I hate these people.

I wasn't in the area when The Aud was the home of the Buffalo Sabres, but from talking with people who did attend games there, it sounds much like the Checkerdome in St. Louis -- ugly, loud, somewhat fan-unfriendly, and the best place in the world to see a hockey game.

Nicholas Battaglia and his mysterious friend, "The Truck", have started up The Aud Club, which has some recent pictures of what remains of the building. It's sad, and maybe even sadder The Aud will be replaced by a Bass Pro Shop.

What is it with cities letting these old arenas and stadiums go to pot? Maple Leaf Gardens is a mess and has been rumoured to be in transition to everything from a Loblaw's grocery store to John Ferguson Jr.'s sarcophagus (okay, I made that one up). Tiger Stadium in Detroit has been flooded at times and left to rot.

At least the Tigers auctioned off some of the contents, although I missed a chance at getting some of the stuff. I attended quite a few games there and don't think I've ever been so impressed at my first sight of a field. Walking down the tunnel into the field box seats and seeing the outfield grass at the stadium -- especially considering how dingy the remainder of the place was -- took your breath away.

After going 3-1 both straight up and against the spread, plus nailing our Lock of the Week, The Hoser is feeling pretty cocky -- but not cocky enough to take what looks like to him to be all four road teams covering the spread in the Divisional Playoffs week.

That couldn't happen, could it?

Seattle (+7.5) at GREEN BAY -- O/U 43: The half-point frightens us. So does the strength of the Seahawks' finish. Packers 23, Seahawks 19.

Jacksonville (+13.5) at NEW ENGLAND -- O/U 50: After going on the road to stop the Steelers week, this is the love the Jags get? A strong running attack and a little New England rust will keep this less than two TDs. Patriots 27, Jaguars 20.

San Diego (+9) at INDIANAPOLIS -- O/U 45.5: Even with Antonio Gates on the sideline, the Chargers will find a way to make this a tight game. Hell, they might even win it. Too bad the Chargers aren't in the NFC, or they'd be headed for the Super Bowl. Colts 26, Chargers 21.

NY Giants (+7.5) at DALLAS -- O/U 46.5: Plaxico's questionable, Madison is doubtful and Dockery is out. That's just too many injuries for the Giants to take the next step. Cowboys 30, Giants 20.

Lock of the Week: Jacksonville

Washington (+3) at SEATTLE O/U 40: Clinton Portis was talking in the Redskin locker room this week about wide receiver Santana Moss being faster after getting circumsized recently. We don't know about that, but we're pretty sure it'll be Washington getting clipped this week. Seahawks 24, Redskins 17.

Jacksonville (-3) at PITTSBURGH O/U 40: Yes, we know it's in Steeler country. We also know no Willie Parker and a banged-up Big Ben means the end of Pittsburgh's season. Jaguars 23, Steelers 19.

New York Giants (+3) at TAMPA BAY O/U 39.5: We're not completely sold on the Buccaneers, but we're completely divested of any thought of Eli Manning leading his team anywhere except the golf course. Buccaneers 22, Giants 20.

Tennessee (+10) at SAN DIEGO O/U 39.5: Questionable Vince Young, no Bo Scaife. Even Norv Turner can't cock this one up. Chargers 30, Titans 17.

Lock of the Week: Seattle