Monday night between the undefeated Saints and the New England Patriots, as well as some other good matchups between division rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and the Giants against the Broncos.

For me, I’m thankful that all you guys take the time out of your day to read my stuff.

Enjoy the holiday!

Green Bay (6-4) at Detroit (2-8)

Detroit and rookie quarterback showed some gut and guile to come back and beat Cleveland as time expired.

Stafford was incredible, coming back after injuring his shoulder to throw for 422 yards and four touchdowns.

Still, I believe he is extremely banged up and will be hurting against the Packers, who will be coming at him hard.

Green Bay’s passing defense is ranked seventh in the NFL and they have the fourth most interceptions.

I like Green Bay to win this game.

Oakland (3-7) at Dallas (7-3)

Oakland QB Bruce Gradkowski didn’t look too bad in place of JaMarcus Russell in Sunday’s win over the Bengals. His 73.5 passer rating was better than all but one of Russell’s games (85.4 week five against the Giants), and he led a game-tying drive that he capped off with his second touchdown pass of the day (compared to his one interception).

The Cowboys scored only one touchdown for the second week in a row.

Still, they were able to win the game. Another bright spot: Marion Barber rushed for 99 yards, the first time he’s rushed for more than 53 yards since week two, when he ran for 124 yards against the Giants.

Oakland has the third worst ranked rushing defense and they have given up the most rushing touchdowns. If Marion Barber is truly back to form, then he should have a field day, especially at home.

I predict the Cowboys to win.

NY Giants (6-4) at Denver (6-4)

The Giants are a team that got back on track last week. Denver is a team that continued its horrific slide.

In their four game losing streak, Denver has only scored more than ten points once. They are currently ranked 25th in the NFL in points per game, while the Giants are tied for sixth (conversely the Giants are tied for 23rd in points allowed, while Denver is seventh).

Denver’s inability to score points lately, or really throughout the whole season, is discouraging.

I’ll take the Giants to win.

Tampa Bay (1-9) at Atlanta (5-5)

Atlanta is on a mini-slide, losing four out of their last five games. Tampa Bay is on a season-long slide.

Tampa is also winless in six tries against conference opponents (0-2 in the division), whereas the Falcons are 4-4.

Atlanta finally gets to settle in at the Georgia Dome, as they start a three game home stretch and play four out of their final six at home.

Falcons win.

Miami (5-5) at Buffalo (3-7)

Buffalo no longer has the worst rush defense. They are now second to Tampa Bay.
Miami’s strength all season has been the running game, and they proved that last Thursday against Carolina. Ricky Williams had a spectacular night, rushing for 119 yards and two touchdowns, as well as catching one.

The last time these two teams squared off in week three, Miami went off for 38 points, 250 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns.

Miami’s confidence is building. Buffalo’s, if they had any, is absolutely crumbling.

Dolphins win.

Cleveland (1-9) at Cincinnati (7-3)

Cleveland surprised everyone by scoring 37 points. Still, they lost.

Cincinnati handed Oakland a victory. Still, they are in first place in the AFC North.

The Bengals seem to be a team that plays to their competition. The first time these two teams met, the Bengals needed OT to win.

Still, I only consider last weeks loss a minor setback, as this team has played tough all season, whether it's pretty or not.

The same can't be said for Cleveland.

Bengals win.

Carolina (4-6) at NY Jets (4-6)

The Jets rush defense is average, ranked 16th, and will have their hands full with the NFL’s fourth best rusher DeAngelo Williams.

However, Jets RB Thomas Jones is ranked sixth in the NFL while Carolina’s rush defense is miserable, ranked 26th in the entire league.

If the Jets really utilize Jones against such a weak rush defense, they can limit the pressure on rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the amount of turnovers he causes. They will also dominate time of possession (Jones is strong at pounding the ball up the middle) and neutralize Williams.

Jets win.

Washington (3-7) at Philadelphia (6-4)

Washington almost came away with its first win streak of the season last week against the Cowboys. They were winning for the majority of the game (actually until 2:41 left in the fourth quarter) and only allowed one touchdown. However their offense could only muster up two field goals. That won’t cut it against the Eagles.

The Eagles have been held to less than 10 points only once this season; the Redskins have been held to under 10 points three times. The Eagles are tied for sixth in the NFL in points per game; the Redskins are 29th.

Eagles win.

Indianapolis (10-0) at Houston (5-5)

Houston is 1-14 all-time against the Colts. They have a losing record at home (2-3) this season and against the division (1-3). Last time they met a Kris Brown missed field goal as time expired prevented the teams from needing OT. Houston also played Monday night in week 11, so the Colts will have one extra day of rest and preparation for this matchup. It’s all enough for me to not see an upset here.

Colts win.

Seattle (3-7) at St. Louis (1-9)

A winnable game for St. Louis, but this team is just so bad.

These teams met in week one and the Seahawks pounded the Rams 28-0. Not much has changed. St. Louis has failed to score more than a touchdown three more times throughout the season.

The Rams offense is ranked 26th in the league, and if it wasn’t for Steven Jackson, the NFL’s second leading rusher, it may possibly be the worst offense.

Seattle will win.

Kansas City (3-7) at San Diego (7-3)

When you’re hot you’re hot.

San Diego has won five games in a row. In three of those five wins, they have scored 31 points or more. All season they have yet to score less than 21.

Also LaDanian Tomlinson has become a relevant player again, leading the team in rushing in eight of the Chargers’ 10 games this season. He’s scored a touchdown in three of his last four games, twice scoring two touchdowns. He’s also only lost one fumble this year.

Kansas City is tied for 25th in the league in points allowed.

This does not look good for the Chiefs. Chargers win.

Jacksonville (6-4) at San Francisco (4-6)

For a 6-4 team, Jacksonville is perplexing. They have scored only 199 points this season, while giving up 235. They’ve benefitted from strong play at home and are surprisingly 5-2 against the AFC.

However San Francisco is 0-3 against the AFC, and only 1-4 against teams with winning records this year (and that win was in week one against Arizona, who has gotten significantly better since the opening week).

I’m not crazy about them, but I like the Jaguars to win.

Arizona (7-3) at Tennessee (4-6)

Arizona had a rough start to the season, but the defending NFC champions are 6-1 since their week four bye.

Tennessee, however, is 4-0 since inserting Vince Young as the starting QB. In those four games they have scored at least 20 points each time and in three of those games they scored at least 30.

Still, Tennessee is also 30th in the league in points per game allowed while Arizona is tenth in the league is points scored per game.

The Cardinals are also 5-0 on the road and surprisingly have a winning record against the AFC (2-1).

Arizona wins.

Chicago (4-6) at Minnesota (9-1)

Minnesota is +6 in the turnover battle over the season, while the Bears are -3 thanks to Jay Cutler leading the NFL in interceptions thrown (18).

Minnesota is also 5-0 at home, 4-0 against the division, and 7-0 in the conference. In comparison, Chicago is 1-4 on the road, 1-1 in the division, and 2-5 against the conference.

Vikings win.

Pittsburgh (6-4) at Baltimore (5-5)

Both teams suffered rough losses last week, but are still fighting for spots in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh has the top ranked defense (Baltimore is ninth) and the sixth ranked offense (Baltimore is 13th).

The Steelers haven’t lost three games in a row since the 2006 season. They’ve had their struggles this season, but overall, the Steelers have been the stronger team out of the two.

I predict the Steelers to win.

New England (7-3) at New Orleans (10-0)

What a good matchup we have for Monday Night Football this week.

This is the toughest opponent New Orleans will face on their way to possibly finishing the regular season 16-0, and one would think the team that would most want to knock them off would be the only team to finish a season 16-0—the Patriots.

One huge difference between these two teams, though, is their attitude in the fourth quarter and their ability to close games.

The Patriots have outscored their opponent in the fourth quarter 55-45 and in two of their three losses they were winning going into the fourth quarter (to be fair Denver did need overtime to finish New England off). However, the Saints have outscored their opponents 105-24 in the final period.

To continue with the teams’ fourth quarter, New England has shut out their opponent in the fourth quarter five times while New Orleans has accomplished that six times. Even more impressive though is that while the Patriots have been held scoreless in the fourth three times, New Orleans has made sure they put points on the board in the final quarter in every game this season.

Also alarming for the Patriots is that they are 1-3 on the road, while New Orleans is 5-0 at home.

I will pick the Saints to win this one.

Last week: 14-2

Season: 88-40