Super Sunday

As much as I love the Super Bowl, it always makes me a little sad because another NFL season is coming to an end.

The 2010-2011 campaign was memorable to say the least. It's only fitting that two of the league's greatest franchises are meeting on Super Sunday. So who's coming out on top?

Like most big games, this contest should come down to turnovers. As balanced as the Steelers are, Big Ben makes me a little nervous. Will he scramble and execute a game-winning throw, or hold the ball too long and turn it over at crunch time?

In a battle of two evenly matched teams, I'll take the more efficient offense. For me, that's Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. I like Green Bay in a dog fight, 23-19.

The Brett Favre shadow will finally disappear. It's about time.

Numbers Don't Lie

We all know how great Kobe Bryant is, but until today I had no idea that he is eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

That's right, at age 32 Kobe has already passed the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Dominique Wilkins.

Next up, Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone.

QBs On The Move In 2011

Assuming that the labor issues get settled in a timely fashion, it should be an interesting offseason in the NFL. Several solid, or at least intriguing, QBs will be looking for new homes in 2011. Consider this quick list:

• Donovan McNabb
• Vince Young
• Kyle Orton
• Kevin Kolb

And that doesn't even count Carson Palmer, who is demanding a trade. If I'm the Arizona Cardinals, I'm licking my chops. The birds are basically a QB away from returning to playoff contention.

They almost can't screw this up.

More News That Isn't News

Earlier today, Chad Ochocinco announced that he is changing his name back to Chad Johnson. Hopefully millions of football fans had the exact same reaction I did:

"Who cares?"

Chad is yet another example of somebody who needs to perform more and talk less.

Piling On Jay Cutler?

So let me get this straight...I'm supposed to believe that Jay Cutler faked or exaggerated an injury to take himself out of a playoff game? That has to be the craziest thing I've ever heard. And please don't bombard me with more nonsense about body language, facial expressions, and ice packs.

Now for the only vote that counts, Coach Lovie Smith:

"Jay didn't take himself out of the game. If you're going to attack somebody, you should be attacking me as the head football coach, and our medical staff. We're the ones. He wanted to go back in. He was injured and went back in in the second half. I see it the complete opposite of how it's been portrayed right now."

Finally, the voice of reason. Critics can question a lot of things about Jay Cutler, but toughness isn't one of them. Did anybody watch the Bears/Giants game this year? How would you like to play behind that offensive line?

Cutler might be a jerk (I honestly have no idea one way or the other), but he shows up to play. If he was on the sidelines during the biggest game of his career, he had to be injured. Case closed.

Warren Sapp Strikes Again

I'm watching the NFL Network, and Marshall Faulk just asked why the media dislikes Jay Cutler. Warren Sapp's answer?

"One word. Body language."

Outstanding. You just can't make this stuff up.

Round Three--This Time It's Personal!

I sure hope you're not betting based on my picks. It goes without saying that the crystal ball is severely damaged this postseason. After two playoff rounds, I'm exactly .500. Ladies and gentlemen, that is sad.

But it's a new week, and once again I attack the slate of playoff games with a fresh approach. Maybe it's time to try George Costanza's "do the opposite" strategy. Maybe it will get me a job with the New York Yankees. Maybe not.

Upon further review, maybe I should continue to go with my gut. It always comes through at crunch time. It also really likes beer. And potato chips. And chilli.

Anyway, on to the games...

• Packers over Bears: This just in...Aaron Rodgers is a freak of nature. I can't remember the last time a quarterback played at this high of a level for this long. Combine his talents with a defense that is really coming together, and I think Bears Nation is in big trouble. Evil Jay Cutler could be just around the corner. You know, the guy who looks like he's never played football before. This one will get ugly. Packers 35, Bears 16.
• Steelers over Jets: I hope this contest lives up to the hype. On paper, it looks too good to be true. Powerful defenses. Dynamic coaches. Rock-solid running games. Explosive receivers. Serious trash talkers. The Jets continue to impress, but I think the magic finally runs out on Sunday. I like the Steelers at home, 24-20, and I love the idea of a Pittsburgh/Green Bay Super Bowl.

So with that in mind, grab your ATM card and bet the Bears and Jets.