SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ... AND TONIGHT'S PICK

A couple of quick hits before we make tonight's pick between the Redskins and Giants in the NFL's season opener:

1. Was there any doubt that the first use of instant replay would involve an Alex Rodriguez (AP photo, right) home run? Didn't think so. Last night, A-Rod's homer against the Rays was upheld. By the way, now ... NOW ... the Yankees start hitting and scoring runs. Of course they are - there's no more pressure. I do think it's funny that the Red Sox will have to thank the Yankees for them winning the AL East. The Sox are only three games back now after the Bombers knocked Tampa around for the past two days. I'm still hoping the Rays hold on and inject some life into the postseason.

2. Is there a funnier story that Tatum Bell allegedly stealing the luggage of Rudi Johnson? After the Lions signed the free agent running back (Johnson), the team waived Bell. That same day, apparently, according to Johnson, who says he saw the surveillance video, Bell walked out of the building with Johnson's luggage. Hilarious. If it's true that Bell did this on purpose (and not by accident) he may have just ended his NFL career. After all, would you want that kind of guy on your team?

3. Daunte Culpepper (AP photo, top right) retired today, ending a career that went from 100 to 0 in about 10 seconds. Culpepper was awesome early in his Minnesota career. But I'll always remember him from when I made the biggest mistake of my fantasy football career by drafting him No. 3 overall after his record-breaking year. He had an ok season, but that's not what you need from that spot in the draft. There was no celebrating that year, as I was forced to start Mike Alstott several times. Making things worse, this was my big-time money league. I did go back to the well again, however, and drafted him late when he signed with the Dolphins years later in another league, thinking he would regain his form, but that didn't happen either. He was on my bench before long. So, happy trails to you, Daunte.

4. Had a conversation with someone today about whether it's better or not to have a bye week in the fantasy baseball playoffs. I have a bye (as a two-seed) in my league and he is playing this week. He says he'd rather play because he wants to keep up on everything that is going on, while if he was on a bye, he wouldn't pay attention. While that is true, as I have no idea what my players have done this week, I'd take the free pass to the semifinals any day, any season, any sport. There's just too many things that can happen in a one-week playoff game.

5. Michigan and Rutgers football both stink.

REDSKINS +4.5 at GIANTS, TONIGHT
Ok, here we go. The NFL season finally kicks off tonight and I couldn't be more excited. There is nothing quite like the opening of the football season. No matter what the preseason picks are, every single team has a shot at the playoffs. Baseball doesn't hold a candle to that. So, tonight, the team I rooted for in the Super Bowl against Belicheat and the Pats begins its unlikely title defense against the rival Redskins in Jersey. First off, the rooting for the Giants ended there, as I was rooting more against the cheating Pats than the G-Men. Plus, I have Clinton Portis on one of my fantasy teams, so I'll be rooting for him big time. The Giants don't have the same defense they had a year ago, with Michael Strahan retiring and Osi Umenyiora lost for the season with an injury. Those guys are out, and Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka are in. Not exactly the same talent. But, still, the team should be good enough to win at least 9 games this season. And Plaxico Burress signed a two-year contract extension today, so he should be very happy. As for tonight, I think they'll hold on for the victory, but the Redskins will keep it within a field goal and cover the spread. My Pick: Redskins +4.5. Brother Craig's Pick: Giants -4.5.

Check back later in the week for our full NFL Week 1 picks.