Forever Young: Sir Ryan Giggs

Charlie Klein

Eight matches into the 2009/2010 English Premier League season and Manchester United are once again within two points of first place Chelsea in the league table. At this point last season, United were looking up at both Liverpool and Chelsea and many were wondering if the champions could muster a successful third defense of their league title. And that was with FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why have United been so successful this season? Two words: Ryan Giggs. The harshest of football critics save nothing but the highest of superlatives for the manner in which Giggs has played thus far for the only club he has ever known. There was much speculation over who would step up in the absence of the Portuguese wunderkid. Would Nani finally realize his great potential? How would Luis Antonio Valencia cope with life at United? Neither of them with their much younger legs have managed to be as influential as the 35 year-old Ryan Giggs.

Manchester certainly owe some of their success to striker Wayne Rooney, who started the season on fire and has six goals to his account in eight fixtures. Darren Fletcher has also drawn plaudits for his incredible tackling and movement in the midfield. And yet the evergreen Giggs continues to outshine them both. Against Stoke City at the Brittania Stadium, a notoriously difficult place for any away side, it was not until the introduction of Ryan Giggs in the 56th minute that United managed to produce chances on the Stoke goal. Six minutes after his introduction, he set Dimitar Berbatov up with a picture perfect cross and all the dynamic Bulgarian had to do was stick his foot out and it was in the back of the net.

Giggs was superb again for United in the derby against Manchester City. He regularly skinned Micah Richards, who is 21 years old, sending in numerous crosses and proving that even at his age he can still play the wide position as well as anyone in the world.

For my money, Ryan Giggs is one of the best human beings to ever lace up a pair of football boots. A class act off the pitch, respected unanimously even amongst United's fiercest rivals, and a great United captain, and with 11 EPL and two CL titles to his name, Giggs is unquestionably the top footballer of the past 20 years. Sure, players like Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, etc get all of the headlines, but Ryan Giggs continues to turn in sublime performance after sublime performance.

Arise Sir Ryan Giggs.

Weekly Fail: Thundersticks

Charlie Klein

There are a few reasons why I find the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to be a quite unsavoury MLB franchise. A team with very little history of which to speak, and are notable for the Angels in the Outfield movies, a rally monkey, and one World Series Championship, continue to annoy the absolute piss out of me every time I watch a game at 'The Big A.'

No, it is not because they have beaten my beloved Mariners every year to the AL West title. It is because of those accursed thundersticks! Nothing says bush league like blown up red phallic pieces of plastic, when banged together, make quite a bit of noise. I will admit, when I was in middle school I enjoyed banging thundersticks at college football games. But when I see 40 year-old men banging them, it makes me feel sick.

Let's be real, Angels fans have no idea how to be real sports fans. Furthermore, Anaheim, the rest of the league is laughing at your thunderstick antics. Bud Selig ought to ban thundersticks from MLB stadiums in the same way that the NFL has done already. These thundersticks are why I refuse to watch any game played in that craphole of a stadium with the sound on. If you see someone with thundersticks, poke a hole in them please, and save us all the trouble of having to see them anymore.

NHL Season Preview: Western Conference

Charlie Klein

While I am sorry to say that I was not able to fulfill my promise of providing a Western Conference breakdown yesterday, I am publishing it now, so please enjoy. I know the season has already started, but these picks are not influenced by what I have seen go down in the past few days.

CENTRAL

1. Detroit Red Wings

While everyone likes to make the 'sexy' pick of putting the Blackhawks above the Red Wings this season, I see no reason to change something that has worked so well for so long. The Red Wings have such a monopoly on this division that Congress should investigate it. And the Wings have not lost enough players to change this prediction. While Marian Hossa was a strong contributor last season, his absence in the playoffs highlighted him as surplus to requirements at the Joe. The line of Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Franzen could be the best line in the NHL. And Niklas Lidstrom is still even at the tender age of 36 a candidate for the Norris.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Everyone loves this team. I feel like Barry Melrose just picked them because he likes their jersey, which he mentioned in his pre-season predictions. They are a fantastic team to watch and I love the way they fly around the rink. Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp are all a year older and have the essential playoff experience to improve upon last season. It is not in the forward department that I find the Blackhawks to be lacking. Their goalie, Cristobal Huet, is too inconsistent and has not played to the level that the Blackhawks thought he would when they signed him from Washington. The Bulin Wall leaving to Edmonton will have a negative impact on the Blackhawks, that is for sure. They will still make a run in the playoffs, but I am not as big on the Blackhawks as everyone else.

3. St. Louis Blues

I really do not like this team. Maybe it is because of my Kansas City bias and generally disliking almost everything that has come from the state of Missouri (aside from the Steak N Shake restaurants). Their team is still pretty strong but I think they were pretty fortunate to make the playoffs last season. After the Canucks swept them, it became abundantly clear that the Blues remain poseurs on the big stage.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

And I said the Blues were fortunate to make the playoffs... the Blue Jackets playoff qualification was truly miraculous. Rick Nash is a fantastic player and I wish he played in a bigger market or more of a hockey town than Columbus, Ohio. Their team is pretty solid, and their young goalie Steve Mason will be even better this season. They could make the playoffs, but I doubt it.

5. Nashville Predators

There really is not much to say about this team. They have a strong corps of defensemen but overall their offense is to erratic to guarantee success. I still do not understand why they have a hockey team in Nashville. Ryan Suter is a great defenseman and I like David Legwand. The Predators have two solid goalies, but I don't expect much from them this season.

NORTHWEST

1. Vancouver Canucks

I really really like this team. Don't worry, I did not just have to change my pants after writing that, but I think this Canucks team has a lot of potential. As a Canucks fan during my younger days, I always felt like if the Canucks had a legitimate tender not named Dan Cloutier that they would win the Stanley Cup in a cinch. And yet every season thus far with Roberto Luongo has ended in the same way. I was not a big fan of the Canucks re-signing the Sedin twins for the amount that they did, but hopefully they can finally put together a big season. I am a big fan of Ryan Kesler and expect big things from him this season.

2. Calgary Flames

Jerome Iginla is just too sick. One of the most under appreciated players in the NHL, he leads a very talented Flames team into the 2009-2010 season. Mikka Kiprusoff is much better than his statistics indicate last season and the addition of Jay Bouwmeester to a defense that already boasts one of the best young defenseman in the league Dion Phaneuf, all sloppy seconds aside. The Flames ran into a buzz saw last season in the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs. I am not sure they will avoid the same fate this season, but they may make it more interesting.

3. Edmonton Oilers

Personally, I've never really liked the Oilers. Maybe it's because I'm a fan of the Canucks, but there's something about this team I've never liked. Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff will be major contributors to their offense this season, and the addition of the Bulin Wall (Nikolai Khabibulin) will be an improvement to their defense, but I just don't see them making many moves this season in the West.

4. Colorado Avalanche

This pick may come as a surprise, but I really think the Avalanche will not finish last in this division. Maybe they will use the Opening Night Joe Sakic ceremony as inspiration for the rest of the season. There is also the usual will Peter Forsberg return questions being asked around the Pepsi Center. What we do know about the Avalanche this season is that they still have Milan Hejduk, Paul Stasny, and Jean Michael-Liles. They also brought back Adam Foote to captain their team this season. The Avs success this season is largely dependent upon getting consistent goalie play from either Craig Anderson or Peter Budaj.

5. Minnesota Wild

Their chant "Let's go Wild" is about the only good thing going for the Wild this season. The loss of Marian Gaborik, without getting anything in return, definitely hurts them this season. The addition of Martin Havlat from the Chicago Blackhawks is a decent replacement, but does not do enough to account for Gaborik's blistering speed (few players in the NHL can skate as fast). Goalie Niklas Backstrom will keep them in a lot of games, but ultimately they will be cellar dwellers in 2009-2010.

PACIFIC

1. San Jose Sharks

Everyone loves the Sharks this term. The same statement was true last year, and the year before that. Perennial post-season underachievers, the San Jose Sharks opted to trade for goal machine Dany Heatley during the offseason from Ottawa. While not the greatest locker room guy (which explains why he has played for so many teams before the age of 28), Heatley has a proven track record of scoring. Put him on a line with assist machine Joe Thornton and you have instant reliable offense. The evergreen Rob Blake captains this team this season, which takes some of the pressure off of Patrick Marleau. This could ultimately be the best thing for both Marleau and the team. And they have the perennial Vezina Trophy candidate Evgeni Nabokov back in net. The Sharks should take this division with relative ease.

2. Anaheim Ducks

My name is Jonas. It is a classic Weezer song, but it is also the name of the next big goalie to come out of the Anaheim Ducks system. While others may want to get Giggy with it, I'm sticking with Jonas Hiller. I like the Ducks roster a lot this season. I think Scott Niedermayer could play until he is Chris Chelios' age and still maintain a high level of play. Ryan Getzlaf is an emerging young star in this league, it is too bad that he gets overshadowed by Ovechkin and Crosby because he plays in Anaheim. The Ducks forward lines of Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry, Joffrey Lupul, Saku Koivu, and Teemu Selanne should be enough to produce this season.

3. Dallas Stars

While I personally object to their being a hockey team in Dallas, the city has taken to the idea and the Stars should have another decent season. I picked them to finish third because Marty Turco is a year older and because the forwards are just too old. Why on earth is Mike Modano still playing hockey? His best years are behind him and he is slowing the progress of the Stars by sticking around hoping for another shot at a Cup. I'm not a big fan of Stars captain Brenden Morrow (not because of how I feel about Mariners pitcher Brendan Morrow) and the only reason I am picking them to finish third is because I love the name Jeff Woywitka.

4. Los Angeles Kings

Oh how long ago it really feels since Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robataille brought hockey to the front pages of the Los Angeles Times. I oftentimes forget they even have a hockey team in Los Angeles. Just kidding. All jokes aside, this current Kings team does not offer much for the 2009-2010 campaign. What Kings fans can look forward to this season is the continued progression of their emerging star Anze Kopitar. Kopitar is only 22 years old and is already an assistant captain on this team. He too is overshadowed by the young stars out east, but believe me, in a few years his name will be right up there with the very best. The Kings also have two solid goalies in the young Jonathan Quick (23) and Erik Ersberg, but I do not think it will be enough for them this season. As Lil Wayne said about Miley Cyrus, in about three years, holla at me L.A. Kings.

5. Phoenix Coyotes

Gary Bettman, please move this team. I apologize if you live in the Phoenix/Glendale, Arizona area, but quite frankly, there should not be a hockey team in Arizona, especially one this bad. It has been a while since the days of Jeremy Roenick and even the Great One Wayne Gretzky became too fed up with this team. Ilya Bryzgalov is a pretty good goalie and I've always liked Shane Doan, but the Coyotes do not have near enough talent to make a run this year. Kyle Turris could emerge as another bright young star in the constellation of Getzlaf, Kopitar, etc out west, but that's really all you Coyotes fans can hope for this year.

SO the Western Conference Playoff Picture:

1. San Jose Sharks

2. Vancouver Canucks

3. Detroit Red Wings

4. Chicago Blackhawks

5. Calgary Flames

6. Anaheim Ducks

7. Edmonton Oilers

8. St. Louis Blues

NHL Season Preview 2009

Charlie Klein

The National Hockey League is the most under appreciated sport in the United States. Family, friends, comrades, et. al, this is the year to get into the NHL if you have not already. The league has some amazing young talent that is in the process of redefining the way the game is played. More importantly, the game is much more competitive, with almost any team (to the exclusion of Florida, New York Islanders, and Phoenix) having a slap shot at winning Lord Stanley's Cup. With that, I shall commence my picks for each division, who makes the playoffs, and will identify a couple of players to watch for each team this season. Today I will publish my picks for the Eastern Conference, and tomorrow I will put out my picks for the West.

ATLANTIC

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

As much as I personally would like to say that last year was a fluke, that they could not possibly win it all again, I cannot say that. The Penguins are a legitimate team again this season with a definite capability of winning the Cup. I love watching Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and their goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is superb. The supporting cast of Sykora, Staal, and Kunitz make the Penguins the logical choice for this division.

2. New York Rangers

Call it a homer pick, but I really believe the Rangers are ready to be the second best team and really push the Penguins for the top spot in the division. The trade of Scott Gomez to Montreal could be a boon for the Rangers, as Christopher Higgins offers more of a goal scoring threat at a lower price. The Rangers also added the speedy Slovak winger Marian Gaborik, who should lighten the pressure on Chris Drury to be the Mr. Everything on both ends of the ice. The Rangers are a bit untested in defense, but they still have King Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes, and expect a big year from him.

3. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers look strong again this year following a disappointing performance against eventual champions Pittsburgh in the playoffs. The addition of Chris Pronger is a significant upgrade to their defense and their forwards are just as strong as ever. Claude Giroux was a nice player for them at the end of last season, and I expect big things from him this term. Do not be surprised if each of the top three teams in this division make the playoffs, it is that good. Reason I picked the Flyers this low is because I have no confidence in Ray Emery's ability to remain consistent.

4. New Jersey Devils

The Devils could also make the playoffs this season, but I just don't see them stacking up with the rest of the division in terms of the quality of their roster. Sure, any team with Martin Brodeur always has a chance and Zach Parise is a tremendous player, but I do not see them making many waves this season.

5. New York Islanders

Oh what a mess this franchise is in! I do not see them doing anything at all this season. I do hope that their No. 1 overall pick John Tavares provides a spark to their lacklustre offense and gives me a reason to watch their games (whenever they are televised). Dwayne Roloson is a solid addition in case Rick DiPietro gets injured again, which would not surprise me in the least. No playoffs for the Islanders this season. Expect another draft pick in the top five next season.

NORTHEAST

1. Boston Bruins

I love watching Milan Lucic play hockey. Aside from Alexander Ovechkin, Roberto Luongo and Henrik Lundqvist, he is my favourite player in the NHL. The lad can check, fight, slap, shoot, pass, and score all day. He is one of the young players in the league who I think have the opportunity to broaden the appeal of the game. All of my love for Looch aside, the Bruins have a very deep squad again this season. The trade of Phil Kessel to Toronto will have an impact on their season to be sure, but there is still enough quality to see them through. Goaltender Tim Thomas, last season's Vezina Trophy winner for best goaltender in the NHL, is a rock in defense, as well as Zdeno Chara, who won the Norris Trophy for the NHL's best defenseman.

2. Montreal Canadiens

I sort of picked the Canadiens to finish in this position by default. I am not impressed with Ottawa, Toronto, or Buffalo so I just slotted the Canadiens in second. I expect goalie Carey Price to have an improved season and the Canadiens always seem to have a nice set of forwards, including the Brothers Kostitsyn, although Sergei is currently in a hold out. The Canadiens also added Scott Gomez, in part to replace the departed Alexei Kovalev (now on the Ottawa Senators). They should have a decent year, although nothing commensurate to their teams of old.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

I honestly like the work that the Leafs have done this offseason. The signing of Jonas Gustavsson, aka the Monster, is a big addition to their defense as I expect him to play much better than Vesa Toskala this season. I like the addition of Kessel, albeit at a steep cost, but it makes them a more valid contender this season. I don't see them making the playoffs, but it will be a better year for the Air Canada Centre crowd than those previous. I am a big fan of Nikolai Kulemin and I expect big things from him the season. The Leafs are not quite back to the days during which Pat Quinn was at the helm, but they are improving.

4. Buffalo Sabres

Sorry Buffalo Sabres fans, but Terrell Owens cannot play hockey too. The Sabres still have Thomas Vanek and solid depth, but I don't see them mounting a serious challenge to any of the teams at the top of this division. Ryan Miller is a quality goaltender, but not enough so that he can carry this team single-handedly. The Sabres should just be happy they get to play Ottawa this season. Speaking of...

5. Ottawa Senators

The trade of Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks could be just what the free Canadian doctor ordered for the Senators' locker room, but it also leaves a gargantuan void in the offensive department. Getting Jonathan Cheechoo is solid compensation, but he is not going to score you 50 goals a year, or near that on a consistent basis. Daniel Alfredsson is still a great forward and Jason Spezza is a fantastic centre, but I do not see the rest of the team stepping up this season. Kovalev + Cheechoo does not equal Dany Heatley, and as such the Sens will suffer. And their jerseys, not too good this season

SOUTHEAST

1. Washington Capitals

I'm banking on the Caps making big moves this season. With additional playoff experience, the young guns of Alexander Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, Mike Green, and backup goaltender Simeon Varlamov, the Capitals have the roster to do it all this year. What's more, they play in a relatively weaker division that will not take as much work to win as the Northeast or Atlantic.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Any team with Eric Staal has a solid chance to do pretty well. One of the best players in the NHL who does not get the same pub as Crosby or Ovechkin, Staal can do it all and aside from a bad performance in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, had a great 2008-2009. Cam Ward is spectacular when in form and the Canes have the veteran leadership of Rob Brind'Amour. I'll say they barely make the playoffs this season.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

While I do not think they will return to their Stanley Cup Champion form, I expect the Lightning to do better this season. After giving us back Barry Melrose, how could I want bad things for them? Their No. 1 line of Alex Tanguay, Vincent Lecavalier, and Martin St. Louis is pretty damn strong and their supporting cast are not bad with the inclusion of Ryan Malone. The Bolts also have solid goalie depth with Antero Nittymaki and Mike Smith. While I do not expect them to win the division, they could theoretically overtake Carolina this year.

4. Atlanta Thrashers

I'm slotting them ahead of the Panthers by virtue of the fact that they have Ilya Kovalchuk. I honestly wish that Kovalchuk played in a bigger market or just on a team that had more passionate supporters than the Atlanta Thrashers. He does not have a bevy of talent around him, especially when you visit the Thrashers website he is advertised next to their next best player, Nik Antropov, who is not nearly as good as Ilya. Kovalchuk is a free agent after this season, so look for him to be dealt at the deadline or be the biggest free agent on the market next summer.

5. Florida Panthers

Could all of last year's progress be undone by losing one player? It certainly feels like it with the Florida Panthers. This offseason to avoid getting nothing for Jay Bouwmeester, the Panthers traded him to the Calgary Flames for Jordan Leopold and a third round pick. While I think Leopold has great potential and will be a star for the U.S. Men's team in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, he is not Jay Bouwmeester. The Panthers still have Tomas Vokoun, Stephen Weiss, and David Booth, I do not expect them to do much better than the Islanders this season. I love their announcer, but I just can't extend that love to the team in the 2009-2010.

SO the Eastern Conference Playoff picture will look something like this

1. Washington Capitals

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

3. Boston Bruins

4. New York Rangers

5. Philadelphia Flyers

6. Montreal Canadiens

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Daily Success: The Detroit Lions Have Won A Competitive Football Game

Charlie Klein

Normally on this blog we like to highlight the particularly humourous failings of the professional sports world, and there are plenty we still have yet to cover. And yet today, instead of writing about how the Redskins failed, I wanted to take some time and give some love to the Detroit Lions for not failing, not today anyway.

Trust me, you are not the only one who is having a hard time remembering when the last time the Detroit Lions won a game. Much has happened in the space of time between December 23, 2007 and September 27, 2009. Mitch Albom's article in the Detroit Free Press provides a Detroit perspective on the historic occasion.

"After 644 losing days, 21 losing months, 18 losing Sundays, one losing Thursday, four starting quarterbacks, one fired coach, one tar-and-feathered team president and a million bad jokes about Detroit futility — after all that, the gun sounded on this last weekend of September, and our long, local nightmare was finally over.

The Lions won a game.

I swear."

Things that have happened since the Lions won their last game:

• The United States has had two Presidents
• Three different teams have won Super Bowls
• Brett Favre retired, unretired, re-retired, then unretired
• The wildcat was invented
• The Arizona Cardinals won a playoff game
• John Madden retired
• Three madden games have been released
• Rod Marinelli got fired
• The Red Wings went to two Stanley Cup Finals
• I completed two years of collegiate education
• Twitter was invented
• The iPhone 3G was invented
• The Detroit Lions have had at least three starting QB's (Kitna, Orlovski, Culpepper)
• Jeff Garcia has played for three teams.
• Mike Holmgren retired
• Terell Owens defended a quarterback
• Michael Vick was released from prison.
• Jim and Pam got together.

There are more but those are all I could come up with off the top of my head. Everyone will remember where they were the day they saw the Detroit Lions beat the Washington Redskins. I was on my dad's couch, celebrating. Detroit Lions, this Bud's for you. Roar Lions Roar, or whatever it is you guys do when you win. Maybe you don't remember the cheer either.

NFL Season Preview

Charlie Klein

With the NFL Regular Season ready to get under way within the next two hours, it is now time for my NFL season predictions, by division, and then of course a Super Bowl winner.

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots

2. Miami Dolphins

3. New York Jets

4. Buffalo Bills

New England is the class of the division. With one team starting a rookie at QB (NYJ), another an inconsistent veteran (MIA), and the last having Team Obliterator (BUF) it makes the Patriots the easy pick to win the division. Brady to Moss could be even better than Montana (or Young) to Rice, and I'm not kidding.

AFC SOUTH

1. Tenessee Titans

2. Indiannapolis Colts

3. Houston Texans

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

I know, I know, you're yelling at me for picking the standings from last season so far, but honestly I see no change in the status quo. Tenessee has a top 5 NFL defense and a great tandem of running backs. Peyton Manning should still lead the Colts to the playoffs and I love Dallas Clark. I'm interested to see how Joseph Addai bounces back from a sub-par 2008 season. The bottom two teams are also decent but I do not see either making much noise.

AFC NORTH

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Baltimore Ravens

3. Cinncinatti Bengals

4. Cleveland Browns

The two games between the Steelers and Ravens could be the best games we as football fans get to watch all season. And I mean that. Unless you like seeing games that are 45-41, you will love these games. And it is in these two games that the division will be decided. I have not seen anything to suggest that the Steelers will not win this again. I've even heard that James Harrison is even better than last season. As for the bottom two, the Bengals will be much improved so long as Carson Palmer stays healthy and their young defense comes of age. If not, there's always Chad Ochocinco to entertain. The Browns made a bad decision in hiring the Mangenius, who is witholding the name of their starting qb for absolutely no reason.

AFC WEST

1. San Diego Chargers

2. Kansas City Chiefs

3. Denver Broncos

4. Oakland Raiders

Everyone except the Chargers in this division is awful. The second place team in this division, which could be any of the remaining three, will have no more than six wins.

NFC EAST

1. New York Giants

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. Dallas Cowboys

4. Washington Redskins

The so-called best division in football is really a two-horse race in my mind. I honestly just don't see it from Dallas this year. I know they have DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber and Jessica Simpson's ex, but honestly I think that their spineless coach Wade Phillips will be their downfall. As for the best of the division, I have to go with the Giants. Even though they don't have a number one receiver (which never prevented the Eagles from winning the division) they still have a stellar defense, a bulldozer in the backfield (Brandon Jacobs), and a franchise quarterback ready to fully assume the mantle. While the Eagles definitely improved their receiving corps by adding Jeremy Maclin to the tandem of Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson, there are too many questions about their offensive line and the health of Brian Westbrook. I still think they make the playoffs, but I just don't see them winning the division.

NFC SOUTH

1. Atlanta Falcons

2. Carolina Panthers

3. New Orleans Saints

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I really like what the Falcons have put together in the past few years. They have a legitimate triple threat on offense in Matt Ryan (QB), Michael Turner (RB), and Roddy White (WR). Then they went out and traded for future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. The Panthers will hang tough but I have not been convinced by the play of Jake Delhomme in the preseason and are an injury to DeAngelo Williams away from being a distant second in this division. The bottom two of this division are not going to offer much this season. I picked the Saints over the Buccs just because the Na' Leans boys have much more certainty at QB in Drew Brees.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers

2. Minnesota Vikings

3. Chicago Bears

4. Detroit Lions

For me there is no clear-cut winner in the NFC Norrest. It could be any of the top three. I picked the Packers for three reasons: 1) I, like everyone else, believe that Aaron Rodgers is on the verge of becoming a top quarterback in the game 2) Rodgers has the best receivers in the division (Jennings and Driver) and 3) I personally dislike the other two QB's (Favre and Cutler). The Packers have the best overall package and regardless of how nice the Vikes defense may or may not be, I don't see that being a major dealbreaker.

NFC WEST

1. Seattle Seahawks

2. Arizona Cardinals

3. San Francisco 49ers

4. St. Louis Rams

Call it a homer pick, call it what you will, but the Hawks are legitimate contenders this season. The offseason authored by Tim Ruskell is one of his best to date. The Seahawks added two good defensive tackles (an area of weakness last season) in Colin Cole and Cory Redding and drafted the best player in the 2009 NFL Draft in OLB Aaron Curry. Combine that with the sack master Patrick Kerney, All-Pro middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, and Pro Bowler Marcus Trufant and you have a recipe for success. And I almost forgot, the Seahawks added T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a great receiving corps. Plus, Matt Hasselbeck is healthy. As for the rest of the teams in the division, I do not think that Kurt Warner can pull two straight injury-free seasons together. Sure Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are the best 1-2 receiving tandem in the NFL, but for the Cardinals I'll believe it when I see it. In San Francisco they want winners, but they have none. And the Rams are just a bad team.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. New England Patriots

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Tennessee Titans

4. San Diego Chargers

5. Baltimore Ravens

6. Indiannapolis Colts

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. New York Giants

2. Seattle Seahawks

3. Atlanta Falcons

4. Green Bay Packers

5. Philadelphia Eagles

6. Carolina Panthers

AFC CHAMPION: PITTSBURGH STEELERS

NFC CHAMPION: NEW YORK GIANTS

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: NEW YORK GIANTS

Hate it or love it, just comment on it.

Weekly Fail: Chelsea FC

Charlie Klein

English Premier League flavour of the week Chelsea FC have been banned by FIFA, world football's governing body, from two transfer windows following their illegal pursuit and signing of Lens' Gael Kakuta in 2007.

In spite of being warned that the signing of Kakuta would result in severe sanctions, Chelsea proceeded with signing their 2008 Youth Academy Scholar of the Year. Lens former general manager Francis Collado said, "I warned them this was going to happen. People used to think that nothing could happen to big clubs like Chelsea, AC Milan, Real Madrid or Barcelona."

According to Collado, who left Lens ten months ago, "They said take this (a sum of money attempted to silence Lens) and shut up. I rejected it and said watch out gentleman under the rules you risk, first of all, a fine and you risk a ban on transfers."

As it turns out, Collado was right. This ruling begs the question, is a 15 year-old 'prodigal' talent like Kakuta worth breaking FIFA rules in order to sign? That is very debatable. Surely Chelsea will rue their decision should FIFA deny their appeal, as especially for a team such as their's which is older and more injury prone than the other big four sides, it could lead to a drop from the top and the Champions League. But if Kakuta turns into a Zidane or Henry, it could be worth all this trouble.

The ruling made by FIFA begs questions of Arsenal's pursuit of every youngster in world football. Surely Chelsea cannot be the only big club to be guilty of such skulduggery. It is almost comical in a way how foolish Chelsea have been in this matter.

Housekeeping

Editorial Staff

Before we get into any other announcements, I would just like to give some recognition to one of our contributing writers John Quirk for landing a job working for CBS Sportsline writing about collegiate sports. We are all proud of the work he has done and will continue to do for this blog and are not surprised that CBS Sportsline saw fit to employ this man. We wish him the best of luck.

My apologies for not posting as regularly as you are accustomed to seeing at The Truth Blog. With our suddenly much more busy schedules it has been difficult to manage keeping you up to date on the latest sports analysis and news and also doing our school work. This conflict illustrates the massive amount of time that a journalist must dedicate to his work.

The blog's publication will now change into a more weekly format, meaning that at every weekend there will be a bevy of content available for you to peruse. There will be midweek posts as time allows, but most of the content will be published on the weekends.

Thank you for sticking with us through this slow time in our blog's short history. I hope you continue to check our blog as we now shift into MLB playoff races, NCAA football and NFL football openings, and the usual European football updates.