We went to Target this afternoon, along with seemingly 95% of the rest of the civilized world. Nothing says Christmas like wading through aisles of unnecessary junk ("Choxie"?) along with hordes of unwashed masses after waiting 15 minutes for a parking spot. It's enough to make me want to do my shopping online.

SD at BUF: My East Coast Bias shines through again as the warm-weather Chargers freeze their asses off. Upset Special. BUF

MIN at CHI: I've made a big deal about teams being exposed by the Pats and then going into tailspins. The Bears are a bit better than that, at least on defense. CHI

KC at CLE: Ooh, if I didn't already use my upset special I'd be a bit tempted here. Alas, at this time of year it's usually best to go with the team fighting for their playoff lives. KC

NYJ at GB: Not only is this AFC vs. NFC, but the Packers are still in the midst of their post-Pats tailspin. NYJ

IND at TEN: Are people really picking upset here? Haven't the Colts already played Tennessee about 4 times this year? IND

AZ at STL: This one should be entertaining. The Cardinals are pass wacky, but they don't win road games. STL

DET at NE: I watched the Lions play on Thanksgiving, and they have zero chance to beat any AFC team, never mind the Pats at home. NE

SF at NO: So, I guess that talk of the 49ers making the playoffs was just a bit premature. NO

ATL at WAS: The Falcons are a mess right now, but the Redskins' new QB is no Tony Romo. ATL

HOU at OAK: Ugh. The Raiders defense has been underrated even if their offense is atrocious. 2 teams with nothing to play for, and I guess I'll go with the home team. OAK

JAX at MIA: The Dolphins are rounding into form just in time to barely miss the playoffs. I can't decide if this is more or less entertaining than when they'd start every season 7-2 and then collapse after Thanksgiving to barely miss the playoffs. MIA

DAL at NYG: It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Tony Romo! Faster than a speeding bullet! Able to draw media attention away from Terrell Owens and Bill Parcells! About due for a stinker of a game against a desperate team! NYG

TB at PIT: I've picked the Steelers almost every week, and I can't figure out why. PIT

SEA at DEN: Normally I don't go against the Broncos at home, but with a rookie QB making his first start against a competent defense, it may be a long evening. SEA

CAR at PHI: Looks like SI was wrong again with their Super Bowl pick, but the Panthers should at least make the playoffs. CAR

Posted by: Brian at December 7, 2006 9:02 AM