The same day/same conference wild card round wins by Minnesota (a big upset win at New Orleans, vs the Saints) and Seattle (at Philadelphia vs the Eagles) manifests in the Vikings going to San Francisco, to play the 49ers in the division round for the 5th time, but first time since 1997. Seattle will visit Green Bay in a virtual night game Sunday.
Minnesota at S.F. will be the first game of the weekend (Saturday) and will be played in the late afternoon Eastern Time slot also for a 5th time. The Niners are (4-1) vs the Vikings in previous post-season games, winning at Minnesota in ’70 and at home in ’88, ’89 (en route to titles) and in ’97.
A brilliant effort by Anthony Carter led the Vikings to their lone post-season win vs the 49ers, that in 1987, with Tim Ryan, the CBS lead announcer.
Green Bay is (2-1) vs Seattle in previous post-season games, all 3 games resulting in home team victories.
While all six Niners/Vikings playoff games have been division round battles, the previous three Packers/Seahawks playoff games were in the 3 possible different rounds.
Anthony Carter, pictured above.
Today a marvelous episode of “What’s My Line?” with the one and only Jerry Lewis as the mystery guest.
This episode is from 1956 and the separation of Mr. Lewis and Dean Martin is imminent and addressed briefly. It is great television.
The panelists are Arlene Francis, Paul Winchell (with his puppet “friend,” Jerry, Vivian Blaine and Bennett Cerf.
John Charles Daly is the show’s host. Enjoy it.
I really believe that Bert Campaneris was a tremendous baseball player.
He was one of my favorite players.
“Campy” played all 3 Oakland Athletics’ teams that won 3 straight World Series crowns from (1972-1974).
Bert got two huge hits in helping the A’s win the 1973 World Series vs the Mets.
At Shea Stadium in game 3, he had the extra innings game winning single while in game 7 Campaneris hit a two run home run to open the scoring.
Bert Campaneris, pictured above.
The current and former Houston NFL football franchises advanced to the division round with thrilling wild card round victories.
Houston (Texans) rallied from a (16-0) third quarter deficit and won (22-19) in overtime, vs the Buffalo Bills, who suffered a 6th straight ‘offs loss and have not won such a game since beating the Dolphins, in Don Shula’s last game as coach in the 1995 wild card round.
At night, the Tennessee Titans, nee Houston Oilers won (20-13) vs the defending champion New England Patriots.
Both the Titans and Texans are big underdogs in the division round.
AFC top seed Baltimore (Ravens) are 10 point faves vs Tennessee, likely with Nantz next Saturday night.
Meanwhile K.C. , (Chiefs) the AFC two seed, is a 9 point favorite vs the Texans.
On his 26th birthday, Derrick Henry, the NFL rushing champion for 2019, pictured above, ran for 184 yards and a touchdown as his Titans upset the Patriots.
All these years later, the movie “Planet Of The Apes,” which started the still going, successful “franchise,” still resonates and was truly a great film.
I watched it again on TCM last night.
Ben Mankiewicz, one of the fine TCM hosts informed with some good notes including the presence of the great writer, Rod Serling as one of the screenplay writers (Michael Wilson was the other) and his “Twilight Zone” type influence, throughout the film.
I saw this depicted in the lead character “Taylor’s” (played by Charlton Heston) thoughts and insights. It truly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of the memorable film.
If you do not know the superb character actor, G.D. Spradlin, by name, it is probable you will recognize his face, via the picture below.
Which was your favorite G.D. Spradlin role?
I certainly marvel at his performance, as the corrupt Senator Geary in “The Godfather Part II,” but also as coaches of respective football and basketball teams in “North Dallas Forty” and “One on One.”
He played a pair of U.S. Presidents, Andrew Jackson and Lyndon B. Johnson.
There were many other fine roles, as I recall fondly G.D. Spradlin’s body of work.
G.D. Spradlin, pictured above.
Hoops Cabaret in New York City (48 West 33rd Street) is the place to watch the UFC 246 action. At Hoops Cabaret and Sports Bar, fans can view the matches on Saturday, January 18th, on the Hoops Mega-Tron Video Wall and numerous HD TVs and flat screens throughout the three-story club, giving every seat a clear view of all the action.
“Conor McGregor is returning to the UFC,” said Hoops girl Lucinda. “Everyone is very excited, and I’m sure there will be a lot of his fans here.”
Hoops Cabaret combines the excitement of a gentlemen’s club with the fun of a sports bar. Lots of gorgeous Hoops girls, and an exciting UFC card–sounds like fun!
HOOPS Cabaret and Sports Bar
48 West 33rd Street, New York City
***Court-side, Mezzanine and VIP seating
***Multiple Hi-Def TVs on all Three Floors
***Super VIP “Man Cave”
***Next door to the world famous Rick’s Cabaret NYC
Last week’s stunning Miami Dolphins’ upset win at New England, (Mia. was a 17 point underdog) relegated the defending champion Patriots to the AFC three seed, manifesting in them having to play a wild card round game for the first time in 10 years.
After gaining at least the two seed and a home division round game for 9 straight seasons (2010-2018), last week’s loss and K.C. Chiefs (K.C. and its coach Reid were shown celebrating getting the two seed), win means it will be a second Saturday night home wild card game for N.E. this one vs the Tennessee Titans.
The Patriots are (8-0) in home Saturday night playoffs tilts, (0-1) on the road and won their lone previous Saturday night wild card round game at home, vs the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005. The next week, playing at home, Denver (Broncos) handed New England their lone Saturday night ‘offs loss.
Kansas City Chiefs coach, Andy Reid, pictured above.
It was great to see Agnes Moorehead in a classic episode of “The Twilight Zone” titled “The Invaders” (the fine show “The Invaders” is now on MeTV, commencing first thing Sunday, tune in 11:59 PM Saturday night) that aired last night on MeTV.
Sixty years inclusive (1961-2020, would you believe it is 2020?!) from its air date in 1961, Moorehead’s performance, sans a spoken word, resonates as one of the best ever on that great show.
She is the only performer, playing a woman living in an isolated area, who gets some not wanted “company.”
Ms. Moorehead probably best known for her roles as “Kane’s” mother in the epic film “Citizen Kane” and as “Endora” on Bewitched, a show that “spoke” ahead of its time, was a tremendous performer.
Among many great achievements in a stellar career, Ms. Moorehead was a member of Orson Welles’ legendary “Mercury Players.”
A great actress, Agnes Moorehead, pictured above.
Andy B Sports 