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I told myself coming out to a great sports market, I had to see some sports. I snatched up a great priced ticket to see the Eagles play next Monday Night against the Bears. Sitting in the endzone cost me $85. That’s not bad considering Nebraska face value tickets are $65. As many sporting events that I’ve seen, I’ve never seen an NFL football game. Not even in Denver or Kansas City.

Monday Night Football will be the only show on TV. It works out perfect too. Being on a Monday, I will be at the internship until 4:00. Since I’m already parked at the arena and since Lincoln Financial Field is directly next door, I won’t have to pay for parking. That’s at least $20 in savings.

Depending on when I work, I still will want to also see some college basketball. Villanova will be a great team to see in action.

Happy November to all! The internship is flying by. I’ve got another month to go until I complete the 160 hours there. Quite honestly, I’ve already nailed out the 160 required for school. But why not turn in more hours and make a good example out of myself?

The 76ers have upcoming camps from Dec. 27-29 in the Tri-State area of Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I’ve compiled information of the elementary and middle schools in those areas and we’re going to reach out to those schools for getting kids enrolled. The bigger the database, the better. The younger the kid, the better for the 76ers. That means they will come back for future camps and possibly the overnight camps in the summer which the 76ers really advertise.

I ended up working a lot over the weekend. Most shifts from 5-close. I’m on my own now, no more training. These are long shifts but not that bad. The only aspect that stinks is lost sleep, especially on nights before going to the internship in the morning. I requested off my birthday in two weeks and am not getting it off. That sucks. If you asked me my honest response to the job, I don’t like it one bit but just need to make it thru.

Just plugging away at the internship, work and the classes I’m taking. I’ve got a paper due in a month that I’m working on slowly but surely.

Seeing the Denver Broncos crumble like crackers is a journey to a different sports universe. This team has a history of winning, being in six Super Bowls since 1970. They’ve created a roster and front office of nothing but plusses from John Elway to Terrell Davis. This team was the current day Indianapolis Colts of the 1990s.

But, one or two bad football years can edit all the positives from before. Denver’s current front office is on a very surprising three-year run as being one apple that’s falling way off the tree. It all started in 2008 when head coach Mike Shanahan was let go. The winningest coach in franchise history was pushed out the door in a move to head the team operations into a new format. In came Josh McDaniels from the New England Patriots, a high octane personality, which right away did not click with team executives. McDaniels immediately threw haymakers and signaled for franchise quarterback Jay Cutler to be traded, which he was. The following year, star-studded wide-receiver Brandon Marshall was traded upon character issues and the team over-drafted for Georgia Tech wide receiver DeMariyus Thomas with the No. 22 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. His two years have resulted in 22 catches and infamously have being drafted over Dez Bryant. Bronco fans saw a team deemed with success hit rock bottom fast.

That train that has brought down the team from the top still hasn’t stopped. McDaniels was let go after two low years and in came John Fox. Now, not as much attention as been put on Fox, who has appeared in a Super Bowl coach. But winning is still top priority 5,280 feet above and the current team is 1-4 with its single win over Cincinnati.

So, when the news came out Monday that 2010 Pro-Bowl wide receiver Brandon Lloyd was being shipped for a fifth round pick to the St. Louis Rams, I instantly thought of a bad move and a thief. In this case, the thief was the Rams. How far will fifth round value go these days anyways? And why were the Broncos trading Lloyd? Was it because they had no faith in his resigning this offseason?

Lloyd has a work ethic you see on TV and your “wowed.” He makes the stunning catches, runs fantastic routes and just scores. He’s quiet off the field and raises no eyebrows. He’s just an athlete to admire.

It’s just another stunning move for a team that continues to be torn apart piece by piece. By moving Lloyd, they fail again. They lose a league wide known target who does nothing but catch pass after pass.

College football is already seven weeks deep. The NFL will hit their sixth week this afternoon. This time of year just absolutely flies. Christmas will be here by tomorrow. I always anticipate the season and then it’s gone in a flash. You’ve got to really enjoy it while it’s here. And I do. I watch hard on the weekends and then prepare for the upcoming week on Monday.

College football has 13 undefeated teams left. The NFL has two. Both levels are certainly challenging to win on, and they’re a different breed of football. This week, the main headline is controlled by Detroit. Can they go 6-0? I was proved wrong last week when I asked for Denver for silence the Tim Tebow news. But they didn’t. Next week, he’s starting for the first time this year. The Broncos were in a pinch and the pressure from the fan base got his start. I think Tebow is set up for failure.

Without further adue, let’s jump into these games:

49ers @ Lions: These are two of the biggest surprise teams in the NFL. The 4-1 49ers and the 5-0 Lions. I honestly thought the 49ers would be in garbage city, after an abysmal year last year. But new coach Jim Harbaugh has sparked Alex Smith to life. Simply put, he just turns QB’s around. I see a close game, with San Francisco limiting Detroit on offense. But Lions win, 27-21.

Rams @ Packers: This line is humongous in Vegas standards. The rolling Packers are a two touchdown favorite at home. Usually in the NFL you don’t see spreads that big. But Aaron Rodgers is carving up defenses, connecting on 71% of his passes, leading the league. That’s an absurd number considering this is a professional league. Packers win by three scores. Blowout of the week.

Panthers @ Falcons: I will probably end up saying this every week, but Cam Newton has transformed the Panthers. He’s taken them to the top on his shoulders. Now, they are 1-4, but they’ve lost by a combined 18 points in those four games. Those are all decided by one possession. I see him doing the same in Atlanta and stealing a win. Steve Smith is back to being a top wide receiver in the league.

Colts @ Bengals: Colts fans have to be begging for Peyton Manning to come back by now. Indianapolis is one of three winless teams in the league, along with St. Louis and Miami. But by a lot of standards, the Bengals aren’t a ton better. This game will attract no attention from the media, but will come directly down to the wire. I see Indianapolis getting win No. 1.

Bills @ Giants: If any line sticks out to me from Vegas, it’s the Bills getting three points on the road. Statistically, the Bills have the third best scoring offense in the game. And the Giants are no elite defensive team, mainly in the secondary. I see Ryan Fitzpatrick torching the G-Men all day. Bills by 10.

Jaguars @ Steelers: It took four weeks for the Steelers defense to appear last week. Always know for their ball hawking defenders, Pittsburgh was no steel curtain in the seasons first month. At the right time in the year, when they need a win, they run into the leagues second worst offense at 59 points in five games. Steelers in a rout if they don’t turn the ball over.

Eagles @ Redskins: With Trent Cole out for the Eagles, I sense problems defending the run up front, which the Eagles haven’t done all year. It all started with Michael Turner, then Frank Gore and then Fred Jackson. Washington’s strength is the running game. Ryan Torain is a force to bring down. I like my Redskins at home.

Texans @ Ravens: This game is one of the marquee match-ups of the week. Baltimore comes to town 4-1 looking to spoil some games on the Texans turf. I just don’t see if happening though. Despite Andre Johnson being out, the Texans proved that Joel Dreesen and Jacoby Jones can be good fillers. Arian Foster is healthy. Texans by 6.

Browns @ Raiders: We get a fun matchup here of two teams on the rise and ready to wreak havoc in this league. The Browns are actually a good team, with a shutdown corner in Joe Haden and quarterback Colt McCoy who is making plays. It’s tough winning in the black hole in Oakland. Plus this team wants to keep winning for Al. I see a 35-30 type of Oakland win.

Cowboys @ Patriots: This to me is the game of the week. I cannot wait for the fireworks to hit the sky in this one. The aerial show will be in full force. Wes Welker will get his 10 catches and Dez Bryant might tear up the Patriots cornerbacks. The Patriots have won 19 straight home games. This may end to the Cowboys, that is if Tony Romo doesn’t turn the ball over. This will be a fun, fun duel. You know Tom Brady doesn’t want to lose. Patriots edge Dallas on a field goal.

Saints @ Buccaneers: The fact that this is an in-division game will make it intriguing to watch. Both teams will be all out. Right now, the Saints have a better flow of offense. The Buccaneers need to find a way to get Mike Williams involved. He has one touchdown all year, in week one. Saints win by 8 on road.

Vikings @ Bears: This rivalry has all the making to be a fun game. But when will Donovan McNabb actually put the Vikings on his back? Last week, the only reason Minnesota won their first game is because Adrian Peterson said give me the ball so I can score. He did with three touchdown entrances. If they want to win, they need a balance of the pass and run. That’s my key. Percy Harvin has to catch a touchdown.

Dolphins @ Jets: The Jets are struggling, ever since blowing a lead out in Oakland three weeks ago. They haven’t been the same since. But now they found the perfect win to get a free win and get back on the ball. Miami is not much without Chad Henne. It makes Brandon Marshall a non-threat on offense. It Miami walks into New York and wins, the media will want Rex Ryan by the neck.

This is one of those NFL weeks where we should get the answers to these questions. Is Kansas City really as bad as we thought they were? Will Philadelphia start 1-4 after annoucning themselves as the “Dream Team?” Is Buffalo a fluke or for real? And can Cam Newton win that big game over a big team?

All of these are giant team headlines going into today. I don’t think Kansas City is “that” bad. Philadelphia should win and go 2-3. Buffalo will lose, but will still be a contender all year and be knocking on the door of the playoffs. And I think Cam Newton can win a huge, huge game this afternoon.

Last week was another good weeks in picks. As you get four weeks in, and after looking constantly over Vegas lines, it’s interesting to begin to know how a line was shaped. I thought the Eagles would be a favorite on the road. They are. Vegas and their book keepers get a better feel for how the season is shaping after a few weeks, just as we do as fans.

Let’s pick these games. There’s only 10 match-ups as we begin the BYE weeks template.

Saints @ Panthers: Since this game is in Carolina, I am giving the Panthers a shot. Cam Newton is going to do his damage. He’s thrown for over 1,300 yards in four games, and one was in a torrential downpour. The Saints have lost gimmes before. I expect Carolina to keep it close and steal a win.

Titans @ Steelers: With Rashard Mendenhall questionable and James Harrison out, the Steelers lose their best players on each side of the ball for this week. I don’t think Pittsburgh is all that anyways. Not like previous years, and last year where they made the Super Bowl. Titans win by a field goal.

Chiefs @ Colts: Going into this year, this would have been a prime matchup of week 5. The Chiefs are coming out of making the 2010 playoffs and the Colts are the Colts, if they have Peyton Manning. But both teams haven’t been so brilliant. I see the Chiefs winning on the road. Dwyane Bowe is heating up and catching big passes.

Eagles @ Bills: If Philadelphia can stack the box and not let Fred Jackson run, I like their chances of winning. That would put their cornerbacks in a good  one-on-one format for coverage to dominate. They have the best secondary in the league. Eagles come out sharp and win 34-21.

Seahawks @ Giants: I saw a stat, where the Giants have beaten the Seahawks by a combined score of 85-13 over the last two years. That’s called frying the opposing team. Giants won’t lose. If you play the Eliminator pools or Loser Lounges, this game is your safest bet.

Bengals @ Jaguars: This is the dud matchup of the week. Flip a coin and pick a winner. It’s a pick’em in Vegas. Even they don’t know. I say Jaguars just because of Maurice Jones-Drew.

Raiders @ Texans: This is a fantastic matchup. If I lived in Houston, I would go buy a seat in the house for this game. Darren McFadden. Arian Foster. Playmakers everywhere. I expect the clock to roll fast, as both teams will just run the ball. Andre Johnson is out. Raiders win a huge game on the road by 5.

Cardinals @ Vikings: I just don’t think the Vikings are going to start 0-5. I said the same thing last week, but they’re not closing games. If they get the ball to Adrian Peterson and let him run, they won’t lose. The Cardinals are coming along too slowly to win a road game in a tough setting at the Metrodome.

Buccaneers @ 49ers: The biggest fluke in the league is not the Bills being 3-1. The Bills are good. It’s the 49ers being 3-1. This team has no bells and whistles. Frank Gore has to have a game to keep them in it. Tampa Bay wins by 10 and LeGarrette Blount rushes for two touchdowns.

Jets @ Patriots: These two teams don’t like each other. Each time these teams meet, it’s a must-see. Get on your sofa for a great duel. This year, New England is spreading teams out, throwing non-stop, every down. Tom Brady keeps a defense on their toes. Although defense is the Jets calling card, they can’t stop the leagues best offense. Patriots by 10.

Chargers @ Broncos: If Denver continues to lose, the fan base will continue to want Tim Tebow to be their quarterback. But I don’t see Kyle Orton as that bad. He’s better than what the Jaguars and Seahawks have. He gets the job done. I see Denver losing again, just because San Diego is legit. But I’m just hoping more to not hear more about Tebow this next week. I’m not a fan of him.

Packers @ Falcons: Aaron Rodgers is so good. Like, sooooo good, too good. He’s my favorite NFL player and plays the game of football like it’s too simple for him. I can’t remember the last time the Packers had an off day on the offensive side of the ball. They always click. Winning in Atlanta is tough. But they won there last year in the playoffs before getting to the Super Bowl.

Bears @ Lions: Only two teams in this league are 4-0. The Packers and the Lions. Will these two teams enter Week 6 being 5-0? It’s quite possible. Detroit hosting a Monday Night game will be rocking. Everyone knew a healthy Lions team could do damage, and they’re finally doing that. Lions start 5-0.

My NFL picks went 8-7 last week. This early in the season, it’s hard to get a good vibe on how the cards will be dealt. Anything over .500 is a good day. I didn’t expect Seattle to beat Arizona last week or the Bills to upset the Patriots. But this an “Any Given Sunday” league. There’s always games that make you go woah.

The media has taken storm of the Bills being 3-0. But I vividly remember them being 4-0 in 2007 and finishing 7-9. So the notion of its not how you start, but how you finish is so true. So I am not sold on them yet. They’re still in the same division as the Patriots and I’d be shocked if New England didn’t win it.

Here’s my picks for this week:

Panthers @ Bears: Cam Newton has made the Panthers into a monster passing attack, but he needs to remember who’s in the backfield behind him. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. If they balance the attack, I like Panthers on the road.

Bills @ Bengals: Bengals are official the worst NFL team to me this season. They sit at the best odds to get the No. 1 pick in next years draft and get Andrew Luck. Bills have great opportunity to start 4-0.

Titans @ Browns: I like Tennessee. Matt Hasselbeck is a smart quarterback. He doesn’t make mistakes. Tennessee has the best defense in terms of yardage allowed. It will be interesting to see how this offenses fares without Kenny Britt the rest of the year. This offense doesn’t blow you away but they find ways to win.

Lions @ Cowboys: When the Cowboys are healthy they’re one of the biggest threats on offense in the league. If the Lions want to be an elite team, they have to win games like this. Lions by 6.

Steelers @ Texans: You rarely see the Steelers as an underdog in Vegas. If you as a handicapper saw that, you’d jump on it in a moments notice. Houston is kicking lots of FG’s. Mendenhall has yet to run wild. Steelers by a touchdown.

Saints @ Jaguars: All fingers point to New Orleans. I see them easing off the passing attack this week, and focusing on the ground game. Mark Ingram runs for 100 and two scores. Saints by 17+.

Vikings @ Chiefs: Is this the ugly game of the week? Is that the case with Kansas City every week? Both teams are 0-3. Although, Minnesota should be 3-0. Will they blow another 20+ point 2nd half lead? I don’t think so. Vikings in a route.

49ers @ Eagles: I read a fact a couple weeks ago that 85% of teams who travel from West Coast to East Coast lose. Why? The time zone change. I expect the Eagles win this easily. If the “Dream Team” started 1-3, the city of Brotherly Love would be frantic.

Giants @ Cardinals: The Cardinals surprisingly lost to Seattle to last week, making this a must win game at home. I like the Giants in this one. Got a big moral boost out of beating the Eagles last week. Giants by a touchdown.

Falcons @ Seahawks: I see a blowout on the road. There’s no way that Atlanta loses. Matt Ryan throws four touchdowns and limits the interceptions he’s been uncharacteristically been throwing.

Broncos @ Packers: The Packers are rolling. Aaron Rodgers is comfortable throwing to any receiver in this rotation. One week its Greg Jennings. The next its Jermichael Finley. It doesn’t matter that Ryan Grant has been ruled out. Green Bay rules by passing. Packers by 20.

Patriots @ Raiders: I can’t see New England dropping two in a row. I know Bill Belichick got his team ready this week and emphasized not turning the ball over. I’ve never seen Tom Brady throw four interceptions in one game. Patriots play pissed off and win by 17.

Dolphins @ Chargers: This is my upset special of the week. Reggie Bush is due for a breakout game, out of the backfield in runs and catches. The Chargers barely snuck by the Chiefs after overlooking them. Dolphins by a field goal late.

Jets @ Ravens: The game of the week rests on Monday night. Baltimore bounced back last week after laying an egg against Tennessee and handled St. Louis. Meanwhile, NY laid an egg against Oakland after being up by 10 points. This matchup is always a down to the wire game. I like Baltimore in this because New York is struggling against the run and Ray Rice is a hands full.

This week was a slow one on the internship. Monday, I was required to be at TGI Friday’s to fill out some paperwork for employment so I had to miss going to Philadelphia. The only day I made it into the Wells Fargo Center was Wednesday. All interns had a mandatory meeting that morning, where we were introduced to what the Comcast Spectacor group is. Basically, they are the entertainment company that owns the Sixers and Flyers. But currently the Sixers are going through a pending sale where a New York financial guy is buying the team. Most people say this is a good move. That’s because Comcast Spectacor was founded by a hockey owner, Ed Snider. Typically, you don’t want hockey brains running basketball operations. And for the last five years, the Flyers have been succeeding while the Sixers have been sliding. I don’t think the sale will go through until the lockout ends.

We heard a little more about how interns come through this program every fall and winter season. This fall program had 1100 applications. They narrowed it down to 275 and then chose about 55 of us.

We also heard how good it will look on a resume. Most sports organizations know of the Comcast Spectacor. The Human Resources director said we can shadow any other operation at the arena we want. They want us to find what we are comfortable in doing someday. So initially I thought checking out the PA announcer for the Flyers would be fun. But they don’t allow that. So maybe I’ll check into seeing what the Flyers PR department, social media team and maybe the radio broadcast crew do on game days.

Looking ahead at the weekend, I’ve got more training to do at TGI Friday’s both Saturday and Sunday from 10:30-5. Training is going to go on forever there because they require bartenders to train for 18 shifts. I don’t know why, but a job is a job and hopefully that time will just fly by until December when I get home. Other than that, Nebraska has a big game Saturday night against Wisconsin. I’m not very optimistic about this one but if we win, we’re in the National Championship conversation.

I came out here for an internship with the Philadelphia 76ers, but its hard to get a vibe on the team and the organization when there isn’t a season going on. When I got the opportunity the other night to see a Philadelphia Flyers game night, I was blown away. Quickly I realized that hockey rules this arena. They’re the success at the Wells Fargo Center and carry a fan craze. I’m not saying I’m on the wrong side of things, but I cross by fingers everyday to end this lockout and at least see a basketball game before I head home. But right now, hockey is king in the arena, and I’m fortunate I fell into an opportunity to now do things for both sides. Already having a hockey background with working for the Tri City Storm at home, I enjoy every bit of the game.

Just for fun, I snapped a quick photo of my credentials to the arena. One (RIGHT SIDE) is my main identification as being the 76ers Camp intern. The other lanyard (LEFT SIDE) is my Flyers season pass as being an intern for the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. I’m happy to be on both squads. With hockey game nights popping up around the corner, this gig might steal my attention and excitement while I’m here.

It’s amazing how one player can be one team in football. The quarterback. When Peyton Manning went down for the 2011 season and needed another neck operation, the Colts season was punted along with him. He’s the system. He’s the greatest. But when you lose your boat’s anchor, you can’t stop in shallow water. Manning has been that sea anchor holding the Colts steady for many years.

The same goes for Carolina. I’m intrigued after two weeks how well quarterback Cam Newton has adjusted to the NFL. He’s calm. He’s cool. He has that “it” factor that when you give him a football and a field, he competes. Unlike the Colts, who have completely hit rock bottom with the loss of Manning, the Panthers have climbed a mountain and are reaching the peak. Their future is exciting all of a sudden. Newton, despite earning losses in down to the wire games, has sparked interest in a previously woeful team.

This week, I’ve got quick hitters on all of our NFL match-ups and what I expect.

Jaguars @ Panthers: Rookie QB vs Rookie QB. Which cream rises to the top? Panthers play at home here in a comfortable setting against a dreadful team. I don’t expect much from Jacksonville. Panthers win by 16.

Texans @ Saints: Drew Brees has been incredible all year, 689 yards in two games. Houston got two cupcake wins against bottom of the barrel teams. Saints in the Superdome by 6.

Patriots @ Bills: If you watched A Football Life, you heard NE head coach Bill Belichick say this rivalry is always a close battle. I see the Patriots to win this game late in the 4th qtr.

Lions @ Vikings: I can’t imagine the Vikings starting the season off 0-3 after bringing in Donovan McNabb, who hasn’t done anything in two fares. You don’t quite know with him anymore. Their defense will help him out, playing strong in the Dome. Vikings by a field goal.

49ers @ Bengals: This is the worst matchup of the week. I’d rather bake a cake than watch this game. Bengals stink. Zzzzzz.

Broncos @ Titans: With Tennessee, it’s a team that you throw at the wall and see if they stick. I know the Broncos are a better offense. Denver wins on the road.

Dolphins @ Browns: Payton Hillis couldn’t get his feet going in week one for Cleveland, but two touchdowns last week and the Browns showed they can get in the endzone. Barn burner at the Dog Pound

Giants @ Eagles: I see the Eagles having a balanced running attack since Michael Vick is banged up. They CAN afford to lose this if needed. It’s week 3. This interstate rival will be closer than you think. Wouldn’t shock me to see the Giantswin.

Jets @ Raiders: The only way the Raiders can win this is if Darren McFadden can run against in my mind, the best defense in the league. I’m talking minimum 160 yards and two touchdowns. McFadden is as good as they come with the rock in his hands. He is the offense. If not, Jets win easily.

Ravens @ Rams: Baltimore laid an egg last week. Vegas has this line considerably close. But the Ravens are much better on paper and in general. Ravens by two scores.

Chiefs @ Chargers: Blowout of the week here. San Diego rolls at home. Philip Rivers sits entire 4th qtr and throws for four TDs.

Packers @ Bears: This divisional rival is a hard hitting, I hate your guts type of matchup. Being in Chicago, you have to give the Bears a chance at home. Jay Cutler limits his picks and the Bears win close one.

Cardinals @ Seahawks: Both of these teams feel like they can win their division. But Seattle is in shambles. Marshawn Lynch hasn’t been running the ball. Cardinals win on the road.

Falcons @ Buccaneers: If Mike Williams was more consistent, I would say Tampa Bay. But without him, passing game goes thru who? Falcons pound the rock and win.

Steelers @ Colts: If this was Manning against Ben Roethlisberger, this would be the spotlight game of the week. The Colts are a dessert treat for Pittsburgh. Steelers defense shuts Indy down. Completely.

Redskins @ Cowboys: If Tony Romo AND Dez Bryant play, I like Dallas. But Washington is playing fundamental. Running with a full loaded guns in the backfield. Washington is my gut feeling just because I’m a fan.

Tonight I got the opportunity to work a table at the Flyers preseason home opener against the Maple Leafs for the Youth Snider Foundation.

The Snider Foundation promotes the game of hockey and teaches its fundamentals to inner city kids.

Tonight, the promotion was a stick signed by forward Danny Briere. We were setup by one of the entry gates and had to lure people into making a $5 promotion towards a chance to win the stick.

It’s funny how quick you realize who your target audience is. It was as if you had a better chance to get a father with his son than say two college buddies at the game together.

Overall it was a fun experience. I was called upon to help this crew out because they needed an extra intern. Out of it, I got to meet other marketing interns, one from the University of Arizona and one from Rutgers. I also got a voucher for a free meal from anywhere in the arena.

I like nothing better than a game night. We promoted this for the first two periods, placed the drawing for the winner, and I saw the third period of hockey near center ice as a fan.

By far this was the best experience I’ve had here, on the Flyers side of things. I like anything that has to do with being involved with the game. I will even be able to help more of this type of work for games, which will be a fun challenge.

Fans at the Wells Fargo Center really like their hockey here in Philadelphia. Despite a 4-2 loss, it was an enjoyable atmosphere. It’s said here that this is setup as more of a hockey venue than basketball. I can see how.