League spokesman Greg Aiello announced Tuesday Morning that the 2013 regular-season schedule will be released this Thursday, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET.

Stay right here for news and analysis of the upcoming season

The NFL never take’s a back seat to anyone anymore and April is no exception.  The full NFL schedule will be released on April 16th. The draft will be held in New York City beginning on April 25th, and of course Free Agency is in full swing and will continue till training camps open in August.  The season is right around the corner for football fans, and hope springs eternal tomorrow for baseball fans.

What strikes me as odd in the discussion about the running backs using the crown of their helmet to attack a defender is that the NFL Network, and ESPN continue to show clips of games where the penalty wouldn’t be called.  It’s only out in the open, not between the tackles or in close quarters.  It’s an outside one on one issue.  Also coaches have said it might be tough to teach…..and again we have to look to our friends in the NCAA for this one.  The rule already exists in High School.  We discuss it every year as a point of emphasis, and I have yet to see it be called.  If the NCAA would get on board with safety issues, instead of figuring out how to squeeze every penny out of every college athlete, then the players would come into the NFL playing the game the proper way.  Tough, hard nosed, and safe!

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT/ Texas A&M – After the combine, Joeckel is still considered the best lineman in the draft, and now that the Chiefs have officially traded a 2nd round pick and a conditional 2014 pick to the 49’ers for Alex Smith he would certainly love a little protection. I am a firm believer a lineman must have great upper body strength. Joeckel did 27 reps of 225lbs. at the combine. Eric Fisher who is also getting some play at #1 also completed 27 reps, but Luke has the force on his side.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sharrif Floyd, DT/ Florida – NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah was quoted as saying, “everybody” has Floyd pegged as a top-five pick.” At 6’3 297 pounds, with a solid 40 time, Floyd racked up 13 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two kick blocks as a junior before declaring. He is the one player whose stock went up the most due to the combine.

3. Oakland Raiders – Geno Smith, QB/West Virginia – ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported on NFL 32Wednesday that the Raiders have interest in West Virginia QB Geno Smith with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. This is exactly what I have been saying since January 26th when the first mock draft came out. Palmer’s 13 million dollar base salary is a big concern, and then there’s the fact that he’s 33 years old.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Star Lotulelei, DT/Utah –As mentioned in the last draft with the hiring of Billy Davis as DC, The Eagles will run a strict 3-4 defense, as that’s all Davis runs. Any good 3-4 can’t run without a big body in the middle. Just ask the Jets! Lotulelei is considered to be the best DT prospect at this time.

5. Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner CB/ Alabama – According to Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, teams wanting Alabama CB Dee Milliner will “probably have to trade ahead of Detroit at No. 5 to get him.” I trust Peter King’s opinion. He has access to information few others do in the industry. Milliner will require surgery right after the combine but should be ready for training camp and my bet is it’s in Detroit

6. Cleveland Browns – Bjoern Werner DE/ Florida State – Werner has an incredible motor, and great hand use to keep separation, He is also very new to this game, after only picking up the game at 15. Remind anyone else of Jason Pierre Paul’s story? The Browns are also rumored to be interested in bringing in some QB competition for Brandon Weeden. I don’t see them going QB here, but I could see them go with Eric Fisher if the new regime believes Trent Richardson is their workhorse for the next few years.

7. Cardinals – Eric Fisher OT/ Central Michigan – Yes, the Cardinals need a quarterback and almost all this years’ QB’s are still available I get that. What’s the point if he isn’t standing upright after most downs? Call me old fashioned but I believe the only way to fix a bad offense is by helping both the run and the pass with a 6’7” 304 pound tackle who has the potential to be an immediate impact for Bruce Arians and his offensive prowess. Plus after the outstanding play of Russell Wilson some teams will feel confident in taking a signal caller later in the draft.

8. Buffalo Bills –Dion Jordan, DE/Oregon – Jordan ran a 4.53 unofficial time at the combine. WOW, that’s lightning fast. He honestly would be a top 5 pick if he was about 30 pounds heavier. At 6’6” but only 248lbs., he’s going to get pushed around at the next level, that is if they can catch him. The Bills defense needs a compliment to Mario Williams, and Jordan fits the mold.

9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah DE/ BYU – With the hiring of Marty Mornhinweg, the Jets will be looking to change the pathetic attempt at ground in pound in an era known for quarterback and 5,000 yard seasons. That means there’s a chance they go offensive line here. Too bad they’re known for making poor decisions on the first day of the draft. As I had mentioned earlier, their defense can’t function without a pass rush. Ansah is as good of a prospect as the Jets could hope for and would certainly help their inept pass rush. Ansah finished as MVP of the senior bowl and one of the studs of the combine putting up ridiculous numbers including a 4.62 40 time.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, OG/Alabama – Considered the best guard prospect in this year’s draft, Jake Locker should be thanking his lucky stars if the Titans can have Warmack fall to 10. With 40 career starts and the ability to get to the second level, Warmack has developed himself into a definitive top ten selection. CBSSports.com has him ranked as the 2nd best player in the draft as of 2.27.2013.

11. San Diego Chargers – Barkevious Mingo, DE/LSU –Mingo possesses the frame at 6-5, 240 pounds and athleticism to warrant top 10 considerations but at this point he remains an unpolished prospect, and that’s why he will fall slightly out of the top 10. Mingo had a great combine as expected from the athletically gifted DE/OLB. He ran the 40 time in 4.58 which was incredibly fast, and his ten yard splits were also very good which is used to gauge short yardage burst. A skill needed at the OLB or DE position in the NFL.

12. Miami Dolphins – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/Tennessee – Lots of rumors have been spread about Miami and their intentions. I stand by my thoughts that they take Patterson here though I read that he is considered to be as immature as he is talented. I was pretty sure the Dolphins just got rid of Brandon Marshall and have a hard time accepting they’d draft another knucklehead into that locker room. His baggage also come with some amazing talent as Patterson scored a touchdown via kickoff return, punt return, receiving, and rushing, joining Carl Pickens (receiving, KR, PR, INT) as the only players in Tennessee history to score a touchdown four different ways in a career. Since the Dolphins are high on hopes and low on offensive talent, Patterson seems like a likely target considering the shortage of first round talent on skill positions in this year’s draft.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers –Xavier Rhodes, CB/ Florida State – After not even including this guy in my first mock I have come to learn through a lot of reading that people consider him to be the 2nd best CB prospect in this year’s draft. Some even believe he has shutdown corner ability. With a 4.41 40 times, and 6’2 210 pound frame, Rhodes is now expected to be a top 20 pick post combine.

14. Carolina Panthers –. Jarvis Jones OLB/ Georgia – I can’t understand how a player with so many medical questions could choose to not participate at the combine. Think Da’quan Bowers. Bowers injuries weren’t nearly as significant of a concern as Jones. Now there are rumors that Jones has walked off most draft boards. His size 6’2” 242 is prototypical for his position and Mel Kiper loves this guy. Still his health risk is so high since Jones suffers from Spinal Stenosis; a restriction to the spinal canal that causes pain, numbness, and in some cases loss of motor control.

15. New Orleans Saints – Sheldon Richardson, DT/Missouri – The Saints have elected to move to a 3-4. This only makes me more confident in this pick. NO ranked 26th in sacks and 24th in forced fumbles, so evidently they need some help with the front seven. Richardson, became Mizzou’s first-ever All-SEC designee, as he was named to the 2nd-team for his outstanding play in 2012. Richardson led all SEC interior linemen with 75 tackles which is 2nd-best on the Tiger squad.

16. St. Louis Rams – D.J. Fluker, OT/Alabama – Bradford clearly needs protection. His head coach Jeff Fisher knows that and won’t disappoint his quarterback. On Feb 6th I read a post that said; “According to SI’s Tony Pauline, teams are “falling in love” with Alabama OT D.J. Fluker and “some in (the) scouting community” believe he could go as high as No. 19 to the Giants.” Well the Rams aren’t even going to let him get that far. Bradford threw for a miserable 59.5% completion in 2012 while constantly throwing off his back foot on the run. Expect Flukers presence to give his QB a chance for more accurate passes.

19. New York Giants
Manti Te’o
Linebacker, Notre Dame

Ignore all of the hoaxes and negative press Te’o has received since the national championship game. No matter what happened there, Te’o is one heck of a football player and a natural leader. The Giants would be a great fit.

To quote Charlie Brown “Good Grief.” If it wasn’t for the fact that Te’o was on such a memorable team, I don’t believe any of this stuff would really matter. He’s a really good college linebacker with a lot to prove at the next level, but he’s no Lawrence Taylor. As a matter of fact, in my opinion he’s the third best middle linebacker in this draft behind, Alec Ogletree and Kevin Minter. It will take years to know the truth, but I’m not buying.

Although, nothing was confirmed, it appeared Boley fell out of graces with the coaching staff late in the year as he was pulled from the starting line-up the last three games and was played sparingly in those contests, too. The move will save the Giants in the neighborhood of $4.5 million on the salary Cap.

At this point it appears the Giants will be looking to Jacquian Williams to be the starting outside linebacker.

The New York Giants are no longer the defending champions in the NFL. After the Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl 47, the Giants are no different than the 30 other teams in the NFL that came up short in pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.

After a disappointing season came to an end with no entry into the playoffs, Jerry Reese and the rest of New York’s front office have a lengthy list of “to-do’s”. In this off-season segment, we’ll be addressing position by position on the Giants roster, analyzing free agents, potential salary cap casualties and possible replacements.

If Giant fans had their way, 85% of the roster would be cut, but lets be realistic that’s not an option nor would it guarantee a better result.  Reese has proven to be pretty good at his job. Both in the draft and in free agency, he doesn’t tend to overspend or reach on picks.

Where the Giants sit right now, it appears they will be roughly 4-5 million over the cap.

In this edition, we’ll break down the Quarterback position. Cue the QB controversy…not.

Eli Manning coming off his second Super Bowl MVP, did not have the season anyone anticipated. While statistically it wasn’t too bad of a year, he was inconsistent in the middle of the season, and had some sub-par games in big spots. There’s no question a healthy Hakeem Nicks could have had a dramatic impact on the offense’s success. Eli did find himself on the turf a bit more this year than in previous, obviously protection needs to be improved and will be a point of emphasis heading into free agency and the draft, especially with two starters that are unrestricted free agents in Beatty and Boothe, and two other starters who are near the ends of their career in Snee (also having hip surgery) and Diehl. That being said, look for Eli to bounce back in 2013 and to continue to give the Giants a shot, no matter what game, score or other circumstance. As long as #10 is under center the Giants will be competitive. It is likely the Giants will ask Manning to re-construct his deal a bit to free up some cap space, a deal Eli has done in the past. This is the obvious choice as he is slated to make the most money. This doesn’t mean Eli is taking a pay cut, but rather changes the timetable as to when he gets his money.

The Giants only had one other QB on the active roster throughout last year, David Carr. Carr initially signed with the Giants the season following their Super Bowl 42 victory. After two years with New York, Carr signed a deal with the 49’ers, only to resign a year later with the Giants. It seems unlikely that Carr will be anywhere other than with the Giants in 2013. There won’t be any opportunity for him to compete for a starting job in the NFL and he’s been quoted that he enjoys being the Giants and working with Manning. However, with a influx of mobile QB’s, the price tag on back-up QB’s could start to climb which could spell trouble for New York.

The Giants did sign Curtis Painter to “future-contract” deal. Its unlikely that he will wind up on the active roster.

This position, obviously, is the most stable position on the roster, look for little to no movement.

Next week I’ll be starting to break down the offensive line, make sure you check back.

Still you couldn’t count out the 49’ers.  Not after the miraculous performance of Colin Kaepernick, and he wouldn’t let his fans down as he found Michael Crabtree for a 31 yard score with his trademark speed and accuracy leading his team to an 80 yard drive with 7:20 left in third only to score another touchdown only 2 minutes 21 seconds later.  Finally we had a game.  That surge of power was blasted from the lights right into the hearts of the 49er players.  They were playing with an electricity and intensity where all the momentum was turning in their favor.  Then the dagger… Rice fumbles the ball.  The invigorated Ravens were now flat and lifeless.  The Niners still down 8 needed to do something when Ravens DB Carey Williams deflects a possible touchdown for Ted Ginn.  Akers who had 2 completed field goals already misses, but the play comes back on a penalty.  He then completes his second chance to make it a 5 point game.

The fourth quarter immediately starts with a field goal for Baltimore to make the score 31 to 23.  The 49’ers waste no time as Colin Kaepernick runs in for a 15yard touchdown.  Only down 2 and mathematically eliminated, Jim Harbaugh calls for a 2 point conversion that failed thanks to a great defensive call by his brother.  This was turning out to be a game of wits by both men as they toiled through their playbooks searching for a way to put this game away.  The Ravens would add another field goal, and with 4:19 left in the fourth kicked off the 49’ers started their drive.  On first down Kaepernick throws to Vernon Davis on the sideline and misses him by inches.  Kaep later hands off to Gore for a monster gain down the left hand sideline for 31 yards.  The two minute warning sounds with the 49’rers in the goaline.  At 3^rd and goal with 1:55 to play Kaepernick throws to Michael Crabtree for an incompletion.   On 4^th down The San Francisco 49’ers throw a lob back to Crabtree in the right side of the end zone with Jimmy Smith and Ed Reed on the coverage that misses his target by a yard.  The football gods had spoken.  It was only a matter of time now before Baltimore would run out the clock and waste it down to 11 seconds.  With the advantage in favor, the Ravens purposely allow a safety to make the score 34-31.  The Ravens kick the free kick for the last play of the game.  Ted Ginn made a valiant effort in bringing it back to the 50, but it wasn’t meant to be.  The Baltimore Ravens would walk away champions with their quarterback Joe Flacco winning the Superbowl MVP.  Flacco threw for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.  Anquan Boldin finished with 6 receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Ray Rice managed 59 yards on 20 carries and 4 receptions for 19 yards.

This game will answer the questions as to whether Flacco was an elite level quarterback.  With the confetti streaming down, the Ravens watch their leader on the field walk away from the game after 17 seasons and redefining how to play the linebacker position in today’s NFL.  Lewis wins his second Superbowl and goes out the way most kids dream, on top of the world.  When asked how do you describe it by Jim Nantz, Lewis says “When God is for you, who could be against ya? It’s not greater way …to go out on your last ride than with my teammates.”  His indelible mark on football can be seen in the way defense is played on all 32 NFL teams, and the league may not see a player of his caliber for generations to come.

“I think I’m the greatest receiver to ever do it. Because I think back when Jerry was playing — and no disrespect to Jerry Rice, because he’s arguably the greatest — but for me to be able to go out here and change and revolutionize the game from a single safety to a Cover 2 safety and dropping three guys deep and dropping four guys deep and still be able to make it happen? That is why I really hold my hat on that, that I really feel in my heart and in my mind that I am the greatest receiver to ever play this game.”

19. New York Giants – Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon

Jordan is another elite prospect that will see their draft stock take a hit because of injury. Jordan is recovering from surgery on a torn labrum, but when he is healthy he is one of the most dynamic pass rushers available.

Jordan is far from a total package.  As a matter of fact, he may be one of the biggest projects to be drafted early in 2013.  At only 233 pounds, he would surely have to bulk up to play DE, or even OLB.  There is also talk he may need shoulder surgery after the combine.  Yes, he has great speed, and some serious athletic ability, but lets hope Mr. Reese finds a different, more consistent option on day one.

Chicago Bears: Out goes Lovie Smith and in walks Marc Trestman recently of the CFL.

Buffalo Bills:  The first of the teams to act fired Chan Gailey and hired Doug Marrone recently of Syracuse..at least the weather will be similar.

Browns: Fire Pat Shurmur mainly because the new owner wanted to make a change, and make the biggest splash overall by hiring Rob Chudzinski, Norv Turner (and Turners son). and then bring in Michael Lombardi as the player personnel expert.

Cardinals: They let Ken Whisenhunt go (and he becomes the OC in San Diego) to hire Bruce Arians who did a magnificent job in Indianapolis this past season.

Chargers: Finally part ways with Norv Turner, and hire Mike McCoy formerly OC in Denver.

Chiefs: Fire Romeo Crennel and hire Big Red Andy Reid.  Andy being the only current head coach to move to another team in the same capacity.

Eagles: Fire the aforementioned Andy Reid and hire Oregon’s Chip Kelly.

Jaguars: Fire Mike Mularkey after just one season, but again the new ownership and GM came more into play here than Mike’s resume, and hire Gus Bradley.

So, while some of the former head coaches move back to their old specialties like Norv and Whisenhunt, others like Lovie Smith will sit it out a year and see who comes calling next season.

19. New York Giants – Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU

Ansah is a freak athlete who still has so much untapped potential. Ansah is still new to the game, but he has the natural talent to join the Giants defensive line and learn from their veterans. Is there any better way to compliment a player like Jason Pierre-Paul than with a player who can develop into his clone?

Ansah has been considered to be a first round talent for a while now, and why not! He has the size and strength to make an immediate impact for an already stout G-men defense. The only thing better than one JPP is a younger clone to match his intensity on the other side. The Giants should be thrilled to get a player of his caliber at 19. My only fear is that with a great combine he may be chosen by a team like New Orleans at 15 as they are in desperate need of a pass rush.

Could Ansah be the Ansah for the Giants pass rush woes?

Andy Reid was let go by the Eagles after 14 seasons with the team.

Pat Shurmur out in Cleveland, where while doing a decent job keeping the team competitive, he is a victim of the new owner wanting to start fresh. The G.M. Tom Heckert has also been let go.

Norv Turner is finally out in San Diego along with G.M. A. J. Smith.

Romeo Crennel has lost his job in Kanssas City where they will have the number one pick in the April Draft.

G.M. Gene Smith has been let go in Jacksonville.

The Jets fired G.M. Mike Tannenbaum but have retained the head clown in Rex Ryan.

The Bears, who started 7-1 and missed the playoffs have fired Coach Lovie Smith.

The Buffalo Bills have fired Chan Gailey.

The Cardinals have parted ways with Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt

Stay tuned to GMen HQ as more news breaks today

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (11-3): This team has figured out how to play like the old Indianapolis Colts.  Get a lead, pound the ball, and rush the passer.

2. Houston (12-2): Nice bounce back at home. And, they needed to let the Colts know it’s their year for the division.

3. New England (10-4): That was like watching three different games Sunday night.  This team has their faults, but still can make a run.

4. Indianapolis (9-5): This team shows fight and determination every week, and they have the QB that keeps them in every game.  They now are starting to believe they can win every game.

5. Baltimore (9-5): I have no problem making a coaching change at this point, but I think the replacement is untested and over rated.  The change at offensive coordinator only exposed Joe Flacco more.  Limping towards the playoffs.

6. Cincinnati (8-6):  They now have the chance they have been waiting for.  Games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore to finish the season and get in the tournament.

7. Pittisburgh (7-7): Horrific loss to the Cowboys.  Cincy and Cleveland to end the season.

NFC

The NFC is now officially wide open….

1. San Francisco (10-3-1): The Niners seem to be getting back on stride, but still don’t like the QB drama.  Big trip to Seattle on the horizon.

2. Green Bay (10-4): Showing what having a winning team is all about.  Still think they will struggle in the playoffs without a good O-Line.

3. Seattle (9-5): Good defense, good running game, and a pretty good QB.  Let’s see if they make everyone believers vs SF.

4. Atlanta (12-2): Coaching and playing in a dome can de-rail this team.  Still need to show some toughness.

5. New York Giants (8-6): Win and your in…something they have heard for a few years now. They are the only team of the following group that controls their fate.  Win two and you need no help from anyone.

This is where it really gets interesting….

Chicago, Dallas, Washington,  and Minnesota

Chicago (8-6): Needs help and to win their last two. They lose tie-breaker to Giants if they both finish 10-6.

Dallas (8-6): They play Washington last week of the season, could win the division or miss out altogether.

Washington (8-6): They learned an important lesson this week..They can win without RG3.  Eagles and Cowboys to finish.

Minnesota (8-6): Even though NFL.COM has them listed as the 6th seed currently, that isn’t quite correct.  That is based on if the season ended today, and I’m pretty sure they are not canceling the final two weeks of the season.  They can win their last two and still not make the playoffs.

 Follow Joe on Twitter, @tufdan

However, if they Giants do not improve their record and stay in a similar spot in the draft, who might they take?  Here is the entire FanSided NFL Mock Draft.  The Giants selection is highlighted below:

 23. New York Giants – Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU

Osi Umenyiora could be gone through free agency and it’s no surprise that the Giants like to stockpile on talented defensive lineman. Ansah is a prospect that draws comparison to Jason Pierre-Paul, so it doesn’t take much to understand why the team would be excited to add a player with this kind of potential.

While this is certainly a possibility, many fans would like to see the Giants land an offensive lineman who could walk in and start at one of the tackle positions.

Pathetic, awful, putrid, embarrassing, costly, the list could continue, but I won’t. Football fans and New York Giants fans know the range of feelings I’m describing. The ones that still linger after a team with everything right in front of them laid that type of egg in a real “statement” game.

One week after pounding down the New Orleans Saints, the Giants went down south to play the NFC’s best, Atlanta Falcons. It was definitely a statement game. Both teams made a real statement! The Falcons stated that they were among the NFL’s elite, regardless what experts say. They stated that in order to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, teams would have the go through them. The Giants, on the other hand, made a different statement, but a statement nonetheless. They showed that they are the most inconsistent team in the NFL. The paper champs, if you will. No one can argue the magnitude of talent they have on their roster, just like no one can argue how twisted and confusing the results are. I understand losing to an 11-2 team, on the road, in a dome, where Atlanta plays well, but come on. They didn’t even get on the plane, let alone get off of it.

Trying to piece together that game on Sunday, I’m left with one conclusion; What’s up with Eli? Now before you start going crazy, understand that since the time he was at Ole Miss to present date, I’ve always been a huge proponent and supporter of Eli. It doesn’t change the fact that he is having a strange year, in a stretch of his career that really is inexcusable. His numbers aren’t great, but the numbers don’t even tell the story. His play has mirrored the Giants inconsistent and sporadic performance and record. He’s been up, down and all around. Go back to week two, the Giants played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Eli played an ugly first half. With the Giants finding themselves down at halftime they, and especially Eli, came out and played nearly a flawless second half of football and went on to win. That game, much like the rest of the season makes you scratch your head. How is it possible to look so bad at one point and look so good soon after? Its difficult to find a comparison on the NFL at the QB position because no one has the cliff falls that Eli does, and only few have the dynamics Eli has when he’s playing well. It’s not a question of comparing him to Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers (mainly because those guys don’t really have bad performances, just not always spectacular) it’s a matter of finding out what’s responsible for such inconsistent play. He’s had this “mantra” since he came into the league in 2004, however given his success over the last couple years, its very surprising. So I ask, what is up with Eli? Any ideas? Anyone?

The craziest part is with the aftermath of Sunday’s game against the Falcons? The Giants are still in the drivers seat for the playoffs. It’s as simple as this, win out and they’re in. Even the NFC East is still in contention, though they would need help to win the division, but its still a possibility.

They go into Baltimore, who basically mirrors New York in the AFC with inconsistency. This should be some pretty angry football. Two of the more “physical” (at least the teams are touted as physical) both have been embarrassed recently with New York’s loss to Atlanta and Baltimore dropping three straight. The stakes are high, too. Baltimore is in danger of losing the Division lead in the AFC North and the Giants could be eliminated from playoff contention this week with a loss to Baltimore, and wins by Seattle, Washington and Dallas.

The Giants have their work cut out for them, its right there. Its been said all year, go out and take control of the season. They know what needs to be done, just get it done. Not looking great for them right now.

Lets see what the experts things:

ESPN 12(7)

They have squandered their lead and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Something’s just not there that was there before. (Graziano)

There is truth in that statement for sure, and where I feel very similar its hard to write them off until they are literally eliminated from the playoffs. Similar things were said about the Giants after last year’s week 15 loss to the Washington Redskins, then they got hot, got in the playoffs and won the Super Bowl.

CBS Sports 10(7)

They can win the next two and still get into the playoffs. But that game at Atlanta sure was eye opening. (Priscoe)

It sure was an eye opener, but could it be an eye opener for the New York Giants a team that seems like it just isn’t “catching”. Maybe it’s the kick to the teeth, the spark they need. We’ll find out.

Fox Sports 15(8)

The Giants were shut out this weekend and are still averaging 26 points per game over the last two. (Billick)

Not a really a big deal because they’re probably averaging around 30 points against over the last two weeks, you do the math. They need more from the defensive line. Where is Justin Tuck!? Unless they’re line steps up and Eli wakes up, they’ll find themselves in a better draft pick then they want to be.

Check back next week for more Rankings Review.

Here is the real story: The competition committee has been studying an idea of expanding the playoffs for the most popular game in the world for close to ten years according to Bill Polian.  They have studied and mapped out every scenario they could imagine and now have an idea that might get floated out to the league for more discussion and then finally a vote of coaches and owners.

What they may propose is to add ONE playoff position in each conference, and have only the top team in the conference earn a bye week.  So, 7 teams instead of 6, and the competition for the number one seed increased dramatically. Was that worth the over-reaction from yesterday? Was that idea so bad that it suggested the League and the Commissioner are trying to ruin the game of football?  Don’t you feel just a little silly?  It went so far yesterday that one talk show host asked the question “Why does the Commissioner hate football?”

If that system was the current system then in the AFC:

The Texans ,Broncos, and Patriots would be fighting for the top seed and the only bye.

The 7th spot in the playoffs would be a fight between Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and The Jets with two of those teams making the post-season insteaad of just one.

In the NFC:

Atlanta, San Fran, and Green Bay would be fighting for the single bye week.

The 7th spot would be a fight between Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay

I fail to see how this small tweak to a system that keeps teams fighting till the final week of the season is the cause of so much uproar.

1. New England Patriots 3-1
T2. Denver Broncos 6-1
T2. Houston Texans 6-1
T2. San Francisco 49ers 6-1
5. Green Bay Packers 7-1
6. Atlanta Falcons 9-1
7. GIANTS 10-1
8. Seattle Seahawks 20-1
9. Baltimore Ravens 22-1
10. Pittsburgh Steelers 30-1

Thursday Night: Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-9)

The Eagles have suddenly decided they might want to finish the Andy Reid era with a little heart, and youth.  They fought till the final play of the game last week and defeated the Tampa Bay Bucs who desperately needed the win to stay in the playoff hunt.  This week they host the Bengals who also need to win here before facing division foes Baltimore and Pittsburgh the following two weeks.

Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Chicago Bears (8-5)

The Packers, since losing to the Giants, have not quite returned to form.  They beat Detroit last week without Aaron Rodgers throwing a TD pass.  This is the last stand for the Bears and their division title hopes.  A win here puts them in first as they beat the Packers earlier this season.

Indianapolis Colts (9-4) at Houston Texans (11-2)

The Texans come off their embarrassing loss to the Patriots on Monday night and return home to find a familiar foe, without the usual players.  The Texans have been trying to for years to overcome the Peyton Manning led Colts, only to have Andrew Luck walk in and pick-up where he left off.  These two teams will meet twice in the next three weeks.

Denver Broncos (10-3) at Baltimore Ravens (9-4)

The Broncos have won the West and now look for a chance at the number two seed and all that comes with that spot.  Baltimore, after stumbling against the Redskins last week are now trying to secure their own division title.  They will face the Giants next week before finishing with division rival Cincinnati.

Washington Redskins (7-6) at Cleveland Browns (5-8)

The Redskins might be without the services of rookie QB sensation Robert Griffin.  This, and the next two games, is a must win for any chance to make the playoffs.  Cleveland, despite their record is a tough home team, and has played better recently.

Minnesota Vikings (7-6) at St. Louis Rams (6-6-1)

This probably is the last meaningful game for one of these teams, or maybe both depending on the outcomes of other games played on Sunday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at New Orleans Saints (5-8)

We all know the Saints are a different team at home than they are on the road, and that speaks to their poor leadership.  Tampa has basically fallen apart the past few weeks.  Can they muster up a run starting here?  I doubt it.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-6)

These teams are in similar situations, except Pittsburgh has a few more avenues into the playoffs than the Cowboys.  This is another must win for Dallas who faces New Orleans next week before finishing with the Redskins.  The Jets fans will be rooting hard for the Cowboys this weekend, where, as always, Giants fans will be pulling for a Cowboys loss.

San Francisco (9-3-1) at New England Patriots (10-3)

The 49ers travel to Foxboro in December and need to win this game to secure a clear shot at a division title.  The Seahawks (8-5) are right on their tail. The Seahawks play Buffalo this week and then the two face each other next week.  The Patriots want home field advantage and they hate to lose at home no matter what month it is.

New York Giants (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (11-2)

The Giants showed who they could be on Sunday vs the Saints, and now go on the road to face a team they embarrassed in the playoffs last season.  The Falcons can gain home field advantage with a little help from others if they win this weekend.  The Giants want to maintain their one game lead in the NFC East, and show their late season winning ways.  This should be a great match-up.

Ten Games to watch, and a few more that have a minor role in who will make this year Post Season Tournament.  The NFL and T.V. Execs everywhere are all smiles as it just happens to coincide with the week that college football takes a few weeks off.