Latest Lines

Apologies for lagging in posts this past week—in between finishing up a job, starting a new one and a cross-state road trip, my days are starting to blur together. Plus, my Chargers completely crashed and burned Sunday, so I'm still recovering from the loss (not to mention my hangover due to post-game depression.)

But here are the latest lines from the past week in sports:

1. After losing their starting QB Peyton Manning to injury, the Indianapolis Colts are setting new team records (in a bad way). They are still winless and suffered a humiliating 62-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. 

 photo via SBNation

2. The Washington Capitals remain the only undefeated team in the NHL, holding a record of 7-0.

 

 3. The Oakland Raiders were also subject to QB injury and picked up former Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer (even though he did nothing to help the team who was shutout Sunday.)

 photo via Footbasket

4. Tributes are taking place all over the country to pay respect to Dan Wheldon, the race car driver who tragically died in a race recently. Safety issues are being brought up throughout the racing community to try to prevent more accidents.

5. A St. Louis Cardinals player made a statement announcing that his teammate Albert Pujols is a better baseball player than the legendary Babe Ruth. 

 photo via Total Pro Sports

 6. Speaking of baseball and the Cardinals, the Texas Rangers are up on the Cards 3-2 in the World Series. If the Rangers win tomorrow night, they take the ring.

7. Two weeks of the NBA have already been officially cancelled, with rumors swirling that two more weeks will be headed down the same path.

8. The NFL took the stage in London this weekend (as they do once a year now), and the Chicago Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccs. 

photo via NFL

Now go impress a sporty stud with one (or all!) of these pick-up lines!

And please keep voting! Only a few days left.

Latest Lines

After a positive response from last week's "Latest Lines" post, I've decided to make it a weekly thing. At the beginning of each week I'll provide you with the biggest happenings throughout the past week of sports. These can serve as a convo starter (aka pickup line) or can simply update you on what you need to know regarding sports.

Here are this week's latest lines:

1. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Detroit Lions Sunday, taking away their undefeated season.

2. Speaking of the Niners and Lions, the head coaches got into a bit of a man fight after the game. Neither coach will be fined for the bitchyness.

 photo via NFL

3. The first BCS standings of the season came out this weekend (it's a big deal for college football fans). LSU is ranked at the top right now (see the rest of the standings here). 

4. 33-year-old race car driver, Dan Wheldon, tragically died in a car crash during a race in Vegas. He was the Indy 500 winner this year and left behind a wife and two young children.

 photo via Mirror

5. Several NBA stars started negotiating contracts and playing overseas since the lockout is still in full effect. The first couple weeks of the NBA season has already been cancelled, and we're waiting to hear more.

6. The Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals are the two teams who have made it to the World Series. Game 1 starts this Wednesday in St. Louis.

 photo via Fox News

7. The Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins suck. None of these teams have won a game yet this NFL season.

8. Danica Patrick (who is not only gorgeous, but has been keeping up with the boys for years) is done with Indy Car racing, but will continue racing stock cars with Nascar.

 photo via Women of Sports

Don't forget to check out Game 1 of the 2011 World Series on Wednesday.

Speaking of not forgetting...vote please!

Latest Lines

While enjoying football over burritos and beer yesterday, a couple of my girlfriends asked to give them a quick rundown on what was going on in the games. They were headed to meet up with guys of their liking and wanted to sound super sporty. They were actually trying to watch the games and understand, but they were seeking a little extra help to unscramble the overwhelming madness of football.

So here I am, offering some of the biggest happenings in the world of sports this week. Use these as a pickup line, or as a simple checklist of what to know this week—it's up to you!

1. Oakland Raiders owner, Al Davis, died this weekend at the age of 82. He was a legend not only in the hearts of Raiders fans, but throughout the NFL and the game of football.

 photo via Nation News

2. The San Francisco 49ers (who weren't expected to be anything great this year), absolutely killed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and took their record to 4-1 this season. 

3. The NHL kicked off their season late last week. The Boston Bruins will try to hold on to their Stanley Cup title as champions from last season.

 photo via NHL

4. Tim Tebow, the backup QB for the Denver Broncos (who seriously loves God and has been riding the bench since being drafted) looked like a star and may be the new starting QB in Denver. 

5. The final four teams in the MLB are the Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers. Brewers are up on the Cardinals 1-0 and the Rangers are up on the Tigers 1-0.

photo via USA Today

6. This weekend kicked off the first week of "bye" weeks for the NFL. A bye week basically means a week off for that football team and every team will have one this season. Make sure to make adjustments on your fantasy team if needed.

7. Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings scored three touchdowns in the first quarter of his game Sunday. He is the man and if you have him on your fantasy team like I do, we owe him a huge "thank you!"

photo via USA Today

8. The Green Bay Packers (5-0) and the Detroit Lions (4-0) are the only undefeated teams left in the NFL.

9. The NBA is still currently in a lockout, with many stars looking overseas for contracts.

And the most important thing this week...

10. The San Diego Chargers beat the Denver Broncos (though barely!) and took their record to 4-1. 

 photo via NFL

Enjoy using these to impress a babe or to feed your inner sports star. Catch the Monday Night Football game tonight to see if the Detroit Lions can hold on to their perfect season, while taking on the Chicago Bears.


Please vote if you haven't today. Thanks!!

NFL Goes Pink

Notice anything extra cute about the boys playing football recently? From gloves, to mouth guards, and of course shoes, NFL stars were sporting neon pink all weekend long.

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants

photo via USA Today

For the past few Octobers the NFL has teamed up with the American Cancer Society for a month-long campaign called "A Crucial Catch." Players, coaches, and NFL staff have the chance to raise awareness for Breast Cancer by wearing pink. The more pink each player wears the better, as these items are being actioned off and money will be given to team charities and the Cancer Society.

Antonio Garay, San Diego Chargers

photo via CBS News

Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders

photo via Examiner

Want to help out but not a football stud? Here is what I'll be picking up this week to help support our lady lumps and the NFL. And even though I'm not a huge fan of girly sports gear (or guys in pink), this is definitely an exception. Props to the players and those of you helping to fight the battle!

Find your own team's gear and learn all about the campaign here. 

Follow Cosmos&Cleats on Facebook and Twitter

Football FAQs

A few weeks ago I did the first post of baseball FAQs and now it's time for Round 2. 

Since football season is in full swing, I can only guess that you're surrounded by football crazed men everywhere you turn. Read below and you'll be a bit closer to understanding the complicated world of the sport.

photo via MJB

Q: What do the yellow and blue lines mean on the field?

A: Those lines are actually computer generated and only appear on TV—not on the actual field. The blue line represents the line of scrimmage, or where the players and the ball is starting from. The yellow line represents how far the offense needs to go to receive a first down. (Tip: The players have four tries to get this first down.)

Q: Why do I hear my guy talking about wanting his team to lose all their games?

A: He is most likely talking about wanting his team to have the worst record in the NFL, so that they get the top pick in next year's draft. (Tip: The first pick of next year is probably Stanford QB, Andrew Luck.) Basically, the team that does the worst each year gets to pick first at the draft the following year and can end up with the next franchise superstar. You usually only hear fans wish this upon their team when they are really bad or really need that first draft pick.

Q: What's the difference between a punt and a kickoff?

A: Punts: These are kicked when the team didn't score, and/or didn't make it to a first down. The team who was just trying to score punts to the opposite team. 

Kickoff: These are done at the start of each half and after teams score. You then kickoff to the opposing team. More here.

Q: Why do some states have so many teams and some none? Which state has the most teams?

A: It mainly has to do with profit—Montana might not bring in as many viewers, aka cash, to the owners and players of the team in a city like New York.

California, Florida and New York all have three teams (with California having two in the Bay Area—only 20 minutes from each other, and two of NY's teams actually play in New Jersey.)

Q: What's the difference between the AFC and the NFC? 

A: They are each a conference that make up the NFL. There are 16 teams in each conference, making up 32 teams in the NFL. (Tip: Each conference then breaks down into four divisions: West, East, South, North—four teams per division.) A team from each conference will go on to play each other in the Super Bowl. More here. 

Q: How long is the NFL season?

A: Preseason starts in August and the Super Bowl is played in early February. 

Hopefully these help you on the way to being super sporty (and help to get you off your boyfriends back—you're welcome boys!) Now head to the local watering hole on Sunday to totally impress a babe sporting jersey.

Email me with any questions that I didn't get to.

Baseball FAQs

The reason I started this blog was mainly because I couldn't find a general sports site geared towards females. There are tons of male-dominated sports sites with loads of too-intense information, but a place where girls could go to learn the basics did not exist. 

Throughout my blog life, I've been emailed some questions, and many of them I see over and over again. I figured if some girls were asking, many were probably wondering. 

Here are some FAQs when it comes to baseball. I'll move on to other sports eventually (football soon), but let's just focus on one at a time, alright?  

 Tell your boyfriends "you're welcome" from me in advance for answering these questions for them. You can also tell them I accept thank yous in the form of cash, clothing and/or jewelry. 

Baseball

photo via Mobile Commons

Q: What is the "wild-card" race and how can teams be a "game-and-a-half out"?

A: Wild-card race: This comes up close to the playoffs and happens in more sports than baseball (you've probably heard it with the NFL as well). Basically, "wild-card" teams are teams that did not finish 1st in their division (1st place teams automatically go to the playoffs), but still did well enough to make the playoffs. In the MLB, the wild-card teams are the teams from each league (2 leagues) who had the best record of a non-division winner. More here.

Game-and-a-half: This has to do with an amount of games played vs. amount of games won/lost. If two teams have won the same amount of games, but haven't played the same about of games, a team can be up (or down) by half-games.

Q: What is a "balk"?

A: Basically, a balk is when a pitcher does an illegal motion. For example, a pitcher cannot fake a pitch to the batter and instead throw the ball to a fielder to catch the runner off guard and potentially get the runner out. There are all kinds of rules, consequences and situations. If you're really intrigued, click here. 

Q: What are the K's the fans put up in the outfield?

A: K represents a strikeout. ("K" comes from the most dominant sound in "strike" and is meant to matchup with the inference to a "knock out".) When you see a K backwards that just means that it was a "called strikeout"—where the umpire called the last strike, as opposed to a strikeout where the batter swung at it.

Q: Why can't you be a Giants and a Padres fan?

A: This is a personal question I seriously get asked at least once a week. Many girls don't understand why people can't like two teams. The first reason is pride—many people have a love for one team and one team only, and that will never change. The second reason has to do with the division that both teams play in:

In the MLB there are two leagues—American League and National League. Within these leagues, there are three divisions per league: East, Central and West. With me still? 

In each division there are teams that make up this division (from 4-6 teams depending on your division/league). 

Well you see, the Padres and Giants are both part of the National League West. Only one team (unless one wins the wild-card spot, see above) can make it to the playoffs. So you see, if I rooted for the Giants I'd technically be rooting against the Padres, and I'll go to the grave cheering for SD. Therefore, go Padres!

I think that's enough sporty information to fill up on for one day. Now that you're totally sport smart, go impress a babe during the next game you watch.

 Keep sending the emails and I'll keep up with responses.

Football FAQ's coming soon...

Golfing for Dummies (and Girls)

On a scale of 1-10, I've always rated golf at about a -5.

Hitting the smallest ball into the smallest hole, wearing dorky visors with ugly shoes and having to stay quiet never really seemed like my cup of tea. Until last week.

I was in Indiana on vacation (yes, people go to Indiana on vacation) and was bored of being bored around the house, so I decided to tag along with the guys to go golfing. I figured worst-case scenario I'd drive the golf cart, work on my tan and chat it up with the local babes at the course.

My dad forced me to swing away at the first hole, and by some mercy of God I made contact. And by contact I mean I seriously hit the ball far. And straight. 

After channeling my inner Tiger Woods (pre-scandal), I instantly became uber competitive with the boys and wanted nothing more than to win. 

Since golf is one of those sports that I'm guessing most—if not all—of the guys in your life love, it's time to get into the game. So here are a few tips I have for getting your feet wet...

1. Play "best ball". 

Split the group you're playing with into two. Have everyone on each team take a shot at the teeing ground*. Instead of following your shots each time, play off the best shot of the group at each hole (aka the ball closest to the hole). This makes it go by much quicker and you won't get as frustrated. Make sure to have a decent player on each team so that at least one person can hit the ball.

2. Drink.

Like most sports, golf is better with a beer or two. Sneak in a few of your own or flag down the cart girl for a cold one.

3. Wear closed toed shoes. 

This might be a no-brainer for most, but for me it was not. I showed up in sandals and ended up playing barefoot, which was awesome until I somehow pegged my own foot with my own ball.

4. Borrow a glove from a guy. 

I have no clue if it actually helps, but it made me feel so golferish.

5. Start with nine. 

Most golf courses are 18-hole courses, but do yourself (and everyone else who hates a whiner) a favor and play a 9-hole course first.

6. Boobs in, butt out. 

Since females are "graciously" gifted with our lady lumps, we have to work around them in golf unlike the boys. Push them together while holding the club. Slightly bend your legs and stick that tush out. Keep your eye on the ball and hold your feet in place while you swing.

Just try it. Coming from an anti-golfer to a newly obsessed golfing wannabe, I guarantee you'll have a good time. If not, scope out the potential of guys playing and make sure you're at a gorgeous course (preferably like the one below). Have fun!

photo via Golf Got Better

(One extra tip: Do NOT drive over the green**. Apparently this is a no-no and I learned the hard way.)

Cosmo Clue:

Golfing may or may not be the best sport ever.

*The teeing ground is the area at the beginning of a hole from which the player's first stroke is taken.

**The green, or putting green, is the culmination of a golf hole, where the flagstick and hole are located. Getting the golf ball into the hole on the putting green is the object of the game of golf.

Draft Day

Though the NBA & NHL playoffs are uber exciting right now, we need to take a break and switch gears to football and the NFL. Yes, the amazing, exciting, fabulous sport that may or may not be in affect this year. But even with all the lockout lameness, the 2011 NFL Draft is still happening.

photo via MJB News

Draft analysis' (and most likely your boyfriend and every guy you come into contact with) have been yapping about the draft for months. The time is finally here (almost!). 

Since the draft can be sort of confusing, most guys aren't willing to help. Whatever you do, just don't ask a guy how the process works during it. You'll either get snapped at, shushed away or given a nasty blank stare. It's like talking to us during an episode of Sex & the City. It's just off-limits.

To prep you for draft day and to forgo the mean looks from your guy, I'm here to help. Here are some of the basics on the draft. 

photo via NYDaily News

What is the draft? 

The NFL teams choose eligable rookies out of college to join their teams. 

When is it? 

Round 1 (there are different rounds) starts on Thursday. Round 7 (the last round) wraps up on Saturday.

Where does it take place?

At Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

photo via MMA Spot

Who gets to pick first?

NFL teams' selections depend on their record from last season (with the exception of the Super Bowl teams, who always go last). Basically, selections go from the worst teams choosing first, to the best teams choosing last. It's the one time that coming in last comes in handy. Here is a list of the draft order for Round 1.

Who do the NFL teams pick?

Most NFL teams figure out where their teams need help, and draft a player who dominates in certain positions. For example: If a team doesn't have a great QB, they'll usually look for a rookie with a good arm and so on. Having holes on a squad plays a huge role in where and who the team will draft. Also, some teams will draft a player, even though they already have a stud in that position, to start making a future-franchise superstar.

Who attends the draft?

Some big-wigs in the NFL, fans, analysts, rep's for the teams, etc., and a record 25 rookie players are scheduled to attend this year. The team's owners, coaches and personnel stay off-site, in their local areas, phoning in selections and deals.

photo via Cincy Jungle

How many players get drafted? 

There are 7 rounds, and an NFL team picks a player per round. 224 players are selected to teams each year (32 NFL teams). There is no limit to how many rookies can declare though, and many players will go undrafted.

I could get real complicated and try to explain how NFL teams can swap round picks with other teams, but I won't. I've only had one cup of coffee today and my brain just won't go there. If you want to be a draft day know-it-all, read up on it for yourself here.

 So whether the draft means nothing to you, or everything, at least now you won't have to ask the boys about it. You're pretty much a draft day diva now. Congratulations!

Wondering who the rookies are that will go quickly in the draft? Stay tuned for Thursday's post!

Cosmo Clue:

The NFL Draft takes place this Thursday-Sunday.

More on everything draft right here.

Football On Hold

I first reported on the NFL Lockout in this post, but since then a lot has happened.

I'm sure you've heard tidbits here and there, so I'll try to make it as easy as possible. Here's the latest lowdown:

The NFL owners have basically "locked out" the players, a.k.a the players aren't able to practice on regular turf or enter the locker rooms, and as of now, there won't be a 2011-2012 NFL season. Tear.

The owners feel that the players are making too much money and deserve pay cuts. The players feel that the owners are being greedy and need to take the cut... 

Star players like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady aren't shy about voicing their opinions on the situation, and there has even been a lawsuit filed against the NFL. The players want what they have been receiving in the past: health care for their families, same number of games, lots of $ and to play the game.

New Orleans Saints QB, Drew Brees, heading to court

photo via Kentucky

Most fans are taking the players side. Without an NFL season, there would be a huge loss for not only players, the cities they play in, those employed by the NFL and everyone that deals with the sport, but it would also crush loyal fans.

Not having football in America is like Snooki not having a spray tan, like not having McDonald's breakfast when you're hungover, like not having spiked eggnog on Christmas!   

Football is a necessity to many Americans, including myself. Life would suck without it. There are only so many Sundays sans full-contact sports that one girl can handle. 

photo via Boston

Until further negotiations take place, we're pretty much stuck. Hopefully the tides will turn and come August, we'll be crammed in a bar, sporting jerseys and rooting on our fav NFL team. Fingers crossed!

Cosmo Clue:

There is an NFL Lockout taking place and as of now, there will not be a football season this year. 

Want more? Click here.

Also, check out how football star Chad Ochocinco plans to pay the bills if the lockout continues.

Pimpin' ain't easy

Have you ever wanted to approach a babe sporting a jersey at Happy Hour? Or at a game, sitting next to a hottie, with nothing to say? It can be intimidating jumping into a sports convo when you feel like you know nada. 

To get you prepped on throwing out that first line, I wanted to provide some tips. I asked some guy friends to fill me in on something a girl has done, or could do, to grab their attention. Here are some of their sporty stories and some lines that would blow their mind.  Get your notepad ready!

Please excuse some of the grammar in the stories - some of these stories are word for word emails/texts from the boys (and we all know which sex has a bigger brain). Also, don't take offense to some of the guys' answers - at least they're honest, right?

From a Chargers fan-

"One time I was at Target and I was waiting in line at the checkout, wearing my Rivers jersey (that's the Chargers quarterback). Behind me was a pretty cute girl - an 8, maybe and 8.5. I was standing in line for a bit and finally she said "Happy Holidays!" So I turned to her and said "Happy Holidays? It's June, sweetheart". She then told me.. "I know, but the first day of training camp starts tomorrow". She then went on to say "I'm gonna miss Drew (Brees - former Chargers quarterback and now QB for the Saints) but Rivers was a stud at North Carolina State, so I'm not too worried about him." Her hotness had jumped to a 12 after she said that. A girl that does her homework and knows about players in their college days, and knows important dates like the draft and training camp are soo sexy! She didn't over do it, nor did she try to challenge me to a sports trivia dual (which she would have lost anyway) or anything. She said just enough."

From an extreme sports fan-

"It's not necessarily what a girl can say to impress me, it's what she can do. I love when girls are active and at least try sports with me. I once had a girl go skydiving with me, even though she was super scared of heights. That was awesome!"

From a UFC/Raider fan-

"It's so cool when a girl can watch a fight (a UFC fight) and not be all freaked out and pretend like she's going to cry. I like when girls are tough. But not tougher than me."

From a Giants fan-

"If a girl came up to me at a bar and could name the roster of the Giants 1989 World Series team.. I would probably marry her on the spot."

From an all around sports fanatic-

"What always gets my attention, but it takes actual work/involvement, is when a girl says something relating to her fantasy football team while watching the game. Easy icebreaker into a convo."

*Can't remember what a fantasy team is? Click here*

From a Padres fan-

"The best thing a girl can do is not over due it, but know her shit. I don't like when a girl can yell louder than me at a game, but I do like it when she can name the next batter up. Also, being a San Diego fan, I like a girl who is true to her roots, even if the team sucks. Oh and a girl who can eat a hotdog and kick back a few beers instead of ordering a salad at a game is super attractive."

From a Sharks/Niners/A's fan-

"Just don't wear pink jerseys. I'll seriously kick you out of my car."

From a Kings fan-

"If a girl could shoot the shit with me about players stats and actually be able to talk shit back to me - instant boner."

From a Giants/Niners fan-

"When the Giants were in the playoffs last year, it was so annoying to see all my female friends so into the Giants, when a month earlier they were A's fans. They even bought Giants hats, I mean come on! Teams don't want your support unless you're a full time fan. No bandwagon fans! Pick a team and stick with them. That's hot."

From a Padres/Chargers fan-

"No one really has a strick set of guidelines. If a girl actually knows what she is talking about, its a turn on, and if she just acts like it, its a turn off."

From a Dodgers/Chargers fan-

"I don't care if a girl knows a thing about football or not, but it is so hot when girls wear jerseys."

From a Lakers/Chargers/Padres fan-

"I think it's cool when a girl tries to know sports, even if she doesn't really get it. At least try to understand the game and pretend like you enjoy going to games. I have to wait 2 hours for you to get ready everyday, so you can at least spend a couple hours at a game. Shit."

From a Giants/Niners fan-

"Bring me beers and food while I watch a game, and I'll buy you a ring in no time."

From an all around fan-

"If a girl went up to me that would probably be enough. No lines necessary. Guys love an attractive, confident girl." 

So there you go ladies, sports crazy or not, just walking up to a guy can be enough to get their attention. I know it's easier said than done, so if you need an extra boost - catch Sports Center while getting ready for work, join a fantasy league, keep reading this blog (obviously!), and you'll know enough in no time. And good luck keeping the boys off you once you're an all-knowing sports goddess. 

photo via Campus Socialite

HAPPY HUNTING!

Know your game - Part 2

Now that you're pretty much a pro when it comes to the NFC Championship game, get a look into the AFC game: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Hopefully now you won't feel like the know-nothing-loser on Sunday!

AFC Championship Game

Sunday, 6:30 E.T.

Unlike the match up in the NFC, these teams have been feeding each other endless amounts of praise leading up to Sunday's game. Both defenses are incredibly physical and we should expect a defensive battle well into the 4th quarter. Jets have a young QB, while the Steelers have an experienced one who has not only been to the Super Bowl, but won twice. The Jets were most definitely the underdogs in the AFC playoffs, but have been knocking out prestigious, tough teams in recent weeks. These two teams met earlier in the season and with a few key Steelers players injured, and playing on home turf, the Jets won the game 22-17. The Steelers are known to be backed up by a huge fan base, sure to be waving the famous "terrible towels". This off-the-field distraction will be an extra boost for Pittsburgh. For this Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, players & fans should expect temperatures at a comfortable 10 degrees, plus a wind chill. Better stock up on hot chocolate and Snuggies if you'll be in The Steel City!

Jets QB - Mark "Babe of ALL babes" Sanchez 

photo via Sports Fan 4

New York Jets - The Jets were a wildcard contender in the playoffs this year, with a regular season record of 11-5. They have a gorgeous 2nd year QB on their side, Mark Sanchez, who has been pretty strong in tough situations and away playoff games. Sanchez will have to be on his A-game Sunday though, with the Steelers defense able to put major pressure on. Jets have a creative running game with LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, but will have to work extra hard against the leagues top run defense (Steelers). The Jets also have a pretty impressive Special Teams (kick offs, punts, punt returns, etc.), who produce regularly. 

Bottom Line: Jets have a young, but capable QB, who will along with the rest of the team/coaches, have to be extra clever to beat the brutal Steelers.

Steelers QB - Ben "Big Ben" Roethlisberger

photo via Chicago Now 

*if you don't know much about Big Ben's past, you may want to check this out

Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh had a strong regular season (12-4) and clinched their division, getting them into the playoffs. Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger (roth-lis-burger - say it slow) is a big dude, and is a quarterback that can get the job done and take hard hits. Steelers solid defense can usually shut it down and are hoping to dominate the Jets running game. Long haired (you've probably seen him in this commercial), Troy Polamalu is set to play this Sunday, after injuries had kept him out of some games (and the last match up vs the Jets). This monster of a safety is usually a big boost for the Steelers and something the Jets offense needs to be fully prepared for. Steelers are also home to leading wide receivers Mike Wallace & Hines Ward, who will be covered by one of the Jets talented corner backs (Antonio Cromartie or Darrelle Revis - both ballers). The matchup of those four players will be fun to watch. 

Bottom Line: Steelers are Super Bowl experienced and come with a QB and defense package a bit above the Jets. 

Steelers are picked to win this one by most, which would add another possible Super Bowl trophy to their dynasty. Personally, I'm hoping my all time favorite player, LaDainian Tomlinson & the Jets get a shot at the bling (but if I hear the ever so annoying J-E-T-S chant one more time, I may be picking up a terrible towel and singing to this!)

Want more?

Know your game - Part 1

Want to watch the games on Sunday but have no clue about the teams? Like I mentioned in this post, there are four teams left: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets & Pittsburgh Steelers. Here's the 411 on the NFC game, which will help step your game up. (Look out for a post on the AFC game tomorrow). 

NFC Championship Game: Packers vs. Bears

Sunday, 3:00 E.T.

These teams are in the same division and are old school rivalries. It's been stated by both teams that they don't like each other and this game will be a fight of the fittest. (The reason two teams in the same division are playing each other is because the Packers won a Wild Card spot - placing them in the playoffs). These teams squared off a few weeks back, and the Packers took the win with a score of 10-3. These teams haven't played in the PLAYOFFS though, in almost 70 years - which will make for extra high tension. It's supposed to be pretty much freezing in Chicago, where the game is taking place. These boys are all used to sporting gloves and earmuffs daily and can handle the cold, but if there's a wind factor, this game will be won in the trenches. Both teams are legendary and have an impressive past - should be a fun game to watch!

Packers QB - Aaron Rodgers

photo via Bank Roll Sports

Green Bay Packers - First off, let me give a little shout out to the Chico born & bread Packers quarterback - Mr. Aaron Rodgers! Though the Packers finished 2nd in their division, following closely behind the Bears, they are coming into Sunday's game strong & ready to go. Rodgers has been on top of his game and the Packers are coming off a high scoring win last week. Regarding their running game, the Packers lost starting running back Ryan Grant earlier in the year, and have been using a couple of backups all season. Their defense has also been AH-mazing recently. Rodgers will have to keep his composure in a high intensity game and the Packers defensive will have to continue dominating. 

Bottom line: The Packers have been DOIN' IT both on offensive and defense lately and are coming into the game with loads of confidence. 

Bears QB - Jay Cutler

photo via Every Joe

Chicago Bears - The Bears were their divisions (NFC North) champs this season, and finished with a 11-5 record. The Bears' quarterback (who is a b.i.t.c.h in my opinion) has been pretty legit recently and is trying to prove that he's a QB not to be forgotten. The Bears player David Hester has been excellent at returning punts, and the Packers will try to avoid him at all costs. Running back Matt Forte has been solid all year and is really important to the Bears if they want to win. Their defense has also been in beast mode, but you need more than defense to win a game. 

Bottom line: The Bears are tough (with a crazy-strong defense) and have home field advantage, but are going up against a team with a lot of heart.

Most of the predictions I've heard pick the Packers to win. My vote and hopes are for the cheese heads!

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