Its the third annual Reindeer Awards

It's that time of the year when the Freak contacts Santa to give out his third annual Reindeer Awards. Santa mentioned via text messaging that he was very pleased many kids left out football type snacks like ribs, wings, sausages, pizza, and brown pop along with the traditional goodies. Here are this year's winners:

Dasher is known for his ability to run fast and get open. This award for the top receiver goes to second-year player DeSean Jackson who has eight receiving, one rushing and two punt returns for touchdowns. Jackson defines speed with a 19-yard average/catch with an incredible 10 catches over 40 yards; he could definitely outrun Dasher.

Dancer has great moves and can run like the wind - sounds like Chris Johnson. If CJ can have two big games he may be able to break Eric Dickerson's record for the most rushing yards in a season, Santa would love to see him do it.

Prancer is known for having an attitude. Everything's fine when you are winning, but the old selfish attitude of Randy Moss has resurfaced in recent weeks with the Pats losing more. This could be the beginning of the end for Moss and his attitude in New England.

Vixen is a tough reindeer and would be the first to pull Santa's sleigh regardless of injury. Tough award has to go to Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw who cannot practise because of two severely sprained ankles and has to get them x-rayed after playing each game to see if they are broken or not.

Cupid never lived up to Santa's expectations and this goes to the season's biggest bust. Jay Cutler wins this hands down as everyone thought he would turn the Bears into a contender, but instead he has turned into an interception throwing machine.

Comet is known to run with any reindeer and this award goes to top defensive back - the Jets Darrelle Revis. Revis has made invisible men out of Pro-Bowlers Randy Moss, TO, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Roddy White, and Marques Colston, to name a few.

Donner persevered through many hoof injuries so this award goes to the comeback player of the year. Tom Brady is having a solid year after missing all of last season with a blown out knee. Without an effective Brady the Pats would be a .500 team.

Blitzen loves to blitz during reindeer football games and so does Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil. He has 15 sacks and is one big reason the Broncos are in the playoff hunt.

Rudolph is Santa's top reindeer as he is able to get the team of reindeer to follow his lead. This sounds like what QB Peyton Manning does every Sunday. The Colts would not be undefeated without the great play of number 18. He is one player that constantly leads by example.

The Sure Thing

Bottom-line is the Saints won't lose back-to-back games at home especially with the Bucs coming to town. Drew Brees and the Saints will rebound with an impressive win.

The Pack lost on the last play to the Steelers last week and are home to the Seahawks. Guaranteed the last play in this game will be a knee by QB Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay wins big.

Cincy can clinch the AFC North with a win at home against the Chiefs. KC lost at home to the Browns last week while the Bengals lost a tough one in San Diego after teammate Chris Henry was killed in an accident. Bengals bounce back in impressive fashion and pound the Chiefs for number 15.

Cards have clinched the NFC West and are facing the Rams. Some may mistake a ram for a reindeer, but Santa knows the difference as a reindeer will make sure he has a great night while a St. Louis Ram will make sure the head coach has a bad night. Cards over the Rams.

Don't Mortgage the House Picks

Atlanta plays tough at home even with all the injuries on offense. QB Matt Ryan will once again start for the Falcons while the Bills are down to third string QB Brian Brohm. Looks like Buffalo might as well have Santa at quarterback. Falcons win.

Division game and elimination game for the Steelers. The Champs need a win over the Ravens to stay alive in the playoff race. Steelers know how to win the big games at home with their backs to the wall. This game means more for Pittsburgh. Steelers win.

Although it's not even close to Easter, the Redskins laid an egg against the Giants. After Sunday, it will look like the Easter Bunny hit the Washington area. Cowboys win another December game to stay in the NFC East title hunt.

Upset Special

Last week due to a technical glitch, the Freak's upset pick (Dallas over Saints) wasn't printed, but was on the newspaper's website, sorry about that.
This week it will be the hometown Bears finally putting a game together against division rival Minnesota. Dome teams on the road in cold weather tend not to do well in late December and the Vikes have not played well the last two games on the road.
Finally, see a solid game from Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Santa delivers a late present, a win, to the Bears faithful.

Picks
Last week 5 for 7
Season 76 for 112