Super Picks of the Week

Here is this week's "Super Bowl Picks of the Week". Thanks to the over bet on the Saints, a great winning week. I am looking to ride that train through the Super Bowl.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -5 v. New Orleans Saints
Yes, it would be a great story to have the Saints win. However, I like the Colts defense a bit more than the Saints. With Peyton throwing the ball, I bet he likes the Colts defense a lot more than the Saints. I'll give the points.

Shots of Archie Manning in the stands 2 1/2 OVER
Has to be more than that, right? I figure at least 2 per quarter.

Peyton Manning Completions 24 1/2 OVER
They aren't going to be running the ball very much.

Drew Brees Completions 24 1/2 OVER
He is good for 30-42 I think.

And because this is the Super Bowl, I will make two big bets this week.

BIG BETS OF THE WEEK

Hurricane Katrina references during the broadcast 4 1/2 OVER
I am way surprised that this is not higher.

New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts - 56 1/2 OVER
I said last week that I was going to ride this train throughout the playoffs. So I will.

Previous Week's Record: 2-1 (1-0 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 7-5 (2-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 101-75-3 (7-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $240
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): $285
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $2060

NCAA Football All-Americans

As we begin the college football All-Star season, it seems as if it is the time to honor this season's We Make It Rain All-Americans. Although there are more than 11 offenseive and defensive players listed, the team is selected to account for the various offenses and defenses used around the country (trip receivers, spread, 3-4, 4-3, etc.). I also choose some backups to account for different styles of players. I chose to explain my picks in some instances, and not in others. Why? Because I feel like it. Now here are the Pepster All-Americans. Those in bold are those that I chose as Pepster Preseason All-Americans.

Offense

QB - Colt McCoy, Texas; Kellen Moore, Boise State - McCoy led Texas to the NCAA Championship game without much of a running game. Moore had huge numbers, and Boise State has to get some recognition.

RB - Mark Ingram, Alabama, Toby Gerhart, Stanford, Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech - The Heisman Trophy winner and runner up, and Ryan Williams is my preseason player to watch next season. What, no C.J. Spiller? Keep reading.

WR - Jordan Shipley, Texas, Mardy Gilyard; Freddie Barnes, Bowling Green; Golden Tate, Notre Dame - Shipley should have been a Heisman finalist, Barnes led the country in receptions (155) and receiving yards (1,770), and Tate is good, when he isn't complaining and campaigning for pass interference penalties.

TE - Aaron Hernandez, Florida - And nobody else was close.

T - Bryan Bulaga, Iowa; Russel Okung, Oklahoma State - Both big and strong, and keys to their respective offenses.

G - Mike Iupati, Idaho; ; Rodney Hudson, Florida State - Hudson did not give up a quarterback pressure all year.

C - Maurkice Pouncey, Florida - Definitely stood out this year, and for good reason.

Defense

DE - Jerry Hughes, TCU; Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech; Sergio Kindle, Texas - Hughes was simply dominating, and Morgan was remarkably consistent. Kindle gets this position simply by virtue of his work in the BCS Championship game. My humble apologies to Texas A & M senior Von Miller.

DT - Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska; Terrence Cody, Alabama; Brian Price, UCLA - Suh might have been the most dominating player in the NCAA, Cody anchored the NCAA's championship defense; Price had 22 1/2 sacks.

OLB - Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri; Eric Norwood, South Carolina - Norwood is a beast, while Weatherspoon just makes tackles. I have no reason whatsoever to change my preseason picks!

ILB - Rolando McClaim, Alabama; Greg Jones, Michigan State - If I have to justify McClain, you have not been watching college football this year. Jones had 153 tackles this season, good for fourth best in the country.

CB - Joe Haden, Florida; Javier Arenas, Alabama - Haden is the best cover corner in college, and Arenas, well, he just makes plays.

S - Eric Berry, Tennessee; DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson; Earl Thomas, Texas - Again, I do not have to justify Berry, and I shouldn't have to justify Thoimas. McDaniel, like Thomas, had 8 interceptions.

Special Teams

K - Leigh Tiffin, Alabama - Championship kicker. Can't really find a better criteria than that.

P - Drew Butler, Georgia; Zoltan Mesko, Michigan - Butler, because he averaged 48.8 yards per punt. Mesko, because you don't mess with the Zohan.

R - C.J. Spiller, Clemson - He had to be on any All-American team, and by placing him as my returner, I could choose an additional running back.

Playoffs Picks of the Week

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". So, another 50-50 week, but thanks to the over bet on the Saints, a great winning week. I am looking to ride that train through the Super Bowl.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -8 v. New York Jets
The Jets defense may be great, but Peyton Manning will still move the ball against them. And even if Darelle Revis shuts down another star wide receiver in Reggie Wayne, that still leaves Dallas Clark, and an up-and-coming Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Colts to the Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saings -3 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
The Saints just know how to score points, whether it be running the ball with Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush, or through the air with about 100 different receivers, or even via special teams with a newly revitalized Reggie Bush. The Vikings are also potent, but they seem to have forgotten about Adrian Peterson, and that could punish them if they get into a gunfight with Drew Brees. Favre with 3 picks this game.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - OVER 54
This line just moved up 1/2 point from the time I started this post until now. Not a good sign for this bet, but both teams can score in a myriad of ways, including via defense. 27 points per half is just fine by me. I'll take the over.

Previous Week's Record: 3-2 (1-0 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 5-4 (1-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 99-74-3 (6-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $230
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): $45
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1820

Playoff Picks of the Week

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". So, a 50-50 (i.e. "losing") start last week, but who would have thought that the number 1 defense in the NFL would have forgotten to show up for the game against the Cardinals.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Arizona Cardinals +7 at New Orleans Saints
The Saints struggled against inferior teams even before they clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs. That should make for a close game. Hopefully a shoot-out like last week for the Cardinals (see below).

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Baltimore Ravens
Manning has defeated the Ravens something like 7 times in a row. Besides, given the rest of my picks, I am going to have to choose 1 home favorite. Indianapolis is it.

Dallas Cowboys +2 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
I just simply think that the Cowboys defense is entirely too good right now. I also think, that as great as the Vikings defensive line is, that if Romo gets time, he can carve up the secondary with Austin, Witten and possibly even Roy Williams.

New York Jets +7 at San Diego Chargers
I actually think San Diego is going to win, but 3 road teams won last year, and the home teams in the divisional round have not had a winning record since 2004. (Thanks to the fellas on Todd's e-mail chat list for these stats). Coupled with the Jets ball control running game, Darrelle Revis locking up Vincent Jackson, and the rest of the Jets defense being dominating, I expect them to keep it within a touchdown, so I will take the points.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints - OVER 57
Somehow this seems too easy, but I will take it.

Previous Week's Record: 2-2 (0-1 Big Bet)
Playoffs To Date: 2-2 (0-1 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 96-72-3 (5-5-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($185)
Playoffs Winnings (Losses): ($185)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1590

Playoff Picks of the Week

Here is this week's "Playoffs Picks of the Week". Yes, the first game has already started, but I have previosuly made my selection to some of my friends, so nobody can accuse me of cheating (plus, the bet had to be made before kickoff).

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

New York Jets +2 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Yes Cincinnati played a limited game plan last week, but they got their asses beat. Bad. Too much to overcome.

Philadelphia Eagles +4 at Dallas Cowboys
Unlike the above rematch, last week Philly was a couple of close passes away from making it a game, and they never, ever, blitzed. Plus, Andy Reid is like 141-0 in first round playoff games. Slight exaggeration, but he is undefeated.

Baltimore Ravens + 3 1/2 at New England
The Welker loss is huge, and Ray Rice has jumped into the upper echelon of running backs this year. He is a legitimate double threat.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers -1 at Arizona Cardinals
The Packers defense is too strong and dominating for the Cardinals. Plus, the Cardinals are down at WR with Boldin's injury, and Steve Breaston not making the leap this year that was expected after a 77 catch season last year.

Previous Week's Record: 8-6-2 (0-0-2 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 94-70-3 (5-4-1)
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $140
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1775

Picks of the Week

In honor of the NFL's Thursday night game, I am going to go ahead and make my picks for the entire week. I asked for a winning week last week, and I got it, so I am going to try to keep up the momentum for the last few weeks of the season.

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Indianapolis Colts -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars beat the teams they should, but they usually lose to good teams. The Colts are definitely a good team this year.

Dallas Cowboys +7 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
Tony Romo has actually played well in the last few games. The Cowboys lose this one, but only by a touchdown.

Chicago Bears +11 at Baltimore Ravens
I was impressed with the Bears loss last week, well, impressed enough to take the 11 points. They still lose.

Tennessee Titans -4 1/2 v. Miami Dolphins
I am taking the Titans. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. I found the line. For some reason, I am still sold on Vince Young (at least for this year).

Houston Texans -14 at St. Louis Rams
I am taking the Texans. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. I found the line. The Rams are Null and Void.

Philadelphia Eagles -9 v. San Francsico 49ers
The 49ers defense was impressive against the Cardinals last week, with Patrick Willis being possibly the best defensive player in the league. But, the Eagles have been equally impressive offensively.

Atlanta Falcons +6 at New York Jets
I am taking the Jets. Four separate sites all have no line, so I may update this pick later. OK, I found the line and I am changing my pic. I'll take the six with Ryan and Turner both playing.

Cleveland Brows +1 at Kansas City Chiefs
Both teams playing better as of late, but I am going to go with the points, and the new running game of the Browns behind Chris Jennings.

Arizona Cardinals -12 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Injuries have depleted the Lions, and they didn't have much with which to start.

New England -7 at Buffalo Bills
Might be interesting to see the Moss versus Owens blow-up contest, as in which one will blow up first. (Literally, not figuratively).

Oakland Raiders +1 at Denver Broncos
The Raiders players have shown that they have heart and they are playing like they care. Of course, that is much easier to do when you have a quarterback that can complete more than 7.4% of his passes. The question is, is Charlie Frye more Bruce Gradkowski than JaMarcus Russell?

Cincinnati Bengals +6 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Emotion keeps this game close. So does the Bengals running game. Even during the loss last week to Minnesota, Benson still gained 96 rushing yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers + 6 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
Only because the Bucs played the Dolphins close at Miami. It has really been my only exposure to the team this year.

Minnesota Vikings -9 at Carolina Panthers
The Vikings defense is tough to run against, and that is Carolina's specialty. If the Vikings keep DeAngelo Williams in check, this could be a blowout. Carolina might actually be jealous of the Raiders quarterback situation.

Washington Redskins +3 v. New York Giants
I actually just changed my pick on this one. The Redskins have been playing tough, and Vinny Cerrato's firing might be enough to put them over the top against a division rival.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers +1 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Packers defense is what the Steelers defense is supposed to be. The Packers are getting points here? I'll take 'em.


Previous Week's Record: 11-5 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 86-64-1 (5-4)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): $700
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $1635

Picks of the Week

Finally back after a brief hiatus. Here are this week's, "Picks of the Week".

As a refresher, I use the same website for the betting lines for consistency. If they are different than your lines, too bad. Standard 100 bet with a 10% vig for losing. For one game each week, I will "bet" $250. Totals for the season will be tabulated.

On to the picks ...

Pittsburgh Steelers -9 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
I thought for sure that the Browns were exactly what the Steelers needed to halt their slide. I was wrong.

New Orleans Saints -10 at Atlanta Falcons
The Saints are just cruising, and Atlanta is experiencing way too many important injuries.

New York Jets -3 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Without Sanchez, the Jets are going to do what they do best, and that is run the ball with Thomas Jones. Should be a recipe for success.

Carolina Panthers +13 at New England Patriots
The Patriots are in disarray. The Panthers running games should keep the ball out of Brady's hands. Brady seems to be doing his best to keep the ball out of Randy Moss's hands.

Minnesota Vikings -6 v. Cincinnait Bengals
The Bengals continue to surprise everyone, but the Vikings defenses should contain Cedric Benson enough for the Vikings to win.

Buffalo Bills -1 at Kansas City Chiefs
Who cares?!

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 v. Miami Dolphins
If the Dolphins had Ronnie Brown, this could have been one helluva game.

Denver Broncos +6 1/2 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts cannot keep winning forever, can they?

Houston Texans -7 v. Seattle Seahawks
Houston's offense is just too strong, while Seattle's, isn't.

Baltimore Ravens -14 v. Detroit Lions
For Detroit, at least they are better and more exciting that last year.

Tennessee Titans -13 v. St. Louis Rams
Matt Forte ran all over the Rams. Matt Forte is no Chris Johnson.

Washington Redskins -1 at Oakland Raiders
The Redskins have been much imporved of late, as have the Raiders. This is a much more interesting game than anyone would have guessed even 3 weeks ago.

San Diego Chargers +3 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
San Diego is probably the least recognized good team in the league. Dallas, however, is the most publicized average team in the league. I'll take the points.

Philadelphia Eagles -1 at New York Giants
Both teams seem to be going in opposite directions. I'll take the team going up.

Arizona -3 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
The Niners usually play Arizona tough and close, so I am glad to see the spread only 3 1/2 points. I can give those.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Green Bay Packers -4 at Chicago Bears
I am not at all high on my Bears.


Previous Week's Record: 9-10 (1-0 Big Bet)
Year to Date: 75-59-1 (4-4)
Previous Weeks Winnings (Losses): ($50)
Year to Date Winnings (Losses): $935