Well this should be an interesting week, with several key matchups coming into play starting this afternoon.  We'll see who can cut it and who can't.

Adding to that excitement is the fact that rocketman Michael Vick is now being paid more than Peyton Manning, as he signed a contract extension totaling over $130 million over the next ten years.  $37 million of that is guaranteed.  Peyton's extension was only $98 mill for seven years, with $34.5 of it guaranteed.

Now, despite the fact that the only record Vick will ever break is the quarterback rushing record, Atlanta has topped Peyton Manning's contract to the Colts, in which he will break another record this week.  Indy's also a serious sleeper for an AFC title.  Vick, who is nursing an injured shoulder at the moment courtesy of Carolina Panthers' hellcat Will Witherspoon (who was snubbed unfairly for a Pro-Bowl bid, IMO), isn't being taken seriously as an NFC title contender.

But hey; it's a great way to waste money, and considering I used to live there I know the City of Atlanta is quite known - or infamous...take your pick - for.  Teams like Indy and Minnesota, who have placed big money in their offensive stars, have trouble in the playoffs because they can't invest in top-notch defensive players. 

Atlanta has a couple of defensive players in Keith Brooking and Patrick Ramsey that they're going to have to resign in a couple of years, they claim they want to strengthen their receiver corps - after they "overpaid" Peerless Price (whether he can get open and catch or whether it's the system that he's in is questionable at this point), and they have to do something about their secondary. 

Problems problems problems.  And note; earlier this season they gave tight end Algee Crumpler - arguably one of the top 5 tight ends in the league - a contract extension as well.  Something's gonna give.  But hey; Vick puts asses in the seats, so that's all that matters. 

Better hope they keep winning next year as well.  If anyone knows anything about Atlanta fans, it's that they probably the most fairweather fans in the nation.  Getting 40,000 to see a football game by a losing team in the snow?  Where do you think this is?  Cleveland?  Ha.

Yeah Tigue, I saw ya.

Moving onward, today it's Minnesota vs. Green Bay.  Let's hope this isn't like Minnesota's earlier efforts this season, in which they find ways to lose football games that are handed to them.  They only lost by a field goal in the first encounter.  However, the Packers' offense is struggling, and Bret Favre looked more like Vinny Testeverde against Jacksonville last week.  Bret has a habit of blasting people after terrible performances, and he generally shows up for exclusive contests like this one, so we'll see.  The winner wins the NFC North and at least one game at home.  The loser gets a wildcard regardless.

On Christmas, watch basketball.  Believe me, Indiana/Detroit and Shaq/Kobe will be more interesting than watching four teams that will more than likely stink it up and aren't going to make the playoffs anyway.  Unless you are that much of a football nut, don't waste your time. 

My only question is why are they starting so early?  They got Indy/Det at 12:30, and Kobe/Shaq at 3?  At least Kobe/Shaq is on ABC (lets hope they've improved their announcing crew).

And if I haven't said it lately, fire David Stern.

Back to football.  Still a number of big games, with Steelers/Ravens, Pats/Jets, Panthers/Bucs, Colts/Chargers, Falcons/Saints, and Cards/Seachickens (did you know Arizona still has a chance to win the NFC West?  It would tickle me if they did.).

Here's my picks:

Minnesota over Green Bay

Kansas City over Oakland

Denver over Tennessee

Bengals over Giants

Detroit over Chicago

Colts over Chargers

Jags over Texans

Saints over Falcons (especially if Vick doesn't play in this game)

Steelers over Ravens

Jets over Pats (upset special)

Panthers over Bucs

Washington over Dallas

Arizona over Seattle ("up, there's another one" © Biggie)

Miami over Cleveland

and Monday Night....Philly over the Rams.

This isn't an easy week to pick, but it definitely will be fun watching my picks lose.