So here we are ... last regular season games of the year. Our last chance to point and laugh at the scapegoats (which I've heard may be the new mascot in St. Louis) and celebrate our favorite teams that won't be making the playoffs (go Larry Johnson go!). Plus it's my last chance to 'guess' a few easy games before they all get tough. Of course (broken record time) I have no time to write this week. The games start tomorrow and I only have a few hours to hammer this out, so I'll speak most likely in football code and if you understand, great ... if not, just smile and shake your head. I need the end of the year ego boost! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ....

Saturday, December 31 - New Year's Eve

Broncos (12-3) @ Chargers (9-6)

If Denver's so dominant this year, why are they 11 point underdogs in this one? Because for the Broncos this one doesn't matter. Though San Diego is out of the playoff hunt, it still matters a lot. Expect the Chargers to bring their "A" game and the Broncos not even to start their "B" team. Chargers win.

Giants (10-5) @ Raiders (4-11)

The two big factors in this one are: 1) The Giants are in the playoffs, but they can clinch a division title with the win. 2) The Raiders suck out loud. Expect the expected in this one. Giants win.

Sunday, January 1, 2006 - Happy New Year!

Panthers (10-5) @ Falcons (8-7)

This should be a fun game. The Panthers need the win to keep playing. The Falcons already know they'll be watching next weeks games on the tube. Peppers and company definitely have the speed to get to Vick, and the Falcons have the defense to get to Delhomme. The X-factor in this one has to be desperation. The Panthers have it, the Falcons don't ... and they've proven that through the second half of the season. Panthers move on with the win.

Ravens (6-9) @ Browns (5-10)

This is another one of those fun "please don't fire me" games, where some are playing for honor, but most are playing for a job, either with their current team or as an audition for the next one. Because of this factor, this one could go either way. Boller has shown in the last couple of weeks that he may actually be an answer in Baltimore, and not just an answer to the question "who sucks in Baltimore?"! Likewise, Frye is learning the ropes while playing up against them, and showing some real determination and leadership. I so much want to go with the newest kid on the block, but with Ed Reed back on that Ravens defense, I don't see that happening. Ravens win on the road.

Seahawks (13-2) @ Packers (3-12)

This is another one of those upside-down games. Seattle can gain nothing by keeping their starters in, and this is likely to look like a pre-season game for them. It's likely to look like that for Green Bay too, but only because so many of their veterans are out hurt that it always looks like pre-season there lately! However, in this one expect too much pride for Favre and the home team versus too much at stake for the resting Seahawks. Packers win the empty victory at home.

Cardinals (5-10) @ Colts (13-2)

Another game of nothing to gain versus nothing to lose? Yes and no. The Colts haven't had anything to lose for a couple of weeks now, and the Cardinals have been out of the playoff hunt since ... was it week 2 maybe? Anyway, Indy has had a very emotional couple of weeks. Look for the Colts to use this week as a refocusing week, at the expense of Arizona. Hopefully the win will help keep something more pleasant on Tony Dungy's mind. Colts win.

Bengals (11-4) @ Chiefs (9-6)

By now the Chargers have likely won and knocked the Chiefs out of contention. However, that shouldn't slow down Vermeil's boys, either playing their hearts out to encourage him to stay one more year, or giving him one last hurrah. The Bengals will likely be innocent bystanders ... with most of their starters doing the standing part, resting up for their playoff run. Chiefs win at home.

Dolphins (8-7) @ Patriots (10-5)

Whenever New England takes the field ... does anybody else hear the theme from Rocky or is it just me? The Patriots are getting scary again just when it counts. Kudos to Nick Saban for a great rookie coaching run at Miami. Sorry it has to end with a loss here. The Patriots are too good, and though they don't need the win, they'll use it as a springboard into the playoffs. New England on top.

Bills (5-10) @ Jets (3-12)

Upstate versus downstate, in a battle of New York that means ... well, nothing unless you're a Bills or Jets fan. Fortunately for me, I do happen to be one of those! Though Buffalo's defense ended up being average rather than the superhumans that were touted early in the season, if the offense had shown even half of it's promise, we'd be watching this team move on to the bonus round. The Jets, however, have proven that their bench is not deep enough to keep pace with anyone offensively. This should be a fun defensive battle, but I expect a couple of big plays late will give the Bills a shot at the win, and unlike many contests this year, they'll actually pull it off. Bills win.

Lions (5-10) @ Steelers (10-5)

By now the Steelers will know that they are in the playoffs ... as if that matters for the outcome of this one. Blitzburgh's defense will be camping out in the backfield with Harrington, but nobody will be holding hands and singing kumbaya. When the Steelers get the ball, which should be often, expect a nice balanced attack, getting the engine revved up for the following week. Steelers win strong.

Saints (3-12) @ Buccaneers (10-5)

According to the news, the Saints will be losing in Louisiana again next year ... great news for those Saints fans that just haven't had enough bad stuff happen lately. The Buccs are in pretty good shape for a playoff berth, but I'm sure they'd rather be in command of their own destiny. A win would give them that. A win will give them that. Buccs on top.

Texans (2-13) @ 49ers (3-12)

This season's two biggest losers square off in a game that means more than most this weekend ... the Reggie Bush Bowl! Last week the Niners had a decent showing against the ... oh yeah, it was the Rams. Ok, so it wasn't that impressive then. But still, Frank Gore tried to make a good case for why he should be able to get a few carries even if Bush does win California ... err ... end up in San Francisco. However, Bush just seems like a natural fit in Texas, don't you think? They love all of the Bushes down there, so one more would just make the state that much happier! With Dominick Davis out, he can't exactly make a case for why he should be the go-to guy. Both teams will be playing their hardest, yes ... but as opposed to most weeks, this time losing does have an advantage. I haven't picked any upsets yet? Hmmm ... let's fix that. I think the Niners will come on strong and win this one at home.

Titans (4-11) @ Jaguars (11-4)

The Jags can't improve their playoff spot, but they do have on wrapped up already. For this team, that's no reason to rest. Leftwich could be back for at least part of this one, testing out the ankle. Jacksonville needs to make sure the whole team is on the same page, or they very well could be an early playoff casualty. The Titans are a pretty easy target this week, with more on the questionable list than a room full of male hairdressers. As with all of the Jaguars games, this one could be close, but in the end the scoreboard should show Jaguars on top.

Bears (11-4) @ Vikings (8-7)

With a first round bye and the ability to look past this one without any regrets, the Bears should use this week to help get their starters healthy. That could be a real party for the Vikings ... and not one they have to apologize for later! The Bears are by far the better team, it's just that those 'better players' will just be cheerleaders for this one. Vikings win the empty victory at home.

Redskins (9-6) @ Eagles (6-9)

Wow ... really? Philly still has a team? The Skins need this one to cement their playoff destiny. The Eagles need to ... try not to wet themselves in public, or do anything else to bring attention to their high priced mediocrity. Gibbs takes Washington into the post-season with the win.

Rams (5-10) @ Cowboys (9-6)

They couldn't beat the Niners at home, and they're supposed to win on the road in Dallas? The Rams are the epitome of self-destruction this year. The 'Boys have done their part to make sure that they are not in charge of their vacation schedules, but they at least have a chance with a win this week. With the way St. Losers has been playing lately, that shouldn't take much of an effort ... and Dallas will give the effort anyway. Cowboys whip up on the Rams in the regular season finale.