I also am picking the Saints... but then we all know how much faith I have in the Colts.

I had to do some calculation on this one, but I believe 78. They have 8 more regular season games this year for a total of 30 (running total = 69). Three games in the Big East Tournament, which now features all 16 league teams with the top 4 receiving byes through the first two rounds and #5-#8 a first round bye (running total = 72). Six games in the NCAA tournament for a final tally of 78.

Personally? I don't think it will be a lick more interesting, and I won't be watching. The only All-Star Game I ever watch is baseball.

However, I bet ratings will be at least marginally to somewhat higher. The season is over when it's played after the Super Bowl; it isn't today. By the week after the Super Bowl, focus has already been shifted to other sports; it hasn't been today. Should make a big difference in some people's mindsets.

We should eliminate those teams that already have truly unique rallying items. After all, the Packers do have their Cheese Heads.

Here are a couple...

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle's most famous company should pony up and sponsor:

The Star Bucks

To be waved wildly or make it rain, Star Bucks are handed out whenever the team wins or a fan buys a ridiculously overpriced coffee drink. When the team loses or makes a bad deal, they are taken away.

Oakland Raiders

Really, this team's fans doesn't need anything, what with their ridiculous costumes and behavior, however, there should be:

The Davis Dummies

To be burned in effigy whenever the Silver And Black's senile owner makes another franchise-crushing decision.

(NB: There is no positive situation in which the Davis Dummy is used, since, well, no positives can be seen coming out of Oakland as long Member's Only Al is in charge.)

Very tough indeed!

The Vikings also have not been a great road team. Their best bet is to give the ball to Mr. All-Word AP and keep the Saints offense off the field as much as possible. That having been said, I pick New Orleans.

I have been very vocal in my criticism of the Colts and their Super Bowl prospects, and the Jets are hot and surprising right now. Regardless, I think the Indy win... but will not be the least bit surprised if New York upsets.

Boxing has truly suffered from not having a strong personality in the heavyweight class. It's too bad the Pacquiao - Mayweather fight isn't happening.

That's what I've always thought: the key to understanding and appreciating is in the variety of techniques and their intricacies. I will have to learn

Appreciate the history lesson! MMA intrigues me conceptually, but have not been able to get into it so far. A little too violent for my tastes, I have to admit (though I disagree with the McCain comment). But I've only ever had a passing interest in boxing, either. Of course, some of that could be how its promoted as opposed to the acutal fights, since the advertising pushes the ferocity more than the technique and skill.

Would love for you to educate me more!

I know what you mean about forgetting over the bye week!

I still think Chargers-Saints. Could be a great game.

The Colts could very well deserve Tampy of the Year, for which the Titans owe them a debt of gratitude. At least Tennessee quit when they were 0-and-everything and didn't seem like they had a lick to play for.

Chargers-Jets: SD is easily my lock of the week.

Saints-Cardinals: Agree

Colts-Ravens: My brain says the Colts still win, but my gut says Baltimore could pull this off. I think it's just my lack of faith in Indy after several similar regular season/post-season runs.

Cowboys-Vikings: I agree, possibility of an upset here, and I think almost definitely Dallas will beat the spread. I beg to differ on one point: "The Cowboys are the hottest team in the league." Yes, they are hot, and the hottest in the NFC, but what about the Chargers? Nobody is more on fire than San Diego.