This is why I'm not a gambler. Last week 4-0, this week 1-3, and the Pats winning was the one I was least sure about. Marty is going to be really gun shy of star QBs after what Elway used to do to him, and now adding Brady to the mix.

Is there any doubt that the Division level of football is the most exciting weekend in the NFL. Eight great teams, four great games, one in over time, three decided by F.G., and even the last one was undecided until that last F.G. put it out of reach.

I had to work Saturday so I used my new DVR to record both games. I purposely didn't listen to the radio, or sign online, so I could watch the Colts/Ravens game without knowing the score. I am NOT a fan of either team, but I sure give the Colts credit for what they've done so far. It's almost like it's fate that they have to get past the Pats to get to the big game.

Unfortunately I also was tied up and unable to watch the Pat/Chargers game. I recorded it, but my daughter used the DVR to pause live TV at one point, and while watching the game it cut out just after the Pats tied it in the 4th.

You've got to feel sorry for the losers, especially the Chargers. Congrats though to the winners.

If that doesn't qualify for the single biggest boneheaded move of the year someone please tell me what does?!! I mean come on, you've stopped the other team on a crucial third down then you go and headbutt an opposing player right in front of a ref, when are these guys going to learn?
Well I was 3-1 this weekend, I missed the Pats-Chargers game, but for me that was the toughest one to pick. Also as I think Rodger mentioned above it is kind of poetic justice that Peyton and the Colts have to go through Brady and the Pats to reach the Super Bowl.
My early week predictions (due to change maybe )
Colts and Bears in the Super Bowl
I'm picking them both because of the home field "advantage"

Mike

I went 3-4 in my picks. I was sure that the Bears would continue to fall apart. Seahawks had the chance but blew it.

I think the Saints will beat the Bears
and my Pats over the Colts.
Going with the visiting teams this time. Super Bowl will be Pats and Saints.

Agree Mike. The loss of poise by the Chargers may well have cost them the game. Everyone keeps harping on Romo for bungling the snap for the field goal but those things happen. The head butt was just asinine.
And what was LT's deal after the game? He is going to get mad because someone is imitating Merriman's sack dance? Doesn't Merriman "disrespect" his opponent every time his does his little dance? Didn't he get suspended for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy? Just asking...




I think Brady and co. have to go through the Colts this year. Not the other way around. :-)

Shaun

Either way, it is a new NFL rivalry, Indy & NE. As I've continued to say, I am a Patriots fan, but think Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks to play in our lifetime. If the Pats don't get in, then I want to see Manning win one before he becomes too old.

Well said. And that's coming from a guy who still remembers watching the Mayflower vans leave town on a snowy Saturday morning. Manning reminds me so much of Johnny Unitas that it's uncanny. I hope he finally gets a ring.

It's tough to play against a team like the Pats, not because they are better than you, it's because they capitalize on your errors. The sports writers are picking apart Charger errors and the coach's decisions, pointing out the mistakes that gave the Pats the game.

I think they had a list of ten errors, including the head butt, not kicking the FG, dropping the interception(s), challenging the stripped interception, etc.

You could do that to just about any close game. The Chargers played a good game, but you have to give the Patriots credit. They won.

manning has how many SB rings?

Yeah, we know...zero. But hey, Brady, Montana, Bradshaw, and on down the line started out with zero as well. You gotta give Brady the nod experience wise, but it has sure helped to be surrounded by the team and coaching staff in New England.

Mike