Not a great week, but not as bad as it could have been. Getting close to being in the black for the season after a very slow start.
Houston Texans +8 at Philadelphia Eagles
Hopefully Andre Johnson has instilled a little fight into the Texans.
Jacksonville Jaguars Pick 'em at Tennessee Titans
Jaguars are this year's surprise team, and Tennessee has no idea who is playing quarterback.
New York Giants -7 v. Washington Redskins
Giants are just too strong for the Redskins, who seem to have hit their wall of maximim potential.
Minnesota Vikings -5 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
Is it any surprise that the VIkings are better without Brad Childress? Is it any surprise that the Bills are better with Fitzpatrick.
Cleveland Browns +4 1/2 at Miami Dolphins
Peyton Hillis is having an MVP like season since he entered the starting lineup. The Dolphins are not very strong at home.
Kansas City Chiefs -9 v. Denver Broncos
The Chiefs have already annihilated Denver once, and I think the situation with McDaniels has gotten worse since the last time.
Green Bay Packers -9 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay is not Arizona, much to the 49ers chagrin.
Chicago Bears -3 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Chicago has come a long way from the first game with the Lions. This game will not come down to a Calvin Johnson "dropped" touchdown.
Oakland Raiders +12 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
San Diego should still win, but I don't think it'll be this much of a blowout. Unlike the Colts, the Raiders can run, and (somewhat) pass.
Carolina Panthers +6 at Seattle Seahawks
You couldn't pay me to watch this game.
Dallas Cowboys +5 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were exposed last week. The Cowboys are resurgent under Garrett.
Atlanta Falcons -3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once again, the Bucs return to normal against one of the best teams in the league.
St. Louis Rams -3 at Arizona Cardinals
This Sam Bradford guy could turn out to be good.
Baltimore Ravens -3 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
Should be a knock-down, drag-out fight for AFC North supremacy.
New York Jets +3 at New England Patriots
The Patriots are having a great season, but I don't think they can take the Jets at this point in the season.
BIG BET OF THE WEEK
New Orleans Saints -6 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Only 6 1/2?
Previous Week's Record 9-7
Year to Date: 94-67-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-9
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($35)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($105)
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Picks of the Week
A really good week last week, so I need to see if I can continue it this week. A couple more weeks like that can make for a good year. Perhaps I should continue analyzing the games rather than just picking them. Thanksgiving Day games are included as well.
New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions
Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals +9 1/2 at New York Jets
Minnesota Vikings -2 at Washington Redskins
Whose drama affects them the most, the Vikings with Childress being fired or the McNabb situation in Dallas? I'll give the edge to the Vikings because they got rid of their major problem, albeit way too late.
Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at New York Giants
The Jaguars are much better than anyone gives them credit for being. Not sure they win, but a full touchdown spread seems like a lot.
Houston Texans -6 v. Tennessee Titans
Jeff Fisher is an outstanding coach, but this is the first time that he has had to deal with this type of problems.
Green Bay Packers + 1 1/2 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has been very good this year, I just have a feeling that the Packers are on a roll.
Cleveland Browns -9 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Does anyone actually believe that the Browns are giving almost ten points to someone this year? The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs -2 1/2 at Seattle Seahaks
Usually Seattle plays well (for them at least) at home. That still doesn't say much.
Oakland Raiders -2 v. Miami Dolphins
No Brandon Marshall, and either a gimpy Chad Henne or a bad Tyler Thigpen.
Chicago Bears +3 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Vick cannot keep playing as well as the last couple of games, right? A strong home team getting points at home, so I'll take them.
Baltimore Ravens -7 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa begins its descent to normalcy.
Denver -3 v. St. Louis Rams
If the Broncos were a better team, we would be hearing non-stop Orton for MVP chatter.
Indianapolis Colts -2 1/2 v. San Diego Chargers
This game could end with over 900 total passing yards, all to receivers we have never heard of.
San Francisco 49ers -1 at Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco is amazingly still in the playoff hunt.
Big Bet of the Week
Pittsburgh Steelers -6 at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers are just too strong at running the ball against a rather porous Bills defense.
Previous Week's Record 10-6
Year to Date: 85-60-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $490
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($70)
New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions
Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals +9 1/2 at New York Jets
Minnesota Vikings -2 at Washington Redskins
Whose drama affects them the most, the Vikings with Childress being fired or the McNabb situation in Dallas? I'll give the edge to the Vikings because they got rid of their major problem, albeit way too late.
Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at New York Giants
The Jaguars are much better than anyone gives them credit for being. Not sure they win, but a full touchdown spread seems like a lot.
Houston Texans -6 v. Tennessee Titans
Jeff Fisher is an outstanding coach, but this is the first time that he has had to deal with this type of problems.
Green Bay Packers + 1 1/2 Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has been very good this year, I just have a feeling that the Packers are on a roll.
Cleveland Browns -9 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers
Does anyone actually believe that the Browns are giving almost ten points to someone this year? The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs -2 1/2 at Seattle Seahaks
Usually Seattle plays well (for them at least) at home. That still doesn't say much.
Oakland Raiders -2 v. Miami Dolphins
No Brandon Marshall, and either a gimpy Chad Henne or a bad Tyler Thigpen.
Chicago Bears +3 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Vick cannot keep playing as well as the last couple of games, right? A strong home team getting points at home, so I'll take them.
Baltimore Ravens -7 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa begins its descent to normalcy.
Denver -3 v. St. Louis Rams
If the Broncos were a better team, we would be hearing non-stop Orton for MVP chatter.
Indianapolis Colts -2 1/2 v. San Diego Chargers
This game could end with over 900 total passing yards, all to receivers we have never heard of.
San Francisco 49ers -1 at Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco is amazingly still in the playoff hunt.
Big Bet of the Week
Pittsburgh Steelers -6 at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers are just too strong at running the ball against a rather porous Bills defense.
Previous Week's Record 10-6
Year to Date: 85-60-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 3-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $490
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($70)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Picks
Quick picks for Thanksgiving games. I'll explain them later when I make the picks for the rest of this week.
New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions - hoping Brady plays
Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals + 9 1/2 at New York Jets
New England Patriots -7 at Detroit Lions - hoping Brady plays
Dallas Cowboys +3 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints
Cincinnati Bengals + 9 1/2 at New York Jets
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Picks of the Week
A good record so far this year, but down money-wise because of the damn big bet of the week. Got off to a great start this week with the Thursday game. Hopefully that turns things around for me.
Tennessee Titans -7 v. Washington Redskins
Tennessee is getting stronger, while it looks like the Redskins are falling apart.
Oakland Raiders +7 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh should be a much better team, but the Raiders have been surprising people all year. I'll take more than a touchdown.
New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans
Houston's season started off with so much promise. The Jets continue to roll.
Green Bay Packers -3 at Minnesota Vikings
The drama continues. Fire Brad Childress!
Kansas City Chiefs -8 Arizona Cardinalsv.
The Cardinals are an absolute mess. Kansas City continues its surprising season by running all over the Cardinals defense.
Cleveland Browns +2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville at home has been a great pick this year, but, Cleveland has played to the level of the elite teams. Browns should be able to win outright.
Dallas Cowboys -6 v. Detroit Lions
Which Dallas is real - the team that started awfully, or the team that simply annihilated the Giants?
Baltimore Ravens -11 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Do you really take a double digit favorite on the road? You do when they are coming off a bye and when the starting quarterback was literally a stay-at-home dad last week.
Atlanta Falcons -3 at St. Louis Rams
St. Louis has made a habit of covering spreads this year, but this spread is too small, and Atlanta is too good.
San Francisco 49ers -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Troy Smith has really energized the 49ers. Tampa Bay has been a great story, but the Mike Williams circus cannot help this week.
Buffalo Bills + 4 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
After an exhilarating Harvard victory, I look for the Crimson's Ryan Fitzpatrick to cover against the Bengals.
New Orleans Saints -11 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks are brutally awful on the road, and the Saints are conveniently flying under the radar. It's about time they make their move and assert some control over the NFC South.
New England Patriots -4 v. Indianapolis Colts
New England is simply a better team than the Colts this year.
Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. New York Giants
Divisional games among close teams are always tough. But, I am so jaded after last week's performances, I have to go with the Eagles.
San Diego Chargers -9 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
I went back and forth on this one for a long while before settling on the Chargers. Should be a shootout, so that will make it a fun game to watch!
Big Bet of the Week
Chicago Bears +1 1/5 at Miami Dolphins
I had already put this on record with several friends, so nobody can accuse me of cheating. The defense giving up the third fewest points in the NFL getting points against a third string quarterback making his first start in forever. This one was easy.
Previous Week's Record 8-6
Year to Date: 75-54-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($25)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($560)
Tennessee Titans -7 v. Washington Redskins
Tennessee is getting stronger, while it looks like the Redskins are falling apart.
Oakland Raiders +7 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh should be a much better team, but the Raiders have been surprising people all year. I'll take more than a touchdown.
New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans
Houston's season started off with so much promise. The Jets continue to roll.
Green Bay Packers -3 at Minnesota Vikings
The drama continues. Fire Brad Childress!
Kansas City Chiefs -8 Arizona Cardinalsv.
The Cardinals are an absolute mess. Kansas City continues its surprising season by running all over the Cardinals defense.
Cleveland Browns +2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville at home has been a great pick this year, but, Cleveland has played to the level of the elite teams. Browns should be able to win outright.
Dallas Cowboys -6 v. Detroit Lions
Which Dallas is real - the team that started awfully, or the team that simply annihilated the Giants?
Baltimore Ravens -11 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Do you really take a double digit favorite on the road? You do when they are coming off a bye and when the starting quarterback was literally a stay-at-home dad last week.
Atlanta Falcons -3 at St. Louis Rams
St. Louis has made a habit of covering spreads this year, but this spread is too small, and Atlanta is too good.
San Francisco 49ers -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Troy Smith has really energized the 49ers. Tampa Bay has been a great story, but the Mike Williams circus cannot help this week.
Buffalo Bills + 4 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
After an exhilarating Harvard victory, I look for the Crimson's Ryan Fitzpatrick to cover against the Bengals.
New Orleans Saints -11 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks are brutally awful on the road, and the Saints are conveniently flying under the radar. It's about time they make their move and assert some control over the NFC South.
New England Patriots -4 v. Indianapolis Colts
New England is simply a better team than the Colts this year.
Philadelphia Eagles -3 v. New York Giants
Divisional games among close teams are always tough. But, I am so jaded after last week's performances, I have to go with the Eagles.
San Diego Chargers -9 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
I went back and forth on this one for a long while before settling on the Chargers. Should be a shootout, so that will make it a fun game to watch!
Big Bet of the Week
Chicago Bears +1 1/5 at Miami Dolphins
I had already put this on record with several friends, so nobody can accuse me of cheating. The defense giving up the third fewest points in the NFL getting points against a third string quarterback making his first start in forever. This one was easy.
Previous Week's Record 8-6
Year to Date: 75-54-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-8
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): ($25)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($560)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Picks of the Week
Last week was a good week for me, so I thought that I would try to get into the trend by actually thinking about my picks before making them. That is why this week you get some actual analysis. Perhaps that will keep me on the winning track.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7 v. Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay impressed me last week against the Falcons. There were several moments when it looked like Atlanta was going to run away with it, only to have Tampa storm back. Carolina cannot even decide which rookie backup quarterback will start.
Tennessee Titans -2 at Miami Dolphins
I am not sure what to make of this quarterback change, but I did see a much different Dolphins team against the Ravens than earlier in the season (particularly against Pittsburgh), and that is not a good thing. It will be interesting to see how Moss is incorporated into the offense with the NFL's leading passer by rating (among those qualifiers), Vince Young.
Houston Texans +1 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I debated this selection for a long time before simply deciding to take the points. One incredibly disappointing team (the Texans) v. one surprising team (the Jaguars). Who knows?
Cincinnati Bengals +7 at Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati is also one of the most disappointing teams in the league. Indianapolis is strong, but not as strong as recent vintage, so I am going to take the TD.
New York Jets -3 at Cleveland Browns
Cleveland, and Peyton Hillis, have already shredded some good defenses this year, but I don't think they have enough to defeat the Jets, even at home. We will hear a lot about the Ryan brothers, but this game will come down to whether Cleveland can run against the Jets.
Chicago Bears +1 v. Minnesota Vikings
Despite last week's comeback, the Vikings are in disarray. They are one play away from an implosion like we have ever seen on a football field.
Detroit Lions +3 at Buffalo Bills
Detroit has shown that it can keep rolling with Shaun Hill. The question is can they do so if Drew Stanton is forced to make an appearance.
Kansas City Chiefs -1 at Denver Broncos
Rough, late defeat for the Chiefs last week. We already know that the Broncos cannot run, so the question becomes, can Tamba Hali feast against the Broncos passing attack. He is averaging 1 sack a game, and this is the type of game that could propel him to the top of the sack stats.
Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has been absolutely brutal on the road this year. I am not sure that you could pay me to watch this game.
St. Louis Rams +6 at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco really has a legitimate chance of winning this division and a win here puts them only a game out. But, I have picked St. Louis a ton this year (one of my more favorable decisions), so I will keep riding that horse.
New York Giants -13 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys
That is a lot of points to give away, but the Cowboys have given up on this season. The offense has not been stellar enough for Garrett to warrant a head coaching position either, so this game could be a disaster. Of course, the Cowboys could pull it out so Jerry Jones can blame the whole thing on Wade Phillips.
New England Patriots +4 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
I sense this game being decided by a field goal, so I will certainly take 4 1/2 points. I think the Patriots simply overlooked the Browns last week.
Philadelphia Eagles -3 at Washington Redskins
Michael Vick on Monday night! Ookie is finally free!
Big Bet of the Week
Baltimore Ravens +1 at Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore, to me, is a Top 3 team in the league right now. Atlanta is one of the best teams in the NFC, but that isn't saying much. In a short week, take the talent of the coaching and preparedness.
Previous Week's Record 8-4-1
Year to Date: 67-48-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-7
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $195
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($535)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -7 v. Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay impressed me last week against the Falcons. There were several moments when it looked like Atlanta was going to run away with it, only to have Tampa storm back. Carolina cannot even decide which rookie backup quarterback will start.
Tennessee Titans -2 at Miami Dolphins
I am not sure what to make of this quarterback change, but I did see a much different Dolphins team against the Ravens than earlier in the season (particularly against Pittsburgh), and that is not a good thing. It will be interesting to see how Moss is incorporated into the offense with the NFL's leading passer by rating (among those qualifiers), Vince Young.
Houston Texans +1 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
I debated this selection for a long time before simply deciding to take the points. One incredibly disappointing team (the Texans) v. one surprising team (the Jaguars). Who knows?
Cincinnati Bengals +7 at Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati is also one of the most disappointing teams in the league. Indianapolis is strong, but not as strong as recent vintage, so I am going to take the TD.
New York Jets -3 at Cleveland Browns
Cleveland, and Peyton Hillis, have already shredded some good defenses this year, but I don't think they have enough to defeat the Jets, even at home. We will hear a lot about the Ryan brothers, but this game will come down to whether Cleveland can run against the Jets.
Chicago Bears +1 v. Minnesota Vikings
Despite last week's comeback, the Vikings are in disarray. They are one play away from an implosion like we have ever seen on a football field.
Detroit Lions +3 at Buffalo Bills
Detroit has shown that it can keep rolling with Shaun Hill. The question is can they do so if Drew Stanton is forced to make an appearance.
Kansas City Chiefs -1 at Denver Broncos
Rough, late defeat for the Chiefs last week. We already know that the Broncos cannot run, so the question becomes, can Tamba Hali feast against the Broncos passing attack. He is averaging 1 sack a game, and this is the type of game that could propel him to the top of the sack stats.
Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has been absolutely brutal on the road this year. I am not sure that you could pay me to watch this game.
St. Louis Rams +6 at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco really has a legitimate chance of winning this division and a win here puts them only a game out. But, I have picked St. Louis a ton this year (one of my more favorable decisions), so I will keep riding that horse.
New York Giants -13 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys
That is a lot of points to give away, but the Cowboys have given up on this season. The offense has not been stellar enough for Garrett to warrant a head coaching position either, so this game could be a disaster. Of course, the Cowboys could pull it out so Jerry Jones can blame the whole thing on Wade Phillips.
New England Patriots +4 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
I sense this game being decided by a field goal, so I will certainly take 4 1/2 points. I think the Patriots simply overlooked the Browns last week.
Philadelphia Eagles -3 at Washington Redskins
Michael Vick on Monday night! Ookie is finally free!
Big Bet of the Week
Baltimore Ravens +1 at Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore, to me, is a Top 3 team in the league right now. Atlanta is one of the best teams in the NFC, but that isn't saying much. In a short week, take the talent of the coaching and preparedness.
Previous Week's Record 8-4-1
Year to Date: 67-48-5
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-7
Previous Week's Winnings (Losses): $195
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($535)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Picks of the Week
Once again lazy this week, so no analysis. Perhaps I would do better if I put more time into my thinking. Oh well.
Atlanta Falcons -9 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals +7 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers -3 at Houston Texans
New York Jets -5 at Detroit Lions
New Orleans Saints -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Baltimore Ravens -5 v. Miami Dolphins
Chicago Bears -3 at Buffalo Bills
New York Giants -7 at Seattle Seahawks
Oakland Raiders Pick -em v. Kansas City Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts +3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys +7 at Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers -5 at Cincinnati
Big Bet of the Week
New England Patriots -3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
Previous Week's Record 7-6
Year to Date: 59-44-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-6
Previous Week's Winnings ($125)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($730).
Atlanta Falcons -9 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals +7 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
San Diego Chargers -3 at Houston Texans
New York Jets -5 at Detroit Lions
New Orleans Saints -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
Baltimore Ravens -5 v. Miami Dolphins
Chicago Bears -3 at Buffalo Bills
New York Giants -7 at Seattle Seahawks
Oakland Raiders Pick -em v. Kansas City Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts +3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys +7 at Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers -5 at Cincinnati
Big Bet of the Week
New England Patriots -3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
Previous Week's Record 7-6
Year to Date: 59-44-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-6
Previous Week's Winnings ($125)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($730).
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Picks of the Week
Lazy this week, so no analysis. You don't really want my analysis with the way the picks are going this year. It is time to step things up this week.
Miami Dolphins - Pick 'em at Cincinnati Bengals
St. Louis Rams -2 v. Carolina Panthers
New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers
Buffalo Bills +7 at Kansas City
Detroit Lions -3 v. Washington Redskins
Dallas Cowboys -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers -4 1/2 v. Tennessee Titans
Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders -2 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots -5 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers Pick 'em at New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans +5 1/2 at Indianapolis
Big Bet of the Week
Denver Broncos +2 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week's Record 6-8
Year to Date: 52-48-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-5
Previous Week's Winnings ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($605).
Miami Dolphins - Pick 'em at Cincinnati Bengals
St. Louis Rams -2 v. Carolina Panthers
New York Jets -6 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers
Buffalo Bills +7 at Kansas City
Detroit Lions -3 v. Washington Redskins
Dallas Cowboys -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers -4 1/2 v. Tennessee Titans
Arizona Cardinals -3 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders -2 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots -5 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Pittsburgh Steelers Pick 'em at New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans +5 1/2 at Indianapolis
Big Bet of the Week
Denver Broncos +2 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
Previous Week's Record 6-8
Year to Date: 52-48-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-5
Previous Week's Winnings ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($605).
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Picks of the Week
Traveling down to the Steelers-Dolphins game as I type my picks - I am not driving - so just picks with no analysis again this week. You can look to previous picks for the rules I follow.
Falcons -3
Titans -3
Rams +3
Steelers -3
Jaguars +9
Ravens -13
49ers -3
Bears -3
Cardinals +7
Raiders +7 1/2
Patriots +2
Vikings +2 1/2
Giants +3
Big Bet of the Week
Saints -13
Previous Week's Record 8-5-1
Year to Date: 46-40-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-4
Previous Week's Winnings $85
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($160).
Falcons -3
Titans -3
Rams +3
Steelers -3
Jaguars +9
Ravens -13
49ers -3
Bears -3
Cardinals +7
Raiders +7 1/2
Patriots +2
Vikings +2 1/2
Giants +3
Big Bet of the Week
Saints -13
Previous Week's Record 8-5-1
Year to Date: 46-40-4
Previous Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-4
Previous Week's Winnings $85
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: ($160).
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Picks of the Week
I am late once again, so only short abbreviated picks this week.
Saints -4
Chargers -8 1/2
Steelers -14
Falcons +2
Lions +10 1/2
Ravens +2 1/2
Chiefs +4 1/2
Dolphins +3
Jets -3 1/2
Raiders +7
Vikings -1 1/2
Colts -3
Titans -3
Big Bet
Bears -6
Previous Week's record: 7-5-2
Yar To Date: 38-35-3
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-3
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($15)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($245)
Saints -4
Chargers -8 1/2
Steelers -14
Falcons +2
Lions +10 1/2
Ravens +2 1/2
Chiefs +4 1/2
Dolphins +3
Jets -3 1/2
Raiders +7
Vikings -1 1/2
Colts -3
Titans -3
Big Bet
Bears -6
Previous Week's record: 7-5-2
Yar To Date: 38-35-3
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-3
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($15)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($245)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Picks of the Week
Since I am out-of-town and it is almost game time - only short abbreviated picks this week.
Ravens -7
Packers -2 1/2
Indianapolis -7
Houston -3
Detroit -3
Atlanta -3
Cincinnati -6 1/2
Chicago +1 1/2
Jacksonville +1 1/2
Tennessee +7
San Diego -6
Philadelphia +3
New York Jets -3 1/2
Big Bet
New Orleans -7
Previous Week's record: 6-8
Year To Date: 31-30-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-2
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($230)
Ravens -7
Packers -2 1/2
Indianapolis -7
Houston -3
Detroit -3
Atlanta -3
Cincinnati -6 1/2
Chicago +1 1/2
Jacksonville +1 1/2
Tennessee +7
San Diego -6
Philadelphia +3
New York Jets -3 1/2
Big Bet
New Orleans -7
Previous Week's record: 6-8
Year To Date: 31-30-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year To Date: 2-2
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($445)
Winnings (Losses) Year To Date: ($230)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Picks of the Week
A strong week 1, and two 8-8 weeks. Let's see how I can do during the first weeks of byes. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. All spreads are used from the same site each week, as of the time I do the picking. On to the picks.
Tennessee Titans -6 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Denver is going to have a really tough time dealing with Chris Johnson. But then again, who doesn't.
Baltimore Ravens +2 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers cannot go 4-0 without Roethlisberger, can they?
Cleveland Browns +2 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati hasn't really started clicking yet, and Peyton Hillis gained 144 on the ground against the Ravens.
Detroit Lions +14 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Detroit has shown that they can score some points against anybody. Green Bay will win, but not by more than 2 Touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints -13 v. Carolina Panthers
Defending champions at home against a rookie quarterback. Easy pick.
Atlanta Falcons -6 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers
Atlanta showed their mettle against the Saints, while the 49ers are already imploding.
St. Louis Rams +1 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
It may be because I am ridiculously stubborn, but I just don't believe in the Seahawks. Bradford is an NFL quarterback already.
New York Jets -6 at Buffalo Bills
Tough to pick against a Harvard quarterback, but Rex Ryan is going to test his knowledge of defenses. Fitzpatrick has been good enough that the Bills just cut Trent Edwards.
Houston Texans -3 at Oakland Raiders
Tough defeat for the Raiders last week. Tougher team to come back against this week.
Arizona Cardinals +9 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
Is San Diego's slow start just that a slow start, or is it a sign that they just are not that good?
Philadelphia Eagles -5 v. Washington Redskins
So, has anybody heard anything about McNabb's return to Philly this week?
Chicago Bears +3 1/2 at New York Giants
I know the Giants are the home team, but how are they favored. If the Bears were not my favorite team, I would have made this game my big bet of the week.
Miami Dolphins +1 v. New England Patriots
The Dolphins always play the Patriots tough.
BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Indianapolis Colts -7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Just too much talent versus not enough talent.
Previous Week's Record: 8-8
Year to Date: 25-22-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 2-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $70
Winnings (Losses)Year to Date: $215
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Ole College Try
Welcome to the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Mark Ingram was at this time last year. Regular readers will remember, or at least can go look up, my initial column last year where I accurately predicted the third straight sophomore Heisman winner (so what if it wasn't Jacory Harris?) Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State - The legitimate front runner for this award after gaining 42,000 total yards in the last two games, or at least, that is what ESPN has led me to believe.
Andrew Luck - Stanford - This is now a two person race, unless Oregon's defense totally decimates Luck this weekend. Luck has taken over the favorite for first draft pick from fellow Pac-10 QB Jake Locker.
Rising - Denard Robinson - Michigan - A tremendous athlete at the QB position. He leads the nation in rushing. The nation. As a QB!!!
Falling - Case Keenum - Houston - No ACL, No Heisman.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - John Clay - Wisconsin - 501 yards and 6TDs. Big test this week as Wisconsin, with the tenth best rushing attack in NCAA, goes against Michigan State, with the tenth best rushing defense in the NCAA. Somethings gotta give.
Sleeper - LaMichael James - Oregon - He made Oregon fans forget about LaGarrette Blount last year, and he is making them care about him this year. A big game against Stanford would vault James into the national spotlight, and Oregon into the national championship hunt.
Rising - Kendall Hunter - Oklahoma State - 8TDs so far this year and 7 yards per carry. He is no Denard Robinson, but then again, who is.
Falling - Trent Richardson - Alabama - Not necessarily because of anything that he has done, but simply because of what Mark Ingram has done. It became fashionable when Ingram was injured for some analysts (myself included) to say that Richardson might even be better than Ingram. He is not.
Defensive Leader - Monte Te'o - Notre Dame - 54 tackles so far this season. Of course, he seems to be the only person tackling anybody for Notre Dame.
Player to Watch
Trey Burton - QB/RB - Florida - 6 TDs last week against Kentucky, including 5 rushing TDs on 5 carries. This guy is a talent, and with Demps being injured, should have more plays called for him against Alabama.
My New Favorite Player
Taylor Martinez - QB - Nebraska - First of all, he's Hispanic. Second of all, he's a QB. 9.4yards per carry, 8 TDs and just shy of 500 yards rushing. Oh yeah, and he is a freshman.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
The Georgia CB who allowed Arkansas' receiver to score the go-ahead TD in the last second a couple of weeks ago. He is so unimportant to me, I don't even want to look him up.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Les Miles - LSU - For coming out and insulting the LSU fans for booing during the games. Les, the fans are not booing your players, they are booing you.
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Alabama looked beatable against Arkansas, and Boise State handled Oregon State, putting them on a crash course for the BCS Champtionship game, depending on what happens in the Oregon - Stanford game, especially if Oregon wins.
Rant(s) of the Week
Why can't any team find helmets that stay on the player's heads during the game? Seriously, now that I have mentioned it, watch how many helmets fly off for no reason.
Congratulations of the Week
Boise State - Again. They didn't make the rules, but they have beaten the only two teams on their scheduled.
Under Performance of the Week
Texas. I mean they haven't had a running game for a while, but boy-oh-boy did they look awful against UCLA.
Offensive Play of the Week
Defensive Plays of the Week
Stanford FB/LB Owen Marecic scores a rushing touchdown, then intercepts the next offensive play for a TD. Two touchdowns on two consecutive plays, one on offense and one on defense You don't get any better than that.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?
Slingin' Sammy Baugh.
Trivia Question of the Week
Nebraska Freshman QB Taylor Martinez has 532 yards rushing through the first four games. What is the NCAA FBS freshman rushing record, and who holds it?
Matchup(s) to Watch
3. Wisconsin v. Michigan State - As stated above, the tenth best rushing team against the tenth best rushing defense. If Wisconsin wins, they could emerge as the biggest challenger to Ohio State's potential undefeated season, Big Ten championship, and potential BCS championship birth.
2. Florida v. Alabama - Could be a preview of the SEC Championship game. Florida seems to be playing better after routing Kentucky, but Alabama is most likely too strong. The big question is does Florida learn something from this game that they use to beat Alabama in December.
1. Stanford v. Oregon - This could be the most exciting game of the season. Actual potential for 100 points to be scored.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Terrelle Pryor - Ohio State - The legitimate front runner for this award after gaining 42,000 total yards in the last two games, or at least, that is what ESPN has led me to believe.
Andrew Luck - Stanford - This is now a two person race, unless Oregon's defense totally decimates Luck this weekend. Luck has taken over the favorite for first draft pick from fellow Pac-10 QB Jake Locker.
Rising - Denard Robinson - Michigan - A tremendous athlete at the QB position. He leads the nation in rushing. The nation. As a QB!!!
Falling - Case Keenum - Houston - No ACL, No Heisman.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - John Clay - Wisconsin - 501 yards and 6TDs. Big test this week as Wisconsin, with the tenth best rushing attack in NCAA, goes against Michigan State, with the tenth best rushing defense in the NCAA. Somethings gotta give.
Sleeper - LaMichael James - Oregon - He made Oregon fans forget about LaGarrette Blount last year, and he is making them care about him this year. A big game against Stanford would vault James into the national spotlight, and Oregon into the national championship hunt.
Rising - Kendall Hunter - Oklahoma State - 8TDs so far this year and 7 yards per carry. He is no Denard Robinson, but then again, who is.
Falling - Trent Richardson - Alabama - Not necessarily because of anything that he has done, but simply because of what Mark Ingram has done. It became fashionable when Ingram was injured for some analysts (myself included) to say that Richardson might even be better than Ingram. He is not.
Defensive Leader - Monte Te'o - Notre Dame - 54 tackles so far this season. Of course, he seems to be the only person tackling anybody for Notre Dame.
Player to Watch
Trey Burton - QB/RB - Florida - 6 TDs last week against Kentucky, including 5 rushing TDs on 5 carries. This guy is a talent, and with Demps being injured, should have more plays called for him against Alabama.
My New Favorite Player
Taylor Martinez - QB - Nebraska - First of all, he's Hispanic. Second of all, he's a QB. 9.4yards per carry, 8 TDs and just shy of 500 yards rushing. Oh yeah, and he is a freshman.
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
The Georgia CB who allowed Arkansas' receiver to score the go-ahead TD in the last second a couple of weeks ago. He is so unimportant to me, I don't even want to look him up.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Les Miles - LSU - For coming out and insulting the LSU fans for booing during the games. Les, the fans are not booing your players, they are booing you.
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Alabama looked beatable against Arkansas, and Boise State handled Oregon State, putting them on a crash course for the BCS Champtionship game, depending on what happens in the Oregon - Stanford game, especially if Oregon wins.
Rant(s) of the Week
Why can't any team find helmets that stay on the player's heads during the game? Seriously, now that I have mentioned it, watch how many helmets fly off for no reason.
Congratulations of the Week
Boise State - Again. They didn't make the rules, but they have beaten the only two teams on their scheduled.
Under Performance of the Week
Texas. I mean they haven't had a running game for a while, but boy-oh-boy did they look awful against UCLA.
Offensive Play of the Week
Defensive Plays of the Week
Stanford FB/LB Owen Marecic scores a rushing touchdown, then intercepts the next offensive play for a TD. Two touchdowns on two consecutive plays, one on offense and one on defense You don't get any better than that.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?
Slingin' Sammy Baugh.
Trivia Question of the Week
Nebraska Freshman QB Taylor Martinez has 532 yards rushing through the first four games. What is the NCAA FBS freshman rushing record, and who holds it?
Matchup(s) to Watch
3. Wisconsin v. Michigan State - As stated above, the tenth best rushing team against the tenth best rushing defense. If Wisconsin wins, they could emerge as the biggest challenger to Ohio State's potential undefeated season, Big Ten championship, and potential BCS championship birth.
2. Florida v. Alabama - Could be a preview of the SEC Championship game. Florida seems to be playing better after routing Kentucky, but Alabama is most likely too strong. The big question is does Florida learn something from this game that they use to beat Alabama in December.
1. Stanford v. Oregon - This could be the most exciting game of the season. Actual potential for 100 points to be scored.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Picks of the Week
This is abbreviated for now because I am typing on my phone. I will turn it into a proper post later, but I need to get my picks on record first.
Ravens -10 1/2
Steelers -2 1/2
Titans +3
Saints -3
Patriots -14 1/2
Lions + 11 1/2
Chiefs +3
Texans -2 1/2
Eagles -2 1/2
Rams +4 1/2
Raiders +4 1/2
Colts -5 1/2
Chargers -4
Dolphins -1
Packers -3
Big Bet - Bengals -3
Last Week 8-8
Big Bet 0-1
Last Weeks Earnings: (245)
Year to Date: +145
Ravens -10 1/2
Steelers -2 1/2
Titans +3
Saints -3
Patriots -14 1/2
Lions + 11 1/2
Chiefs +3
Texans -2 1/2
Eagles -2 1/2
Rams +4 1/2
Raiders +4 1/2
Colts -5 1/2
Chargers -4
Dolphins -1
Packers -3
Big Bet - Bengals -3
Last Week 8-8
Big Bet 0-1
Last Weeks Earnings: (245)
Year to Date: +145
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Picks of the Week
AFter a pretty good start, I think I learned some things about teams that could contribute to a continued winning streak. Let's at least hope so. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. All spreads are used from the same site each week, as of the time I do the picking. On to the picks.
Kansas City Chiefs +3 at Cleveland Browns
There is no telling who is going to start, or finish, at QB for Cleveland. Kansas City looked good against the Chargers. I look for them to at least keep it close, if not win outright.
Green Bay Packers -12 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
Long time followers of this blog know that I hate giving up double digits. Not this time.
Tennessee Titans -6 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
With Roethlisberger this game would be entirely different. I look for Vince Young to make several more key plays than Dennis Dixon will.
Philadelphia Eagles -6 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Just a hunch, because of the return of Michael Vick.
Chicago Bears +7 at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys offense has struggled the entire preseason and first game. Julius Peppers cannot wait to see Alex Barron lined up across from him.
Carolina Panthers -3 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With or without Matt Moore, Carolina's running backs are just too tough for Tampa.
Atlanta Falcons -6 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals
This is not Arizona's year.
Miami Dolphins +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
Miami always plays good teams really tough. Should be a close game.
St. Louis Rams +3 1/2 at Oakland Raiders
Sam Bradford can definitely play in this league.
Seattle Seahawks +3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
We will find out if Seattle's first game was a fluke or not.
Houston Texans -2 1/2 at Washingotn Redskins
Houston is really, really good. Should be favored by 6 1/2.
Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at San Diego Chargers
I just really cannot figure out Jacksonville. I am taking a flyer on them this week.
New England Patriots -3 at New York Jets
Both teams played like polar opposites last week. Not a good omen for the Jets this week.
Indianapolis Colts -5 v. New York Giants
Indianapolis lost to a really good time. Not sure the Giants are as good as they looked in Week 1.
New Orleans -5 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
I don't think San Fran is as bas as they showed last week, but they are not as good as New Orleans.
BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Baltimore Ravens -2 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals looked more like the Bungles of the past last week, while the Ravens now have an offense. That is really scary for the rest of the AFC.
Previous Week's Record: 9-6-1
Year to Date: 9-6-1
Big Bet Previous Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 1-0
Winnings (Losses): $390
Friday, September 17, 2010
NFL Wrap-Up
Here are my thoughts from Week 1 of the NFL season, based purely on what I was able to see, and again, since I was at a bar all day drinking and watching football, that was a lot!
Game of the Week
Indianapolis Colts 24 at Houston Texans 34. There were no really classic games in Game 1. Some teams made a statement that they are better than expected, some teams made the opposite statement (I am looking at you New York Jets). This game was the game of the week for what it represented, The Houston Texans' emergence as a power in the NFL, and Indianapolis' comeuppance. Now Indianapolis may not slide into complete mediocrity, but they are at a point where other good teams are no longer scared of them. Houston, without great games from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, but behind a ridiculous effort by the offensive line leading to 231 rushing yards by Arian Foster, made a claim that they are the team to beat in the AFC South.
Best Team Performance
The New England Patiots. They completely dismantled the defending AFC North champions the Cincinnati Bengals, who became preseason darlings after the arrival of Terrell Owens. New England asserted control early, and eased into a 38-24 victory, letting the Jets know that despite Rex Ryan's assertions, the Jets are not the team to beat in the AFC East.
Least Impressive Team Performance
New York Jets - Horrific offensively against the Ravens, and they looked like they were completely lost on offense. The defense only gave up 10 points to a supposedly vaunted Ravens offense, but when needed, and especially on third down, Baltimore was able to have its way with the Jets.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)
Arian Foster, RB - Houston. 231 yards on 33 carries, including 4 consecutive carries during which he gained 98 yards. In all honesty, I don't know what was more impressive, Foster's running or the blocking provided by the offensive line.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)
LaRon Landry, S - Washington Redskins. 17 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, against the hated rival Dallas Cowboys in a 13-7 victory. Honorable mention to Clay Matthews, who had 3sacks for Green Bay against the Eagles.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)
Dexter McCluster KR, Kansas City Chiefs. A 94 yard return for a TD in his NFL debut. In a game in which he was not supposed to play because of an illness. So much for being too small for the league.
Goat of the Week
Calvin Johnson, WR - Detroit Lions. Yes, in reality he caught the ball. We all saw it. But anyone who has watched the NFL for any length of time knows that if you go to the ground during a catch, you have to maintain possession the entire time. Apparently Johnson was too busy with his engineering studies to watch the NFL growing up.
Hit of the Week
Julius Peppers - DE, Chicago Bears. Not a classically great hit in terms of viewing pleasure, but Peppers separated Matthew Stafford's shoulder with his hit, knocking the QB out for several weeks, maybe months. You don't get much harder than that. Peppers must be chomping at the bit to go against the Cowboys' Alex Barron.
Breakthrough Performance
Sam Bradford - QB - St. Louis Rams. No the Rams didn't win, and no Bradford did not play like a star. But, he looked like he belonged in the NFL as a QB, and he had 55 pass attempts. Generally most rookie QBs don't throw that much in 4 or 5 games.
Finally
Michael Vick, QB - Philadelphia Eagles
After serving time in the federal pen, and after not playing much at all last year, Vick looked good in throwing the ball for 175 yards, and he looked like himself in rushing for 103 yards. He gets the start this week.
Impact Injury
So many to choose from this week, but I will have to go with Matthew Stafford. The Lions look like they could be emerging this season to respectability, and now they lose Stafford for an indeterminate number of weeks.
Team Rising
Kansas City Chiefs - They looked good in defeating the perennial AFC West favorites San Diego Chargers. More importantly, they looked fun, not boring, with Charles and McCluster breaking off big plays.
Team Falling
Toss Up between the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, but I am going to pick the Cowboys, because they lost to the Redskins. The Jets at least lost to the Baltimore Ravens, a team some consider a Super Bowl favorite.
Best Teams
1. New Orleans Saints
2. New England Patriots
3. Houston Texans
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
Worst Teams
32. San Francisco 49ers
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Oakland Raiders
29. Carolina Panthers
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Preview - Game(s) of the Week
4. Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys - Is it possible that Dallas is as bad as it has shown in the preseason games and week 1? The Bears looked really good at times against the Lions, but the Cowboys aren't the Lions.
3. New England Patriots at New York Jets - After last weeks debacle, the Jets really need to assert some control over the other playoff favorites. New England looks to continue its dominance from last week.
2. Miami Dolphins v. Minnesota Vikings - Can Miami be that good without any real stars? Can Minnesota start 0-2? Both important questions that can be answered early in the season.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers v. Tennessee Titans - Two tough grind it out teams fight for early season supremacy. Steelers D v. Chris Johnson. Dennis Dixon with a game under his belt. Who knows what could happen?
Trivia
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster surprisingly rushed for 231 yards last week. This should not have been that much of a surprise as he is the second leading rusher in Tennessee Volunteer history. Who is the first? Answer provided next week.
Sports Bar Review of the Week
This is a new segment this year. Me and my peeps are going to attempt to watch the NFL games every Sunday from a different sports bar. My review of the bar will be in this section of the NFL Wrap-Up. This week's bar - JJ Muggs Stadium Grill in the Abacoa section of Jupiter, Florida.
JJ Muggs is in a great location, right across from the Spring Training stadium of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins. At first, it looks like a great sports bar, with lots of televisions in all good angles for watching. However, we were asked to move from our table because it was "reserved", and those that reserved it had arrived. We later find out that the reserving party was a bunch of employees, including the girlfriend of one of the managers. We were escorted upstairs, which is a nice area for a private party, but not so great for NFL Sunday. The televisions are located only along one wall, running perpendicular to the tables. Not good angles for watching the actual games.
Our bartender/waitress, Katie, was very attentive and generally really good. Although she seemed incredibly busy, running a small bar and about 10 tables by herself, she generally kept on top of everything.
The bar offers all you can eat wings during football Sundays, and although the buffalo style was OK, the barbecue wings were great. The sauce was exceptional, and we ordered more than several plates.
The beer was cold, the prices were good, and the experience might have been better if only it was easier to watch the actual games. It was better for the 4:00 games, as most of the bar cleared out after the early games finished, but generally, it was difficult to maneuver to watch more than one game.
On a scale of 1-10, the overall rating is a 3. It might have been higher if we were downstairs, and it would have been even higher if we weren't kicked out from downstairs. The saving grace was Katie and the barbecue sauce.
Game of the Week
Indianapolis Colts 24 at Houston Texans 34. There were no really classic games in Game 1. Some teams made a statement that they are better than expected, some teams made the opposite statement (I am looking at you New York Jets). This game was the game of the week for what it represented, The Houston Texans' emergence as a power in the NFL, and Indianapolis' comeuppance. Now Indianapolis may not slide into complete mediocrity, but they are at a point where other good teams are no longer scared of them. Houston, without great games from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, but behind a ridiculous effort by the offensive line leading to 231 rushing yards by Arian Foster, made a claim that they are the team to beat in the AFC South.
Best Team Performance
The New England Patiots. They completely dismantled the defending AFC North champions the Cincinnati Bengals, who became preseason darlings after the arrival of Terrell Owens. New England asserted control early, and eased into a 38-24 victory, letting the Jets know that despite Rex Ryan's assertions, the Jets are not the team to beat in the AFC East.
Least Impressive Team Performance
New York Jets - Horrific offensively against the Ravens, and they looked like they were completely lost on offense. The defense only gave up 10 points to a supposedly vaunted Ravens offense, but when needed, and especially on third down, Baltimore was able to have its way with the Jets.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)
Arian Foster, RB - Houston. 231 yards on 33 carries, including 4 consecutive carries during which he gained 98 yards. In all honesty, I don't know what was more impressive, Foster's running or the blocking provided by the offensive line.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)
LaRon Landry, S - Washington Redskins. 17 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, against the hated rival Dallas Cowboys in a 13-7 victory. Honorable mention to Clay Matthews, who had 3sacks for Green Bay against the Eagles.
Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)
Dexter McCluster KR, Kansas City Chiefs. A 94 yard return for a TD in his NFL debut. In a game in which he was not supposed to play because of an illness. So much for being too small for the league.
Goat of the Week
Calvin Johnson, WR - Detroit Lions. Yes, in reality he caught the ball. We all saw it. But anyone who has watched the NFL for any length of time knows that if you go to the ground during a catch, you have to maintain possession the entire time. Apparently Johnson was too busy with his engineering studies to watch the NFL growing up.
Hit of the Week
Julius Peppers - DE, Chicago Bears. Not a classically great hit in terms of viewing pleasure, but Peppers separated Matthew Stafford's shoulder with his hit, knocking the QB out for several weeks, maybe months. You don't get much harder than that. Peppers must be chomping at the bit to go against the Cowboys' Alex Barron.
Breakthrough Performance
Sam Bradford - QB - St. Louis Rams. No the Rams didn't win, and no Bradford did not play like a star. But, he looked like he belonged in the NFL as a QB, and he had 55 pass attempts. Generally most rookie QBs don't throw that much in 4 or 5 games.
Finally
Michael Vick, QB - Philadelphia Eagles
After serving time in the federal pen, and after not playing much at all last year, Vick looked good in throwing the ball for 175 yards, and he looked like himself in rushing for 103 yards. He gets the start this week.
Impact Injury
So many to choose from this week, but I will have to go with Matthew Stafford. The Lions look like they could be emerging this season to respectability, and now they lose Stafford for an indeterminate number of weeks.
Team Rising
Kansas City Chiefs - They looked good in defeating the perennial AFC West favorites San Diego Chargers. More importantly, they looked fun, not boring, with Charles and McCluster breaking off big plays.
Team Falling
Toss Up between the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, but I am going to pick the Cowboys, because they lost to the Redskins. The Jets at least lost to the Baltimore Ravens, a team some consider a Super Bowl favorite.
Best Teams
1. New Orleans Saints
2. New England Patriots
3. Houston Texans
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
Worst Teams
32. San Francisco 49ers
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Oakland Raiders
29. Carolina Panthers
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Preview - Game(s) of the Week
4. Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys - Is it possible that Dallas is as bad as it has shown in the preseason games and week 1? The Bears looked really good at times against the Lions, but the Cowboys aren't the Lions.
3. New England Patriots at New York Jets - After last weeks debacle, the Jets really need to assert some control over the other playoff favorites. New England looks to continue its dominance from last week.
2. Miami Dolphins v. Minnesota Vikings - Can Miami be that good without any real stars? Can Minnesota start 0-2? Both important questions that can be answered early in the season.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers v. Tennessee Titans - Two tough grind it out teams fight for early season supremacy. Steelers D v. Chris Johnson. Dennis Dixon with a game under his belt. Who knows what could happen?
Trivia
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster surprisingly rushed for 231 yards last week. This should not have been that much of a surprise as he is the second leading rusher in Tennessee Volunteer history. Who is the first? Answer provided next week.
Sports Bar Review of the Week
This is a new segment this year. Me and my peeps are going to attempt to watch the NFL games every Sunday from a different sports bar. My review of the bar will be in this section of the NFL Wrap-Up. This week's bar - JJ Muggs Stadium Grill in the Abacoa section of Jupiter, Florida.
JJ Muggs is in a great location, right across from the Spring Training stadium of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins. At first, it looks like a great sports bar, with lots of televisions in all good angles for watching. However, we were asked to move from our table because it was "reserved", and those that reserved it had arrived. We later find out that the reserving party was a bunch of employees, including the girlfriend of one of the managers. We were escorted upstairs, which is a nice area for a private party, but not so great for NFL Sunday. The televisions are located only along one wall, running perpendicular to the tables. Not good angles for watching the actual games.
Our bartender/waitress, Katie, was very attentive and generally really good. Although she seemed incredibly busy, running a small bar and about 10 tables by herself, she generally kept on top of everything.
The bar offers all you can eat wings during football Sundays, and although the buffalo style was OK, the barbecue wings were great. The sauce was exceptional, and we ordered more than several plates.
The beer was cold, the prices were good, and the experience might have been better if only it was easier to watch the actual games. It was better for the 4:00 games, as most of the bar cleared out after the early games finished, but generally, it was difficult to maneuver to watch more than one game.
On a scale of 1-10, the overall rating is a 3. It might have been higher if we were downstairs, and it would have been even higher if we weren't kicked out from downstairs. The saving grace was Katie and the barbecue sauce.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Picks of the Week
Welcome back to this year's "picks of the week" segment that will occur weekly at We Make It Rain. As a refresher, I like to keep track of what I would have earned had I actually bet on all of the games (since gambling is illegal). Each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I will keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will pretend that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. On to the picks.
New Orleans Saints - 4 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
See my entry from Thursday.
Carolina Panthers + 6 1/2 at New York Giants
The Giants struggled at the end of last season, going 3-8 in their last 11. I just don't see them as being that talented overall, especially on offense. And they are giving points!
Miami Dolphins -3 at Buffalo Bills
I suspect that the Bills will be much better than expected this season, but they still have a long season ahead of them.
Pittsburgh Steelers +1 v. Atlanta Falcons
This should be a close game, so I will take the points. Steelers defense, with Polamalu, keeps them in the game. I look for Dixon to make one really special, and one really costly, play.
Detroit Lions +7 at Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions defensive line looks to be much improved, with Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Stafford should be much improved as well. I don't know if the Lions will win outright, but they should cover. The Bears could be really, really bad this year.
Cincinnati Bengals + 4 1/2 at New England Patriots
The story is going to be a rookie and a second year cornerback for the Patriots guarding TO and OchoCinco, with little or no pass rush. Take the Bengals outright.
Denver Broncos + 2 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville could be in for a long, long season. Most of the people attending this game will be wearing Denver and or UF 15 jerseys anyway.
Houston Texans +1 v. Indianapolis Colts
It has to happen sometime, and it might as well occur when Indy's run game is struggling.
Tennessee Titans -6 v. Oakland Raiders
All Vince Young does is win. It isn't always pretty numerically, but he gets it done.
Green Bay Packers -3 at Philadelphia Eagles
I could easily see the Packers in the Super Bowl this year.
San Francisco -3 at Seattle Seahawks
The winner of this game could actually clinch the division title - yes in week 1.
St. Louis Rams +4 v. Arizona Cardinals
Now wouldn't this be a surprise? However, some surprise always occurs in week 1. Arizona lost a ton of talent (Warner, Boldin, Dansby), and Fitzgerald is hurting. This team may have to reevaluate itself very quickly.
Dallas Cowboys - 3 1/2 at Washington Redskins
Dallas will almost certainly implode this season, I just don't expect it to be week 1. The Redskins may ultimately show improvement this year, but it is going to take a bit of time to get there.
Baltimore Ravens + 1 1/2 at New York Jets
Baltimore's offense is much better than the Jets. The Jets defense is not that much better than the Ravens.
San Diego Chargers - 4 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are also going to be better as the season moves forward, just not in week 1.
BIG BET OF THE WEEK
Cleveland Browns + 4 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay should not be giving points to anybody at this stage, I don't care if it is a home game or not.
Previous Week's Record: N/A
Year to Date: N/A
Winnings (Losses): N/A
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Ole College Try
Once again, I will attempt to do a weekly wrap-up of the college football season, told from a couple of days distance simply to let some of the stories simmer a bit and to gain a bit of perspective. Generally this column will come out on Wednesday. Although you may have a different take on the past weekend, I can only truly comment on games that I have seen, and this is my perspective.
Also, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Mark Ingram was at this time last year. Regular readers will remember, or at least can go look up, my initial column last year where I accurately predicted the third straight sophomore Heisman winner (so what if it wasn't Jacory Harris?) Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
The only thing is we have no "Big 3 Edition" this season, since Bradford, McCoy and Tebow all defected to the riches of the NFL.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Kellen Moore - Boise State - Only 23-38 for 215 yards, but 3 TDs, including the last minute, prime time Labor Day evening game winner over Virginia Tech.
Tyler Yates - North Carolina - 412 yards, 3 TDs, no INTs against LSU. North Carolina's defense was undermanned this game (perhaps the season), so they needed every single one of Yates' yards to even compete.
Sleeper - Nick Foles - Arizona - 32-37 for 360 yards. Only 5 incompletions. Did have 1 interception, though.
Rising - Andrew Luck - Stanford - With his old backfield mate now on the Vikings (that's Toby Gerhart), this is Luck's team. Could be in contention for a PAC-10 title.
Falling - Nobody - yet.
And yes, I suspect this is the only time Yates and Foles merit mention in this column.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Demarco Murray - Oklahoma - 208 yards and 2 TDs. This team is now definitely back to being a running team, and Murray is the lead horse.
John Clay - Wisconsin - Only 123 yards, but on 17 carries. Will have a much heavier workload in tougher games.
Sleeper - Davin Meggett - Maryland - 105 yards, but on only 8 carries. I don't expect him to keep up this pace, but the Terps need something to work on offense for them to be good this year.
Rising - Nobody is rising after only one week.
Falling - Same.
Defensive Leader - Lance Mitchell S - Oregon State - 18 tackles! Not sure OSU wants its safety to have this many tackles, but he deserves to be on top for this week.
Co-Leader - Janoris Jenkins - CB - Florida - When the Gators so desperately needed a play, it was Jenkins, and not any of the members of the vaunted offense, that stepped up.
Player to Watch
Jacory Harris - QB - Miami - I am going with him for the second straight year after week 1. The fact that the Canes need him to play extremely well going into the Horseshoe is understating the facts.
My New Favorite Player
Kyle Padron - QB - Southern Methodist - Simply because of his name
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Mike Pouncey - C (former C) - Florida - He is not his brother Maurkice. Must have had 300 bad snaps during the game. Almost cost them the game against Miami (OH). One of the ESPN announcers stated that the Gators should bench Brantley and promote a shortstop.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Ken Niumatalolo - Navy - I understand going for it when your team is the underdog, tired, and becoming less and less competitve. When you have the better and stronger team? Go for the tie, prolong the game and outlast the weaker opponent. Even Niumatalolo admitted this mistake. You were rushing at will against Maryland, did you think that wasn't going to last in overtime?
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Boise State has one big matchup left, against Oregon State. Alabama, until someone knocks them off is on top. Still way too early to tell.
Rant(s) of the Week
Florida State wide reciever/punt returner Greg Reid goes down with what looks to be a leg cramp, but could be more serious. The team gets him to the sidelines, and right in front of the cameras someone gives him a pill, puts something in his water bottle and has him drink. Now, I am sure it was a potassium pill or something similar, but for crying out loud, in this day and age of PEDs, at least have someone tell the audience what it was that he took.
Congratulations of the Week
Boise State - For the first time in their history, they looked like an actual great (potentially) team, rather than just a plucky good story with a good system.
Under Performance of the Week
Florida - Just awful. They got outplayed. Lucky to have won.
Offensive Play of the Week
Touchdown Catch by Boise State TE Tommy Gallarda. Magnificent diving catch in the endzone, holding onto the ball while hitting the ground with his elbow.
Co-Defensive Plays of the Week
Maryland Safety Kenny Tate stopping Navy QB Ricky Dobbs at the goal line with :34 left was important, but it paled in comparison to teammate Adrian Moten jumping over the line of scrimmage at the snap and simultaneously sacking Dobbs and causing a fumble. Roy Williams-like in athleticism.
Trivia Question of the Week
TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?
Matchup(s) to Watch
3. USF v. Florida - Could Florida really be that bad? South Florida QB B.J. Daniels is a handful - if you don't believe me, ask Florida State fans.
2. Florida State v. Oklahoma - Florida State's offense can compete with anyone, now we will see if the Seminoles defense can stop somebody good. Demarco Murray and Ryan Broyles give Landry Jones two phenomenal weapons to use.
1. Miami v. Ohio State - Need you ask?
Also, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Mark Ingram was at this time last year. Regular readers will remember, or at least can go look up, my initial column last year where I accurately predicted the third straight sophomore Heisman winner (so what if it wasn't Jacory Harris?) Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
The only thing is we have no "Big 3 Edition" this season, since Bradford, McCoy and Tebow all defected to the riches of the NFL.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Kellen Moore - Boise State - Only 23-38 for 215 yards, but 3 TDs, including the last minute, prime time Labor Day evening game winner over Virginia Tech.
Tyler Yates - North Carolina - 412 yards, 3 TDs, no INTs against LSU. North Carolina's defense was undermanned this game (perhaps the season), so they needed every single one of Yates' yards to even compete.
Sleeper - Nick Foles - Arizona - 32-37 for 360 yards. Only 5 incompletions. Did have 1 interception, though.
Rising - Andrew Luck - Stanford - With his old backfield mate now on the Vikings (that's Toby Gerhart), this is Luck's team. Could be in contention for a PAC-10 title.
Falling - Nobody - yet.
And yes, I suspect this is the only time Yates and Foles merit mention in this column.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Demarco Murray - Oklahoma - 208 yards and 2 TDs. This team is now definitely back to being a running team, and Murray is the lead horse.
John Clay - Wisconsin - Only 123 yards, but on 17 carries. Will have a much heavier workload in tougher games.
Sleeper - Davin Meggett - Maryland - 105 yards, but on only 8 carries. I don't expect him to keep up this pace, but the Terps need something to work on offense for them to be good this year.
Rising - Nobody is rising after only one week.
Falling - Same.
Defensive Leader - Lance Mitchell S - Oregon State - 18 tackles! Not sure OSU wants its safety to have this many tackles, but he deserves to be on top for this week.
Co-Leader - Janoris Jenkins - CB - Florida - When the Gators so desperately needed a play, it was Jenkins, and not any of the members of the vaunted offense, that stepped up.
Player to Watch
Jacory Harris - QB - Miami - I am going with him for the second straight year after week 1. The fact that the Canes need him to play extremely well going into the Horseshoe is understating the facts.
My New Favorite Player
Kyle Padron - QB - Southern Methodist - Simply because of his name
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Mike Pouncey - C (former C) - Florida - He is not his brother Maurkice. Must have had 300 bad snaps during the game. Almost cost them the game against Miami (OH). One of the ESPN announcers stated that the Gators should bench Brantley and promote a shortstop.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Ken Niumatalolo - Navy - I understand going for it when your team is the underdog, tired, and becoming less and less competitve. When you have the better and stronger team? Go for the tie, prolong the game and outlast the weaker opponent. Even Niumatalolo admitted this mistake. You were rushing at will against Maryland, did you think that wasn't going to last in overtime?
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Boise State v. Alabama - Boise State has one big matchup left, against Oregon State. Alabama, until someone knocks them off is on top. Still way too early to tell.
Rant(s) of the Week
Florida State wide reciever/punt returner Greg Reid goes down with what looks to be a leg cramp, but could be more serious. The team gets him to the sidelines, and right in front of the cameras someone gives him a pill, puts something in his water bottle and has him drink. Now, I am sure it was a potassium pill or something similar, but for crying out loud, in this day and age of PEDs, at least have someone tell the audience what it was that he took.
Congratulations of the Week
Boise State - For the first time in their history, they looked like an actual great (potentially) team, rather than just a plucky good story with a good system.
Under Performance of the Week
Florida - Just awful. They got outplayed. Lucky to have won.
Offensive Play of the Week
Touchdown Catch by Boise State TE Tommy Gallarda. Magnificent diving catch in the endzone, holding onto the ball while hitting the ground with his elbow.
Co-Defensive Plays of the Week
Maryland Safety Kenny Tate stopping Navy QB Ricky Dobbs at the goal line with :34 left was important, but it paled in comparison to teammate Adrian Moten jumping over the line of scrimmage at the snap and simultaneously sacking Dobbs and causing a fumble. Roy Williams-like in athleticism.
Trivia Question of the Week
TCU QB Andy Dalton is tied with the most wins in school history. With who is he tied?
Matchup(s) to Watch
3. USF v. Florida - Could Florida really be that bad? South Florida QB B.J. Daniels is a handful - if you don't believe me, ask Florida State fans.
2. Florida State v. Oklahoma - Florida State's offense can compete with anyone, now we will see if the Seminoles defense can stop somebody good. Demarco Murray and Ryan Broyles give Landry Jones two phenomenal weapons to use.
1. Miami v. Ohio State - Need you ask?
For Future Reference
This is an abbreviated post, to be continued before Sunday, but for now my pick of the night ...
New Orleans Saints - 4 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Same Saints offense, worse Vikings offense. It'll be tough for Minnesota to overcome the loss of Rice and the headaches of Harvin.
New Orleans Saints - 4 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
Same Saints offense, worse Vikings offense. It'll be tough for Minnesota to overcome the loss of Rice and the headaches of Harvin.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Greatest Of My Time
I have been a baseball fan for an incredibly long time. For most of my life really. And in my time, there have been 3 players that existed during my time that were head and shoulders above the rest. There are a lot of players that I wanted to see play, because of their particular skills or abilities, like Greg Maddux, Ichiro and Vladamir Guerrero, or last name, like Sammy Sosa and Elias Sosa, but none could compare to the three greats of "my" generation. One has been disgraced by the steroid era - Barry Bonds; one continues to pummel the ball like it's his job (hint: it is) - Albert Pujols, and the other showed such tremendous ability at all 5 skills that it is ridiculous - Ken Griffey, Jr.
Ken Griffey, Jr. had some tough shoes to fill. His father, Ken Griffey, was a pretty darn good baseball player himself. Senior played in the majors from 1973 through 1991, was a member of the "Big Red Machine" earning 2 world series titles, was a 3 time All-Star, including MVP of the 1980 All-Star Game.
Ken Griffey, Jr. was so much more. He played from 1989 through this season, 2010. He hit .284 with 630 homers, 2,781 hits, and 1,836 RBIs. He was a 13 time All-Star, including the 1992 All-Star game MVP. He was a 10 time gold glove winner, a 7 time silver slugger winner, and a member of the All-Century team. He was also the 1997 MVP. But Jr. was much more than stats and awards. Watching him patrol center field with reckless abandon was like watching Mozart conduct a symphony, like watching Picasso paint, like watching me write this post. (OK, so I got a little carried away). Griffey is THE greatest defensive centerfielder since Mays, and perhaps is even better than Mays. By watching Griffey, you simply knew he was great, even if you never saw a statistic of his.
He has been recently chastised about being a bad "guy", or at least a bad "teammate". The story about him not being able to pinch-hit earlier this year because he was asleep in the clubhouse made its way around the airwaves. In my experience, this can not be further from the truth.
Now, I do not know Griffey, Jr., but I have had the occasion to meet him on two occasions: once at a charity golf tournament and once at events surrounding the BCS Championship game. At the first, I was a volunteer caddy, but I had clubhouse privileges for food and drink (note - not locker room privileges). Most caddies did not have such privileges (it's a long story). After the round, I walked into the clubhouse to eat, as did a few of the caddies that had such privileges. The "bouncer" told us that we had to leave, not realizing that we were allowed to be there. Included in the group was Griffey's caddy for the round. Griffey, Jr. saw what was happening, and even though he had no idea that we were actually allowed to be in the clubhouse, told the bouncer that he was leaving if we were not allowed in. He then invited us to his table where we talked about fantasy football and baseball for the entire meal. The conversation was particularly funny because Griffey's quarterback was Drew Brees, sitting at the next table.
My second time meeting Griffey, Jr. also had to do with a charity event. The BCS Championship game was held in Miami in 2009. As a kickoff to BCS week, the baseball player Brad Wilkerson, a UF alum and resident of South Florida, hosted a charity event. Griffey, Jr. attended the event out of respect for a fellow baseball player. At the event, Griffey, Jr. purchased half of a box that was being auctioned for the charity. When we all arrived at the tailgate for the game (I was not part of the people invited to the box, but went to the game anyway), Griffey was parading around the grounds with ... his children. He couldn't have cared less about being a celebrity, he simply wanted to take his kids to the game, and help a fellow major leaguer's foundation while he was at it. Certainly, most of us could not purchase a box to a BCS game, but, we all would bring our kids (if we had them) to a game of such import if the situation arose. He was just being a regular dad.
And although baseball seems to be in good hands with a great quality, and quantity, of young guns, we will certainly miss seeing the likes of Griffey, Jr., who will forever be patrolling centerfield, at least in my mind. And as a baseball fan, let me simply say ... Thank you! The Hall of Fame is going to be lucky to have you as a resident in five years.
Ken Griffey, Jr. had some tough shoes to fill. His father, Ken Griffey, was a pretty darn good baseball player himself. Senior played in the majors from 1973 through 1991, was a member of the "Big Red Machine" earning 2 world series titles, was a 3 time All-Star, including MVP of the 1980 All-Star Game.
Ken Griffey, Jr. was so much more. He played from 1989 through this season, 2010. He hit .284 with 630 homers, 2,781 hits, and 1,836 RBIs. He was a 13 time All-Star, including the 1992 All-Star game MVP. He was a 10 time gold glove winner, a 7 time silver slugger winner, and a member of the All-Century team. He was also the 1997 MVP. But Jr. was much more than stats and awards. Watching him patrol center field with reckless abandon was like watching Mozart conduct a symphony, like watching Picasso paint, like watching me write this post. (OK, so I got a little carried away). Griffey is THE greatest defensive centerfielder since Mays, and perhaps is even better than Mays. By watching Griffey, you simply knew he was great, even if you never saw a statistic of his.
He has been recently chastised about being a bad "guy", or at least a bad "teammate". The story about him not being able to pinch-hit earlier this year because he was asleep in the clubhouse made its way around the airwaves. In my experience, this can not be further from the truth.
Now, I do not know Griffey, Jr., but I have had the occasion to meet him on two occasions: once at a charity golf tournament and once at events surrounding the BCS Championship game. At the first, I was a volunteer caddy, but I had clubhouse privileges for food and drink (note - not locker room privileges). Most caddies did not have such privileges (it's a long story). After the round, I walked into the clubhouse to eat, as did a few of the caddies that had such privileges. The "bouncer" told us that we had to leave, not realizing that we were allowed to be there. Included in the group was Griffey's caddy for the round. Griffey, Jr. saw what was happening, and even though he had no idea that we were actually allowed to be in the clubhouse, told the bouncer that he was leaving if we were not allowed in. He then invited us to his table where we talked about fantasy football and baseball for the entire meal. The conversation was particularly funny because Griffey's quarterback was Drew Brees, sitting at the next table.
My second time meeting Griffey, Jr. also had to do with a charity event. The BCS Championship game was held in Miami in 2009. As a kickoff to BCS week, the baseball player Brad Wilkerson, a UF alum and resident of South Florida, hosted a charity event. Griffey, Jr. attended the event out of respect for a fellow baseball player. At the event, Griffey, Jr. purchased half of a box that was being auctioned for the charity. When we all arrived at the tailgate for the game (I was not part of the people invited to the box, but went to the game anyway), Griffey was parading around the grounds with ... his children. He couldn't have cared less about being a celebrity, he simply wanted to take his kids to the game, and help a fellow major leaguer's foundation while he was at it. Certainly, most of us could not purchase a box to a BCS game, but, we all would bring our kids (if we had them) to a game of such import if the situation arose. He was just being a regular dad.
And although baseball seems to be in good hands with a great quality, and quantity, of young guns, we will certainly miss seeing the likes of Griffey, Jr., who will forever be patrolling centerfield, at least in my mind. And as a baseball fan, let me simply say ... Thank you! The Hall of Fame is going to be lucky to have you as a resident in five years.
Underrated Television Actresses
As I am working this fine Saturday, I have decided to take my break by adding a bit to our blog. I was going to work on my Ken Griffey, Jr. story, but since one of our illustrious readers has been waiting so long to read it, I figured that I would write something that I know she would dislike first, before I write the Griffey post. So, I have decided to write about my Top 10 Underrated Television Actresses.
These actresses are not usually the stars of their shows, nor are they the most well known and focused upon starlots. Nevertheless, the are great contributors to television, and will likely be much more well known in the very short future.
I define appearing on television as appearing regularly - whether on a current series or in syndication. Why? Because I can.
10. Cote de Pablo - NCIS
Her Ziva David is much more intense and dangerous than Caitlyn Todd ever could have been. A great choice by the network, and necessary for the show to continue. Her Mossad agent character is certifiably badass - just don't let her drive.
8/9. Norah O'Donnell/Erin Burnett - NBC Family of Networks
Not the most famous of newscasters, but very important nonetheless. Erin Burnett is a frequent contributor to the Today Show, Meet the Press and Morning Joe.
7. Michelle Beadle - SportsNation
It takes a strong personality to put the blowhard Colin Cowherd in his place. Beadle more than fits that bill as co-host of ESPN's SportsNation.
6. Grace Park - Hawaii Five-O
They have already started running promos, so I am going to count it. Besides, she has appeared on Battlestar Galactica and The Cleaner, so she more than certainly qualifies.
5. Marsha Thomason - White Collar
Currently on White Collar, she is likely most recognizable from Las Vegas, where she played the pit boss Nessa. Even on Vegas she was the least known of the female characters (Vanessa Marcil, Molly Sims and Nikki Cox), yet she still held her own.
4. Navi Rawat - Numbers/Burn Notice
She had a brief part in Burn Notice this season, but if you recognize her it is from Numbers, where she plays the brilliant professor Amita. Although overshadowed by the other male characters, she often provides lucrative insight into the pending investigations.
3. Eva La Rue - CSI Miami
As crime scene investigator Natalie Boa Vista, La Rue actually makes the cheesiness that is the writing and David Caruso acting tolerable.
2. Giada de Laurentiis - Food Network
She is on every show not populated by Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri. Definitely holds her own in the cooking shows.
1. Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
OK, so I had to go with one person that was pretty well rated.
These actresses are not usually the stars of their shows, nor are they the most well known and focused upon starlots. Nevertheless, the are great contributors to television, and will likely be much more well known in the very short future.
I define appearing on television as appearing regularly - whether on a current series or in syndication. Why? Because I can.
10. Cote de Pablo - NCIS
Her Ziva David is much more intense and dangerous than Caitlyn Todd ever could have been. A great choice by the network, and necessary for the show to continue. Her Mossad agent character is certifiably badass - just don't let her drive.
8/9. Norah O'Donnell/Erin Burnett - NBC Family of Networks
Not the most famous of newscasters, but very important nonetheless. Erin Burnett is a frequent contributor to the Today Show, Meet the Press and Morning Joe.
7. Michelle Beadle - SportsNation
It takes a strong personality to put the blowhard Colin Cowherd in his place. Beadle more than fits that bill as co-host of ESPN's SportsNation.6. Grace Park - Hawaii Five-O
They have already started running promos, so I am going to count it. Besides, she has appeared on Battlestar Galactica and The Cleaner, so she more than certainly qualifies.
5. Marsha Thomason - White Collar
Currently on White Collar, she is likely most recognizable from Las Vegas, where she played the pit boss Nessa. Even on Vegas she was the least known of the female characters (Vanessa Marcil, Molly Sims and Nikki Cox), yet she still held her own.4. Navi Rawat - Numbers/Burn Notice
She had a brief part in Burn Notice this season, but if you recognize her it is from Numbers, where she plays the brilliant professor Amita. Although overshadowed by the other male characters, she often provides lucrative insight into the pending investigations.3. Eva La Rue - CSI Miami
As crime scene investigator Natalie Boa Vista, La Rue actually makes the cheesiness that is the writing and David Caruso acting tolerable.
2. Giada de Laurentiis - Food Network
She is on every show not populated by Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri. Definitely holds her own in the cooking shows.
1. Christina Hendricks – Mad Men
OK, so I had to go with one person that was pretty well rated.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Waiting for College Football
As we approach the commencement of college football season, I feel that this is the appropriate time to unveil my preseason All-American team. At the urging of Jorge O., it is time to have a beer in hand, breakfast on the stove, and college football on the television. A few rules, 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 chose to explain my picks in some instances, and not in others. Why? Because I can. Now here are the Pepster Preseason All-Americans.
Offense
QB - Kellen Moore, Boise State; Case Keenum, Houston - I had Moore as my second team NCAA All-American QB last season, and he returns. Keenum will put up tons and tons of stats. Moore may finish undefeated and gain a birth in the BCS Championship game. If I had to pick a surprise third QB, it would be Christian Ponder of FSU.
RB - Mark Ingram, Alabama; Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech; Jazquizz Rodgers, Oregon State; Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh; John Clay, Wisconsin - Ingram and Williams are returning from my post-season All-American list last season, even though Ingram may not be the best running back on his team (see Richardson, Trent). Williams is my preseason player of the year. Lewis and Clay will both post lots and lots of yards, and are likely conference player of the year candidates, especially Clay behind that big Wisconsin line.
WR - A.J. Green, Georgia; Michael Floyd, Notre Dame; Julio Jones, Alabama; Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma - I having been touting Green for a couple of years, and Floyd was likely Notre Dame's best receiver last year. It is now time for Jones to show the fruits of all of that talent of his. Broyles could catch 90 balls.
TE - D.J Williams, Arkansas; Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame - Ryan Mallet could make a real star out of Williams.
T - Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin; Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh - Look for both offensives to strive this year.
G - Rodney Hudson, Florida State; John Moffitt, Wisconsin - Hudson was a Pepster All-American last year, and Moffitt will lead the interior of a great running game at Wisconsin.
C - Mike Pouncey, Florida - Only because his brother Maurkice is gone.
Defense
DE - Adrian Clayborn, Iowa; Cameron Heyward, Ohio State - Both very experienced, and both will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Heyward is the son of former NFLer Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, so he must be tough.
DT - Jared Crick, Nebraska; Stephen Paea, Oregon State - Crick learned by playing next to the best, Ndamukong Suh, last season, and more than holding his own. Paea is a small mountain.
LB - Von Miller, Texas A & M; Greg Jones, Michigan State; Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina; Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State; Dont'a Hightower, Alabama; Sean Spence, Miami - All athletic beasts that will make a ton of tackles. OK, maybe Spence was a bit of a homer pic.
CB - Patrick Peterson, LSU; Brandon Harris, Miami; Janoris Jenkins, Florida - Harris among the leaders is passes defensed last year. Jenkins will make sure that Gators fans do not miss Joe Haden too much.
S - Rahim Moore, UCLA; DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson - The easiest position to select on the team, as both were high talents last year among the NCAA interception leaders
Special Teams
K - Matt Bosher, Miami - A little homerism, but, he is just the kicker.
P - Drew Butler, Georgia - Again, he is just the punter.
R - LaVon Brazill, Ohio University - A great returner, and he is from nearby my hometown.
Forgive me for any typographical errors, I didn't feel like proofreading this. I simply want to start college football season. Stay tuned for my weekly college football updates.
Offense
QB - Kellen Moore, Boise State; Case Keenum, Houston - I had Moore as my second team NCAA All-American QB last season, and he returns. Keenum will put up tons and tons of stats. Moore may finish undefeated and gain a birth in the BCS Championship game. If I had to pick a surprise third QB, it would be Christian Ponder of FSU.
RB - Mark Ingram, Alabama; Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech; Jazquizz Rodgers, Oregon State; Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh; John Clay, Wisconsin - Ingram and Williams are returning from my post-season All-American list last season, even though Ingram may not be the best running back on his team (see Richardson, Trent). Williams is my preseason player of the year. Lewis and Clay will both post lots and lots of yards, and are likely conference player of the year candidates, especially Clay behind that big Wisconsin line.
WR - A.J. Green, Georgia; Michael Floyd, Notre Dame; Julio Jones, Alabama; Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma - I having been touting Green for a couple of years, and Floyd was likely Notre Dame's best receiver last year. It is now time for Jones to show the fruits of all of that talent of his. Broyles could catch 90 balls.
TE - D.J Williams, Arkansas; Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame - Ryan Mallet could make a real star out of Williams.
T - Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin; Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh - Look for both offensives to strive this year.
G - Rodney Hudson, Florida State; John Moffitt, Wisconsin - Hudson was a Pepster All-American last year, and Moffitt will lead the interior of a great running game at Wisconsin.
C - Mike Pouncey, Florida - Only because his brother Maurkice is gone.
Defense
DE - Adrian Clayborn, Iowa; Cameron Heyward, Ohio State - Both very experienced, and both will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Heyward is the son of former NFLer Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, so he must be tough.
DT - Jared Crick, Nebraska; Stephen Paea, Oregon State - Crick learned by playing next to the best, Ndamukong Suh, last season, and more than holding his own. Paea is a small mountain.
LB - Von Miller, Texas A & M; Greg Jones, Michigan State; Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina; Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State; Dont'a Hightower, Alabama; Sean Spence, Miami - All athletic beasts that will make a ton of tackles. OK, maybe Spence was a bit of a homer pic.
CB - Patrick Peterson, LSU; Brandon Harris, Miami; Janoris Jenkins, Florida - Harris among the leaders is passes defensed last year. Jenkins will make sure that Gators fans do not miss Joe Haden too much.
S - Rahim Moore, UCLA; DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson - The easiest position to select on the team, as both were high talents last year among the NCAA interception leaders
Special Teams
K - Matt Bosher, Miami - A little homerism, but, he is just the kicker.
P - Drew Butler, Georgia - Again, he is just the punter.
R - LaVon Brazill, Ohio University - A great returner, and he is from nearby my hometown.
Forgive me for any typographical errors, I didn't feel like proofreading this. I simply want to start college football season. Stay tuned for my weekly college football updates.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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
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