Mighty Bucs the best team in football?  Not without the sun

Yes, the talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers boasted the NFL's best record at 9-2 heading into their Week 13 game in New Orleans.  But the beautiful Florida sunshine was nowhere to be found inside the weather-proof Louisiana Superdome, where the Saints prevailed 23-20.

The Bucs' top-ranked defense had allowed just 11.5 points per game, but they surrendered two touchdowns in the third quarter alone when their solar power became depleted.  Tampa Bay gave up several long pass plays while dropping a few key passes of their own, looking like Superman with a kryptonite helmet.

"Will there be sun for the Buccaneers today?" asked Nicki on Sunday morning while making her picks.  "No?  Then I'm not picking them."  Smart girl.  Veteran decision.  Typical result.

It was the second time this season New Orleans has taken advantage of the Bucs' inability to win without the sun.  You might remember the Saints' victory in Week 1 on a cloud-covered and rainy day in Tampa.  D.J. got that game right, but suffered a brain cramp this time around with her Uncle Mark as both had the Bucs.  It certainly looked promising on paper.

Nonetheless, Girlie (109-66) continued her Cinderella season by going 9-4 and keeping her four-game lead atop the standings.  Nickster (105-70) grabbed sole possession of second place with a week-best 10-3 mark.  QT Pie and Ali also had impressive 10-3 records.  Blaine went 8-5 and dropped into a third-place tie with QT (104-71) after five of his teams lost in the final minutes (ugh!), including the 1-11 Bengals (they led 23-14 in the fourth quarter!).