There’s no need for me to repeat details of all the weirdness going on in the NFL right now. I should point out that five NHL teams (Boston, Nashville, Calgary, Colorado and Florida) are getting extended Christmas vacations because who wants to see a bunch of AHL players playing in the big leagues? The Shield will soldier on though because those practice squadders are “being given an opportunity to shine”, apparently.

To The Games!

Panthers/Bills:

Buffalo is in a 1-3 freefall but should get a bit of relief in the form of the offence-less Panthers. The latter team’s brain trust has decided to spread the blame by having both Cam and P.J. take turns at qb. Freefall temporarily slowed! (the Bills get the Pats next week though)

Cards/Lions:

Arizonny was not able to retain hold of the top spot in the NFC and now sits in 3rd behind the Bucs and Packers. Good news as they visit a Detroit squadoo that is down to Craig Reynolds (maybe some Jermar “Don’t call me Jerm!” Jefferson as well) at rb. The passing game should be a travesty now that HOCKEY! is gone for the year.

Jets/Fins:

Many Mormons go on a two tear mission to god-foresaken places but The Zach Attack chose to spend one lost year in the wilds of Outer Jersey. Now that rook wr Moore is down there is very little to work with. Ah hell, he wouldn’t be able to do anything behind that will o’wisp o-line anyway.

Cowboys/Giants:

Needless to say, Dallas will be improving on their 8-3 record over New York. Dak and Zeke aren’t exactly themselves but they don’t need to be given all the other difference-makers on both sides of the ball. I look forward to Coach Judge’s empty platitudes about ‘making progress’ in the post-game presser (that he’s always late for, thus inspiring even more ire among the lads and lasses that cover the team)

Titans/Steelers:

Pitt has lost three of their last four after being infected by that tie to Detroit and there is nothing left in Ben’s tank. Tanney hasn’t taken the step forward that was required after King Henry went down-he’s gone for a 4:6 TD/INT number and a YPA just barely over 6. The Titans need this one given that the Colts won last night.

Texans/Jags:

These two and the Lions are jockeying for the first overall pick and that’s exactly where the interest lies in this game. Well, not the game itself, just the outcome. No one outside his family thinks much of Davis Mills but the kid has three 300 yard games under his belt.

Enjoy the tilts-before the league tilts.