This time of year makes me sad. Football’s regular season is coming to an end and then soon it will be playoffs and before you know it, the Super Bowl. Then there will be no football and Sundays will again be free to do other things off the couch and away from the TV. Oh woe is me.
But until then I will be very satisfied with some of the best played football of the year. When playoff spots are on the line and entire seasons will come down to just a couple plays, the players give everything they have to pull out wins. Even teams who have no shot at the playoffs will play with all their might because they can play spoiler for a team trying to make the playoffs. Every game will be exciting and with two teams (Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints) striving for an undefeated season, there is a lot of drama to be had. These are games where impossible and improbable plays happen and moments will go down in football lore and in your memories forever.
Also, congrats go out to Mark Ingram and his selection as the Heisman Trophy winner for this college football season. All five candidates were outstanding players and each could have had a claim to the trophy. Now it’s on to the Bowl games and most importantly, the National Title game. But with some much time in between now and the big game, you’ll have to get by with the lesser Bowl games.
Here’s what’s on tap for this week.
Top 3
1. NFL – Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers – Dec. 20 @ 4:05 pm
This is almost a playoff game in itself because each team is at the top of their divisions with teams nipping at their heels for those top spots and a ticket to the postseason. Philip Rivers is the top quarterback in the league and the Chargers will want all the momentum and motivation they can muster to take into the playoffs. The Bengals have a reputation of being bad and a losing history to back it up but Carson Palmer is trying to change history and lead the Bengals to glory. Not only is this a big game for division standings, this game also could mean a playoff bye for the first round and some extra recovery time. With all the implications of this game, these teams will play their hearts out and give you something truly worth watching.
2. NFL – Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – Dec. 19 @ 8:20 pm
A rare Saturday NFL game that will have deep ramifications for each team. The Cowboys are desperate to make the playoffs and if there is any hope of that, they absolutely need a win. Not just any kind of win, a big win against an opponent like the undefeated Saints who are seeking perfection. Tony Romo and his Cowboys have routinely found a way to lose in December and we’ll see if they can’t find a way to turn that around. If they could be the ones to knock the Saints out of their quest, that would be a lot of motivation and momentum going into the end of the season. Naturally, the Saints want to go all the way in the goal for perfection and they will put that high powered offense out on display to prove they are perfect. The problem with this game is that it is only on the NFL Network so unless you are a subscriber, you’ll only be able to see highlights.
3. NHL – Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames – Dec. 17 @ 9:30 pm
The Kings are showings signs of dominance as they are having a breakout season and are currently in first place with one of the best records in the NHL. Calgary is a long time hockey town with years of winning behind them. They are currently in first place as well and will be looking to put the young up-start Kings in their place. The Kings are tied for second in entire league and the Flames are right behind them in third. The best record gives teams home-field advantage during playoffs so this is a very important game. I know hockey is rough to watch on TV but this will be worth watching with each team looking to make a statement as the more superior and gain a lot of confidence by beating one of the best in the league.
Quick Picks
- The groups for the 2010 World Cup have been set. Get ready for soccer fever because every four years everybody and their mother becomes a soccer fan. The U.S. has a strong team so let’s show some national pride and root on our boys.
- The NBA is not very promising this week but watch out because their best day for games is Christmas Day. The NBA makes it their Main Event with all of their biggest stars not only playing but playing against each other. This year looks no different. Have some patience, it will all be worth it.
- Check out the College Football Bowl Schedule and make you plans for some big games on the horizon.
