Sage Rosenfels most likely put a stake in the heart of the Texans’ postseason aspirations with two bonehead plays last Sunday, but in the Grewal household he saved the day.

Let me set the stage.

My in-laws were visiting for the weekend and I had invited over a few friends to watch the games with me on Sunday. I assumed Rod, my father in-law, wouldn’t be interested in joining us in the TV room since he wasn’t much of a football fan.

But he chose our company rather than listen to the ladies yammer on about Debbie Travis.

My friends were a little hesitant to be their usual offensive selves with Rod (who I should point out is an Anglican minister) sitting near by.

With the Texans all but assured of a victory, my loud and obnoxious friend Rob gushed about how he was a Houston win away from winning a $200-parlay ticket.

Then Mr. Rosenfels turned the amplifier up to 11.

Leading 27-17 late in the fourth quarter, the Houston quarterback tried to pull a John Elway Super Bowl move jumping in the air for a first down. But the ball popped out and the Colts scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown.

The score was now 27-24 with less than four minutes to play.

Rod was getting a bit more involved in the contest at this point. He was openly rooting against Houston siding with my other friend Geordan who has a non-sexual crush (maybe it’s sexual) on Peyton Manning.

Sage struck again when he dropped the ball on the next possession, handing the Colts great field possession and plenty of time to find the end zone before the final whistle.

Rob couldn’t contain himself anymore. He let out a long, profanity-filled rant that would have made Dennis Leary blush.

The game ended with the Colts squeaking out the win and Geordan and Rod exchanging violent high fives, while Rob continued to curse under his breath.

I’m sure if Rod had stayed to watch the next set of games he would have joined us crushing beer cans on our foreheads.
Last week I needed a Tampa Bay push just to avoid a 0-3 week. I’m looking to bounce back with this week’s picks.

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans (-3)

You can’t convince me the Texans come out fired up in this one looking to avenge last week’s debacle. That loss to Indy was a season-changer. Houston always plays well at Reliant Stadium but the team’s shaky quarterback situation invites a dog play.

Bill Parcells’ reputation for turning around losing clubs is only strengthening with each Miami win. It’s amazing how the Tuna shows up and immediately instills a winning atmosphere.

The Wildcat formation is working wonders. Imagine what the Fish offense will look like once Ted Ginn Jr. fits in.

Pick: Fish

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)

Okay, I’m beyond the point of believing Indy is just off to a slow start. I’m probably not the only one who thinks this team should be 0-4 rather than 2-2.

I’m not ecstatic about backing a raw, rookie quarterback on the road, but I think John Harbaugh’s decision to publically commit to Joe Flacco for the reminder of the season was a brilliant move. With one short statement, he increased the confidence of his young signal caller tenfold.

The Colts win, but not by more than a field goal.

Pick: Ravens

Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks (-2)

This pick is almost entirely based on the status of each team’s No. 1 QB. It looks like Charlie Frye will be under center for the Seahawks because of Matt Hasselbeck’s bum knee.

Frye hasn’t started a game in the NFL since Week 1 last year and that was for Cleveland. Since being traded to Seattle he’s been relegated to third-string duties.

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers played through the pain of a busted shoulder without the aid of a painkilling shot. Qwest Field is one of the harder places to win, but if San Fran can win there, I’m sure Green Bay can too.

Oh boy. Three underdog picks; all road teams.

Probably not the best strategy.

Pick: Packers

Last week: 0-2-1

Season record: 8-6-1