Three observations …
• The Packers are doing the right thing with Aaron Rodgers. Even if they have to sacrifice this season to take care of Rodgers' long-term health, so be it. The guy is only 30 years old, a virtual puppy when it comes to quarterbacks who understand and play the game the way he does. He could play another 10 years.
• Not a big fan of firing coaches during the season, but if Houston can use this extra time to land Texas native Lovie Smith, then firing Gary Kubiak in early December will have paid off. Smith, fired after leading the Bears to a 10-win season a year ago, is 81-63 with a Super Bowl appearance on his résumé.
• It's a shame that Tony Gonzalez came back for one last Super Bowl run and ended up on a 4-10 Falcons team. It's also a shame that he doesn't feel like playing an 18th year. The greatest red zone weapon in NFL history is 37 years old and still has 71 catches, a 10.4-yard average and seven touchdowns.
Two predictions …
• This is sure to jinx the Vikings, but the collars are getting too tight in Cincy. Vikings upset the Bengals.
• Speaking of tight collars, the Lions have lost four of five. Anyone else sensing a Giants upset at Ford Field?
