Friday Football Blotter - Let's Bowl!

I'd love to sit here and talk about and predict the final four teams in the vastly underrated FCS playoffs this week, which happen to feature the top four seeds and No. 1 Sam Houston State looking to run the table. However, my favorite and defending National Champions Eastern Washington have long been ousted and the players you and I could name in the playoffs could probably be counted on one hand. That said, it's still good pigskin and if you do tune in, both games are on TV, starting with Montana at Sam Houston State Friday night. Montana had a nice blowout win last week and I expect them to stay close all the way through. In the other semi, Georgia Southern travels to North Dakota State in the 3 vs 2 matchup. Look for a Georgia Southern upset and a trip to Pizza Hut Bowl or whatever they're calling it these days. Now, onward to FBS and the pro stuff, eh?

Last week: 5-6

Season total: 78-75-1

Saturday

New Mexico Bowl - 2PM EST ESPN
Temple vs. Wyoming [PICK EM]
For all you guys doing your confidence pools, this is a game I bumped up into the 20's because I absolutely love, love, love the two headed ground attack of Bernard Pierce and Matt Brown for Temple. Those kids combined for 30 ruTD this season and pulled in 5.6 and 6.1 ypc respectively. With the exception of Air Force, the Cowboys played poorly against all their tough opponents this season.

The pick: Temple 38-23

Cowboys at Buccaneers [O/U 47], 8:20PM EST NFL Network
The NFL Network is really upselling this as a "clash of the NFC titans" or however they phrased it during last night's Jags execution. At this point, where is the momentum for either team on offense? Dallas just lost possibly the most explosive back in the NFL this year to seven broken ankles and the Bucs couldn't muster but 14 points on the Jags last week. Well, I think LeGarrette Blount runs hard, keeps this game in check and opens up seams for Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow. Tony Romo and Felix Jones should combine for at least three scores on this miserable defense.

The pick: OVER 47

Sunday

Seahawks at Bears [O/U 35.5], 1PM EST FOX
Wow, the early games on Sunday are atrocious. At 6-7 and 7-6, this is pretty much a last call elimination game for the playoffs, with Seattle looking to have the decided advantage considering the Bear's unfortunate injuries. However, former UCLA badass Khalil Bell has struck a chord in Chicago, so don't be surprised if he outperforms Marion Barber on this day. And right now, who could stop Marshawn Lynch? This one will probably come down to the field goal kicking and whether or not Olindo Mare (or whoever else) can blast them through for the Seahawks in that treacherous stadium.

The pick: OVER 35.5

Packers at Chiefs [PICK EM], 1PM EST FOX
The only reason this is going on the docket is because there are rumblings about Green Bay playing soft and possibly sitting some starters. I call shenanigans--this is, for all intents and purposes, the Pack's last road game of the season, so I believe Mike McCarthy and the boys will want to take advantage of that hostile environment and work in new schemes now that top receiving threat Greg Jennings will be out three weeks. One of these teams will indeed be playing their B-squad, but they really don't have a choice in the matter.

The pick: Packers 31-14

Somewhere, Nas' "Hate Me Now" is playing

Patriots at Broncos [+7, O/U 46], 4:15PM EST CBS
The media's game of the week, in which the son of our lord comes to try and knock off the the mighty Tom Brady, despite rumors that Tebow and Brady will never be on the field together during a play. Ever. There are some alarming trends coming together that hint that this will be a helluva game. The last two weeks saw New England be embarrassed by second and third rate offenses in Washington and Indianapolis, winning both games by thin margins when those teams closed the gaps late on that putrid Pats D. Hmmm, isn't that Denver's MO lately? I can't promise a Broncos hyper upset, but neither of the defenses scares you, especially with Denver's being so banged up in the secondary. Good luck, Tim--I, and the rest of the free world, am pulling for you.

The picks: OVER 46, Broncos cover the 7

Jets at Eagles [PICK EM], 4:15 PM EST CBS
A lot on the line for Andy Reid and Phily right now, most notably avoiding a losing season and keeping a slim, slim chance at the playoffs alive. I think it'll start this week against a timid Mark Sanchez and a banged up Shonn Greene.

The pick: Eagles 20-17

Panthers at Texans [-6], 1PM EST FOX
This spread just looked way too appetizing. You think Wade Phillips being AWOL will actually affect how well Houston plays on D? I don't think so...at home, against a rookie QB who throws a lot of picks? And TJ Yates ain't half bad, folks.

The pick: Texans cover the 6

3rd string wunderkind TJ Yates

Saints at Vikings [+6.5], 1PM EST FOX
This is another spread special that caught me eye. Despite Percy Harvin playing lights out lately, I still have questions about Minnesota's QB situation and whether or not Adrian Peterson will be effective in his return. I'll take the team with barely any hickups on offense, save for one of their 8 running backs.

The pick: Saints cover the 6.5

Ravens at Chargers [+2.5], 8:20PM EST NBC
Call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to this one more than the MNF football game. You have to admit, the Chargers are fun to watch again on offense, especially when Phil Rivers isn't throwing three picks a game. The Ravens are a different, less focused team on the road and I think this spread shows that. Even with Ray Rice hitting on all cylinders, I have to go with the home team and that explosive offense.

The pick: Chargers cover the 2.5

Monday

Steelers at 49ers [-2.5], 8:30PM EST ESPN
With Big Ben a Big Q this week and no James Harrison, is this a trap game or what? Probably not. Considering the injuries, the Niners might have the advantage in all decisive categories in this matchup now (even the kicker!). There might be more points than the 39 spread let's on in this one, because I really like Alex Smith and how he's reincorporated Michael Crabtree back into the game plan. If Big Ben doesn't play, this is child's play. If he does suit up, we might be in for a barnburner, folks. Also, look for 49ers DE Justin Smith to sack whoever is playing QB for Pittsburgh at least three times.

The pick: 49ers cover the 2.5

All stats by CBSsports.com, spreads by VegasInsider.com as of 12/16/11