Week 14 Picks du Jour

First, Second and One is rather disappointed that Toby Gerhart did not win the Heisman, but was edged out by Alabama's Mark Ingram by only 28 points - the closest vote in Heisman history. (ESPN) Congratulations to Mr. Ingram. 

And now, three week 14 picks (in brevity)- thank heavens I didn't attempt to call the Steelers-Browns game! 

San Diego @ Dallas: To me, this seems pretty simple: we just look at what teams historically do in December. The Chargers have a habit of stinking in the early months of the season, roaring through a thrilling crescendo and dramatic climax where they obliterate everyone they play, and then choking in the playoffs. Fun fact: the Batteries have won 15 straight games in the twelfth month. Now, the Cowboys are on the opposite spectrum. They get hot around Halloween, and typically spend most of December partying, which results in spectacular on-field collapses. Memorable examples: getting blown out of wild-card contention by the Eagles in 2008, getting smashed to bits by the divisional playoffs by the Giants in 2007, and losing to both the Eagles and the Lions in 2006. Needless to say, I'm going with San Diego. 

Green Bay @ Chicago: This game will come down to a very minute key point - how well the Pack's O-line can protect Aaron Rodgers. If the Bears dial up a few Uber-Blitz formations, the pass-wacky Pack may have a hard time. Nonetheless, the Packers have one of the greatest combined defensive units in the league: third in pass coverage, fourth in rush coverage, and first in yards allowed per game. The Bears cannot score on anybody, Devin Hester is questionable, and the thought of Jay Cutler against Charles Woodson scares the daylights out of me. I regrettably have to pick Green Bay.

Detroit @ Baltimore: If Baltimore can stop committing so many penalties, this one seems obvious, as the Lions haven't won on the road this year yet. Knocking on a third win's door? Quoth the Ravens, "Nevermore!" - Blackbirds take it, by at least two score. 

For holiday spirit, yes, this is a real product for your tree! Buccaneers tickets: $150. The Buccaneers Christmas ornament: $23. Getting to see a hanging either way: priceless! Source: football-fanshop.com

More Poetic Afterthoughts: Last Sunday I wrote a limerick about every team in the NFC north. This week, we have one for the entire NFC south!

The Saints' opponents get diced

Last minute field-goals get iced

With remarkable wins

They're absolved of their sins

Savior of South, Breesus Christ!

The Falcons had Georgia at "go!"

But all they do these days is blow

Left their D at the door

And they can't seem to score,

All 'cause Matt Ryan stubbed his big toe!

The Panthers are like a bad dream

Their playoff hopes now without gleam,

Their RBs are fast,

And their D can outlast,

But Delhomme can't throw to his own team!

Their new QB plays fine sport,

But Tampa keeps coming up short

They've got only one win?

Call the salvage crew in

The Bucs have been shipwrecked in port!

Next week: Limericks about the AFC north, complete with references to the Steelers rusting.