Fithian's Fab Five 1-22-11

1. My picks GB 24 Chi 17 -- Pitt 30 NYJ 23 ... Pitt -4 in Super Bowl Pitt 31 GB 26 #NFC #AFC #SuperBowl

2. On Matthew Stafford having to have surgery now when it seemed that he wasn't going to have it.

I didn't think the Lions were rushing back Stafford back too soon when they brought him back against the Skins. He took one real big shot on that shoulder vs Washington. I wonder how that shoulder felt from week 8 till week 9. Was Stafford hurting and just toughing it out? The way he fell pretty innocently against the Jets makes me wonder about how soon he came back but how could a team could rush back a $70 man?

I think any organization would error on the side of caution.

Now the timing with the surgery coming now again makes everybody wonder if they could have done this earlier? It's hard to just sit back and rubber stamp all the decisions and the timing. Of course we all wonder. I'm staying away from "This is the Lions we are talking about."

He's the man under the microscope even more now come next season. Stafford will have everything he needs on offense and the defense looks like it could be solid.

The number one question will be his health. I still question some of the other QB things with Stafford like touch and accuracy. I don't question his toughness or leadership ability.

3. Good to have Jimmy Howard back. Darren Helm and Jakob Kindl look pretty good.

4. Really hoping that Nick Lidstrom does not pick Sidney Crosby.

5. Michigan hoops needs to win Saturday night against Minnesota or their earlier season good will they built up will be gone … I know a lot of people are already there.