Unusual

This week I picked the Trey Songz tune "Unusual" because of the unusual and unseasonable weather we are expecting this week. Right after we finally got the first significant snowfall that looked like it will stick, the weather forecasters are saying that this week it is supposed to be in the 40s and even 50s in the Bismarck area. It's January, isn't it supposed to be cold and snowy?

Another disappointing 9-7 week in my week 17 NFL picks puts me at a pretty dismal 167-98 or 63 percent for the season. Let us hope the playoffs go better.
Before I take my best shot at predicting this year's playoffs, let me revisit both my pre-season and mid-season playoff picks:


Preseason:

AFC Playoffs:                                                               NFC Playoffs:
Round 1:(3) Houston vs. (6) NY Jets                              (3) Green Bay vs. (6) Atlanta
(4) San Diego vs. (5) Baltimore                                      (4) St. Louis vs. (5) New Orleans
Round 2: (6) NY Jets vs. (1) New England                     (6) Atlanta vs. (1) Tampa Bay
(5) Baltimore vs. (2) Pittsburgh                                     (5) New Orleans vs. (2) Philadelphia

Championships: (2) Pittsburgh vs. (1) New England        (6) Atlanta vs. (2) Philadelphia

Superbowl: New England over Philadelphia 31-17

After a half-season and further review, the picture has changed thusly:

AFC Playoffs:                                                            NFC Playoffs:
Round1: (3) New England vs. (6) Buffalo                     (3) New Orleans vs. (6) Chicago
(4) San Diego vs. (5) Cincinnati                                   (4) NY Giants vs. (5) Atlanta
Round 2: (5) Cincinnati vs. (1) Houston                        (5) Atlanta vs. (1) Green Bay
(3) New England vs. (2) Baltimore                               (3) New Orleans vs. (2) San Francisco

Championships: (5) Cincinnati vs. (3) New England        (1) Green Bay vs. (3) New Orleans

Superbowl: Green Bay over New England 38-27

After the playoff teams are set:

AFC Playoffs:                                                            NFC Playoffs:
Round1: (3) Houston vs. (6) Cincinnati                     (3) New Orleans vs. (6) Detroit
(4) Denver vs. (5) Pittsburgh                                   (4) NY Giants vs. (5) Atlanta
Round 2: (5) Denver vs. (1) New England                      (5) Atlanta vs. (1) Green Bay
(3) Cincinnati vs. (2) Baltimore                               (3) New Orleans vs. (2) San Francisco

Championships: (6) Cincinnati vs. (1) New England        (1) Green Bay vs. (3) New Orleans

Superbowl: New Orleans over New England 31-21

Elsewhere in Bottineau I have a few pictures from last week's girl's basketball game. This week I have several games that I'm going to, so expect many pictures next week.

Stars sophomore Danielle McDonald loses control of the ball after being fouled last Thursday against Watford City.

Junior Katryna Hahn leaps for the opening tip last Thursday in Bottineau.

Freshman Steph Brenden passes to a teammate.

Brenden and senior Heidi Artz chat before a free throw.

Hahn reaches for a steal.

McDonald tries to put up a shot with her left hand.