Thursday Rage Dec 11, 2008 | More

Thursday Edition of Audibles

Last week I picked San Diego over Oakland by a score of 30-20.

I had given a little too much credit to the Raiders offense because I thought that they might actually use their first-round pick Darren McFadden. They seem to always be playing for the next year. I was correct as San Diego came out on top 34-7.

I had LaDanian Tomlinson causing havoc, but instead it was Darren Sproles on short dump off passes.

I said Phillip Rivers may struggle and he did at times until the Raiders left Vincent Jackson all alone in the secondary. The Raiders can give you fits because of their pass defense, but they showed up for only a quarter of play.

I said I would write a Haiku if I was wrong. I think, despite some minor details, I hit the nail on the head. I like Thursdays and they seem to like me.

Let's get down to business for this Thursday: New Orleans @ Chicago

New Orleans seems to have a Jekyll and Hyde personality. They lose the ones they are favored in and romp folks just when you think that you have them pegged.

I watched Reggie Bush run with authority this last week against Atlanta. I think as a receiver he is more dangerous. I see the Saints throwing the ball more than running it. That being said, I like Drew Brees to be over 250 yards, two TDs and 1 INT. I also like Marques Colston, Bush and Lance Moore, in that order.

Chicago has all the tools to win this game. One tool that they will rely on is Matt Forte. I think he will have an outstanding game with 90 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving and a score. Kyle Orton will have decent numbers 195 and 1 TD and 1 INT. I think in order to win this game, Devin Hester will have to make an appearance in the end zone from either special teams or as a receiver. I like both tight ends for the Bears, Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, in that order.

I expect this to be a close game with the edge going to the Saints. I have it at 27-24. This is the week before the playoffs in my league, a time where I don't need another win at 12-2. I can sit back and watch the games for pure enjoyment. This one will be a solid game.

If my season depended on this game, I would start only Brees, Forte, Bush, Colston, Olsen and Moore.

As always, feel free to send questions, comments and concerns to michaelfsarmento@hotmail.com