The Crystal Ball 2007 Week 8

This week I was going to lay off Boston. Yes, it drives me nuts that every time I turn around I see something Boston related. Sunday night drove me especially insane as I watched Pittsburgh lose; then had to endure another round of how great the Patriots are while suffering another series clinching win by the Red Sox which catapulted them into the World Series. Now with the NBA season gearing up, the big talk is all about the revamped and championship caliber Celtics.

It’s enough to make a fan of any other team start slamming their fingers in a door just to give a person something else to think about. I’m beginning to get a very good impression of how everyone outside of Pittsburgh felt around January 1980.

But I figured, why hate on someone else’s success? Sure all those teams, especially the Red Sox and Celtics, are really proving is that with a big enough checkbook excellence is only a few overpriced deals away. But still, it is success and most fans would salivate and saw off specified body parts to experience they same type of joy Boston fans are currently enjoying. And since such peaks in sporting superiority are short lived, why not let Boston fans revel in it, no matter how obnoxious and insufferable they become in their unfettered delight. Who would not want to experience such euphoria? I know I would. So I will not begrudge them their moment. I just do not want to hear about it every other minute.

I am aware that a good portion of my animosity stems from jealousy. Who would not be jealous? I want my teams to dominate like that. I want to watch every Sunday and not just think we have a chance, but know we’ll tear everyone apart and pick our teeth with their bones

But since it most of it comes from jealousy, what is the point? Do I really hate these teams? No. I have no feelings one way or the other toward the Celtics. As for the Red Sox, since I cannot stand baseball, (more for the league and those who run it, the game itself still holds a sway over me, but that is another story), why pour so much vitriol on a team that at the end of the day, I could not care for one way or the other? Mostly I just resent the Sox success because, A, it feeds into the obnoxious behavior of Red Sox fans, who are quite insufferable especially since they have morphed into Yankee fans, the type they loathed for decades. B, it bothers me that basically they have become the Yankees in how they operate by buying players and victories while gutting smaller market teams. And finally C, I wish the Pirates could afford such a payroll and success.

As for the Patriots, there are at least some viable reasons to dislike the team. Beating Pittsburgh twice in the AFC championship game, on our field no less provides two good reasons. The cheating scandal of which we still do not know what they did or did not do and no one will say how tainted their legacy really is, the holier than thou attitudes, the coach who accepts the title of genius (even though he was pure crap as a coach in Cleveland) while treating the media, fans and anyone outside of his “circle” with contempt annoyance and disdain, this latest act of basically saying eff you to the rest of the NFL and taking out their perceived anger and hurt for being punished for cheating by humiliating every opponent they face, the almost constant adulation of Tom Brady no matter how much he acts like a sore winner in victory and a petulant baby when another team gets the best of him and of course the loud boisterous and intolerable fans who just will not shut up. So yeah; there are a few things to dislike about them.

But I planned to let it all go, and for once even stick up for the Patriots. I do believe they have been running up the score, but I know they did not last weekend against the Dolphins. There have been a few people that have busted their chops for putting Brady back in just to score again, but I do not think they were trying to run up the score. Hell, that game could have been 149-28; they definitely let off the gas against Miami. I was even going to let go of the talk of Boston being the City of Champions. Even though we all know there is only one city with that distinction, and it’s not in Massachusetts. But I digress.

That was my plan, until I ran across this shiny little gem in the latest Sports Illustrated.

“Won by the Patriots, a lawsuit against StubHub that forced the online ticket reseller to give the team the names of fans who bought or sold tickets to New England games. Massachusetts law forbids tickets from being resold for more than $2 above face value. The team did not say what action it will take against the fans, though it did say revoking the tickets of those who sold their season tickets was possible. On StubHub last week, $125 tickets for the Pats’ Dec. 16 game against the Jets were being offered for $1,300.”

Now, it’s bad enough to treat the media, the football loving public, other teams and franchises, football fans in general and even the NFL as sub par creatures not fit to walk in your own world. But to treat your own fans this way? This is going too far. When the Camera Gate scandal hit the fan, the whole world, if only briefly, came down hard on the Patriots. But not their fans, they never once wavered.

Even though they knew, and admitted, that what their team did was wrong, they still stood by them. They suffered the slings and arrows of everyone around them, still believing in and supporting their team. They even gave Belichick a standing ovation the week after the scandal broke. The same Belichick who would as soon perform surgery on himself without anesthesia than acknowledge these fans as human beings, still they supported him without question. And now, for giving that kind of unwavering defense and devotion to their team, the thanks they get in return is scorn, punishment and potential revocation of their tickets.

I know you can try to justify it by saying the Patriots are merely obeying the law. Bull. If the state of Massachusetts or the state’s law enforcement really felt this was a problem and wanted to go after these people, they would. This is nothing more than vindictive behavior. This is not a slap in the face to some of the most loyal fans in the sporting world; this is a grab and twist of the groin. The team knows how valuable their tickets can be. Their actions portray an organization angry they are not getting a slice of this after market pie. Plus, it shows how quickly they have forgotten how important the people who spin those turnstiles every Sunday really are to the team and their success.

There are plenty of obstinate owners and selfish players that make up many of the teams in the NFL. And their behavior on and off the field shows often how much they disdain and barely tolerate the fans that back them through thick and thin. But to hang your fans by the nearest yardarm because they found a more efficient way to scalp tickets they may not use, and make some extra scratch that could help during a few lean months, takes the cake.

Honestly I tried this week. But they make it too easy to keep from heaping disdain upon them like manure. If the team and organization want to operate in an eff you sort of way then fine that is their prerogative. But to expand that scope to include your own fans is a new low. I have said before karma will retaliate on them for their behavior. Well, she is stockpiling a huge cachet of ammunition, and the Patriots will not like her vengeance. If this is how they want to play, so be it. I can be a small man. I can give an eff you right back. Watch how childish I can be when Pittsburgh plays them in a few weeks.

I better start stocking up on Pampers and pacifiers by the gross in the meantime.


Recap

Buffalo is much better than their record indicates. Baltimore is much worse than their record.

Herm Edwards, I have a small coaching note for you. When the first 12 screen passes get blown up in the backfield, the next 12 are doubtful to work. For Pete’s sake man, call a different play! You could have set up about a dozen delayed draws or play action passes through a fake screen and the defense would have bitten. Boy that was driving me nuts.

Kudos goes to Rob Bironas for a record setting performance by nailing 8 field goals against Houston. Although I question a team that needs 8 field goals. You cannot slam that ball into the end zone once?

Kerry Collins, a man tired of hearing about other washed up quarterbacks making a name for themselves took matters into his own hands. A shame his defense almost squandered it.

Kudos also goes out to Houston for staging a furious comeback, despite losing Schaub to injury. Even if their record will not reflect it by the end of the season, they are a much better team mentally.

Seriously, the Eagles could not stop Brian Griese in the last minute of the game? Good gravy they made Griese look like Elway. Once again, the prevent defense prevents nothing.

Watching the end of Cardinals/Redskins game I came away with this thought. Washington is up 21-13 and trying to hold on. Their last few drives went 3 and out. The clock reads less than three minutes. They need to wick time away and keep the ball out of the Cardinals hands. On First down they run the ball and the clock ticks away. Second down they pass with an incompletion and clock stops. Third down back to the ground, but the running back runs out of bounds and once again stops the clock. Fourth down boom goes the punt. Now, knowing how ineffective their offense had been all day, the best move they could have done was run the ball up the middle three times then punted. If they had just done that, the 21 seconds that were left at the end of the game for Arizona to attempt to steal a victory would have never been there. Arizona would have been forced to use their time outs, and quite possibly might not have even had a chance to score the touchdown. When you are trying to end a game, you need to keep the ball in play so the clock runs. This is simple, elementary stuff folks. Joe Gibbs may be a hall of fame coach, but the cat calling his plays most certainly is not.

That was some wicked body armor Kurt Warner was sporting on his left arm. I guess all the good robotic replacement parts were shipped to Green Bay.

Osi Umenyiora sure is having a stellar year. A big sack that resulted in a fumble and a return for touchdown highlighted another big day. The Giant defense will be in fine shape when Strahan eventually hangs them up.


Broncos 31 – Steelers 28

Ugh. They looked horrible. Why do they let bad teams get to them? Is it playing to the level of their competition? Pittsburgh looked ill prepared for having two weeks to plan and prepare for this game. The Broncos, by contrast, did not. I’d like to believe the Broncos are better than advertised. At least that could put some salve on the wounds.

Note to the NFL, do you wanna beat Pittsburgh? Schedule a long road trip for them.

What peeved me most about the game was that due to the loss, for the time being they will no longer be spoken of an elite team in the NFL. Not that I question that. I believe they can be an elite team. But if you cannot beat an opponent you should, then you have not earned the right to be mentioned as such. They had an opportunity to show off how good they could be on national television and squandered it. And let’s be honest, they should have beaten Denver. The team has been reeling, and is far from healthy despite their bye week. They have been on their heels lately and were primed for a knockout. When you let a team like that get the best of you, it is not the mark of a champion.

The first half resembled the Arizona game almost to a tee. The first drive of the game looked stellar and resulted in a touchdown. They looked at that point to be rolling toward a dominating evening. Then the Broncos got the ball and everything fell to pieces. One difference between the games, though, is that this time Pittsburgh fought back better in the second half than they did against Cardinals.

By the time the score hit 21-7 we found out that before the game the Broncos honored Damian Nash and Darrent Williams. Right then it all came into focus and I knew we would not win. How do you defeat that kind of keyed up emotion? The Broncos were playing for something greater than themselves as individuals. In an emotional game in an emotional sport, that can make all the difference.

Key note, during the last drive of first half, in two plays the Steelers went backward 20 yards. This took them out of effective field goal range. If they had made that field goal, the end of the game would have been quite different. A Holding penalty and poor protection and decision making hurt the team later more than anyone thought possible.

Roethlisberger was a tale of two halves. He could not have looked worse in the first half. Poor decisions, indecisiveness and unable to take care of the football stood out the most. But in the second half he became a new man. He had 4 touchdown passes for the game and engineered excellent scoring drives. Just once I would like to win a shootout. I know we have the capability to do it, but I have yet to see it.

Despite the Steeler heroics, Denver won the game on another last second field goal. Are they the new cardiac kids?

By the next day I calmed myself and realized my Bronco friends probably needed this win more than I did. Mind you I’m not enjoying losing, maybe just finding a way to justify it I suppose.

I suppose it could be worse. After all we are competitive and 1st in the division for the moment. I could be a Dolphins fan.

I have to keep in mind that despite the success thus far, this is still Tomlin’s first year. And while no one wants to waste a season with the transition label, there will be some bumps in the road. Must remain calm grasshopper.

What I Liked From Pittsburgh: Shaking off the first half debacle and coming out to play in the second half. Even though they lost, it shows a lot of character.

What I Did Not Like From Pittsburgh: poor line protection and poor quarterback decision making in the first half, not putting Parker and Davenport on the ground early. Poor defensive play (seriously, stop a drive) and poor ball protection.


Colts 29 – Jaguars 7

This one was the Colts all the way. They grabbed effective control of the game in the first half and never relinquished it.

Peyton did not put on a clinic, but easily handled a good team, as though to remind everyone crowing about a certain other team who currently is on top of the NFL world.

It has stuck in my head for some time that so far this season, everyone is talking about Tom Brady’s big year and no one is talking about defending Super Bowl champion and MVP Peyton Manning. I know Tom is having a year for the ages, and has never had a year like this (and if things keep going his way no one else will either), but why are we not talking about Peyton. Then it dawned on me. A high level of production and excellence is the norm for Peyton. He is always stellar, year in and year out. You never see these fantastical jumps in statistics and performance because he does them each and every year. How long before he cements himself in the top five of all time quarterbacks? I say two more years.

Vinatieri has no field goal attempt over 40 yards this season so far. Sign of a good offense.

David Garrard had a scary moment and went out of the game. Now it looks like his ankle injury could cause him to miss a month or more of playing time. And we have yet another starter gone due to injury and another who dat under center. You think quarterbacks are more of a delicate flower nowadays because they do not take much contact? Perhaps in olden NFL times quarterbacks lasted longer because they toughened up due to taking a beating. Just a thought.

Russell Crowe, seriously? How is this interesting in any way? More on another celebrity debacle on Monday Night Football below. That kids, is a teaser.

Bob Sanders is a difference maker plain and simple. He elevates the play of the entire defense. Everyone with half a brain would love to have him on their team, myself included. And last time I checked we had a pretty darn good safety.


NFL, the alternative Universe

During a mini meeting of NFL owners and league officials, the NFL brain trust decided to change the time allotment for each team to select a player from 15 m5 minutes to 10 minutes in the first round and from 10 minutes to 7 minutes in the second. Sure am glad to see the NFL is busy focusing on the important issues.

DeAngelo Hall has been ripping on the Falcons for giving up to anyone within the sound of his voice. He should have known they gave up on the season when they traded Schaub and signed Harrington.

NFL added $10 million to medical fund for retirees. Good start, but the biggest issue, from what I understand, is getting the money into the right hands. Fix that process, and the rest will fall into place.

The NFL fined Patriots defensive end Ty Warren $7,500 for failing to buckle his chinstrap against the Bills. Once again, I’m glad to see the NFL is always there on top of the tough issues.

Oh boy did I miss this one. Monday Night Football and ESPN have banned Jimmy Kimmel from future broadcasts of the show for comments made during the broadcast of the Giants/Falcons snooze fest. In case you missed it, here is what Kimmel said that has been labeled as “classless”, “cheap” and “disappointing”.

"I'd also like to welcome Joe Theismann, watching from his living room with steam coming from his ears

"What impressed me most is that he could impregnate two models" – Speaking of Tom Brady

"Listen if we can have a Mormon President, I can marry Kelly" – Speaking of Kelly Ripa

"Are you allowed to bet legally on this game?"

Kimmel’s reaction, in a story by Richard Deitsch for Si.com, was typically priceless.

"Technically, couldn't you say Joe Theismann has also been banned from Monday Night Football? If he showed up, they probably would not let him in. I was hoping to get banned from a casino first, but I suppose it's satisfying in a way to be banned from any television show. I don't know what I did exactly but apparently it was horrific. I just can't imagine CBS Sports putting out a similar statement about David Letterman" Kimmel said, laughing.

Upon hearing of his mention on his old program, Theismann himself was amused about the whole situation as he caught the comments on the broadcast.

“I don’t have an opinion about what people say, but it’s nice to know you’re missed. It’s interesting that people remember me.”

Theismann went on to say that does not always watch the program anymore, as it “has become Tony Kornheiser’s show”.

Seriously, what was the big hub bub? So he busted a few chops. Big deal. Are we really at the point where we take ourselves and football SO seriously that we cannot make a few cracks at it? Look, if Brady is really the deity many have deemed him he can use his mighty powers to smite Kimmel for blasphemy if so he chooses. Otherwise, pull the stick out of your butt, take a chill pill and be thankful there was someone in that booth entertaining enough to keep people tuned in.

In general I hate these nonsensical, and completely pointless, celebrity interviews, and if they insist on doing them, at least have someone in there that makes me laugh. Kimmel can do that much. At least Kimmel is interesting, which is more than can be said for most of the schleps they drag in there, including last week’s big guest Russell Crowe. And anything Kimmel said was 10 times better than the game going on at the time.

But it does raise a few questions. Since ABC and ESPN are both owned by Disney, will Kimmel be banned from his own show too? Will he be banned from the Magic Kingdom? And will it make the company Christmas party uncomfortable if the MNF crew and Kimmel both attend? Things to ponder.


Upon Further Review

A Perfect Season

The almost unattainable goal strived for every season by elite teams. To touch the brass ring of the perfect season, and be remembered for the ages, would be an experience like no other. So we need your help, fans and foes alike, to support, cheer and push the Dolphins and Rams into immortality and 0-16 seasons.

Let’s be honest, these two teams stink, and the only way anyone is going to talk about them is if they keep losing. Look at Oakland last year. Everyone talked about them until they beat a shell shocked Cardinal team. After that, no one cared. They went from a team of historical futility to just another mediocre crapfest. Dolphin and Rams fans, do you want that? Of course you don’t. If your team is going to be crappy and lose, at least lose spectacularly.

Now, I am not advocating or suggesting throwing games, certainly not. All I am saying is play to your pathetic potential. The losses will follow, no doubt.

Come on, step it up for the rest of us. Strut your futility. Dispel the myth of parity in the NFL. Show everyone what you are not made of. I know you both have it in you.

Now, the Rams have lost an astounding number of players to injury, some for the season, since opening day. At one point, they only had 4 offensive starters playing that opened the season. But they still do have good receivers, a decent quarterback and a great running back when he returns from injury. So their chances of making history look shaky right now.

The Dolphins, however, have a much better chance and get the edge. They recently lost Ronnie Brown to injury for the season. Coupled with losing Trent Green for the season and trading away Chris Chambers; they now have no proven or viable offensive weapon with which to attack opposing defenses.

And their defense, despite spending big money on Joey Porter, has been nothing short of tissue paper thin. Injuries have decimated the team here as well, making it that much easier for opposing teams to score at will.

Of course, they are only one Ted Ginn Jr. return away from throwing a season’s worth of futility in the crapper, so they need to be careful.

But would this not be the perfect bookend to their historical 1972 undefeated season? They would be mentioned in the same breath for all eternity when someone mentions the greatest and worst seasons of all time.

Now, strictly speaking a defeated season is not completely unheard of. More than a few teams during the early days of the NFL went winless in campaigns. But after World War II, the only teams to achieve this milestone are the expansion 1960 Dallas Cowboys (0-11-1), the expansion 1976 Buccaneers (0-14) and the Baltimore Colts (0-8-1) during the strike shortened 1982 season. But no team has EVER lost 16 games in one season. A few have lost 15, but never has one hit that perfect score of 0-16. This is your chance to grab onto history. This is your chance to grab the opportunity the Raiders squandered last season. Do not let history slide on by. Seize the day! Or better yet, don’t.


Steelers Around the World

Ahhh, the City of Lights, Paris France is where we land this week. The capital of France is known throughout the world for romance and beauty. This key center to world business and culture is a must stop in our trot around the globe.

To experience everything Paris has to offer, I toyed with waiting until the end of the season. That way, one could stay longer and soak in the city. But alas, I was too impatient. So much to try, see and do here I wanted to touch on it all. While visiting this beautiful city, one can indulge themselves on a cornucopia of culinary delights. French cuisine is known the world over for its excellence and palate pleasing enjoyment. Although I would steer clear of escargot. One can also spoil themselves like many Parisians do with treats from some of the finest bakeries in the world or just while away the day at a bistro or café, soaking in the miss-en-scene of Paris life.

Perhaps one wants to experience more than culinary pleasures. Take in some of the famous sites all around the city. The Eiffel Tower, Tuileries Garden, Paris Catacombs, Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe are a mere sampling of the beauty contained within.

Or perhaps you would like your architectural and cultural landmarks mixed with some kind of artistic flair. Paris has you covered there. Opera Garnier offers for the musically inclined classic opera and ballets. And of course, there is always The Louvre. This architectural masterpiece is one of the oldest art galleries and museums the world over. It is also one of the largest and, with almost no peer, most famous. Contained within its walls are some of the most beautiful artworks known to humankind.

Paris itself has so much to offer, one wonders why even bother playing a game. Well, because Parisians do love sports as well. Soccer and rugby are the preferred sporting drug of choice. In Paris, the game will be played at the 80,000 fan capacity Stade de France. This state of the art stadium was built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, in which France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final. The stadium is a regular host to soccer and rugby games and as well as numerous concerts.

For this game, the Steelers will take on the New Orleans Saints. While Louisiana and Cajun country are a long way from Paris, French influence still runs deep within the history and culture of New Orleans, and the Saints and their fans could find this trip a treat. Remember Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, who founded the city of New Orleans, centered the city on the French Quarter. Sensationnel!


Idiot of the week

Bob Kraft takes the cake for his treatment of the fans of Boston and his Patriots. It sure is easy to condemn those without for trying to make a little extra on the side when you have plenty. Last time I checked, those seat licenses and season tickets were a might pricey. I bet it makes it slightly easier to swallow those big fees if you can skip one game out of eight and make a bit of extra scratch. But someone like Bob, who makes dough hand over fist, probably would not know about that.

Hey Bobby, was your considerable fortune all amassed above board? Did not have to step on a few necks or bury some competition anywhere along the way to get where you are, did you? What kind of financial skeletons are you hiding? Considering the actions of your team, perhaps those who live in glass stadiums should not throw fans out of them.


Taking The Week Off

Atlanta – Sitting around shaking their heads as DeAngelo Hall berates everyone from Petrino to the laundry guy.

Dallas – Cowboy fans will have the opportunity to bask in the glowing smile of Tony Romo, who will be on display outside of Texas Stadium through Sunday.

Kansas City – Herm Edwards will devise the ultimate screen pass, one that cannot be defended.

Arizona – Ken Whisenhunt will learn ligament surgery and instant healing techniques to bring Kurt Warner back on line. Sorry, no time to bring Leinart back.

Seattle – The search begins to see if the real Shawn Alexander went to live with Sasquatch.

Baltimore – Despite the loss, Brian Billick will throw a party for his offense. I mean, they managed to score 14 whole points in 60 minutes. That has to mean something.


On Tap This Week

Despite a certain team losing a certain game, all told the week turned out pretty good. Check it.

Last week 10-4
Season to date 62-41

I guess paying attention and knowing do make a difference. But, can the streak continue?


Detroit (4-2) at Chicago (3-4)

Ok, the Lions are 4-2 despite a horrible offensive line and no defense. But I doubt it can continue with Brian Griese doing his best Tommy Maddox impression, minus the whistle stop to sell insurance and play for Vince McMahon.

Bears over Detroit


Pittsburgh (4-2) at Cincinnati (2-4)

Damn do we need a road victory. This should be the salve that cools the wounds. It had better be.

Steelers over Bengals


Oakland (2-4) at Tennessee (4-2)

Vince Young will return this week. Collins relegated to a myth. Thee biggest question is, will their defense return? Against the anemic Raiders, yeah, they’ll look pretty good.

Titans over Raiders


Cleveland (3-3) at St. Louis (0-7)

Theoretically, the Rams can put enough things together at some point to muster up a win. And they are at home, not like it has helped thus far. Nah, I’ll take the hot team that’s all rested up.

Browns over Rams


New York Giants (5-2) at Miami (0-7)

London, baby! This is what we offer our overseas brethren to get them excited about football? Yeah, like they’ll trade in soccer for this. I doubt even a change of country could help the Fins at this point.

Giants over Dolphins


Philadelphia (2-4) at Minnesota (2-4)

Master versus protégé in a total toss up of crap. The Eagles could not stop Brian Griese for 71 seconds. The Vikings, on the other hand, could not complete a pass if their lives depended on it. I think either way I’m screwed. I’ll go Philly. At least they have the possibility of exploding offensively.

Eagles over Vikings


Indianapolis (6-0) at Carolina (4-2)

With a victory Peyton Manning would become the first quarterback to defeat all 31 teams. Manning is not a stat hound, but he is a student of the history of the game. And he likes being a part of history.

Colts over Panthers


Buffalo (2-4) at New York Jets (1-6)

Dick Jauron has JP Losman healthy, but he will be starting the hot hand in Trent Edwards. It takes guts to make a call like that. Shame for Jet fans Eric Mangini does not have those same guts, as Pennington will be under center for New York. Note to Buffalo defenders. Jump the out routes. You can pick those off easy and score defensive touchdowns.

Bills over Jets


Houston (3-4) at San Diego (3-3)

Matt Schaub is injured. The fires are still on the minds of Charger team. 40 people in organization have had to evacuate, including 17-18 players. But, they get to come home finally and play in front of a crowd desperate for a distraction and something to cheer. It’ll be enough.

Chargers over Texans


Jacksonville (4-2) at Tampa Bay (4-3)

Without David Garrard, this team is going nowhere. I’m sure Quinn Gray could be a serviceable quarterback at some point, but not this week against a tenacious Bucs team that only lost last week due to some uncharacteristic mistakes.

Buccaneers over Jaguars


New Orleans (2-4) at San Francisco (2-4)

Two teams headed in different directions. Amazing how fast the 49ers fell off after their demolition at Heinz Field

Saints over 49ers


Washington (4-2) at New England (7-0)

With a victory Tom Brady would become the second quarterback to defeat all 31 teams. He’ll do it, because he cannot stand to let Peyton have some sort of a limelight. He’s been stealing the defending champs thunder all season long.

Patriots over Redskins


Monday

Green Bay (5-1) at Denver (3-3)

Favre won’t get his chance to beat 31 teams until next week. He prefers to have the stage all to himself. Mile High lost some mystique, and Broncos are shredded after tough win. The Pack is rested, but still need running game. There is potential that a World Series game could be played the same day right down the street. Will split fan mojo hurt the Broncos and Rockies? Everyone likes the Broncos, but I’ll take a rested Green Bay.

Packers over Broncos