I’m better informed about football events this year than in the past, simply because I take a daily dose of sports journalism like some people take a calcium pill. In 20 minutes, I feel like I can hold my head up high in the men’s room, able to tell apart my Eli Mannings from my Tom Bradys.

I even kept my ears open this year long enough to follow the betting track on the Super Bowl. Watch that line, Bethesda — I’d place my bet against the Pats if it gets over 14 again.