Pro picks

Here's one vote for ball, and not the mall

It seems that Ralphie of ''A Christmas Story'' isn't the only one who has told Santa of his hopes of finding a Red Ryder air rifle under the tree. (turner media photo)

By Jim McBride

Globe Staff / December 19, 2008

Text size – +

The most wonderful time of the year? Well, I'd have to agree. There are NFL games the next three days and that's three legitimate excuses not to have to jingle all the way to the South Shore Plaza.

I couldn't care less that Macy's is having its 33d "One Day Sale" of the season Sunday - and by the way, if there's a preview day Saturday, doesn't that make it a two-day sale? - Roger Goodell has scheduled games tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday, and that's good enough for me.

There's a "Buy one, get one half off" event on everything in stock at American Eagle tomorrow? That's tempting, but the Ravens are playing the Cowboys in Dallas and I have priority seating on my couch.

Yes, I know Finish Line is offering a "Buy-the-sneakers-get-the-laces-free" promotion on Sunday, but I can't take advantage of that one, either. It's Cardinals-Patriots followed by Jets-Seahawks followed by Panthers-Giants.

Oh, boy, Yankee Candle is offering 25 percent off its "Christmas Fruitcake" 32-ounce jars on Monday only? No can do. I have a date with the Packers and Bears.

Now, before you accuse me of being a Scrooge, you should know I have holiday spirit. In fact, I'll be watching a marathon of Christmas movies and television shows in preparation for the upcoming pigskin weekend.

It all starts with "It's a Wonderful Life," which is on the docket for tonight.

So, "hee haw and Merry Christmas" to all.

The picks

Arizona at New England (-7 1/2) - It looks like the Snow Miser is going to make a weekend visit to Foxborough. That's not good news for the Heat Miser (he's too much) and his friends from the desert. Pick: Patriots.

Baltimore at Dallas (-4) - Welcome to Jerry Jones's Island of Misfit Toys, where nobody wants a Cowboy that rides an ostrich. Or a Terrell-in-the-box. Pick: Cowboys.

Pittsburgh (-2) at Tennessee - Ben "Burgermeister Meisterburger" Roethlisberger is coming to town. And he's bringing his big, bad defense with him. Hey, Kerry Collins, you'd better watch out. Pick: Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati at Cleveland (-2 1/2) - Kids all over Ohio are singing their favorite Christmas carol, "All I want for Christmas is a new head coach . . . a new head coach . . ." Pick: Bengals.

Buffalo at Denver (-6 1/2) - Can't say Buffalo coach Dick Jauron is not in the holiday spirit. Just last week he gift-wrapped a victory for the Jets. Pick: Broncos.

Houston (-7) at Oakland - Watching Tom Cable roam the sideline in Oakland last Sunday reminded me of that scene in "Trading Places" when Dan Aykroyd portrayed the dirty, disgusting, drunken Santa Claus who scared little children. Pick: Raiders.

Miami (-4) at Kansas City - Could the evil Joey Porter land the role of the evil Mr. Potter in the remake of "It's a Wonderful Life"? Nah, I'm sure even Mr. Potter had some redeeming qualities. Pick: Chiefs.

Atlanta at Minnesota (-3 1/2) - Among the most underrated Christmas movies of all time has to be "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians." But don't take my word for it. A recent imdb.com review called it "the best worst awful awesome movie ever!" Pick: Vikings.

New Orleans (-7) at Detroit - All right, I checked the naughty list twice and I couldn't find Rod Marinelli's name anywhere. He hasn't pouted, he hasn't cried, but most of all, he hasn't won. I know it's not easy for a man named St. Nick to pick against the Saints, but Santa, this man - and this city - needs a victory. Pick: Saints.

Carolina at NY Giants (-3) - Thanks to the Freedom of Information Act, the Globe was able to obtain of copy of Plaxico Burress's Christmas wish list. Right at the top was "an official Red Ryder carbine-action two hundred shot range model air rifle." Hey, Plaxie, you'll shoot your thigh out. Pick: Giants.

NY Jets (-4 1/2) at Seahawks - Is anyone else as peeved as I am that Eric "The Grinch" Mangini had "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" blaring through the Meadowlands speakers before Sunday's opening kickoff against the Bills? Hey, Mangrinchy, you can steal Hank Poteat but get your mitts off the Dropkick Murphys, capice? Pick: Seahawks.

Philadelphia (-5) at Washington - Thousands of Eagles fans have invaded the nation's capital with the hopes of pelting Santa with snowballs at halftime. They'll start aiming at Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb if Philly falls in this one. Pick: Eagles.

San Francisco (-5 1/2) at St. Louis - Interim coaches Mike Singletary and Jim Haslett were asked their favorite movie and both answered, "Home for the Holidays." Hope they like the sequel, "Home for the Playoffs." Pick: 49ers.

San Diego at Tampa Bay (-3 1/2) - "The Nightmare Before Christmas 2" is in the planning stages. It's the story of the Chargers' owners reupping Norv Turner (75-95-1) for next season. Pick: Buccaneers.

Green Bay at Chicago (-4) - Some see Brian Urlacher as a coach when his playing days are over. Others say color analyst. I say Mall Santa. Pick: Bears.

Last week: 4-10-2.

Season: 105-113-6.