Ken Jackson
Sports Writer

Here’s a “Merry Christmas:” This is the final football column for 2010.

Now for the “Bah Humbug:” We’ll be back next week to offer up some of our New Year’s Resolutions and more picks. How’s that for a lump of coal in the ‘ol stocking?

But aside from our prognostications and other occasional transgressions, we reflect on this very long year, and come to the conclusion that we’ve been pretty good. You weren’t so bad, either.

So on this special day, the only day of the holiday break your kids will be out of bed before 9 a.m. (or 11, or lunch time, whatever your case is), we at the News-Gazette will defer to the Jolly Fat Man (no, not Rex Ryan) and bring you the Mighty Santa Claus Top 13:

1. DeSean Jackson, who may never get kicked to again, but it only took one. 2. Dan Connelly, Bill Belichick’s newest  secret weapon. 3. Cam Newton (put your opinions aside, he’s fun to watch play). 4. Mike Vick (see No. 3). 5. The UConn hoops women (put your opinions aside about women’s sports, 89 wins in a row is crazy). 6. The Patriots, now only 83 behind UConn. 7. The Falcons. 8. The K.C. Chiefs, who came from nowhere (And wear red!). 9. The Favre (lifetime achievement honor, because he’s done). 10. Da Bears. 11. Da Steelers. 12. Da presents. 13. Da reason for da season.

Now for the picks, which require no batteries ...

Detroit at Miami (-3.5): Dolphins hope Santa delivered to them elsewhere this morning; they’re 1-6 at home. Lions are 1-6 on the road. Since they can’t both lose ... Fins by 4, but that’s a gift.

Washington at Jacksonville (-7): We hope Donovan McNabb found some nice gifts under the tree from the family. Because the Redskins got him proverbial socks and underwear. Karma stinks. Jags by 13.

Seattle at Tampa Bay (-6): Who cares what weather you came from, eight hours on a plane on Christmas is no present. Bucs by 10.

New York Jets at Chicago (-1): New York and Chicago, two neat places to be at Christmas. Oh, the game ... Jets by 3.

New York Giants at Green Bay (-3): The Giants sitting all snug on their plane, while visions of DeSean Jackson dance in their brains. Wow, we’re still talking about how the green guys stole the playoffs. Tomorrow, it’s different green guys. Pack by 6.

New Orleans at Atlanta (-2.5): Drew Brees is quickly realizing that that Super Bowl win is about to have happened last year. Falcons by 3.

And check this out, the four New Year’s Eve bowl games all involve Florida teams. Got 11 hours in ya’ before your midnight parties?

Continental Tire Bowl, USF vs. Clemson (-6): This game starts at noon. I’ll excuse you if you’re still in bed, pacing yourself for the rest of that night’s festivities. Because this doesn’t sound all that festive. Tigers by 2.

Sun Bowl, Notre Dame vs. Miami (-3): If this was 1990, that silly Auburn-Oregon game wouldn’t matter. Festive Irish by 7.

Liberty Bowl, UCF vs. Georgia (-6.5): Knights’ program needs a bowl win very badly. Maybe next year, or after that. The starting QB is a freshman, after all. UGAs by 8.

Chik-Fil-A Bowl, FSU vs. South Carolina (-3): Last time Steve Spurrier beat the ‘Noles? 2001. Jumbo, you’re no St. Bobby, but the ‘Ol Ball Coach has been waiting for this. Gamecocks by 4, as the Sunshine State teams all get rained on.

Brian “Big Santa” McBride Super Sniffer Holiday Upset Special: Giants over Packers by 3.

Rick “Prancer” Pedone says: Saints by 3, ‘Noles by 3, and can I go back to bed after I open my presents, too?

Last week: Jolly Ol’ Eagle (4-4, 89-58) lit up Jingle Beller (3-5, 84-63).

... and to all, a Good Night.