The Mourning After: Week 17

The last week of the NFL season didn't disappoint anyone. We had teams choke and rise up from the ashes. Players showed what they were all about and players faltered in the spotlight. Lets take a look at the highlights.

Cowboys and Eagles are two different teams: While the Cowboys lack character and chemistry, while the Eagles are strong in both categories. Andy Reid and Donavan McNabb are like an old married couple. They bicker and fight, but they never leave each others sides and almost always ends up on top. Jerry Jones just never understands this. Teams have to have chemistry and the Cowboys lack in this category. They have me-first players who don't care about each other and that is the reason why they are home right now.

You might not like Phillip Rivers, but you have to respect him: I am not the biggest Phillip Rivers fan, but I respect the hell out of him because of his leadership and play on the field. The Chargers were dead men walking at 4-8. Then Rivers put the team on his shoulders and led them to the AFC West title. His leadership and never giving up is what lead the Chargers to their sudden surge up the NFL power rankings.

Denver might need different leadership: Mike Shanahan has had all the power in Denver for a long time. And since John Elway left, the Broncos have only won one playoff game since then. I have never been a fan of a head coach who is also the General Manager. They see the field one sided and never make the right decisions on the other side. Denver's defense was flat terrible all year long. Their weakness lead to Jay Cutler trying to make ridiculous plays all year long, which lead to turnovers.

Karma Sucks! Just ask the New York Jets. They threw away Chad Pennington in favor of Brett Favre, thinking he was a better fit for the team. Pennington went to Miami and led them to the AFC East. Favre in the meanwhile, self-destructed down the stretch, which led to the firing of Eric Mangini. Karma Baby.

Perfection has a name: Detroit: The Detroit Lions finished the perfect season by going 0-16. I never thought a team could run the tables backwards but I should have expected the Lions to do it. And they didn't fail. The weirdest part about it though, they never caught a break. Teams that are horrible will at least catch a break somewhere. The Lions never caught a break, which led to there perfect season.

Did the 49ers make the right decision?: I wondered if the San Francisco 49ers should keep Mike Singletary as their head coach. Well after yesterday's win, the 49ers kept Singletary are their head coach. I am still conflicted whether or not this was the right decision, but I am in favor of moving on with Singletary.

Quick Hits:

- What happened to Chad Johnson this season?

- Some team will overpay for Matt Cassel, and will pay the price for doing so.

- Did Minnesota really get in the playoffs?

- Matt Ryan for MVP.

- Monte Kiffin is running to his son in Tennessee with his tail in between his legs.

- Can't we reconstruct the playoff format, seriously the Colts, who have a better record, have to play in San Diego who has a worst record.

Playoff picks:

Wild Card

AFC

Indianapolis over San Diego

Miami over Baltimore

NFC

Atlanta over Arizona

Philadelphia over Minnesota

Divisional Round

AFC

Indianapolis over Tennessee

Pittsburgh over Miami

NFC

Carolina over Atlanta

Philadelphia over NY Giants

AFC Championship

Indianapolis over Pittsburgh

NFC Championship

Carolina over Philadelphia

Super Bowl XL III

Indianapolis over Carolina