I put off writing the weekly NFL eulogy until the Pats made their run at perfection.
I simply can not root for a team in today's NFL going 16-0.
Somehow, someway, they needed to be taken down. Maybe it has something to do with SpyGate; maybe it has something to do with the sorry state of my favorite team the SF Forty Niners. Maybe it has something to do with sour grapes and melancholy holidays, or maybe it's simply a case of Grinch-like PMS coupled with old age.

Maybe it's all these things combined to create a perfect storm of conflicting emotions within this body of mine. Surely a good strong drink, a valium and a cozy fire will cure that melancholy feeling of Auld Lang Syne.

This NFL season has been a bummer, to use an out-dated expression. I typically am infused with anticipation and excitement about the playoffs, but, this season, I'm just not feeling it.

The Cowboys, the team I love to hate is leading the NFC. The Packers, a team I thought was dead and buried has surprised everyone and Brett Favre-lous is putting on quite a show.

That other AFC team, you remember them right, the Defending Champions, the Colts, have had Marvin Harrison in the witness protection program for much of the season. Their season seems to be an afterthought when the talking heads break down the teams heading into the post-season.

I suppose I can look forward to the playoffs and hope that the Jaguars knock every favored team on their respective arses. That would truly please me.

Yep, sour grapes, PMS or simply a contrary mood might explain this gloomy mood I'm in.

So let's recap the regular season.shall we?

The New England Patriots, made NFL history and destroyed records in the process.

The Miami Dolphins screeched to a 1-15 record but reeled in a big fish to lead them out of the deep abyss, they hired Bill Parcells to restore the franchise. As of this writing he has fired the GM and the coach.

The Atlanta Falcons started losing before the season ever began. Their franchise quarterback, Michael Vick, became the hot off-season subject as he was investigated for dog fighting and subsequently was tried and convicted and thrown in prison.

To add insult to injury, their coach, Bob Petrino, left the team high and dry 13 games into the season of futility. Owner Arthur Blank tried to hire Parcells but had him stolen right from under a new contract by the Dolphins.
Which franchise has suffered the most series of unfortunate events? My vote is for the Falcons.

In other news around the league:

Brian Billick was given the pink slip after the Ravens ended the season 4-12. That took a few years too long in my opinion.

Mike Nolan remained the head coach for the 49ers in spite of a disappointing season. The Yorks have moved the chairs around in the executive suites and promoted Scot McCloughan to GM.

But my mood has improved this week. Perhaps it's the realization that we still have a lot of great football left to watch. The playoff games this weekend have my interest piqued.

I feel some upsets coming on.

Here's the playoff picture for Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

Washington Redskins (9-7) at Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

The Redskins have the best momentum in the NFL. Todd Collins has been spectacular as the replacement for Jason Campbell. Collins, the perennial back-up has to keep the magic going as he faces Patrick Kearney of the Seahawks. Matt Hasselbeck for the Seahawks has been reborn as the team's running game has bogged down. But I believe the Redskins will play another inspired game in memory of number 21.

Pick Redskins

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
The Jags have had the Steelers' number for awhile, they have beat them in the last three meetings. The Steelers are banged up while the Jags are healthy, aggressive and tough.

I like the Jags in this game.

Pick Jaguars

Sunday

New York Giants (10-6) at Tampa Bay (9-7)
Eli Manning looked terrific against the Patriots but he has a tendency to be inconsistent. On the other side, Bucs' quarterback Jeff Garcia is the real deal when it comes to clutch plays in meaningful games.

Pick Bucs

Tennessee Titans (10-6) at San Diego Chargers (11-5)
The Titans with Vince Young are a very good team, but without him, or with him playing hurt they are not going to be able to defeat the Chargers at home. The running of LT combined with the pressure from the Chargers defense will prove too much for this young Titans team.

Pick Chargers.

I ended the regular season with a record of: 162-94

My record for week 17: 13-3

Happy New Year everyone, For Auld Lang Syne.