The inevitable..

It's going to happen. Both of them. The Dolphins are going to go 0-16. The Patriots are going to go 16-0. And there is nothing Eric Mangini, Don Shula, Anthony Smith, John Beck or Cleo Lemon can do about it. The Dolphins had their chances, 6 games decided by 3 points or less. They got a gift from God in the form of the great equalizer, an unplayable turf and a scoreless game late into the 4th quarter. Nothing seems to be able to derail destiny, the first 0-16 team in NFL history. The team has given up, and you can see it on the field. While early in the season they fought hard, and kept it close, they have lost all motivation on both sides of the ball. They don't want to be playing football, and they want this to come to an end. Well luckily for them, in three weeks time, they'll get their wish, along with the historic distinction.

As for the Pats, it seems their mini-slump has passed, and days of steamrolling opponents have returned. With two upcoming home games against the lowly Jets and the hapless Dolphins, the only semi-test will come in East Rutherford in Week 17 against the G-Men. Although the Giants front 4 is a tough match-up for the New England Offense, Eli Manning vs Belichick is a frightening thought. This team will go 16-0, but the playoffs may get interesting. Both Dallas and Indianapolis get better by the week, and although this has been one of the dullest regular seasons in recent memory, January may just make up for it.