Macca

Thought the penalty against the 49ers late in the game was a fairly average call. Fair enough if the contact was directly to the head/helmet area of Brees but I thought the tackle was initially to the arms and chest. However, we're most probably going to have to get used to these type of rulings. When the game is in the balance, it just looks like a gift. Where does it all stop? It seems incidental contact is just not allowable at all when it comes to the QB. Anyway ... Chicago are right back in it but they probably still need to finish a win ahead of Detroit to win the NFC North. At least 10 wins might be required to secure a wild-card in the NFC and even then it may come down to tie breaks. The Eagles are on a roll but that division is still wide open. Astonishingly, the Giants are only 1 loss back and they've now won 4 in a row. Cinci might have their eyes on the 3 seed - they would probably have to get to at least 11 wins and hope that the Colts or Pats lose a few down the stretch. Bengals are at home to the Colts in week 14. The 2nd wild-card in the AFC is up for grabs - Pittsburgh are now in the picture but they do have a few tough games to come - you just never know though. A lot riding on tomorrow's game - the Panthers can get a break on their rivals for the wild-card race and ... they still have their 2 matches against the Saints to decide the NFC South.

New doco out called "The Armstrong Lie" directed by Alex Gibney (who also produced and directed "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room", "No End in Sight" and "Catching Hell" amongst other notable documentaries that he's made) The following podcast ... The BS Report featuring Alex Gibney was made back in April and it serves as an excellent behind the scenes look at the making of "The Armstrong Lie". It's a nice lead in to the doco which should be out soon ( it might in fact end up on youtube reasonably quickly - that seems to happen with a lot of doco's) ... the podcast is 75 minutes long but it's well worth a listen for those who are interested.

Once again, the TV games ... Monday 5.00am Detroit at Pittsburgh (Fox3) 8.25am San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox3) 8.25am Green Bay at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Kansas City at Denver (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New England at Carolina (ESPN) ... all the other week 11 games ... and here's this weeks Bill Simmons column from 'Grantland' ... Return to the Island of Dr. Simbeau

lol ... ... the Colts getting up helps a few of us in the comp hey! Luck just keeps leading his team back into games and winning - can he do it in the playoffs? (assuming the Colts win the AFC South and are in the playoffs) At this time of the season, certain teams can start getting 'hot'. My 'Smokies' are the Panthers and the Eagles. I'm also waiting on the 49ers to hit some decent form. If the Giants defeat my blokes, they could be another team to keep an eye on (I'm expecting them to win if I'm being honest)

A clip from 'Seinfeld' ...

Here's a interesting doco that aired recently on ESPN ... 30 for 30 - Big Shot (the story of John Spano's short lived ownership of the New York Islanders back in the 90's)

If we do it again next year we could bring in a 2/3 rule (rewarding those who correctly tip 2 out of 3) I reckon picking the 3 roads winners should remain as the main basis of the comp. Say 1 point for 2 out of 3 and 3 points for getting all 3 correct ( 2/3 is quite achievable whilst 3/3 is rather difficult and should have a greater proportionate reward) 'cfh' would most probably still be in front if we had that revamped system but at least the points rewarded to all of us would be far more frequent! We could still have the 4 bonus weeks. I originally thought about picking the winners of each game as a tipping comp but that could easily become rather cumbersome (you kinda need something that's quick and easy if the goal is to have a number of regular participants) I also believe that posters should be able to enter at any time next year - starting late really wouldn't have an effect on those who are already involved (especially if those involved already had a number of points up) Having said all that, if someone was to come up with a whole new concept that was acceptable to all (or most), I'd be happy to roll that way. This years comp could best be described as cruel fun! (and I certainly never meant it that way!)

Points tally in the tipping comp ... 4 - cowboy from hell 3 - Strafford 2 - Macca 1 - pantaloons, DemonDave 0 - Gorgoroth, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Demon Land 7 TV games ... Friday 12.30pm Indianapolis at Tennessee (ESPN only) Monday 5.00am Detroit at Pittsburgh (Fox3) 8.25am San Francisco at New Orleans (Fox3) 8.25am Green Bay at NY Giants (OneHD) 12.30pm Kansas City at Denver (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm New England at Carolina (ESPN) ... all the other week 11 games and the BS Report Plenty of good games there - pity OneHD are only doing the 2 games this week but I guess those who have cable are not missing out. Another big test for the Panthers and looking forward to the 49ers/Saints game and the Chiefs/Broncos clash. Tomorrow's match-up is an interesting one - it could go either way. Tips ... Arizona Detroit Indianapolis

Well, I'm taller than a couple of the current QB's so why not! There's at least a few small considerations to take into account though ... like fear and ability! (I'd be good at handing off to a RB - that seems easy enough) Anyway, here's my take on things after today's games (for what it's worth) ... The NFC North is Detroit's to lose now. The Lions schedule isn't too difficult and they should be able to get to at least 10 wins (that might be enough after taking into account their record within the division) 49ers losing opens things up a lot in the NFC. Seattle should win that Division now unless they lose @ the 49ers and lose another 1 or 2 games. I reckon they'll end up 13/3 at worst. They could easily get home field advantage all the way through to the Super Bowl and the 49ers might have to do it on the road (assuming they make the play-offs) The Panthers played very well and that win will strengthen their case for a play-off berth. Saints were impressive at home and kept their hopes alive for a no.1 seed in the NFC. Dallas were disappointing ... the Eagles are within striking distance after today's win (I've no doubt mozzed them now, last week I talked up the Titans - oops!) Bengals had their chances (that 'Hail Mary' was an absolute classic) Still reckon Cinci will win the AFC North though. 9 wins might do it. How about those Rams? Who would have picked that result? (apart from Gorgoroth) The other big news is Peyton's ankle/knee (?) ... as most are aware by now, he copped a late hit to the lower leg (from a player leading with his helmet) He wasn't happy at the press conference and mentioned that he was in a decent amount of pain. Next week's game against KC has a lot riding on it and he'll need to come up otherwise Denver might fall 2 games back in that Division. Even the Jags won - whooda thunk-it

Here are the TV games again ... Monday 5.00am Oakland (3/5) at NY Giants (2/6) (OneHD) 5.00am Cincinnati (6/3) at Baltimore (3/5) (Fox2) 8.05am Carolina (5/3) at San Francisco (6/2) (Fox2) 8.25am Denver (7/1) at San Diego (4/4) (OneHD) 12.30pm Dallas (5/4) at New Orleans (6/2) (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Miami (4/4) at Tampa Bay (0/8) (ESPN)

It's turned out to be one of the most difficult tipping comps in the history of tipping comps. Urgent fine tuning is required but alas, we'll have to wait until next season for those changes to be implemented. In the meantime, it must be remembered, that any of us can still win the damn thing! Keep plugging away 'Gorgoroth'!

Teams generally keep trying to win in this League even though their respective seasons might be shot - well, that's at least the case with teams that have a decent level of talent. That's why teams like Houston, the Giants, Baltimore, Atlanta and 1 or 2 others can't be written off completely and are still dangerous. There's a little bit of tanking that goes on (Colts a couple of years ago?) but because Coaches are let go so easily (8 last year?) there's still a lot to play for. Players are in the same boat - they can get cut very quickly. Teams can play spoiler and that's especially so when it comes to a divisional rival. Minnesota are a case in point - they would like nothing better than to help end the Packers season in week 12. And that's fair enough too - it's a ruthless sport. The Packers knocked the Vikings out of the playoffs last season and that will be well remembered at Minnesota! Carolina have improved a fair bit but if the 49ers are on their game, San Francisco will win. Tennessee are another team that are thereabouts. They've got a few tough games but also some very winnable games and could get to 9/7 or maybe even 10/6.

Momentum is the key. Get past the Eagles and we might win all of the next 3. Lose against the Eagles and it could go the other way. Wallace is going to have to step it up and fingers crossed, that happens. Anyway, for the neutral fan, there's a number of top match-ups in week 10. I've picked Seattle but Atlanta have got to put it together sooner or later. They can definitely win that game and if they do win, it puts the race for the NFC West and the Conference up for grabs. I'm expecting the Saints to defeat Dallas and the 49ers to beat the Panthers this week, so that could leave all 3 teams (New Orleans, 49ers and Seattle) with 2 losses each (overall) The subsequent games involving 49ers @ New Orleans (week 11), New Orleans @ Seattle (week 13) and Seattle @ 49ers (week 14) would then all take on even greater importance. San Diego might be on their "win" week and if they got up against Denver, the Chiefs would then have a 2 game cushion in the AFC West. Cinci have a chance to "virtually" eliminate the Ravens but it's the Lions @ Chicago game which has the most interest for me (apart from the Packers game) ... week 10 games

I just can't see Rodgers getting back for the Detroit game (which is on Thursday the 28th Nov - 19/20 days away) It's normally at least a 6 week injury. Even if he does come back early, he might have to play differently to how he normally plays. McCarthy has a history of being conservative with regards to players coming back from injury. Too many things would need to fall into place for an ideal outcome. But against all that, it may in fact only be a 3/4 week injury. I'm happy for my speculative opinion to be wrong. I've known a few people who have had collarbone injuries and it's a difficult injury to get over quickly. Up until now, I'd never heard of the 3/4 week time span (in terms of recovery time) for a fractured or broken collarbone From the man himself ...

Oh yeah, I'm flat all right 'cfh! I know a lot of sports fans have a built in "hope" mechanism but I don't possess one of those - prefer to face the realities. If we had Cobb, Finley, Matthews and others available then my thinking would be different. Wallace won't have a lot of quality players to throw the ball to. Regardless, Seneca doesn't possess a strong arm. He may step up and prove me wrong - ya never know! Vegas brought the line down in the Eagles game down from -10 to -1 (and Vegas knows all!) As for the rest of the League, there is always high interest (especially in our division) If Detroit win on Sunday then they'll have a reasonable advantage - they would then face a Packers team without Rodgers in week 13 (in all probability) whilst the Bears might have to face the Packers with Rodgers in week 17. And both those teams have to visit Minnesota (the Vikes should get better as the season goes on) I reckon the Bears/Lions match-up is the game of the week in terms of consequences. Having said all that, if the Packers beat the Eagles, I'll be a little more buoyant with regards to our playoff chances - there's a lot riding on the match as we then face the Giants in New York (better to go in there with a win behind us) By the way, I rate the Eagles more than many others might. One of a number of teams who are far more capable than they are displaying. Just calling it as I see it, 'cfh'.

Nice win by the Vikings yesterday but it was no real surprise. Washington have underachieved this season but so have the Vikings (both teams made the playoffs last year) Ponder had a good game after a scratchy start and AP is getting back to his best form. Cassel did ok when he replaced Ponder (they're saying that the injury is not a major one - he may be back next week) As an aside, the Packers will almost certainly need Minnesota's help in order to have any chance of make the playoffs. As for the Packers ... They might be having a look at Matt Flynn but it's doubtful it would make much difference between Flynn, Wallace, Vince Young or any other back-up QB who is not already at another team. You're effectively replacing one of the League's best with another QB who can't even get a back-up role at 31 of the other teams. In other words bringing in a QB ranked in the 70's or worse isn't going to help much (especially in the way Green Bay are set up and with all the other injury concerns) Rodgers just can't be replaced - it's as simple as that. As for having a QB with the team since before the start of the season, they did have Vince Young in that role but there were most probably some major issues with him as well. Besides all that, he's not that good a player. Most of the teams that the Packers are up against in the next 6 weeks have underachieved to varying degrees this season. These teams are almost sure to want to notch up some wins in the last half of the season. Green Bay's improved running game is all that needs to be curtailed in all reality (Lacy is no AP!) Can't see Rodgers returning until at least week 14 (more likely week 16) so it's going to be a colossal ask to win enough games without him. This is apart from any replacement back-up QB having any real effective targets - apart from Nelson. Even with Rodgers playing, the lack of effective targets was always going to be an issue going forward. I suppose there's always hope Anyway ... here's Bill Simmons column from 'Grantland' ... The 18 in Limbo

TV games ... OneHD aren't covering tomorrow's game Friday 12.25pm Washington (3/5) at Minnesota (1/7) (ESPN) Monday 5.00am Oakland (3/5) at NY Giants (2/6) (OneHD) 5.00am Cincinnati (6/3) at Baltimore (3/5) (Fox2) 8.05am Carolina (5/3) at San Francisco (6/2) (Fox2) 8.25am Denver (7/1) at San Diego (4/4) (OneHD) 12.30pm Dallas (5/4) at New Orleans (6/2) (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Miami (4/4) at Tampa Bay (0/8) (ESPN) ... all the other week 10 games Not a bad array of matches this week and even MNF has some added interest now!

It's looks like it's going to even out at the top a bit in the NBA this year with Houston, the Clippers, Indiana, the Warriors and the Nets all improving their rosters. The Heat, Bulls, Spurs and OKC will all be up there again you'd reckon. Dallas, the Lakers (if Kobe returns fit and back to his near best) and the Knicks are playoff chances. If I had to pick a team to trouble the Heat the most in the East, it might be the Pacers. In the West it might come down to Houston and OKC but it's wide open in the Western conference. There's a number of good teams and I'd like to see the Clippers do well ... the Warriors as well. It would be some achievement if Miami get their 3rd Title in a row.

Tips... Seattle Denver Miami

No change to the tipping comp points tally ... 4 - cowboy from hell 2 - Strafford, Macca 1 - pantaloons 0 - Gorgoroth, DemonDave, 45HG, Norm Smith's Curse, bananas, Demon Land 7 Week 10 games and the BS Report

Luck does it again - those 4th comebacks are becoming his trade mark. The Texans looked home but those Colts sure know how to win. Gary Kubiak collapsing was a scary moment - looks like it's not overly serious but the details are still a little sketchy. Not sure about how the play calling works at the Texans but Wade Phillips is certainly a highly experienced coach who would have known what plays to call. Still, it might have thrown things a bit for Houston. KC had a great come from behind win on the road and once again, they've kept their opponent to a low points tally (13) It's going to be fascinating to see how their defense holds up against Denver in 2 weeks time. Not one team from the NFC East lost this week (the Giants didn't play!) Maybe that division can get a bit stronger after all. There's certainly some talent spread in amongst those 4 teams. Nothing would surprise me in the NFC East as all 4 teams are capable. (although the Giants do have a number of injuries) The Panthers won easily again but how bad are Atlanta? Tampa nearly pulled off one of the upsets of the season and the Jets beating the Saints was somewhat of a surprise (the Jets are the most predictably unpredictable team going around!) Vikes and Rams went close and both teams were a little unlucky not to win. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have fallen right away. With the Steelers, it's mainly their defense (which used to be immense) and with the Ravens, they're just a shadow of last years side. Cinci are at Baltimore next week in a game that Baltimore have to win. There are a number of well credentialed sides that have performed well below their best this season. From one year to the next in this League, a lot can change. It's almost impossible to predict.

Here are the TV games again along with Bill Simmons' column ... The Sports Guy's Week 9 Picks Monday 5.00am New Orleans at NY Jets (Fox2) 5.00am Kansas City at Buffalo (OneHD) 8.25am Baltimore at Cleveland (Fox2) 8.25am Pittsburgh at New England (OneHD) 12.30pm Indianapolis at Houston (OneHD & ESPN) Tuesday 12.30pm Chicago at Green Bay (ESPN) All the week 9 games Obviously be tuning in to MNF but SNF should be a good game and the Saints at the Jets could be close - The Jets have bounced back all season and they are at home. Can KC keep the streak going in Buffalo? Wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers do ok as well - the match-up against the Pats has traditionally been a good one. New England should win though.

And my Hammers just keep playing in scoreless draws! (although we did defeat Spurs 3-0 at Tottenham the other week - you'd be happy about that!) Arsenal are having an excellent season but Man City loom large - they beat Norwich 7-0 last night. City can sometimes struggle away from home but they are the one to watch IMO. The Gunners go to Old Trafford next week - that could be a beauty. The title race is wide open (at this early stage)

And if you reckon any of us are going to capitalise on that, think again 'cfh'! I'm fully expecting another 2/3 week or perhaps even another one of those "zip" returns. There's an idea - a point if you get none right Seriously, with your renowned marking ability (as reported from the footy forum games) you're an absolute shoo-in for a WR's role at the Packers. McCarthy is expecting your call !

There were about 11 former teammates of Armstrong who received a reduced ban (6 months?) ... in order to get that reduced ban they had to make admissions of their own PED use and Armstrong's use of these PED's as well (or at least as much as these 11 former teammates were prepared to divulge) Those admissions were made to WADA but it might have been USADA (in a lot of ways it amounts to the same thing) Not long afterwards, Lance spilled the beans on Oprah's show. Fairly sure the whole saga is ongoing and may go on for some time (not that the public care much anymore) Those former teammates of Armstrong may still get sued - there was a lot of money given out to the Armstrong teams. They're coming at him now ... Lance Armstrong Arbitrator to Hear $12 Million Bonus Recoup Case What's important to remember here is that Armstrong never tested positive to a banned drug and to cop a lengthy ban, no athlete necessarily needs to test positive to a banned drug (or a drug that is on the "Not fit for humans" list or such like) That applies anywhere I believe. The other thing to remember is that what applies in the USA doesn't necessarily apply in Australia (and vice-versa) Anyway, back to the Dons situation ... This new evidence from Dank's offsider (the South Yarra compound Pharmacist) may well be enough for ASADA to then be able to issue infraction notices (with all the other accompanying evidence to help, of course) The sum of all the parts (so to speak) is where the answer might lie. Then again, Dank's offsider may not shed any more light on the situation at all. Someone posted this link to the story earlier but here it is again ... Stephen Dank's offsider to speak to ASADA The whole ASADA investigation could go on for quite some time before we get a definitive answer. There's speculation that up to a dozen players could get infraction notices but what I find a bit strange is that if all the players took these injections on numerous occasions, how do they not all get punished? (if they are punished) I would have thought it was all or none (Unless the evidence directly points to a certain number of players)