What has me talking...

Just some topics I'd like some input on for some sports conversation.

Ray Rice is eligible to return to the league this year. Though it is unlikely any of the few interested teams sign him for 3 week of the season or the play offs, where might he play next year? Does Oakland decide to drop salary weight McFadden and Jones-Drew for Ray Rice?

Does Adrian Peterson sign with another team next year or return to Minnesota? Jerry Jones love him some AP, but Murray is having the best season amongst running backs.

The 76ers won their first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 76ers started the game GOING THE WRONG WAY? Papa Johns already had to change their pizza promotion to hinge on the 76ers scoring 90 points instead of winning. How many more games is it realistic for them to win?

42-year-old Martin Brodeur came out of retirement to suit up for the St. Louis Blues. He saved 20 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Predators. Can the Blues ride Brodeur to a play off appearance? How much wear and tear will a season have on the 42 year old?

What else in the sports world has you talking?

Week 14 Picks

My Thursday night game picks continue to struggle and my Thanksgiving food coma came at expense of my picks last week.

Last night the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Chicago Bears to improve to 6-0 on the road. Brandon Marshall exited the stadium via ambulance due to rib injuries. He has had an injury riddled season but with an outside chance at the play off, maybe this is it for him.

Week 13 record: 8-8

Combined thus far: 29-15

Each remaining week will continue to have strong play off and draft implications. Teams fighting to get in, some playing spoiler and others hoping for pick number 1 next year (here's looking at you Oakland)

My hope is the 49ers can fix themselves in a hurry, win out and get the help they need to make a play off push. It comes down to whether or not the offense (Colin Kaepernick) can get his act together. It's embarrassing. I hope they can even put up half of the points the Rams did against Oakland last week (52).

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1)

AFC North battle for first place continues as this division stands close in records for all teams. Cincinnati needs Dalton to come through in a big December stretch and prep him for a play off run. Pittsburg won't make it easy though. They play again in week 17.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

St. Louis Rams (5-7) @ Washington (3-9)

The two teams tied by RG3, THE RG3 BOWL! Will he end up on the Rams next year after all the trade action for Washington to draft him? Strong possibility as the Rams aren't sold on Davis and Bradford has made out like a bandit with the last BIG contract issued to a first round QB. It won't matter which QB the Rams pass rush gets after for Washington in this game.

Winner: St. Louis Rams.

New York Giants (3-9) @ Tennessee Titans (2-10)

Battle of draft pick positioning. Both teams have has disappointing seasons with uneven play all year. Do any of these teams lay over for the draft or continue to fight? Does Tom Coughlin return for the Giants next year? It's a game no one should be forced to watch.

Winner: New York Giants

Carolina Panthers (3-8-1) @ New Orleans Saints (5-7)

It's amazing, sadly enough, how the Panthers have not been eliminated from play off contention yet. The Saints got the win last week that might help redeem their season.

Winner: New Orleans Saints.

New York JustEndTheSeason (2-10) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-7)

I can't fathom the Jets even having two wins. But they won't make it three this week.

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Baltimore Ravens (7-5) @ Miami Dolphins (7-5)

This will implicate the wild card picture in the AFC. This will hold at the tie break between these two teams. Both teams play good defense, Miami especially against the pass. Ravens took a blow with Haloti Ngata being suspended four games. Miami needs to keep finding ways to finish games late which will be tough against Joe Flacco.

Winner: Miami Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts (8-4) @ Cleveland Browns (7-5)

The Browns elect to continue with Brian Hoyer, which I agree with. They are still in the thick of the play off race this point in the season. Hoyer might be in a shootout with Luck since the Colts defense isn't really that good. It might be a closer game than expected and maybe even a Brown win. But I think Luck can do more than Hoyer to win this game.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-10) @ Detroit Lions (8-4)

I will be cheering on the Bucs all day to pull the upset. I would love the Lions to slip in the wild card race. But I doubt it'll happen this week.

Winner: Detroit Lions

Houston Texans (6-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)

J.J. Watt rushes for 55 yards, has 64 receiving, 3 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 3 touch downs and delivers a baby in the middle of the 3^rd quarter.

J.J. Watt for MVP.

Winner: J.J. Watt (formerly known as the Texans)

Buffalo Bills (7-5) @ Denver Broncos (9-3)

The Patriots loss last week helps Denver try to climb back into the picture for the 1 seed in the AFC. I don't think Kyle Orton can put up the points needed for the Bills to win unless the defense can get after Manning.

Winner: Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs (7-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (9-3)

Alex Smith is familiar with Arizona from his years in the NFC West. Arizona might be having injuries at the wrong time as they will try to find ways to win with a back up quarterback.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Seattle Seahawks (8-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (9-3)

If there was a game that was to be played that I'd hate to have either team win especially with the play off implications... this would be it. I hate Seattle and I these two need to do unfavorable things for the 49ers to make the play offs. Mark Sanchez continues to be my wild card. Seattle has a big emotional win, maybe they come off too confident while making a east coast trip.

UGH, a tough one.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (not so confidently)

San Francisco 49ers (7-5) @ Oakland Raiders (1-11)

BATTLE OF THE BAY! Two teams with different hopes for the year. More importantly, I hope the fans can act right because when these two play, it literally gets deadly for fans. 49ers, just win baby. (and fix your horrid offense)

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

New England Patriots (9-3) @ San Diego Chargers (8-4)

Patriots are coming off a loss to the Aaron Rodgers led Packers. The Chargers continue to quietly remain in the play off picture for the AFC. I can't see how New England starts December with anything but a win.

Winner: New England Patriots

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Atlanta Falcons (5-7) @ Green Bay Packers (9-3)

Battle of first place teams! Surely a made-for-Monday-night matchup- no.

Winner: Green Bay Packers