It must be noted that VCO columnist and fellow football forecaster, Mystic Mona carried her straight-up roll (*see last two weeks of regular season NFL in Friday Flyers dated December 28th and January 4th) one big step further.............., going from SU picks "for entertainment only" in our friendly contest against Casey, Mouth and I,) to picking the point spread winners of all eight playoff games to date, while putting up real $$ at her favorite book (if she didn't have a favorite book, she has one now...) Sure enough, she e-mailed to me a 4 team-er on Tues of each of the last two weeks and "woe-la" a big 4 team parlay each week-end that paid 10-1. And I thought I did well, nailing 3 out of 4 of my star picks.........

If a local book suddenly goes out of business soon after the Super Bowl, we'll know why........

Remember, speaking of the Super Bowl, all 4 of us will be back matching wits and predictions for the big game. We will forego the SU picks of the regular season and pick "against the spread" (which should be right up the Mystic One's alley) and the over/under (which should make the Mouth happy......)

Look for the exciting predictions, coming to a computer near you, on Jan 31st.............

As mentioned above, my Star Picks went 3-1 and plus 13 1/2 stars........ For the two week playoffs so far, I stand at 5-3 plus 13 1/2 stars, after going 2 and 2 with even stars in the first round. This Sunday we (yes I do have a mouse (wearing a helmet) in my pocket....) I like the Chargers, led by a QB that plays as good as he talks........ Reminds me of the Mouth in a way........ San Diego is getting 14 ½ points from a team that wins and wins, but rarely "covers"......

I also like Green Bay to cover the -6 ½, if you still find or "buy" that number, if not lay the 7 for a little less "dough". The Packers might be playing the best of any of the 4 teams remaining in the hunt for the "Ring"........ I know Mystic thinks so...........