Hopefully, the children remembered that Santa’s a huge football fan and left him some football snacks like chips, pizza, wings and brown pop instead of the traditional milk and cookies.
In honour of Santa and his great team of reindeers, here are The Freak’s annual reindeer awards:
Vixen is tough and would be the first to pull Santa’s sleigh regardless of injury. Tony Romo played through some serious injuries (back fractures, fractured rib), missed only one game and led Dallas to the NFC East title.
Prancer is known for having attitude, and that’s Marshawn Lynch. He won’t talk to the media, has a different personality, but he can run the football.
Dancer has great moves and can run like the wind. Le’Veon Bell is a dual threat and can run and catch the ball out of the back field with authority.
Dasher is known for his ability to run fast and get open. There hasn’t been a rookie receiver that has dominated like this since Randy Moss. Odell Beckham Jr. missed the first four games, and still has 11 touchdowns and over 1,100 yards with 79 catches.
Cupid never lived up to Santa’s expectations, and this goes to the season’s biggest bust. Vernon Davis had been a dominant tight end, but has only had one red-zone target since Week 1 for the 49ers.
Comet is known to run with any reindeer during their football games. Richard Sherman is a big reason why the Seahawks are playoff-bound.
Donner persevered through many hoof injuries, so this award goes to the comeback player of the year. Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin rebounded from a blown ACL, has over 80 catches, 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Blitzen loves to blitz during reindeer football games. KC’s Justin Houston has 18 sacks for a good defence.
Rudolph is Santa’s top reindeer, and the top player in the NFL this season has to go to JJ Watt, who truly dominates his position. He gets double-teamed every play, and still has 17.5 sacks, one pick six and three touchdowns on offence.
Stat of the week
Five teams have trailed by more than 21 points this season, and have rallied to win.
Are you kidding me?
Rams defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams was suspended in New Orleans for the “Bounty Scandal” a couple of years ago for cheap shots on offensive players. He’s coaching again, and the Giants’ Beckham Jr. took a lot of cheap shots versus the Rams that caused a brawl. Coincidence?
Sure thing
The Freak likes picking every game for the season’s final week. Browns quit on their season when they started Johnny Manziel; Ravens win.
Even with a third-string quarterback, Houston will beat Jacksonville because of Watt on defence.
Last game for Rex Ryan as Jets coach will end in a loss to Miami.
Denver, which needs to finish strong for a successful playoff run, will beat Oakland.
The Seahawks are the hottest team in football, giving up only six points a game over their last five games. Rams don’t have a chance in Seattle.
Tennessee is also down to its third-string quarterback, and Indy goes into the playoffs with a win.
Don’t mortgage the house picks
The Bucs get the first pick with a loss. Saints win.
Eagles will make some amends for a collapse down the stretch by beating the Gmen in New York.
In a huge game for the NFC North title, the Packers are too good at home and Detroit is not great in cold weather. Take the Pack.
Cincy pulls off road win over Pittsburgh for division title.
Too much turmoil in San Fran; Cardinals win.
The winner between Panthers-Falcons makes the playoffs, the loser gets a top-10 pick. Atlanta wins at home.
Bears have quit and Vikings are young and exuberant. Minny wins at home.
Chargers win and they are in, but it’s tough winning in KC. Chiefs’ win hurts the Bolts chances.
Buffalo visits the Pats, and this will be very close as New England has nothing to play for. Pats win by a field goal.
Upset special
A Cowboys’ win can’t get them a playoff bye, and Redskins are playing for their jobs.
The Redskins hate the Cowboys, and there will probably be a Brandon Weeden sighting, yikes!
It all adds up to Washington upset at home.
Last week: 5-for-7
Season: 75-for-101.
John Turner is a Summerside schoolteacher. His column appears every Saturday during the NFL season. Feel free to e-mail questions and comments to [email protected].
