by Jimmy Vaccaro (Twitter @JimmyVaccaro)
January 31, 2011

Finality is in sight. The year began, or almost didn’t, with the lockout.

We saw historical numbers reached in offensive play and individual talent. Plays were made that have shown people like me just how far these kids have revolutionized the game.

Side bars galore – thanks Tim Tebow. But none impacted your perspective on life. All that is history and we’ve come down to this, Giants versus the Pats. You never want to step out and talk about what can happen on Sunday because this game makes left turns come this weekend.

Nobody really knows or is bold enough to tell you, "I told you so," unless it is late Sunday night. This, I believe, will break all ticket transactions on prop bets because the excitement level and the number will not fluctuate much if at all. The money line will make it tempting for either side.

Other than QB, a tight end might, and will be, a determining factor on where this line closes. I don’t think the Pats will disclose anything but if Gronkowski were not to play, this game might close at -1. If he does play, the guessing will start on just how much is he worth.

I’ll leave it to the people who put their cash across the counter. The Giants are the darling of a lot of new fans and we will see if this new marriage is consummated or just another celebrity divorce.

Have fun, win some money and enjoy. I leave with "Mr Cub" Ernie Banks’ most endearing statement to all sports fans – "Let’s Play 2."

Take care,
Jimmy V.

Re-printed with permission of Gaming Today.