Which uniform looks best on Petyon? (Image via Adam Schefter/Facebook.com)

So far, the story of the 2012 NFL off-season is Colts QB Peyton Manning, and where he’s going to play next season. The back-and-forth between Manning and Colts’ owner Jim Irsay has reached a near-comical level of he said-she said, with Irsay saying on Thursday that they’re currently in negotiations with the veteran quarterback. But the general consensus seems to be that Irsay is just posturing for the media, and that Pey-Pey has likely played his last down as a Colt.

Vegas released updated odds today on where Manning will play in 2012, which place the Dolphins as the favorite to land Peyton at 2.5-to-1, barely edging out “Does Not Play” (currently getting 3-1 odds), for those who believe Peyton’s neck injury could force him into early retirement. The Redskins are next in what seems like a perfect Dan Snyder move, followed by the Colts and Cardinals at 5-1, and Jets at 6-1.

My gut says Peyton will end up in either Washington or Arizona … what do you think?

SEE THE COMPLETE PEYTON MANNING ODDS AFTER THE JUMP

[Via R.J. Bell at Pregame.com]

UPDATED Peyton Manning odds
(next season’s team):

Dolphins: 17% ($100 wins $250)
Does not play: 15% ($100 wins $300)
Redskins: 13% ($100 wins $350)
Colts: 10% ($100 wins $500)
Cardinals: 10% ($100 wins $500)
Jets: 9% ($100 wins $600)
Seahawks: 5.5% ($100 wins $1,000)
Chiefs: 3% ($100 wins $1,800)
Texans: 3% ($100 wins $2,000)
Broncos: 2% ($100 wins $2,500)
49ers: 1.5% ($100 wins $4,000)
Titans: 1% ($100 wins $5,000)
Any Other Team: 10% ($100 wins $500)

Biggest adjustments from opening odds:
Cardinals from (25-1) down to (5-1)
Seattle from (unlisted) down to (10-1)
Chiefs from (50-1) down to (18-1)
Texans from (75-1) down to (20-1)

(special thanks to Cal-Neva sportsbook)

Praise me! (Image via mockession.com)

Well, it wasn’t pretty, but after all the fanfare leading up to his first start of the season, Tim Tebow led the Broncos to an 18-15 OT win over the Miami Dolphins. After turning in one of the uglier 3+ quarters of football you’ll ever see from an NFL QB (in which he was 4-14 passing for 40 yards), Tebow stepped up when it mattered most with his Broncos trailing 15-0 with just over five minutes remaining.

In the last few minutes, Tebow threw two late touchdowns and added a 2-point conversion rushing, and the Broncos converted on a successful onside kick to help complete the comeback and send the game to overtime.

On his first TD pass, Tebow was able to elude defenders and find WR Demaryius Thomas in the corner of the endzone:

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Tebow followed that up by hitting TE Daniel Fells all alone in the flat, and calling his own number on the QB draw to tie the game:

In the extra period, the Broncos defense came up with a crucial turnover, setting up the game-winning field goal by Matt Prater.

And while his performance certainly won’t do anything to silence the critics of his throwing arm or accuracy, at the end of the day Tebow put his team in a position to win, and that’s all you can really ask for from your quarterback. He finished 13-for-27 for 161 yards and two TDs plus 65 yards on the ground, including a few nifty scrambles where Tebow was able to make something out of nothing. Granted, it was against the lowly Dolphins, so we’ll reserve judgement as to his long-term prospects until he faces a larger study sample against stiffer competition. And if he keeps spinning around in the backfield like that, Tebow is going to get his clock cleaned sooner than later by better defenses.

But for now, with the Broncos improving to 2-4, Tebow-mania will continue to dominate the Denver sports landscape. The only question is, how long will it last?

(Photo: NYDailyNews.com)

We’ll be honest, we didn’t really watch last night’s Jets-Dolphins game, and by most accounts it was a major suckfest with the Jets proving to be less sucky, so we don’t feel too bad about that.

But when we heard that ESPN enlisted Jets superfan “Fireman Ed” Anzalone to do the Monday Night intro honors, we knew we had to see what they came up with. In their continuing effort to replace the erstwhile Hank Williams’ Jr., ESPN has switched gears from his rauckus theme song to focus on the host cities with more solemn spoken word tributes.

This week’s effort focused on the passion and loyalty of the Jets fans, with the 52-year old retired New York firefighter doing the honors:

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Not bad, but it doesn’t quite have the impact of Barry Sanders’ intro from last week. ESPN might be better served sticking with former players, who have a real emotional connection with the viewers.

2015 just called to tell us that J.J. Watt is the steal of this draft. (Source: Madison.com)

For picks 1-5, go here.

For picks 6-10, go here.

11. Houston Texans — J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: We get so many of these projections wrong. The “sure lock” winds up a flaming bust, and players we’re ignoring today — guys who won’t even be drafted — will light up the league. I believe we’ll look back on this 2011 NFL Draft five years from now and call J.J. Watt a top 5 pick. I loved his presence, intensity and motor at the combine. Wade Phillips‘ 3-4 defense is the perfect landing spot for Watt, and a good environment for this hard-working, self-made player. He worked himself onto Wisconsin’s roster, paying his own way at the start of his tenure — delivering Pizza Hut to save up dough. He’s no prima donna. He’s a coachable workhorse who did the requisite work at Wisconsin to make the switch from tight end to defensive lineman. Watt is the steal of this draft at No. 11. Sometime these midround picks are where you find the real gems — where less pressure is placed on the incoming player, as well. Houston and Watt are an excellent match.

12. Minnesota Vikings — Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: The Vikings have been vocal about finding a quarterback in this draft. I see a potential trade up — or down — to get their guy. There was a time when it appeared Minnesota at No. 12 could snag Auburn’s Cam Newton, but the hype machine’s in full swing and I project him to go no less than No. 1 to the Carolina Panthers. He’s the type of passer that’s going to require time to develop, coming from a spread, and Leslie Frazier would love the challenge. There are other possibilities at quarterback for the Vikings — and all of them are better than Brett Favre right now, who’s back on his farm tilling soil. It’s time for a new start in Minnesota. In this mock, with no trades — and Jake Locker a reach — I project the Vikings to jump on Jones, who had an excellent combine and would be a good-value selection here. Sidney Rice could bolt via free agency, so Jones addresses a potential need as well. We all saw what happened to Percy Harvin when Rice was out of the offense — they need a No. 1 guy in there to give the passing game a shot.

Picks 13-20 after the jump.

13. Detroit Lions — Tyron Smith, OT, USC: Detroit has to be concerned about Matthew Stafford‘s durability. They won’t say as much, but two seasons running, he’s been shotgunned out of the lineup with significant injuries. He’s a tough kid, that’s not the issue. We recall his gritty performance against the Cleveland Browns two seasons ago. If shoring up the line will keep Matt healthy, selecting the athletic Smith — who bulked up significantly for last month’s combine — is the move here at No. 13. The Lions also could look to Nate Solder or Anthony Castonzo — this is a good class for line prospects. The Lions showed signs of life in 2010. Jim Schwartz has begun turning this program around and keeping Stafford in one piece for a full season could land the Lions in the playoffs, or very close to it.

14. St. Louis Rams — Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri: I think the Rams would love to add a wideout like Julio Jones, but he’s gone in this mock. You exit the top 10, and there’s still a flock of quality DE/OLB prospects available — Ryan Kerrigan and Justin Houston come to mind. Cameron Jordan seems like a find for the Rams at this spot, but he’s done his best work at the left end position, typically Chris Long‘s haunt in the Rams’ D. Smith is an intriguing find. He’s a versatile, dispruptive defender, but he’s not projected as an immediate starter by most. He could really come on if a team like St. Louis can find a way to grow him. He could present problems for offenses as a hell-or-high-water edge passer for years to come.

I seem to remember another diminutive, "too-slow" #22 slipping past half the National Football League on draft day. (Source: mkrob.com)

15. Miami Dolphins — Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama: Miami’s tandem of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown have been effective for the Dolphins — at times, sensational. Both are free agents, and that makes Ingram Jr. — son of the former New York Giants wideout with the same name (I feel old) — an ideal choice at this spot. …I don’t get it. Ingram’s attached to a subpar class of running backs, and it’s possibly diminished his stock. His 40 times are not ideal, but this is a tough, driven runner who’s been compared to Emmitt Smith for more than his stature. Take it to the bank: if the Dolphins make this pick, he’ll change their offense for a decade. Ingram enters the league at a time when teams are shifting away from the lone-back. This guy doesn’t need a committee. He’s going to leave his stamp on the National Football League. Mega-steal in the 15 slot.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars — Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California: The Jaguars’ defense needs all sorts of help, and I strongly believe they’ll zone in on a cornerback (or two) in this draft (they finished 28th against the pass last season, and it likely cost them the playoffs). With Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara long gone, none of the remaining corners fit here at No. 16. Make no mistake, the Jaguars would be thrilled to land a player like Jordan. He’s a special pass rusher, one the Jaguars could insert immediately into their scheme. Unlike some of these first-rounders, Jordan did his time as a four-year starter, and his versatility to switch between tackle and end is a huge plus. People overlook the Jaguars, but this team knocked on the playoff door last season, and a good draft could help them finally topple the Colts.

17. New England Patriots (from Oakland) — Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue: Kerrigan’s ability to wreak havoc off the edge is documented — he’s ideal in the Pats’ 3-4. We saw how New England’s inability to get to the quarterback ended their season against the New York Jets. Bill Belichick coached that D up in 2010, but adding Kerrigan to the mix, primarily as an outside backer, gives this team a Purdue product who will abide by the Patriot Way. New England — per usual — could wheel-and-deal this pick, but No. 17 is a good opportunity to get an impact player. I stopped doubting the Patriots about 10 years ago — they’ll do the right thing, they almost always do. Note: If Ingram were ever available at this spot, I love the idea of him paired with Tom Brady, but it’s a long shot he gets past Miami.

18. San Diego Chargers — Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State: San Diego’s search to fill the spot opposite defensive end Luis Castillo could come to and end with Heyward. An elbow injury kept him out of OSU’s pro day, but he’s set to show off his skills later this month in a separate session. Cameron — the son of former New Orleans Saints bulldozing runner Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, a Tecmo Bowl legend– excels as a 5-technique and fills a missing puzzle piece for the Chargers. You wonder how many more years San Diego has to knock on the door, especially after a disappointing finish in 2010 (despite a statistically powerful season). There are other needs at this slot, but Heyward’s on the short list.

19. New York Giants — Nate Solder, OT, Colorado: The G-Men desperately need help along the offensive line. Nothing is more important than protecting Eli Manning. You have to wonder if Tom Coughlin‘s Boston College background could sway him toward OT Anthony Castonzo, but I believe Solder will be the pick. Solder’s dropped on some boards. He’s 6’9″ — he could block an automobile from hitting Eli — and he was a rock at Colorado, a guy who avoided injuries and flat-out got the job done. Check the video above to see what he did to a Denver Broncos scout  during CU’s pro day — he’ll do the same to some poor, lonely Washington Redskins defender come autumn.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: Check out the suddenly dangerous Bucs. Last year at this time, we had no idea where this team was going. Now, coming off a 10-6 season, with Josh Freeman blossoming into a presence at quarterback, this team must be taken seriously. I love what Raheem Morris did with the young roster last season — he shrugged off a laundry list of late injuries, plugged players in, and kept chugging. The Bucs are in need of a defensive end to pair alongside Gerald McCoy. In such a deep draft for defensive linemen, they get an interesting prospect in Clayborn. Much has been made of his struggle with Erb’s Palsy, which causes intermittent paralysis of the upper arm — but Clayborn has played with it for years and it didn’t prevent him from having a sensational junior year at Iowa. He didn’t match that last season, but remains an intriguing prospect.

My mock draft will continue later this week with picks 21-32.

(CBS Image via Newsday.com)

The New York Jets are going to get a call from the league office regarding a sideline incident involving a member of their coaching staff … and surprisingly, it has nothing to do with Rex Ryan! Well, not directly anyway, but it certainly reflects negatively on the head coach and the culture he’s fostered surrounding this ball club.

During the third quarter of today’s 10-6 loss to the Dolphins, New York strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi intentionally tripped Dolphins CB Nolan Caroll while he was sprinting downfield on punt coverage. The Miami gunner was two yards deep on the Jets sideline when Alosi stuck out his left knee and took Carroll out. Watch below:

Carroll – who had an interception earlier in the game – was shaken up on the play, but returned to the game later. Afterward, Alosi issued an apology and said he’s prepared for any punishment that’s coming his way (cough *you’re fired* cough):

“I made a mistake that showed a total lapse in judgment. My conduct was inexcusable and unsportsmanlike and does not reflect what this organization stands for. I spoke to Coach Sparano and Nolan Carroll to apologize before they took off. I have also apologized to (Jets owner) Woody (Johnson), (Jets general manager) Mike (Tannebaum) and Rex (Ryan) I accept responsibility for my actions as well as any punishment that follows.”

Not surprisingly, the Dolphins were calling for the league to investigate the incident, but weren’t necessarily expecting the Jets to be punished. Two players – Karlos Dansby and Channing Crowder – were particularly outspoken:

“I wish they would have tripped me,” Channing Crowder said. “I would have gotten up and broken the old man’s leg . . . That just speaks to the character of the Jets.”

“That is so dirty,” linebacker Karlos Dansby said. “Come on, man. Their head coach opened a can of worms over there, and now he’s got to fix it.”

It was an ugly incident in an otherwise ugly game, where heavy rain made for sloppy play on both sides. But in the end, the Jets dropped their second straight game and fell two games back to the Patriots in the AFC East.

I’m thinking Rex might have Alosi buried this week instead of a game ball … and it won’t necessarily be a motivational tactic. This is Jersey, after all.

Does anyone want to play the Bills right now? (Source: BuffaloNews.com)

Note: For the teams from 32-17, I’ve tagged them with my BERSERKER NUMBER (B#). Ranging from 1 to 100, it rates a team’s ability to cause havoc for teams attempting a playoff run. Young, developing squads just beginning to show power (but stuck with losing records) are helped, in my rankings, by a high B#.

For the teams from 16-1, I’ve added my DESTINY SCORE (DS). Again, 1 to 100. Here, I’m attempting to weed out teams resembling, for instance, the 1988 Chicago Bears. Teams with towering regular season records that (we all know) will not get to — back to — the Super Bowl. Teams, well, missing something special.

My (totally subjective, imperfect) Week 13 Power Rankings:

32 Carolina Panthers (1-10) (B#4)
31 Arizona Cardinals (3-8) (B#8)
30 Cincinnati Bengals (2-9) (B#14)
29 San Francisco 49ers (4-7) (B#22)
28 Denver Broncos (3-8) (B#33)
27 Detroit Lions (2-9) (B#28)
26 Buffalo Bills (2-9) (B#68)
25 Dallas Cowboys (3-8) (B#41)
24 Minnesota Vikings (4-7) (B#42)
23 Oakland Raiders (5-6) (B#52)
22 Washington Redskins (5-6) (B#43)
21 Seattle Seahawks (5-6) (B#54)
20 Cleveland Browns (4-7) (B#73)

19 St. Louis Rams (5-6) (B#62)
18 Tennessee Titans (5-6) (B#57)
17 Houston Texans (5-6) (B#53)
16 Miami Dolphins (6-5) (DS18)
15 Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) (DS27)
14 Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5) (DS59)
13 Indianapolis Colts (6-5) (DS65)
12 San Diego Chargers (6-5) (DS61)
11 Chicago Bears (8-3) (DS51)
10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) (DS63)
9 Green Bay Packers (7-4) (DS78)
8 New York Giants (7-4) (DS81)
7 New Orleans Saints (8-3) (DS85)
6 Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) (DS72)
5 Baltimore Ravens (8-3) (DS78)
4 Atlanta Falcons (9-2) (DS79)
3 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) (DS84)
2 New England Patriots (9-2) (DS94)
1 New York Jets (9-2) (DS97)

This week’s HOTW comes from the offensive side of the ball … see how enlightened we are?  In addition to it being a light week for bone-crushing defensive hits, we can certainly appreciate a textbook block, especially when it ends up with the defender flat on his back.

From Sunday night’s game, Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano gets the honor for making the extra effort on this downfield block for Brandon Marshall.  Watch as Fasano squares up his hips and delivers the blow to Jets DB Eric Smith at full speed, sending him flying:

Granted, the Dolphins lost the game, but this is just a beautiful hit by Fasano.

The latest episode is entitled “Run Ricky Run”, with Sean Pamphilon and Royce Toni taking an in-depth look at the fascinating journey of former Heisman Trophy-winner and Dolphins RB Ricky Williams. It’s a story that demanded to be told, and this film provides unparalleled access to Williams and those close to him.

It doesn’t take long to realize that Williams is as far from the run-of-the-mill professional athlete as could possibly be. His much-publicized love of marijuana led to multiple suspensions, and when he went to Canada to play ball in 2006, it seemed to signal the end of his NFL career.

The happy ending came with Williams’ return to the Dolphins, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2009, becoming the first player in NFL history with 6 years between thousand-yard seasons.

There’s no doubt that Williams has made some wildly controversial decisions throughout his life, but the root of these choices are far more complex than simply wanting to smoke weed.  This film shines light on an incident during Williams’ youth where he was allegedly molested by his father, and undoubtedly had significant repercussions.  And while we never may get a full understanding of exactly what goes on inside that head of his, it’s clear that Williams is on traveling on a spiritual journey.  He genuinely seems to be seeking truth and happiness for himself, no matter what the rest of the NFL or society might think about the choices he makes.

And that in and of itself deserves to be applauded.

Rex Ryan displaying the type of devil-may-care attitude we've come to expect

The awesome picture above comes from Miami, where the NFL’s elite have gathered for the pre-Super Bowl festivities.  It’s also where our favorite rabble-rousing head coach, Rex Ryan, decided to take in a MMA Strikeforce event on Saturday night … where he was inevitably surrounded by Dolphins fans, eager to express their distaste their AFC Rival Jets.  You can see where this is going.

Our friends at SportsByBrooks has the whole story, including video of the interview Rex gave over the jumbotron that might have ruffled some feathers in Miami. If you need even more coverage, The Miami Herald has the first-hand story from the photographer, along with Ryan’s clearly forced apology.

Does anyone else notice that Rex’s shirt says “Wide Guy” on it?  Is this a brand for big & talls, or a cautionary sign for whenever he’s transported on the freeway?

Yesterday Moss reminded us that he’s still one of the most dominant players in the league, with a 6-catch, 147-yd, 1-TD performance in the Patriots win over the Dolphins.  And in case you missed it, early in the game, he made this freakish one-handed catch: