Denver (12-3) at San Diego (9-6) � This Saturday contest seemed like such a monster just a few weeks ago, now the Broncos are locked in as the #2 seed while the Chargers are shockingly out of the post-season. Mike Anderson is out of this contest while Tatum Bell gets only a modest recommendation. Jake Plummer is also not ranked as well this week. Vegas has made SD a monster 10-point favorite which I think might be going overboard. Drew Brees gets a moderate downgrade because I think Philip Rivers will be showcased during the game. LaDainian Tomlinson says he's going to play, but he's more hurt than he's letting on - I guess you still have to play him if you have him.

NY Giants (10-5) at Oakland (4-11) � Does it get any better than New Year's Eve in Oakland. The sideshows throughout town through the night will provide much more excitement than the Raiders. If you though Tiki Barber went nuts two weeks ago wait until this week. Tiki, Eli, and Shockey are all strong plays and Plexico Burress might even hold on to something. If you're really in a bind for a running back this week Zack Crockett offers a modest solution. Kerry Collins gets a downgrade since the Raiders are liable to take a look at rookie Andrew Walter, as this has the feeling of August on the Oakland side. Jeremy Shockey seems like a natural to mix in with Raider Nation but he his a dreaded game-time decision. My predicted order of finish in the AFC West next year, San Diego, Denver, Kansas City, USC, Cal, Oakland. IDP STUD: Raiders DE Derrick Burgess has 16 sacks on the year and would break the franchises all-time single season record with #17.

Seattle (13-2) at Green Bay (3-12) � Do you know??? Mike Holmgren has now coached Seattle as long as he coached the Packers. He may cement his legacy with another Super Bowl appearance and perhaps even a potential rematch with Mike Shanahan. A 3-12 team being favored over a 13-2 outfit tells you all you need to know on what Week 17 turns into way too often. Did I tell you last week that Shaun Alexander is liable to score 3-4 times to tie or break the single-season TD record?? Well, if you're looking for someone who is a lock to score one this week, Shaun is your man, since one score will give him the record until Larry Johnson breaks it next year. But it might be one score and one yard gained, you might do better playing backup Maurice Morris. I'll rank Brett Favre highly this week since I look for him to take a season's worth of frustration out on the Seahawks JV. And for anyone who may have tickets, one more reminder, 12 NOON START.

Arizona (5-10) at Indianapolis (13-2) � There are few sure things this week, but a few of them are Josh McCown throwning indoors to Fitzgerald and Boldin against the Colts JV. Neil Rackers is also my top kicker of the week. If you're looking for Indy scabs turn to the usual suspects such as Jim Sorgi, Dominic Rhodes, and receiver Troy Walters.

Cincinnati (11-4) at Kansas City (9-6) � To remain even mathematically alive, the Chiefs need SD to lose on Saturday, so KC could well be eliminated before kickoff. The question is how hard Cincy will push it's starters to secure the #3 seed. There isn't really much difference to being #3 or #4. Pick your combo platter - PIT, @ DEN or JAX, @ IND. Being #4 actually could offer an easier first-round game. I would imagine the real value of the #3 seed would be getting through the first two rounds, then have someone on the other side of the bracket do the dirty work and upset Indy, which would give the #3 seed home-field in the Championship Game round. Which brings up to whether Carson Palmer (groin) will play. Carson swears he's going to play, but he may end up being like how the other Carson was for much of his career and yield to a guest host. In an ESPN piece this week, Larry Johnson would only give himself a nine for the year, the second half has actually been an 11.

Miami (8-7) at New England (10-5) � For all the hype Brett Favre got forever for being whatever and zero when the temperature was below 35 degrees comes this, Tom Brady is now 20-0 with the mercury under 35. I think the Dolphins might really be on to something if they would have Dave Wannstadt coach the team for the first 12 games, then have Nick Saban take over. Completely reversing a historical trend, Miami went 4-0 in December. Although that improved an impressive road win in San Diego, no cold climates will be involved which will be the case this Sunday. Hopefully you took my advise on Ricky Williams last week, you went off for 172 yards. Chris Chambers also won championships for some people with a pair of TD's. They're good, but not great plays in Foxboro. As is the case with the Bengals, don't look for the Pats to go overboard playing everyone to secure that #3 seed, those questionable stand a good chance at being scratches.

Detroit (5-10) at Pittsburgh (10-5) � If the Steelers needed this game to secure a playoff berth on Sunday, I would have Ben Roethlisberger and Willie Parker among my top plays of the week. However should the Chargers win on Saturday the #6 seed would already be signed, sealed and delivered. I will give you a wagering play on this, run to the window with Detroit +13½, that spread will crash should this game become meaningless, making the Lions a good bet to at least cover the number.

Buffalo (5-10) at NY Jets (3-12) � Terrence McGee became an IDP legend last week by returning a kickoff and interception in the same games as the Bills upset Cincinnati in a suicide pool shocker. Not much to recommend in this game, the best of the bunch being Willis McGahee looking to end a dissapointing second half on a high note.

Baltimore (6-9) at Cleveland (5-10) � Here I was so happy to be facing a Peyton Manning team in my final and he goes and picks up Kyle Boller. With six TD's the last two weeks the much-maligned Boller no doubt made some happy Christmas's for many. No one for the Browns could make much headway last weekend, and that included fans jumping out of the stands. Romeo Crennel may have felt compelled to grab a microphone at this point - 'If you see someone who looks like he might jump on the field, please note it to security, and get him out of here - YOU DON'T LIVE IN CINCINNATI!!!'

New Orleans (3-12) at Tampa Bay (10-5) � While the AFC playoffs are nearly set, the real fun this week is on the NFC side. What is known is the Bucs are division champs and a #3 or #4 seed if they can somehow beat the lowly Saints. For this reason alone Cadillac Williams is one of the weeks top plays.

Carolina (10-5) at Atlanta (8-7) � Carolina most likely coughed up the division with two crucial home losses in December, but still cements a playoff berth with a win in this game, with this being a divisional game on the road that is not a certainty. RB DeShaun Foster is a top RB play this week v. a sieve-like Falcons run D.

Tennessee (4-11) at Jacksonville (11-4) � Both quarterback situations are iffy in this game, Steve McNair is listed as questionable while Byron Leftwich wants to get some reps in this week. Fred Taylor is a decent play, at least until LaBrandon Toefield steals the goal-line carries.

Chicago (11-4) at Minnesota (8-7) � Another game that seemed to be huge just a few weeks ago but is now just a glorified exhibition game. If Thomas Jones can rush for 27 yards he would become only the second Bear in franchise history to rush for 1,300 yards in a season, an amazing stat.

Houston (2-13) at San Francisco (3-12) � 'This just in, KACSPORTS has projected that Gore has defeated Bush - for the right to be in the Niners backfield next season. However KACSPORTS is also projecting that Bush has just won Texas, or actually the Texans'. With this game Houston will have played every team in the league at least once. Last weeks Niners win could be seen a mile away, as they have been very competitive in most games and St. Louis was very ripe for the picking, trapping many who almost had to go with the Rams in survivor pools. Houston insists they're not thinking about Bush, but a couple of quick Niner touchdowns could change that mindset in a hurry.

Washington (9-6) at Philadelphia (6-9) � Why did I play Plexi-glass Burress over Santana Moss. When Mark Brunell got hurt I thought the Moss Express would at least be slowed but then I saw the scroll 'Ramsey 2-3, 82 yards, TD, whoops - you know that long bomb didn't just go to Chris Cooley. Clinton Portis is seeing his value get to the highest level since his Denver days with four consecutive 100-yard outings. Brunell returned to practice on Thursday, so you can count on him with a playoff spot on the line.

St. Louis (5-10) at Dallas (9-6) � By the time this Sunday night game kicks off the Cowboys will know if they're alive for the playoffs, they basically need either a Washington or a Carolina loss earlier in the day, or a much more unlikely scenario that would need to see both Tampa and the Giants to lose, just to bring a BCS-like strength of victory component into play. Whatever the case Julius Jones should be a great play on a weak Rams defense after shredding Carolina to the tune of nearly 200 yards last week.


SEASON PREDICTIONS:

AFC EAST

1. NEW ENGLAND (11-5) � Don�t think they will get #4 this year, but still a major factor. (-1) - Had they just beaten Denver they would had been home for AFC Championship.
2. NY JETS (10-6) � Will sit square on the playoff bubble like they always do. (-6) - Didn't stop Herm Edwards from asking for a raise.
3. BUFFALO (7-9) � 2nd year QB who seems to like running better than throwing the X-factor. (-2) - Coach/GM both wound up on the chopping block over this year's debacle.
4. MIAMI (6-10) � Will become a tougher out as the season wears on. (+3) - Nick Saban's rebuilding job progressing faster than expected.

AFC NORTH

1. PITTSBURGH (10-6) � Roeth will need to throw it much more this year. (+1) - Saved it up for the playoffs this year.
2. CINCINNATI (10-6) � Don�t be surprised if they win division. (+1) - Did win division, but don't think they'll follow up in '06.
3. BALTIMORE (8-8) � Kyle Boller still doesn�t impress me. (-2) - Took a late hot streak to be remotely close on this projection.
4. CLEVELAND (5-11) � Another team in rebuilding that should get steered in right direction at least. (+1) - So far it looks like Crennel's on schedule.

AFC SOUTH

1. INDIANAPOLIS (13-3) � They get over the hump this year. (+1) - Can't win the Big One label lasts another year.
2. JACKSONVILLE (10-6) � First round pick Matt Jones the real deal. (+2) - Exceed projected win total since they couldn't had gotten an easier schedule if they were in Conference USA.
3. HOUSTON (7-9) � Could be over for Dom Capers if he doesn�t at least go 9-7. (-5) - I said 7-9 wouldn't keep Capers in town, 2-14 got him gone the instant the season ended.
4. TENNESSEE (6-10) � Will light it up offensively at the very least. (-2) - How long will Fisher keep getting a pass??

AFC WEST

1. DENVER (10-6) � Cutting Quentin Griffin a shocker, Tatum Bell will be carrying team by Week 5. (+3) - Still not completely sold on Jake Plummer
2. SAN DIEGO (8-8) � Are they just a one-hit wonder?? (+1) - Ended up close to my projection, but have proven they will be a contender for forseeable future.
3. OAKLAND (7-9) � Another team that will at least be fun to watch. (-3) - Look for the Raiders to draft another bunch with extensive rap sheets.
4. KANSAS CITY (5-11) - Torch gets passed from Priest to Larry Johnson at some point this year. (+5) - Larry Johnson could shatter single-season records next year.

NFC EAST

1. PHILADELPHIA (12-4) � Won division by eight games last year, so at least they still have that cakewalk. (-6) - Eagle fans got vertigo over this season.
2. DALLAS (8-8) � DE DeMarcus Ware figures to be defensive rookie of the year. (+1) - When can Bill Parcells retire for good??
3. WASHINGTON (6-10) � Confidence in Patrick Ramsey about zero. (+4) - Team's confidence in Ramsey was also zero, he lasted one quarter in Game 1, making that move steered team in right direction.
4. NY GIANTS (5-11) � Not many weapons for Eli Manning. (+5) - Eli had decent second season, but would had still ben better off with Roeth.

NFC NORTH

1. MINNESOTA (11-5) � It might only be by default. (-2) - Love Boat debacle made season seem much worse.
2. DETROIT (9-7) � Think they turn the corner somewhat. (-4) - Why did I have trust in Millen???
3. GREEN BAY (7-9) - Look out below, it could get ugly later on. (-3) - Of course I didn't have the injuries factored in, it wound up even worse.
4. CHICAGO (5-11) � This team will put you asleep. (+6) - Defense carried the day, but was it just a blip like 2001???

NFC SOUTH

1. CAROLINA (12-4) � Get�s my endorsement as well as Sports Illustrated. (-2) - Still alive for that Super Bowl win.
2. ATLANTA (10-6) � Will produce back-to-back solid seasons perhaps for the first time ever. (-2) - Mora's still on his cell seeing if 8-8 would still get him in the plays.
3. TAMPA BAY (7-9) � Smart money says Gruden eventually turns the Pirate ship around. (+4) - Carnell Williams turned out to be money, jury still out on the quarterback position.
4. NEW ORLEANS (4-12) � All bets are off, although don�t be surprised when Saints bound together and prove not to be pushover in trying season. (-1) - About what I expected under the circumstances.

NFC WEST

1. ARIZONA (9-7) � Cards shock the world and win division title. (-4) - Oops, so much for the shock.
2. SEATTLE (8-8) � Not completely sold on this outfit. (+5) - Wound up the class of the conference.
3. ST LOUIS (7-9) � The offense will still roll. (-1) - Without Bulger not even the offense was a sure thing.
4. SAN FRANCISCO (3-13) � Still the least talent of just about anyone. (+1) - Was anything but a pushover later in the season.

PLAYOFF ORDER:

AFC: 1. Indianapolis, 2. New England, 3. Pittsburgh, 4. Denver, 5. Jacksonville, 6. Cincinnati.

NFC: 1. Philadelphia, 2. Carolina, 3. Minnesota, 4. Arizona, 5. Atlanta, 6. Detroit

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Indianapolis over New England

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Carolina over Atlanta

SUPER BOWL 40: Carolina over Indianapolis



ROOKIES 2004: HOW IS YOUR TOP DRAFT PICK DOING???

It's all here...
KAC 2004 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS...
QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS/KICKERS/DEFENSES

2004 AFC DRAFT GRADES
2004 NFC DRAFT GRADES


HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW!!! After being mocked unmercifully by Dante and his henchmen for providing some of the web's best NFL draft coverage, KACSPORTS got 9 of the first 14 selections right, and was the only major website to predict that Philip Rivers would be selected before Ben Roethlisberger. In the ESPN contest KACSPORTS ranked among the top two percent of all contestants. But that's not what I'm bragging about. Back in December KACSPORTS projected Virginia Tech center Jake Grove to possibly be Barrett Robbins successor with the Raiders. So who should be surprised by the Raiders second round draft pick (#45 overall) on Saturday???


TRANSCRIPT OF TV INTERVIEW WITH CONTROVERSIAL MIAMI RECRUIT WILLIE WILLIAMS
2003 NFL DRAFT FIRST ROUND REVIEW
KAC'S EXCLUSIVE AFC AND NFC 2003 Draft Grades