(2:04 PM)

Hey everyone, let's get started.

Vijay (NYC)

How worried are the Broncos about Matt Prater? Most playoff games are close and come down to a kick here or there, and I fear that Prater's problems are the Broncos' Achilles heel. Any good kickers available for the Broncs to sign?

  (2:05 PM)

They should be worried. The kid is struggling a tad. With the playoffs on the horizon, you need a reliable kicker. But I think thye are sticking with him and they still believe in him. There's no doubt he has a big leg.

Anthony: (New York, NY)

Good job keeping us up to date with the AFC West (even though it's the worst division this year in the NFL). So, I was wondering if the Chiefs will still draft a QB in the first round (maybe trade out of their top 5 pick into the teens and draft a qb there) as the Browns did with Quinn a couple years back? I mean Thiggy has been decent, but........ you get what I'm saying?

  (2:07 PM)

I think they should go defense, defense, defense. Give Thigpen one more year. If he stinks, get your QB in 2010. But the defensive needs are greater at this point.

Ryan (America's Finest City)

I sense this could be a let down game for Carolina. Carolina coming off a huge win on MNF and preparing on a short week. Denver has also excelled on the road as big underdogs. Any chance that Denver sneaks out of Carolina with a win?

  (2:09 PM)

The Panthers are fighting for a divison title so I don't see a letdown coming. Can Denver win? Well, it has won some big games on the road, so sure the Broncos can win. But it would take a big-time effort.

James Parsons (Tucson AZ)

Hi BW, great job as always. Having been to games around the AFC west yourself, have you noticed a drop in fan sportsmanship? (fights in the stands, people getting shot in parking lots, etc..) Is there any fix for this or is it just a reflection of the mindset of America? It's getting to the point where many people don't want to travel to visiting stadiums, which hurts the NFL as a whole.

  (2:11 PM)

You make a good point. Some fans do get nasty. But I still urge folks to go to games on the road to support their teams. It's a lot fo fun to road trip in the NFL.

Larry (Pasco, WA)

Records aside. Who is the better team Chargers or Broncos?

  (2:12 PM)

All season, I've thought San Diego. But 13 games into the season, you have to look records. Denver has had a better season.

JERRY ORLANDO FLA

RAVENS OR STEELERS?

  (2:13 PM)

I'm a Steelers guy.

Brian (Los Angeles, CA)

Which Denver RB do you see getting the most carries this week against Carolina? Selvin Young, Tatum Bell, or Cory Boyd? Has Shanny been forced to go back to his classic RBBC?

  (2:13 PM)

Just a gut: Watch for Boyd to get a lot of playing time.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Do you think Carolina will be able to run with the same effectiveness against Denver that they did against a usually good run-stopping Tampa Bay team?

  (2:15 PM)

As we see every week, the NFL doesn't usally fall out the way we expect. But I'll tell you this: Carolina will try to run at Denver. And it should. Denver is ranked 26th against the run this season.

Keith (Springfield, MO)

Do you honestly think the AFC west title will come down to the final week with the DEN @ SD matchup?

Ryan (Denver)

Will Champ Baily and D.J. Williams play this week?

  (2:16 PM)

No. I think it will be decided next week. I think San Diego could lose at Tampa Bay and I think Denver will beat Buffalo.

Vijay (NYC)

Injury questions: Odds on a return by Champ, DJ, and Selvin for the Carolina game?

  (2:17 PM)

Champ 50 percent. Williams 50 percent and Young 100 percent.

Keith (Springfield, MO)

Bill, do you see the Broncos making a deep push into the post season with as many injuries to starters as they've had?

  (2:18 PM)

Michael Crabtree and Chaz Schilens.

Bills fan

Bill, When the Buffalo Bills get rid of Headcoach Dick Jauron at the end of the season? Who do you think would be a good replacement? I think former Buffalo Bill Marty Schottenheimer wold make alot of sense!

  (2:19 PM)

Good idea. It's time for Marty Ball to return to the NFL, right Chargers fans?

Imanol (Venezuela)

Who will win? Chigado and Urlacher or Saints and Brees? Thanks!

  (2:19 PM)

Saints.

Majeed

Can Denver beat either Balt or Indy in the playoffs? I doubt it!

  (2:20 PM)

Better chance of beating Balitmore, I believe. The Colts own Denver in the postseason.

Patrick(Hoboken)

Does Norv Turner get fired as the clock turns to zero week 17?

  (2:21 PM)

Ownerhsip says no. But if this team is 7-9 or 6-10 I could see it. I don't now why they would keep him under those circumstances.

PT (Franklin, NC)

Will James Lofton be the new offensive coordinator for the Raiders next year, if not the head coach?

  (2:23 PM)

Maybe OC. I don't see him being the head coach Al Davis had a chance to hire him when he fired Lane Kiffin but he went with Tom Cable. Why would Davis go to Lofton now?

JERRY ORLANDO FLA

WHY DO YOU THINK THE STEELERS WILL WIN?

  (2:25 PM)

I just think they are better. The Steelers come up big in big games.

Nick St. Paul, MN

Who should I START rANDY mOSS OR mARQUES cOLSTON?

  (2:26 PM)

You know Moss is going to come up big against the Raiders.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Do you think the Chargers should aim to draft either ILB James Laurinaitis or Rey Maualuga with their 1st rd pick?

  (2:27 PM)

At this point, the Chargers are going to draft in the 10-15 range. They'd have to trade up to get those two studs.

Keith (Springfield, MO)

Do you see Peyton Hillis coming back as the starting RB next season, or will he be converted to another position?

  (2:28 PM)

I think he gets another shot. He was a load.

Johnny(Brooklyn, NY)

Bill who do you see winning the AFC East when the dust settles after the final weekend?

  (2:29 PM)

I think the Jets get it together,

  (2:29 PM)

I think the Jets get it together,

Larry (Pasco, WA)

Let's say the Chargers win the next two weeks over the Bucs and Chiefs and the Broncos lose to the Panthers and Bills. That would set up Dec 28th's game for the AFC title. Who would you take?

  (2:30 PM)

Under that scenario, yes, it would come down to the game in San Diego. Winner takes division. How fun would that be? The home team would surely be the favorite in that one and all the pressure would be on the Broncos.

Keren (Maui)

Have the leg/hamstring injuries this year been abnormally high or is it with the "normal" range for that injury? Seems like a lot of players have lost time or their season to leg muscle injuries this year.

  (2:31 PM)

It seems to me that all injuires have been up in the past five years. Every year it seems to get worse. Brutal game.

Will (Madison WI)

Hey Bill. If the Chiefs go 1-2 their last 3 games, what are the chances they fire Herm Edwards.

  (2:32 PM)

3-13? I could see a change happening. It depends if the Chiefs compete, though. If they play well, Edwards will likely get another year.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Will Huff get released in the offseason? If so, is he really that bad, or will it be just another bad decision by Raiders' management.

Mical (Austin)

If Thigpen is a QB who thrives in a spread or shotgun based offense, wouldn't you want to hire a coach who knows how to do that? In other words why would Herm be the right coach to launch a hi-octane offense when his ?specialty? is defense?

  (2:34 PM)

Not sure what happened to the Huff answer. here goes again: Can you believe he was taken over Cutler? As far as Thigpen, I think eh and Edwards can co-exist. They'll tweak things in the offseaosn to make it a better fit for everyone if Thigpen is the guy.

Majeed

Chargers might beat KC, but no way they can win at TB next week. And I doubt that the sorry Bills can win in Denver.

  (2:35 PM)

That's what I'm thinking as well.

Mark (NC)

Will Julius Peppers feast on QB flesh this weekend?

  (2:36 PM)

He'd have to get past Ryan Clady first. That's not easy. Clady has given up half a sack all season. He has shut down Joey Porter and John Abraham.

Tony(Tampa)

Really think Laurinaitis is a stud or all hype? When I watch OSU games he is a non factor or racking up tackles 5-10 beyond the line of scrimmage.

  (2:38 PM)

Scouts really like him.

Mike (Avondale, AZ)

Who is going to be playing the Cardinals in the Super Bowl?

  (2:38 PM)

I love the confidence, Mike.

Ryan (Denver)

Great work as always Bill, Matt Ryan has all but wrapped up the ROY, true or false? Where do you rank Clady and Royal?

  (2:39 PM)

Yeah, I think Ryan has it wrapped up. Clady and Royal should get some votes, though.

Rob ( NYC)

Matt Cassell play this weekend ?

  (2:41 PM)

I don't think that has been determined yet. Let's take this chance to give our condolences to Cassel and his fmaily. I've been there. It's a tough deal.

Tom (Simi Valley, CA)

Bill, what's your opinion of Roger Goodell's idea to extend the regular season to 17 or 18 games? Personally I think it's stupid and will just create more injuries and worthless games at the end of the season. The honorable thing to do would be to not force the season ticket holders to buy the tickets for the exhibition games, but then again, the NFL has never voluntarily surrendered a nickel to look out for the fans.

  (2:42 PM)

I think exactly what you think on this one, Mr. Tom.

Tony(Tampa)

What has happened to Vernon Gholston? Haven't heard too much from him since he was drafted. Jets worried about him being a potential bust or too early to tell....

  (2:43 PM)

Too early but he is heading there. I heard whispers of him being a bust candidate before the draft. He is a classic combine guy.

Ryan (Denver)

Any talk of Shanahan being up for Coach of the year?

  (2:45 PM)

A lot of folks think this is his best coaching job considering the youth and all the injuries Denver has endured. But I think Fisher wins the award hands down.

Will (Madison WI)

Bill, all we got to think about in KC is next year, so, do you think Tony Gonzalez is with the team next year? If not, any ideas where he may go and what the Chiefs could get for him?

  (2:47 PM)

I asked him about it last Sunday. He's still not sure. I think he is really conflicted. I think it would hurt him to leave Kansas City but it also hurts him to lose. It will be interesting. For Chiefs' fans sake, I hope they can work it out. He is such a bright light for that city on and off the field.

keith

cowboys or giants

  (2:49 PM)

Giants.

Rob ( NYC)

I would like to thank Fisher for giving his advice to shanahan on Jay cutler..

  (2:49 PM)

He probably should have taken his own advice.

Mical (Austin)

Do you read the comment sections of your blogs?

  (2:50 PM)

Here and there. Should I?

Ryan (Denver)

Most likely to happen: KC upsets SD or Denver upsets Carolina?

  (2:52 PM)

I'd have to say Kansas City. It is home and it nearly beat San Diego on the road a month ago.

Mical (Austin)

Yes. Absolutely. High comedy. I post under el_dude00.

  (2:53 PM)

You people are way to brutal to each other. But, yes, high comedy indeed.

fred (MICHigan)

Lets say broncos get out of first round better matchup for broncos titans/steelers

  (2:54 PM)

Probably the Titans.

Louie, New Jersey

When do you see Denver challenging for a Super Bowl? It seems the other afc powers are on the decline.

  (2:55 PM)

If they can get the defense right, I'd say 2010.

Dylan (Libertyville Il)

How do you feel about the way Aaron Rodgers has played this year?

  (2:55 PM)

He's done well. I think he's got a very bright future.

Larry (Pasco, WA)

You've covered the AFC West all year, so is LT in decline, playing hurt or the OL is playing terrible?

  (2:57 PM)

Combination but the o-line is struggling.

Mical (Austin)

You think Slowik has a job next year? Or will Denver switch coordinators again?

  (2:58 PM)

He should stay. That defesne has actually made strides recently. And they are doing it with a bunch of youngsters.

Brad (VA)

Who do you think will be the #1 RB in Oakland next season?

  (2:58 PM)

It should be McFadden. He was the No. 4 pick. it's time to bust that kid loose.

Ryan (San Diego)

Really? Denver has had a better season? I would say the Chargers have had the tougher schedule and if they win this weekend coupled with a Broncos loss THEY SHOULD BE TIED with a home game left. The Broncos are not a better football team, just a luckier one

  (3:00 PM)

Ryan, one team is 8-5 and the other is 5-8.

  (3:00 PM)

Hey guys, great session as always, Enjoy the weekend.