NFL

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Unless Arizona can cause a huge upset (the Niners are 16pt favourites) the Seahawks will remain in the 5 seed and will go to Dallas or Washington in week 1 . They are in hot form and who could confidently tip against them ? They could end up in Atlanta in week 2 unless the 6 seed wins in week 1 .

Been reading the Packers fan site and crikeys, the fans have sure got some hate for their divisional rivals . It's mainly reserved for the Bears but the Vikes sure do cop it - Ponder especially ! All good fun though cos it's no doubt reciprocated

Here is the 'B.S Report' with Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal . Quite an entertaining hour this week . Sal is a Dallas fan and never gives them a chance ...

I'll post the TV games later this evening or when Foxtel and OneHD decide to post up the games (might be tomorrow)

Most of them at purple pride absolutely give it to green bay as well. Some is funny other stuff is a little disturbing. Also most Vikings fans give it to ponder as much as opposition supporters as well. 4 Vikings in the pro bowl but no chad greenway who is the leagues highest tackler. Jarred Allen was lucky to get in.

[Gorgoroth 12,955]

St Louis have had a good season and if a couple of results had gone the other way you'd be in contention right now . You reverse those close losses to Detroit and Miami early in the season and it's a whole different story .

The Saints are a team that should be in the playoffs - all the off season stuff and not having their coach available destroyed their chances . Every year there are those 'If only' stories .

True, we will do a lot better once Bradford starts being smarter with the ball in his hand, too often he is intercepted and so often he tries and forces the ball into areas he should not throw into, doesn't go for shorter easier options too often that would gain us 3-4 yards + maybe a few after catch.

[Macca 16,972]

Most of them at purple pride absolutely give it to green bay as well. Some is funny other stuff is a little disturbing. Also most Vikings fans give it to ponder as much as opposition supporters as well. 4 Vikings in the pro bowl but no chad greenway who is the leagues highest tackler. Jarred Allen was lucky to get in.

Won't mention the nickname (on this thread) that the Packer fans give Minnesota but it's quite funny, really . You probably know what it is ! The teams in our division are in such close proximity that it's any wonder there's animosity between the four of them . Rich history with all the teams in our division as well, of course . Every year I learn a bit more about the sport and the rivalries - it's very complex . Our game has been switched to 8.25am (our time) and I'd be surprised if it's not covered by Foxtel or OneHD .

True, we will do a lot better once Bradford starts being smarter with the ball in his hand, too often he is intercepted and so often he tries and forces the ball into areas he should not throw into, doesn't go for shorter easier options too often that would gain us 3-4 yards + maybe a few after catch.

Bradford is coming along nicely . The whole sacked vs interceptions is an interesting stat . More chance of being sacked if you hang on to the ball and not risk having the ball intercepted . Rodgers is a prime example of this - 46 sacks and 8 interceptions (our offensive line isn't great but Aaron is often prepared to wear a sack)

If you beat Seattle that will give you a winning season (8-7-1) . That's coming off a 2-14 season so it's quite an improvement .

[Gorgoroth 12,955]

It's a huge improvement. Bradford needs to learn to throw the ball away, so many QB's today wear sacks and throw interceptions when the should just throw it away and re set.

Highly doubt we will beat Seattle but its been a massive improvement and I look forward to next year.

[Macca 16,972]

It's a huge improvement. Bradford needs to learn to throw the ball away, so many QB's today wear sacks and throw interceptions when the should just throw it away and re set. Highly doubt we will beat Seattle but its been a massive improvement and I look forward to next year.

Yeah, I should have explained that possible Rams win in Seattle . The Seahawks may decide to 'rest' their starters at some stage (if they believe the 'Niners' have got the game in hand vs Arizona) . Both games will be played at the same time but it is 'somewhat' traditional to sometimes rest a teams starters before the playoffs . Doesn't always work as you well know but it doesn't stop teams from doing it .

Indi could rest Luck and Baltimore and New England could rest a few of their starters . Interesting that Cinci are favourites to win against Baltimore this week . Baltimore (in theory) could face Indi at home in week 1 of the playoffs then be at Houston (if the Texans win this week) in week 2 of the playoffs . The Ravens might prefer that scenario as opposed to going to Denver or New England in week 2 (of the playoffs) . Losing at Cinci this week is possibly the best option for Baltimore .

Edited December 27, 2012 by Macca

[Macca 16,972]

The TV games are now up ... all these games have got something riding on them ...

MON, DEC 31

5.00 AM Philadelphia at NY Giants Fox2

5.00 AM Chicago at Detroit OneHD

8.25 AM Green Bay at Minnesota Fox2

8.25 AM Arizona at San Francisco OneHD

12.20 AM Dallas at Washington OneHD & ESPN

For all other games you can visit this link

Here is the playoff picture and if you want to have a go at the game predictor, here is the playoff machine

Edited December 29, 2012 by Macca

[Macca 16,972]

Bill Simmons weekly column can be found here ... quite a good read this week ...

Eagles (+7.5) over GIANTS

At Stake: New York's 8.5 percent playoff hopes; Michael Vick's 2013 contract; the Andy Reid era; a possible alternate ending for the Silver Linings Playbook Blu-ray; the faint possibility of Philly players trying to carry Andy off the field and everyone collapsing like a building during an earthquake.

VIKINGS (+3.5) over Packers

At Stake: Green Bay's no. 2 seed;⁷ Minnesota's playoff spot;⁸ Eric Dickerson's rushing record; a looming playoff gambling dilemma (wanting to wager against Christian Ponder in a road playoff game while simultaneously being terrified to wager against Adrian Peterson under any circumstances); Aaron Rodgers's "Never bet against Aaron Rodgers when he's hot" reputation; the psyche of Vikings fans.

Cowboys (+3) over REDSKINS

At Stake: The NFC East title; the no. 4 seed; the no. 6 seed if Minnesota AND Chicago lose (if that happens and Dallas beats Washington, Dallas gets no. 4 and Washington gets no. 6; if that happens and Washington wins, the Redskins get no. 4 and the Giants get no. 6); the Jason Garrett era; the "Rookie of the Year" award; a potentially massive NBC rating; the mood of Monday's B.S. Report with Cousin Sal; the latest chapter of the ongoing saga, "How Good Is Tony Romo?"

[Cards13 9,117]

Here is "rooting" for AP to somehow get those 200 odd yards against GB.

[Gorgoroth 12,955]

Here's not.... Go Rams!

[Macca 16,972]

Bears win, thus eliminating the Giants . Also now means that the loser of the Redskins/Cowboys game will be out of the playoffs . Chicago's season now rests with the Packers .

Houston losing to the Colts has huge ramifications . Hard to see Denver or New England losing which would mean the Texans dropping to the 3 seed . Anything could happen of course ...

[Cards13 9,117]

4 mins to go in the 1st AP has 61 yards....

Edited December 30, 2012 by Cards13

[Macca 16,972]

4 mins to go in the 1st AP has 61 yards....

91 yards at the half for Peterson - Minnesota will be running the ball primarily with a 10 point lead so he'll have every chance you'd reckon .

20-10 in the Vikes favour . Crosby nails a 51 yard field goal - that's a highlight !

Meanwhile , the 49ers and the Seahawks aren't having it all their own way ...it's all happening . Your Broncos are safe - no.1 seed coming up ...

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

91 yards at the half for Peterson - Minnesota will be running the ball primarily with a 10 point lead so he'll have every chance you'd reckon .

20-10 in the Vikes favour . Crosby nails a 51 yard field goal - that's a highlight !

Meanwhile , the 49ers and the Seahawks aren't having it all their own way ...it's all happening . Your Broncos are safe - no.1 seed coming up ...

A bad couple of weeks by Houston. They get picked apart by a good QB. Rogers and Brady showed Houston's weakness and teams have clued on.

Great game between the vikes and cheeseheads. Rogers looks a bit frustrated with wanting to play a no huddle and the refs in cruise mode.

If AP is gonna get the record ponder has to keep making plays to keep the defense guessing. Gee it's hard to contain my love for AP.

[Macca 16,972]

A bad couple of weeks by Houston. They get picked apart by a good QB. Rogers and Brady showed Houston's weakness and teams have clued on.

Great game between the vikes and cheeseheads. Rogers looks a bit frustrated with wanting to play a no huddle and the refs in cruise mode.

If AP is gonna get the record ponder has to keep making plays to keep the defense guessing. Gee it's hard to contain my love for AP.

You mean the queens and the Packers , yeah ?

Packers are right back in this now - Ponder will need to do something

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Spot on macca ponder has to do something. Gotta feed AP on 1st downs. Crosby's radar is on today.

[Macca 16,972]

Crosby is now 2 for 2 - who knew ?

Great match 27 - 27 . May the better team win - we don't need a bad call deciding this ...

[Macca 16,972]

Spot on macca ponder has to do something. Gotta feed AP on 1st downs. Crosby's radar is on today.

And right on cue Ponder throws a 65 yarder . This is a 'Barnburner'

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

And right on cue Ponder throws a 65 yarder . This is a 'Barnburner'

Couldn't help but laugh at that. Aikman out of the box and macca in.

[Macca 16,972]

Couldn't help but laugh at that. Aikman out of the box and macca in.

How 'bout punching it out of bounds 'Aussie rules style' Jennings ? Goes for the interception instead .

I swear we could teach these yanks how to defend in the end zone - just punch it away for Pete's sake !

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

How 'bout punching it out of bounds 'Aussie rules style' Jennings ? Goes for the interception instead .

I swear we could teach these yanks how to defend in the end zone - just punch it away for Pete's sake !

I have never understood why they don't punch it away. Gee that Rogers bloke is pretty good.

[Macca 16,972]

I have never understood why they don't punch it away. Gee that Rogers bloke is pretty good.

AP needs 45 yards ... tied at 34 ... 2 minute warning ... must be harder for you 'cfh' ... lose and you're out !

[Macca 16,972]

Well done Vikings . Peterson 9 yards short of the record - unlucky

We do it all again next week 'cfh' ...

At Lambeau

Now for SNF . Got a feeling Dallas might get up in another thriller

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

AP needs 45 yards ... tied at 34 ... 2 minute warning ... must be harder for you 'cfh' ... lose and you're out !

In Blair walsh we trust. What a game. I thought AP was going to run it in. 9 yards short but what a season.

Big 3rd down by ponder. That's a big step for him he looked composed today. It will be tough next week but to make the playoffs after 3 wins last year makes me very happy.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Well done Vikings . Peterson 9 yards short of the record - unlucky

We do it all again next week 'cfh' ...

At Lambeau

Now for SNF . Got a feeling Dallas might get up in another thriller

This is why I don't work on Monday's. Another cracker coming up. I'll take the skins in this one.

[Macca 16,972]

In Blair walsh we trust. What a game. I thought AP was going to run it in. 9 yards short but what a season.

Big 3rd down by ponder. That's a big step for him he looked composed today. It will be tough next week but to make the playoffs after 3 wins last year makes me very happy.

Ponder had a terrific match (his best game?) . QB rating of 120 with 3 TD's .

I'm not devastated by the loss - you don't like to lose anytime but .... the week off can have it's drawbacks and some teams need to keep playing every week for continuity .