Clement's Football Predictions [Bound To Go Wrong]
by Chris Clement

Alright, we’re down the home stretch…almost. It’s Week 17 and a TON of games matter this week. None more important, to me, than the Jets hosting da Raiders. Fortunately, this isn’t the last time we’ve had to beat the Raiders to make the playoffs. Even more fortunate, the Raiders are 2-13. Nothing is 100%, especially after seeing our performance on Monday night (downright heinous at times, especially the rush game); yet, I’m keeping the faith.

Let’s toss out a handful of NFL picks, a couple minor bowl game selections, a movie review. and a gift certificate recommendation (that is something to spend those Best Buy bucks on).

As for the numbers, 7-4 last week equals 28-40. It’s not pretty, but we’re attracting a few glances if you saw how horrid things were before. My goal is to somehow reach 55-55. While the NFL season will be long gone for that, it’s a goal I want. 27-15. Let’s do this!

NFL

New York Giants (-2.5) @ Washington
Giants need it, yet seem to have no heart. It’s on NFL Network, so a lot of unhappy paisans have to read in the Daily News that the Giants destroyed a 6-2 start and ended up 7-9. Skins with the W.
Pick: Washington (outright)

St. Louis (-2.5) @ Minnesota
Rams are perhaps the easiest pick to make of the wild-card contenders. Since it’s in a dome and Tavaris Jackson has zero legit target, the Rams will win as Jeff Wilkins redeems himself and Stephen Jackson further improves his all-NFL third team standing.
Pick: St. Louis (cover)

Jacksonville @ Kansas City (-2.5)
Chiefs at home isn’t what it once was, but Jacksonville has to now realize all of its missed opportunities. Garrard isn’t the answer, even if Jones-Drew is. Chiefs play well in Week 17, so they’ll take home the victory and regret that loss to the Browns that much more.
Pick: Kansas City (cover)

Atlanta @ Philadelphia (-7.5)
I hate the 7.5 point spread, as the Eagles are due for a letdown week (it plagues everyone in the NFL, sans-San Diego who was very close last week). I have been bit on big spreads before. Atlanta isn’t very good, but they cover one way or another.
Pick: Atlanta (cover)

Carolina @ New Orleans (-3)
Carolina has snuck back into a slim chance for the playoffs. The Saints have nothing to play for but pride as they wrapped up the #2 seed in the NFC. Seems easy, right? Nope. Big plays will fill up the first half as the Saints cover.
Pick: New Orleans (cover)

New England @ Tennessee (-3)
Surprising, no? As well as Vince and Co. have played, the Pats still have enough to play for. While a likely #4 seed, they have the slimmest of shots at the #3 seed and perhaps a matchup with the Jets instead of the Broncos (who did dominate them, with Plummer, at Foxboro in Week 3). Hmmm. I still think they protect Brady, I’ll take the Titans somehow.
Pick: Tennessee (cover)

Green Bay @ Chicago (-3)
The flex game that might not matter. The whole strength-of-victory thing with New York is so weird. Although if the Giants win or lose, enough eggheads will not by 8:30 what the Packers need to do. Ironically enough, a win over a 13-3 Chicago team might be the difference. It’s too confusing. Bears need this and wouldn’t mind being a spoiler. Hester takes a final one back as the Bears win. Sorry Brett.
Pick: Chicago (cover

College Bowl Games

Cotton Bowl:
1/1 11:30 AM ET
Auburn (-2.5) vs. Nebraska
Auburn and Nebraska, two teams who seemed to be going in opposite BCS-laden directions over the past few years (Nebraska even missing out on a Bowl Game a few years back and the memorable, yet neglected 13-0 Auburn team two years back). The Huskers have killed me all damn season. I’m going to take the Tigers, then be beaten again, I suppose.
Pick: Auburn [Cover]

Outback Bowl:
1/1 11:00 AM ET
Tennessee (-4) vs. Penn State
Tennessee ended up 9-3 [with losses to Florida, LSU, and Arkansas). A further look shows they tanked against the Gators and LSU bit them in the arse in the late seconds. As for the Arkansas game, I have no comment. While Tennessee was usually found in the Capital One Bowl (formerly Citrus, which Spurrier quibbled you can’t spell without U-T), this is a strong matchup for TV ratings and fan interest. Penn State has a lot of young talent and an old-timer coach, but the Vols will cover and win a good game.
Pick: Tennessee [Cover]

Capital One Bowl:
1/1 1:00 pm ET
Arkansas (-1.5) vs. Wisconsin
Now we’re talking. Shafted even more than Michigan, ironically its only loss, Wisconsin’s 11-1 season steamrolls against the Wildcat formation of the Razorbacks. Everyone and their mother seems to love the Hogs. I did. Then I watched an SEC-title game in which their QB couldn’t execute even the simplest play. Big up to the Big X, they’re gonna love this upset for their BCS-bitch fest.
Pick: Wisconsin [Outright]

Gator Bowl:
1/1 1:00 pm ET
West Virginia (-7.5) vs. Georgia Tech
Reggie Ball has been declared out. That’s enough as Pat White and Steve Slaton [next year’s Heisman winner] will each pile up 150+ rushing yards and 5 combined TDs. Mountaineers erase the putrid South Florida loss and grab another 10-win season.
Pick: West Virginia [Cover]

Rocky Balboa Movie Review
Simply and succinctly put, it was entertaining as hell. Just as good as the first through the fourth (well, maybe scratch the third). It’s also good enough to make you almost completely forget the fifth. Stallone is perfect in the role he created, the boxing itself is great (past Around the Horn fans, reintroduce yourself to Max Kellerman), and even Antonio Tarver is surprisingly strong in his small role. Go out and see it, Rocky fan or not. In a crappy year for movies, it won’t leave your Top 5 once it enters it. A-quality movie.

Holiday Season Gift Card Recommendation
Season 1 of Oz. Remember the controversial-HBO drama based on prison life that changed HBO’s impact in society, yes I said that correctly, for years to come? Before Tony Soprano, Larry David, the women of Sex and the City, and even Ari Gold…Tobias, Schillinger, O’Reily, Alvarez, and Karim Said were the stars of HBO. Former Laker Rick Fox even has a decent guest starring role, as disgraced NBA superstar Jackson Vahue (indicted on sexual assault charges *cough Tyson*). It was an amazing show many passed up due to the horrors of prison life. Rent it at Blockbuster with a movie pass or pick up the DVD at Best Buy/Circuit City/Target. Either way, pick one up quickly ybefore the Cincinnati Bengals end up owning every felony-loving copy.