Thanksgiving is a wonderful time. As a Canadian, I celebrate the holiday a month earlier but I really wish we were as passionate about the occasion as our friends south of the border.
Americans do it the right way: a four-day weekend with non-stop football on the tube.
Taking a moment to consider what you’re most thankful for is a nice change of pace from our regular longings of things we don’t have. That gives us perspective.
Around this point in the season NFL teams have a good outlook of their season. After 10 games, clubs can’t argue with the results. As former Cardinals coach Dennis Green famously said, “They are who we thought they were!”
Half of the clubs in the league know they won’t be playing in the postseason this winter. Some will accept that and relish in the spoiler role while others will be too depressed to put up a fight over the final leg of the regular season.
Identifying which teams fall under which category should help us collect some cash for Christmas presents. I don’t know about you guys, but money is a little tight around the Grewal residence with a baby expected to arrive in January.
If I don’t increase my bankroll, I’ll be forced to send out cards with donations made out to the Human Fund for Xmas gifts – a la George Costanza.
Kansas City Chiefs (+14) at San Diego Chargers
I really like the direction the Chiefs are heading in. I held back laughs a couple weeks ago when NFL analysts were suggesting that head coach Todd Haley’s job was in danger if Kansas City didn’t start winning a few games.
This club improves each time I see them play, something that has to be credited to the sideline boss. KC has won two straight – including last week’s shocker over the Steelers – and has covered in five of its last six overall.
“Let’s play our best football of the year right now in these last two months of the season, and let’s build some momentum and get better as a team,” QB Matt Cassel told the Kansas City Star.
That’s the right type of perspective.
Pick: Chiefs
Arizona Cardinals (+3) at Tennessee Titans
Kurt Warner’s case for league MVP improved dramatically with Matt Leinart’s relief appearance last weekend against the St. Louis Rams. The Cards were up 21-3 and were in complete control until Warner got his bell rung.
Leinart wasn’t awful, but Arizona’s offense just isn’t the same without No. 13. Thankfully for Zona backers, Warner will be back under center this week at Tennessee.
In case you hadn’t noticed, the Cards are playing their best football since last year’s playoffs. They’re 6-1 over the last seven games (5-2 ATS) and are 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS on the road this season.
Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan is a world-class cornerback but he can’t defend Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald at the same time.
Pick: Arizona
I really want to take the Pats and Texans this week but my scaredy-cat tendencies are getting the best of me. Besides, I’ve got a record to protect. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m 10-1 with my picks over the last four weeks.
Be thankful I’m not giving you too much of a good thing.
Last week: 3-0
Season record: 20-12