MAKE PLAYS

I don't want to do it, but as a die-hard Phillies fan, I guess I have to hate Jim Thome now that he's a Dodger.

This is a totally forced hatred that I'm still coming to terms with. I've admired the country-strong slugger since even before he signed with Philly in 2003. He's carried himself like a true professional throughout his 19-year career, something few athletes these days that say. There's nothing to link him to any kind of performance-enhancing drugs (at least, not yet).

Thome's arrival in the City of Brotherly Love marked the team's transition from perpetual bottom-dweller to eventual World Series champion. He hit 96 of his 564 career dingers in red and white pinstripes, and helped pave the way for Ryan Howard at first base.

When Thome left for Chicago in 2006, I was sad to see him go, even though I knew it was the right move for a team ready to make its move. I followed him from afar as he blasted balls out of US Cellular Field.

But now that he's on a team that will certainly give the Phils their biggest challenge en route to another pennant? I feel I have to root against him, even though I secretly want him to keep on slugging. I want to see him get to 600 career home runs, but if accomplishing that feat means I have to see him in Dodger blue, deep down I'll be a little angry. After all, Los Angeles already has an historically good power hitter.

I wish Thome all the best, at least until he faces his former team again in October.

-Dan

With the passing of the honorable Ted Kennedy, Massachusetts is wondering who will replace the longtime senator.

How does Red Sox legend Curt Schilling sound?

The retired pitcher, who helped bring Boston its first World Series in 86 years, said Wednesday he has "some interest" in Kennedy's empty Senate seat.

The 42-year-old New England resident said on his blog, "To get there, from where I am today, many, many things would have to allign themselves for that to truly happen."

Though he is a registered independent, Schilling has long been a Republican supporter, and campaigned for George W. Bush in 2004 and John McCain in 2008.

If he does decide to run, Schilling would probably get a lot of support from Red Sox Nation. After all, it was Schilling and his infamous bloody sock that in 2004 helped vanquish the hated Yankees and sweep the Cardinals for the team's first championship since 1918. He then stuck around long enough to help the Sox win another title in 2007.

Schilling certainly has no trouble getting his opinions heard, although the ease at which he seems to start controversies will probably need to be altered if he does decide to enter the political realm.

-Dan

Just when you thought we were gone, we decided to pull a Favre. That's right, just hours before the NFL kicks off the 2009 season, we've decided to dust off the ole keyboard and come back for another season. We'll have our NFL predictions later today, and with the MLB playoffs and the start to the NBA and NHL seasons right around the corner, we'll give you all the new, analysis and opinion you want...and probably some you don't want.

So sit back and enjoy our coverage. We'll bring it to you through December, even if our Carpal Tunnel gets the best of us.

The NFL season is now upon us. The Steelers take on the Titans tonight to kick off the season and we here at Make Plays are going to give our insight on this event, as well as make some predictions.

Clark: Tennessee had a nice run last year, but with the departure of Albert Haynesworth and with Kerry Collins reflexes being a year older, the Titans are no match for the defending champs. I'm more interested to see the passing of the fantasy torch, as Hines Ward and Wille Parker should be phased out in favor of Santonio Holmes and Rashard Mendenhall.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Titans 10

Miniaci: The Titans had a magical run last season that ended abruptly in the playoffs. And the Steelers? Well, they were hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. This is a match of two tough teams, and don't forget how the Steelers want revenge for the stomping of the Terrible Towel. I like the defense for both teams, although the Titans lost Haynesworth in the offseason. Still, they have a solid secondary and a good LB corps. So what it comes down to is the offense. And Big Ben is much better than PSU alum Kerry Collins. This will not be a high-scoring affair, but it will be a close one.

Prediction: Steelers 21, Titans 17

Rorabaugh: This whole thing with the "Revenge for the Towel Stomp" is completely ridiculous. People are making it seem like the Steelers are going to take out all their frustrations from LenDale White's thrashing of a Terrible Towel in season's meeting. Come on. Do you really think Blitzburgh needs added motivation? Tennessee's defense has a huge gaping hole in the middle of its line after losing Albert Haynesworth, and adjusting to that will take some time. The Titans won't be able to get to Roethlisberger much, and this one will be a grind-it-out win for the black and gold.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Titans 9

Oplinger: The Titans' running game will provide just enough offense in this battle of two strong defenses.

Prediction: Titans 20, Steelers 17

Gentile: The Titans don't have Albert Haynesworth, but the Steelers have a healthy Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker. It should be interesting to see how Tennessee plans to stop the historically dominant Pittsburgh ground attack. And as always, the Steelers' defense will spell trouble for its opposition. With Kerry Collins again under center with a lack of weapons to toss to, I don't expect much of a showing from last year's 27th-ranked Titans passing offense tonight. I'm rooting Tennessee, but feeling Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Steelers 31, Titans 13

Rung: The Steelers may be a Super Bowl favorite again this year, but they won't look like it in Week 1. The Titans won't be as good as they were last year, and they'll give the defending champs a fight before falling late.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Titans 17

Super Bowl: Patriots over Giants

Tom Brady and his Pats get revenge on the G-Men this year.

NFC East winners: Giants - Yeah, they don't have Plax, but I'm expecting to see Nicks fall into that No. 2 role nicely and quickly become a favorite target for Eli. Defensively, that front seven is healthy and nasty. It'll come down between the blue men from Jersey and the Eagles, but I think the Giants will take it.
NFC West winners: Seahawks - This division might be the second worst in football. The 'hawks get their QB back, and defensively I think this team can compete. The Cardinals will give these guys hell, but Hasselbeck and The Housh are the X-Factors here. 8-8 may be good enough win this division again.
NFC South winners: Saints - I don't care how bad that defense is because there isn't a defense in the league that should hold Drew Brees and his Saints under 21 points. His receivers are young, his running game found its identity late last year and I expect the Saints to roll to 10 wins.
NFC North Winners: Packers - Sleeper pick for MVP: Aaron Rodgers. Most people were too busy watching Favre over on the East Coast to witness Rodgers sucessfully handle No. 4's torch in Green Bay. He has an incredible wideout group here and there is leadership among the young receivers in Donald Driver. The 3-4 scheme the defense switched to can't be any worse than how this defense performed last year. I'm expecting 12 - yes, 12 - wins from the Cheesemen.
Wildcards: Eagles, Vikings - It's no seceret, I'm an Eagles fan. But they can't keep up with the Giants with their God-awful lnebacking corps and all-about-me offensive line. McNabb should have a hell of a year (4,000 yards, 32 TD's, 12 INT. You heard it here first), but Westbrook will probably miss about five games as usual. For Minnesoata, I had this team here before Favre. He will not be the savior of this team, but he will make them better. It's the defense I like up in the Twin Cities. The Williams Wall manhandles any running attack it plays and the secondary is above average. And, of course, All-Day Adrian Peterson will be the best player in the NFL this year. That should help this team's chances.

AFC East winners: Patriots - The Pats won 11 games last year with a nobody at QB. People want put Cassel on a throne, but I think his success had more to do with Belichick being the best coach in the league. Brady's healthy, and this team is livid it missed the playoffs despite winning 11 games last year. Remember what happened the last time New England had a little extra motivation? (See: Spygate, 16-0).
AFC West winners: Chargers - This is the worst divison in football, and that should help a Chargers team that really doesn't need a helping hand to be successful. I really think L.T. gets his head together and puts up another MVP-worthy season. Phillip Rivers has turned himself into a franchise QB out there on the West Coast and the defense has talent at nearly every position. The only thing holding back San Diego this year is Shawn Merriman running around beating women and their terrible head coach in Norv Turner.
AFC South winners: Colts - Does it really matter who the head coach is when Payton Manning is your QB? He's still the best in the NFL and his receiving corps is solid. The run game could use some work here, however. Still, this is a team that knows how to win. I'm thinking 11 wins.
AFC North Winners: Steelers - The Ravens will give my least-favorite team a run for their money, but Pittsburgh is just old reliable. The offensive line is a little better than last year, Fast Willie is healthy and Big Ben continues to be the best game pacer in the league. Santonio Holmes should really breakout this year if the Super Bowl was any sort of precursor. The defense is still wicked, as always, and Timmons' speed will give offenive coordinators another headache.
Wildcards: Ravens, Jets (Yes, Jets) - Uh oh, AFC - the Ravens have an offense now. Flacco became a true franchise player in the last half of last season. The plethora of running backs in Baltimore should keep oppoisng defenses gassed and keep the Ravens D resting on the sideline. And how 'bout that Ravens D? Ray Lewis is back and Ed Reed is still the best defnesive player in the game. Enjoy, Ravens' opponents. The Jets are my sleeper pick here. Mark Sanchez will be a Top-10 quarterback in the NFL by seasons end, I'm calling that now. Shonn Green, Tommy Jones and Lil' Leon Washington make that backfield one of the best in the AFC. Defensively, I really like the addition of Lito Sheppard. He was a Pro Bowler in Philly before falling into Reid's dog house. I'm calling 10 wins for the Jets.

MVP: Adrian Peterson

Enjoy ripping me to shreds come January.

Sweet onion chicken Miniaci:
AFC Division winners: Pats, Steelers, Colts, Chargers
NFC Division winners: Giants, Bears, Falcons, Seahawks
Wildcard: Titans, Texans and Eagles, Vikings

Super Bowl: Steelers over Falcons

MVP: Matt Ryan

Rung:
AFC Division winners: Dolphins, Jaguars, Steelers, Chargers
NFC Division winners: Giants, Saints, Packers, Cardinals

Super Bowl: Steelers over Packers

MVP: Adrian Peterson

Clark:
AFC Division winners: Patriots, Texans, Steelers, Chargers
Wildcards: Ravens, Dolphins
NFC Division winners: Eagles, Saints, Bears, Seahawks
Wildcards: Giants, Vikings
Super Bowl: Bears over Texans

MVP: Drew Brees

RUNG
Jaguars over Colts
Saints over Lions
Bucs over Cowboys
Bengals over Broncos
Ravens over Chiefs
Jets over Texans
Vikings over Browns
Dolphins over Falcons
Eagles over Panthers
Redskins over Giants
Cardinals over 49ers
Seahawks over Rams
Packers over Bears
Bills over Patriots
Chargers over Raiders

MINIACI
Vikings over Browns
Falcons over Dolphins
Ravens over Chiefs
Eagles over Panthers
Bengals over Broncos
Texans over Jets
Colts over Jaguars
Saints over Lions
Cowboys over Bucs
Cards over 49ers
Giants over Redskins
Seahawks over Rams
Bears over Packers
Pats over Bills
Chargers over Raiders

GENTILE
Atlanta over Miami
Denver over Cincinnatti
Vikings over Browns
Colts over Jaguars
Saints over Lions
Dallas over Tampa
Eagles over Panthers
Ravens over Chiefs
Jets over Texans
Giants over Redskins
Arizona over San Fran
Seahawks over Rams
Packers over Bears
Patriots over Bills
Chargers over Raiders

CLARK
Ravens over Chiefs
Eagles over Panthers
Vikings over Browns
Dolphins over Falcons
Saints over Lions
Jaguars over Colts
Bengals over Broncos
Cowboys overs Bucs
Texans over Jets
Seahawks over Rams
Giants over Redskins
49ers over Cardinals
Bears over Packers
Patriots over Bills
Raiders over Chargers

They had their picks in before the games started, but we're posting late because we were in meetings...

Rorabaugh
NFC East: Giants
NFC North: Packers
NFC South: Saints
NFC West: Seahawks
NFC Wildcard: Bears, Eagles
NFC Title: Giants

AFC East: Patriots
AFC North: Steelers
AFC South: Colts
AFC West: Chargers
AFC Wildcard: Titans, Texans
AFC Title: Patriots

Super Bowl Champs: Patriots

As for the rest of the games: Miami 20, Atlanta 14; Baltimore 31, KC 13; Philly 23, Carolina 17; Denver 35, Cincinnati 27; Minnesota 21, Cleveland 14; Jets 20, Houston 16; Indy 34, Jacksonville 21; NO 38, Detroit 24; Dallas 20, TB 10; SF 28, Arizona 24; Giants 21, Washington 20; Seattle 31, St. Louis 21; Chicago 24, GB 20; NE 42, Buffalo 28; SD 34, Oakland 17.

For the Super Bowl, as much as I'd love to say my Eagles will put it together, I just don't see it happening with that offensive line and without Jim Johnson. I think the Giants improve on last season and claim the NFC's slot in the Super Bowl, while the Patriots bump off the Steelers in the AFC title game. In the Super Bowl XLII rematch, I think the Pats win in a true vengeance game, 17-14.

Oplinger
NFC East: Cowboys
NFC South: Saints
NFC North: Vikings
NFC West: Cardinals
AFC East: Patriots
AFC South: Colts
AFC North: Ravens
AFC West: Chiefs
Wild cards: Packers, Iggles, Chargers, Stillers

AFC Champ: Patriots
NFC Champ: Vikings
Super Bowl Champ: Vikings
MVP: Drew Brees

Steelers over Titans
Dolphins over Falcons
Ravens over Chiefs
Panthers over Eagles
Bengals over Broncos
Vikings over Browns
Texans over Jets

Colts over Jaguars
Saints over Lions
Cowboys over Bucs
Cardinals over 49ers
Redskins over Giants

Seahawks over Rams
Packers over Bears
Patriots over Bills
Oakland over Chargers

After 13 games in the 2009 NFL season, there's already been a number of interesting happenings:

1. Drew Brees picked up where he left off last season, out-gunning the Lions with 358 yards through the air and six touchdowns. And to think I could have had him on my fantasy team.

2. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme turned the ball over five times (four interceptions and a fumble) against the Eagles today, and was promptly dropped by nearly 12,000 fantasy teams on Yahoo Sports.

3. In the call of the day, Gus Johnson goes crazy during the Broncos' 87-yard, game-winning touchdown.

4. And finally, for everyone who follows Our Thoughts everyday, Princess, the Popcorn Park Zoo camel who became deadly accurate picking NFL games last season, missed her first pick of the season, incorrectly choosing the Texans over the Jets. That puts Rorabaugh, Gentile and myself at 1-0 vs. Princess this year.

-Rung