Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I love Christmas.
The decorating of the tree, the shopping for gifts, the receiving of gifts, the family feasts, the movies, the memories, the whole nine yards. There’s something in the air that makes me more cheerful. Something that has me feeling sentimental and nostalgic for nearly an entire month, something that can only be described as the Christmas Spirit.
This year more than ever, I’m feeling that spirit. I think part of it is because of all of the issues I’ve had with my health this year. More than ever, I feel lucky to be alive and to be able to spend time with my family and friends. A few months ago, I was unsure what the future held. Would I be on dialysis? Would I have had my transplant already? Not yet, and that time will come, but for now, I’m lucky to still feel healthy in my day to day life.
Let’s get a little more positive before I start rambling.
When it comes to Christmas movies, I realized something this year. There really aren’t that many good ones, we just watch the same 10 of them every year. Either the original animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas or the live-action one will always reign supreme to me, but Elf, Christmas Vacation, Fred Claus and Scrooged will always round out my top five.
The more that I think about it, it’s kind of ironic how much I love the Grinch given how much I love Christmas. If you remember, he hated Christmas, the whole Christmas season! Don’t ask me why, nobody quite knows the reason. I think the story of someone finding joy during this time of year when they had previously been so against it. That’s probably also why I’ll always watch any version of the Christmas Carol. Well, almost any version. The 3D animated version with Jim Carrey is terrifying.
Let's tie this back into sports before I fly too far off the handle here.
For the longest time, I used to associate Christmas with the NBA. How could you not? For my entire life, they owned that day. For the last few years though, the NFL has slowly crept in on that slot, to the point where I can say with 100% certainty there will be no NBA on at my aunt and uncle’s this year. Even if there wasn’t any football on, I wouldn’t mind it. The product has gotten so bad recently. I don’t know how it gets fixed, but that’s a column for another day.
This year, Netflix has the rights to the NFL games that will be broadcasted. About a month ago, they had the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight live on the service. It went terribly. The feed kept going in and out, complaints were rampant and it was overall not a great demonstration of a live sporting event. Hopefully they used it as a learning experience.
Out of all of the things occurring in the next few weeks that I am excited for, they all pale into comparison to next Saturday’s (Dec. 28) major bowl game. The Pop-Tarts Bowl returns. Last year was incredible. You had a mascot being cooked in a massive toaster and eaten by the winning team. I’m not making that up. This year, there are three mascots, with the MVP of the winning team picking which one is sacrificed to the toaster gods. The trophy itself also has a built-in toaster. Again, I’m not making this up. Am I more excited for the Pop-Tarts Bowl than the playoff? It’s closer than you may think.
Man, I am all over the place today. I think it’s because I’m in such a good mood. The next couple weeks are some of the best of the year, so enjoy them. Spend time with your family, cherish what you have and remember those who are less fortunate. Have a Merry Christmas, and God Bless us, every one!
Let’s do some quick hitters.
Not all movies are created equal. I finally got around to watching Joker 2 the other day and it was one of the stinkiest movies I’ve seen in a long time. Perhaps the most pointless sequel ever. I will not be revisiting.
There’s rumors going around that LEGO is cooking up a $1,000 Death Star set that would be the most expensive set of all time. Truthfully, the egregious price aside, this doesn’t interest me that much. It is probably going to be a really repetitive and bland build.
We have some really good local basketball teams that are entertaining to watch. The Warsaw girls might be the best team in the Northern half of the state. The boys are undefeated and the Manchester boys are lighting it up as well. Go support our local athletes.
I actually did alright picking games this week, something that was desperately needed. Can I use it to finish off strong? I sure hope so.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (-3)
This is a big game in terms of the Wild Card in the AFC. The Chiefs have the division wrapped up, but both of these teams have a chance to get into the dance, and a win would go a long way here. I like the Broncos in this one. Their defense is awesome and they’re playing their best football at the right time. The Chargers have fallen off a bit offensively as of late, and this is not a good defense to do that against.
The Pick: Broncos +3
SATURDAY SHOWDOWNS
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (-3)
We’ve reached that point in the season where Saturday games start popping up on the schedule. I won’t be paying too much attention to these, as the College Football Playoff will be in full swing all day long. Based on this line, I’m guessing Patrick Mahomes is going to miss this game with the high ankle sprain he suffered last week. It’s probably not a bad idea, as KC already has clinched the division and the one seed is getting nearer by the week. Latest reports are that he is going to play, which I don’t think is the best idea.Texans get it done regardless.
The Pick: Texans +3
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-6.5)
How many times must we go over this? This rivalry is too good for this lopsided of a line. The Steelers are coming off of a tough loss to the Eagles last week, and I don’t see them looking that bad two weeks in a row. The Ravens have looked great against bad teams and decent against good ones. If they win this one, it’s going to be a close one.
The Pick: Steelers +6.5
1 O’CLOCK SUNDAY
Detroit Lions (-6.5) at Chicago Bears
The Bears are dead and have been for awhile. Remember how I wrote that column a few months ago about how they were giving me hope? They haven’t won since. Detroit deserves to be heavily favored in this game, but the injuries are starting to pile up for this team. As if losing almost the entire defense wasn’t enough, David Montgomery is done for the year. I don’t know if this is a Super Bowl team any more, but the JV team could probably beat the Bears.
The Pick: Lions -6.5
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (-4.5)
Oh, the Colts. Indianapolis was in prime position to pick up a big win in Denver last week to make a playoff push before Jonathan Taylor dropped the ball before getting into the end zone. For God’s sake, how does this keep happening? It’s not even a cool celebration! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s a cuttable offense. Either way, they should still be able to handle a really bad Titans team at home.
The Pick: Colts -4.5
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5)
The Bengals are finally starting to figure some stuff out, but I wonder if it’s too little, too late to make one last push to the playoffs. The Browns had some brief moments of positivity when Jameis Winston took over, but it hasn’t lasted. I don’t know if they win this game, but I think they find a way to keep things within a touchdown here. Cincy, especially this season, have let teams that have no business beating them stay close.
The Pick: Browns +7.5
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at Washington Commanders
With all of the injuries that Detroit is dealing with, the Eagles might be the new favorite in the NFC. The Birds can clinch the division with a win in this one and I think they get it. The Commanders have fallen off mightily since their hot start, and although they are coming off a win against the measly Saints, that game was way closer than it should have been. That type of performance is not going to cut it against this juggernaut of a team in Philly.
The Pick: Eagles -3.5
New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons (-10.5)
The Giants have looked like one of the worst teams in football all season long, but the Falcons haven’t exactly been lighting it up in recent weeks either. I do think Atlanta wins this game, but wouldn’t be surprised if it's by one score. The offense has been a real problem for the Falcons recently, and even though it is definitely worse in New York, I can see them finding a way to keep things close. Just before I got ready to publish this, it was announced that the Falcons were benching Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix. I think this move will help them out, but I still think this is closer than a 10-point game.
The Pick: Giants +10.5
Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were favorites for the first time in about two years last week. It didn’t exactly work out for them. The Cardinals picked up a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, and another win here would be huge for their chances. This is a game they have to have, and I think they take it. The Panthers aren’t playing for anything, and the Cardinals most certainly are. Give me another road favorite.
The Pick: Cardinals -4.5
Los Angeles Rams (-3) at New York Jets
I don’t think this should be as tight of a spread as it is, but I will gladly take it. The Rams are one of the hottest teams in the entire league right now, and the Jets stink. I don’t want to keep picking on them, but Vegas keeps giving me reasons to. Los Angeles has snuck up into the playoff picture and they definitely have a shot to make some noise in January if they finish this off and make the playoffs. They keep it rolling with a win here.
The Pick: Rams -3
LATE AFTERNOON SLATE
Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks
The Vikings are having one of those years. Everything is going right for them despite everything looking like it was falling apart in the offseason. The Seahawks are still very much in the playoff hunt, but lost Geno Smith to an injury last week. He’s expected to play this week, but quarterbacks dealing with injuries usually show it during the game. Give me Minnesota to keep it rolling as they push for the one seed.
The Pick: Vikings -3.5
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (-14.5)
Josh Allen has all but wrapped up the MVP award with some stellar play over the last month. He’s been awesome all year, but he has been on the next level recently.The Patriots have fallen off of a cliff over that same stretch, most recently getting crushed by Arizona coming off of a bye. I can’t imagine Buffalo losing this game. They have an outside chance of getting the one seed and the offense is humming. If there ever was a game for the defense to get right, it’s right here.
The Pick: Bills -14.5
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins (-1.5)
Even though the Niners have shown me so many reasons to jump off the ship and stop thinking they are a good team, I just can’t quit them. The Dolphins had a small chance of making the playoffs, but losing to Houston last week probably put a fork in it. Neither of these teams is going to make it to the dance, but I like the underdog here.
The Pick: 49ers +1.5
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders (-1.5)
This is a battle of two of the worst teams in the league. I’m not going to spend too much time here. The Jaguars are bad, but the Raiders are worse.
The Pick: Jaguars +1.5
WAITIN’ ALL DAY FOR A SUNDAY NIGHT
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5) at Dallas Cowboys
The Bucs are coming off a whomping of the Chargers and the Cowboys picked up a big win against Carolina. Cooper Rush is actually putting up numbers better than Dak Prescott since he took over. Either way, I don’t see Dallas winning this game. I know I sound like a broken record but Tampa leads their division and is trying to make the playoffs. At this time of year, that matters. Give me the team with something left to fight for.
The Pick: Buccaneers -3.5
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers (-14.5)
I’m not going to pick the Packers for the rest of the year. You ask why? Because I hate them. No amount of Christmas Spirit is going to change that. We ride with the Saints.
The Pick: Saints +14.5
Enjoy the rest of your week and this weekend, enjoy the holiday next week, and have a happy New Year. Watch some football, spend time with your family and make some memories.’
Merry Christmas.