Oh my God, he’s fat again. There’s no other way to say it. JaMarcus Russell is larger than life. Literally and figuratively. Yes, he’s bigger than all 32 remaining Backstreet Boys fans put together. He threw away the Raiders season like it was a salad. He skipped the last team meeting to head to Vegas and now he can’t go to a basketball game without being called out for sucking by the announcers.

Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins were calling a NBA game when TNT’s cameras caught Jamarcus Russell in some floor seats. They could have quickly acknowledged his presence and moved on to other topics. Let’s just say he caught their eye for more than a couple seconds.

JaMarcus Russell2019s Bling Holding Back His Game – Watch more Funny Videos

Harlan and Collins should show some understanding. JaMarcus is not a man with much time on his hands. There are countless hours that need to be spent in the buffet line as well as the film room and jewelry store. His theme song has been All You Can Eat but his ice is so blingy. He’s earned Bling Bling as his alternate anthem.

Medallion iced up, Rolex bezelled up
And his pinky ring is platinum plus
Earrings be trillion cut
And his grill be slugged up 

Don’t you know JaMarcus is tryin’ to put platinum eyebrows on these hoes? Back up off him!

Herschel Walker is one bad dude.  He won the Heisman Trophy in college, was an USFL and NFL all-pro, a member of the US Olympic Bobsled Team, a fifth-degree black belt in tae kwon do and now, at 47 years old he apparently is just getting started. Walker is set to fight Greg Nagy in a STRIKEFORCE MMA bout on Jan. 30 at the Florida Panthers’ arena.

I mean if ex-athlete can do it, certainly he can do it, right? This guy was and, from some hardly independent doctor’s accounts, still is a physical freak. Who knows, Herschel could be the next Kimbo Slice like MMA phenomenon if he is any good. Certainly he’s got more skills than Slice since he is a 5th degree black belt. This might be enough to get even more eyes on the ever growing MMA sport.

No odds are posted for this fight that I could find, but we’ll keep you updated on that…well probably not, we’re not too good on following up stories here. In any case, I have to imagine that Walker is the favorite, Nagy’s overall record is just 1-1 and he is a virtual unknown in the MMA world. This has to be a setup.

From Charleston Daily Mail

Another week, another pick em.  I must admit, its getting a little old doing the pick ems.  This week, time ran short on me and I am putting them up late.  Thats the horrible thing about working a day job and having blogging be your night gig.  If you actually go to sleep at a reasonable time of night, you don’t get much blogging done.  So, basically, blame me having to meet my hours requirement for the year on not posting.  Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I missed a week’s worth of picks.

“If you really want to look at it, you can go 8-0 and you might end up 10-6,” Johnson said Wednesday. “There’s a possible way you can actually do it.”

NO! No it is not possible. Not even in the least. Why would you even say that there is a possible way you can actually do it when there is no way they can do it. No chance at all and you know it Chris. You know it and I know it and everyone in their right mind (ie: everyone but Al Davis) knows it. So why are you lying to us Chris? WHY YOU GOTTA LIE, MAN? YOU HURT BABIES WHEN YOU LIE CHRIS. BABIES CRY!

Why won’t the Raiders win every game in the 2nd half of the year? Good question kind reader, lets take a look at the Raiders upcoming schedule. In the next 8 weeks, their schedule includes a home game vs the Bengals, a road game at Pittsburgh, a road game at the Cowboys and a road game at the Denver Broncos. Last time I looked, all those teams are way better than the Raiders. You think they might lose maybe one of those games? I think everyone but Chris Johnson thinks they will.

You can’t blame Chris Johnson for being hopeful in the second half, but c’mon now son, you gotta be realistic too!

From The Oakland Tribune

“We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” says Tony Gonzalez. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

Raiders quarterback Jamarcus Russell heard about the PETA campaign and was inspired to approach Denny’s about doing something similar entitled “I Show You My Moobs For Moons Over My Hammy”. He wanted to pose naked over a huge plate of Moons Over My Hammy while wearing his Raiders helmet. The restaurant chain somehow agreed but the project fell apart during the photo shoot. Russell kept trying to eat the plate of food even though it was fake. Only if he had that kind of drive during football games. He’d never lose the football if it were a sandwich.

Now try to go back to your breakfast after picturing Carrot Top, Charo and Russell.

MIAMI +4.5 at Atlanta

The public is all over Atlanta as the feel good feelings from last year are still lingering on their squad. Thing is, Miami had a decent rebound year last year and they are only healthier and better now than they were then with a deeper defense and stability at QB with Pennington. I am thinking you fade here and enjoy your chicken dinner.

KC at Baltimore UNDER 36

Not going to touch the line of Balt -13 and neither should you. Baltimore should win this game easily, but I dont know anyone that can trust their offense explode during week 1 when it never did last year. KC is in disarray, going back to Tyler Thigpen and their incredibly unreliable duo of running backs. Their defense is nearly nonexistent but luckily so is Baltimore’s offense. Take the under and count your money.

Philly at CAROLINA +3

Taking the home dog here. Philly’s O-line is hurting bad right now and their D coordinator is dead, not to mention they have the biggest distraction in the world in Michael Vick standing on their sidelines, so I’m not feeling them. Carolina is your standard mediocre NFL team and that should be enough to keep the game tight at home and maybe even pull out a win. Gutsy pick, but one you should make. When you do, and win, personally thank me for improving your fortunes.

Denver at CINCINNATI -4

I have no idea what is going on in Bronco land right now. Their rookie and future star running back may or may not play, their best wide receiver was suspended most the pre-season and hates his brand new coach who appears to be over his head, and their quarterback is Kyle Orton. Meanwhile, all is surprisingly well in Bengal-land. I expect a finally healthy Palmer to shred the Bronco’s suspect defense and cruise to a victory at home. The Bengals should Bronco-bust a nut all over this one…I have no idea what that means. SHIP IT!

MINNESOTA -3.5 at Browns

It doesnt matter if Favre, Jackson or Rosenfels is behind center with Adrian Peterson in the backfield for this game. The Vikings should have no trouble dominating against Brady Quinn and the hapless Browns with their explosive running game and strong defense. Although if the Browns could somehow mercifully end Brett Favre’s career in this game, maybe we all will forget about his shenanigans by the end of the season to possibly forgive him for what he has done and go back to shameless Farve-man-love. Take the Vikes and cash your 401k out on this one and bet it all. After you win, you can pay off those early cash out penalties and still be up big. Its safer than the stock market. Trust me.

New York Jets at HOUSTON -4

Every year Houston gets a little better, this year I think they make the leap to a good team. They have a dynamic offense and, after years of sucking, have acquired a very strong D through the draft. The Jets are starting a rookie QB on the road with Jerrico Cotchery as his only WR. I dont care if Rex Ryan is their new coach, their D alone can’t win this one. You take the Texans, pray Schaub ends the game in one piece and if he does, thithe some of your winnings to the church of your choice for your prayers paying off…b/c after Schaub is Grossman…and there aint no winning with Grossman.

JACKSONVILLE +7 at Indianapolis

Jacksonville did have an extrordinary string of bad luck as a team last year and this year they hope to turn things around…if only they can stay healthy. Luckily, its the first game of the year and they are healthy. Peyton and the Colts should win this game, but it will be closer than you think. MJD is a force and should impose his will on the Colts defense, slowing the game down and keeping things close. Take the road dog here, buy yourself a good steak with the money I have won you. Get the mashed potatoes with it. Treat yourself nice for once.

Detroit at New Orleans OVER 48.5

There is no way Detroit’s defense can slow down New Orleans offense. None chance. The only problem is, I am in no way confident that the Saint’s defense can stop Detroit’s offense. I’m scared with this game, so I am gonna pray for a shoot-out on both ends and take the over. If you do the same, so help you God I hope you win.

DALLAS -6 at Tampa Bay

The Cowboys don’t need a wide receiver to beat they Bucs by a touchdown. They have about 15 running backs on their team that will beat the rebuilding Buccaneers into submission. I expect Barber, Jones and Choice to go nuts on Tampa and Dallas will easily pull out a win here. Bet Dallas and buy yourself something nice with the winnings. You can’t afford not to play this one here.

WASHINGTON +6.5 at NY Giants

Yea, I am a huge homer, its true, but I think the Redskins have a chance here. The Giants’ secondary is beat up coming out of camp and their D-line has 2 guys returning from season ending injuries. The Giants also have no established WR on their roster and Eli’s numbers went to hell last season without his security blanket, Plaxico Burress. So what am I saying? I am not saying the Redskins will win…i’m just saying it looks to be a battle of field goals instead of touchdowns. If this is true, I am a friggin genius…not just a homer…a GENIUS!

St. Louis at SEATTLE -7.5

This spread cant be high enough. I would still bet Seattle -10 here I think. St. Louis is a joke and Seattle’s offense should surprise people this season with a healthy (for now) Matt Hasselbeck and the greatest WR corps he’s ever had to work with including the mighty chain mover TJ Houshmandzadeh. Take Seattle and enjoy your hard earned cash.

Chicago at GREEN BAY -3

This one is a toughie. In the end, I believe Aaron Rogers will have a better day against a stout Bears D than Culter will have against an opportunistic Packers D. That, and you shouldn’t really try to bet against the Pack at home. Sell your car, use that money to bet this game, win, and then buy yourself the car you really deserve bucko. Its a plan that can’t fail.

Buffalo at NEW ENGLAND -10.5

The Patriots are going to run the score up as much as they can in this game, just to prove cover boy Brady is healthy and they are back on top. Take the huge spread and pray the Bills come out of this game walking instead of on a stretcher…because I’m a nice guy like that. You need to take that money you’ve been saving for presents this holiday season and bet it all on this one. After you win, you’ll be able to afford TWICE as many nice gifts as before.

UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK
SAN FRANCISCO +6 at Arizona

Yes, this is the upset special of the week. Yes, Arizona got to the super bowl last year with a heck of a run, but the 49ers actually had a nice little run to end their season last year as well. The team believes in head coach Mike Singletary and he will play to this team’s strengths this season by running the ball, running the ball and running the ball more. Frank Gore and Glenn Coffee will pound Arizona to dust with the rock and their short passing game should frustrate the Cardinals all day. The 49er’s D wont be able to stop Fitzgerald but with an ailing Bolden, they should be able to contain him. If they can get to Kurt Warner a few times they might have a chance. At the very least, I think the 49ers cover, best case, they win this game outright.

LOCK OF THE WEEK
SAN DIEGO -9 at Oakland

Not even Norv Turner can screw up this matchup. The Raiders are never going to be able to stop Rivers, LT, Sproles, Gates and Jackson. That and they might not even score against the Chargers defense which should be stronger than last year with their D line intact and with their own issues on offense. This should be as close to a lock as it comes so here’s what you do. Take out that 2nd mortgage, sell a kidney and use that kid’s college fund here. You gotta play big to win big!

*Deuce of Davenport is only doing this column for entertainment purposes only, you’d be a fool to actually follow any of this advice and/or these picks. We accept no responsibility for anyone actually gambling with these picks.

Crocs are an abomination. When George Bush spoke about ridding the world of evil, he should have included Crocs along with the “terrorishts”. When you think of the one thing NFL fans are missing, Crocs don’t come to mind. If they do, ask someone to punch you in the larynx.

Sands punched Lechler in the face during an argument on a team flight on November 23rd. No action was taken against Sands and the incident only seems to have come to light in the past couple days even though sources inside and outside of the organization confirmed the story. The San Francisco Examiner notes that the incident combined with the Raiders’ all-around suck make it unlikely that Lechler will sign a new deal with the team.

Tom Cable seems to have a handle on things in Raider Nation. The commitment to mediocrity will continue as scheduled.