FATAL FIVE (My catchy title for the top five teams in each league)
NFL
1. New Orleans: Who cares if Brees (right) had his second straight touchdown-less game? The fact of the matter is that they are 4-0 and have not trailed once this season. If they can get past the Giants this weekend, their next three opponents are a combined 3-8. An 8-0 record is not that hard to believe.
2. Indianapolis: Peyton hasn’t lost in his last 13 regular season games.
3. Minnesota: I can’t believe I just wrote that either.
4. New England: Thankful Mark Clayton can’t catch a ball a nine year old could.
5. Giants: Hopefully Eli’s foot injury doesn’t become the teams Achilles heel.
NCAA
1. LSU: After the win at Georgia and an upcoming home game against number one Florida (who will be playing an injured QB or a second stringer) their fortune may still be good for one more. But after that they have to face two unbeatens (Auburn and Alabama) in the next three weeks.
2. Florida: One of the top two won’t be on this list next week.
3. Alabama: If they can beat Ole Miss this week they’ll have an argument for the number one spot.
4. USC: They seem to have rebounded from their annual choke and have a legitimate shot at running the table.
5. Texas: Two things put them this low: a weak schedule, and I once had an ex who loved this team.
SURPRISES SO FAR
Tennessee Titans: They have lost more games in the last three weeks than they did in five months last year. They’ve allowed over 23 points three times, two times more than they did all last year. This weekend’s game against Indy will define their season.
Illinois: I-L-L I-N-sigh.
Tim Tebow: Couldn’t be reached for comment but was last seen looking for a DeLorean and muttering “Shoulda gone pro.”
AWARDS
Being one-fourth of the way through the NFL season, it’s time for some awards for the pros (and one special college mention.
MVP: Drew Brees. He may have been passed by Peyton in passing yards but he is the most explosive player on the most explosive team. Also, he is the main reason my fantasy team is 3-1 and on top in their division.
MVC (Most Valuable Coach): Brad Childress. He went out on a wire and talked Favre into playing this season when Favre thought he couldn’t.
Rookie of the (Quarter) Year: Mark Sanchez. Playing in one of the hardest cities (New York), and winning no less, is no small task. With today’s trade for Braylon Edwards, they may just have a deep playoff team.
Brass Balls Award: Tanner Brock (TCU Horned Frogs). He threw a block from hell to spring Jeremy Kerley for a 71 yd punt return, and he did it helmetless.
WEEKEND PICKS (Home team in ALL CAPS)
Minnesota (-9.5) over ST. LOUIS. Let’s face it, the Rams suck. With Favre coming off of an important Monday night game, this will be cake for them. In fact I will call this my Pick of the Week.
New England vs. DENVER (Under 41). Denver has allowed only 26 points through 4 games. New England has showed inconsistency. This is a safe bet.
NY GIANTS (-14.5) over Oakland. Even if I lose I get to see Eli hurt. That’s a win-win.
Indy (-3) over TENNESSEE. Sorry Titans, even Vince Young can’t save you.
MISSOURI (+3.5) over Nebraska. The home team usually wins on Thursday night. That and I have one of those feelings.
Michigan State (-4) over ILLINOIS. I have hometown pride, just not that much.
Georgia (+1.5) over TENNESSEE. After having last week’s game stolen from them, Georgia is out for blood.