Some nicknames are strange. Take Dick, for example. How exactly did that come from Richard? It sounds nothing like it. Chris is a perfectly cromulent nickname for Christopher because it is an obviously shortened version of a name otherwise bloated in length.

One that's bugged me for awhile is Jim. It sounds a lot like Tim, which is short for Timothy, yet it's really short for...James? James is already short enough, one syllable. In solving this problem I've discovered the next "hot name": Jimothy, or for baby girls: Jymothi (the y instead of an i makes any name a girl's name). It's not even on the map for baby names yet, but after this post goes out there keep an eye on it. It's a name on the grow...

OAK at CIN: I'm just not sold on the Bengals like everyone else seems to be. Their early season problems (unable to stop the run) haven't been fixed, but it won't matter in this game. CIN

MIN at DET: The Vikings are still eligible for the playoffs. That about sums up the state of the NFC. MIN

BAL at KC: Wow, this is a tough one. The Chiefs have been outstanding at home (and not too great on the road, see last week), but I'm not sure they'll be able to move the ball against the Ravens. Still, Baltimore is waaaay overrated. Upset special. KC

NE at MIA: The Pats have been holding on to the ball about as well as Michael Jackson holds on to his children, and the Dolphins always play them tough. I'd almost go upset special here, but somehow I think the Pats will pull it out. NE

ATL at TB: Vick looks pitiful against the Bucs on a regular basis, but Tampa is one of those teams that I don't see winning another game for the rest of the year. ATL

PHI at WAS: The Eagles can't really make the playoffs still, can they? Oh NFC...PHI

NYG at CAR: It's the Pets.com Disappointment Bowl! I still take great pleasure in watching Eli Manning implode. NYG

IND at JAX: The Jaguars are always *this* close to beating the Colts, but they can never seem to do it. Look for more of the same here. IND

TEN at HOU: If the Titans were in the NFC, they'd be a playoff lock right now. As it is, they're just about mathematically eliminated. TEN

SEA at AZ: Look for another wacky Cardinals shootout here, but then again I could say that every week. SEA

GB at SF: Is the Packers' post-Pats slide over yet? I don't think so. SF

BUF at NYJ: I have half a mind to pick the Bills here, but I have to keep reminding myself: JP Losman, JP Losman. Speaking of, what exactly is the JP short for? He sounds more like an 8 year old down the street than an NFL quarterback. Notice to JP Losman: changing your name to Jimothy Patrick Losman is good for 2-3 wins per year. NYJ

DEN at SD: I don't think so, Lucas. Jay Cutler and his Plummer-like decision making are on the other side of the ball. SD

NO at DAL: The Tony Romo coronation ceremony ends today. NO

CHI at STL: Marc Bulger will spend more time in this game on his back than [insert slutty celebrity name here]. CHI