Picka of the Week

I am travelling for the holidays, so no analysis, just picks.  Merry Christmas all and enjoy your Saturday NFL games.

New York Giants +1 at Philadelphia

Chicago Bears +3 v. Washington Racists

Miami Dolphins +4 1/2 at Buffalo Bills

Atlanta Falcons -3 at Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns +4 v. San Diego Chargers

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings

 Tennessee Titans -5 at Jacksonville Jaguars

New England Patriots -17 v. New York Jets

Oakland Raiders -3 1/2 v. Indianapolis Colts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 1/2 at New Orleans Saints

Los Angeles Rams -4 1/2 v. San Francisco 49ers

Arizona Cardinals +7 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks

Cincinnati Bengals +1 at Houston Texans

Baltimore Ravens +6 at Pittsburgh Steelers

Kansas City Chiefs -3 v. Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions +6 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys

Big Bet - Miami Dolphins (almost went with the Packers)

Last Week's Record:  11-5
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0
Year-to-Date Record:  113-108-5
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  5-10
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $700
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date:  ($2,015)

Picks of the Week

Week 15, and we are officially in the homestretch.  Finally, a week to celebrate, although I missed by big bet.  Still, 12-4 is fantastic.

My long time readers know how this works, but for everybody else,  a reminder.  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 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 to make the math that much simpler.

Los Angeles Rams + 15 at Seattle Seahawks

Mind you, I didn't think the Rams would actually win this game, but getting more than two touchdowns?!  The Rams lost the first game to Seattle 9-6.  I thought 20-6 was a distinct possibility..

Miami Dolphins -2 1/2 at New York Jets
Miami had won 7 of its previous 8 and the Jets are one of the five worst teams in the league.

Chicago Bears +4 v. Green Bay Packers
We all know that I am picking the Bears in every game hoping that my jinx works so that they can get DeShaun Watson in the draft.  So, here is to the Bears limiting Aaron Rodgers, covering the spread, and hoping Watson slips to the 5th or 6th pick.  It is supposed to be a high of around 5 degrees today, so anything can happen.

Baltimore Ravens -5 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
I am way, way too late on the Ravens this year.  I still don't see how they are 7-6 and in the playoff hunt, but they are.  Mike Wallace has a real chance of going over 1,000 yards receiving on the season in this game.

Buffalo Bills -10 v. Cleveland
It's Cleveland.

Houston -3 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars

I honestly thought that the Texans were done last week against the Colts, but then they pulled out the win in Indianapolis.  If they play the same type of football, they win at home against Jacksonville.  This is the battle of the two worst starting quarterbacks in the league that do not play for Cleveland.

Tennessee Titans +6 at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are having a great season at 10-3, and can clinch a win with a victory today over the Titans.  That still may happen, but the Titans have the 3rd best rushing offense, the 4th best third down percentage and the 3rd best rushing defense.  This should be a battle, and that means the game is close.

Minnesota Vikings -5 v. Indianapolis Colts
Only because the Colts laid an egg last week, and I am hoping that the return of Adrian Peterson is just the spark Minnesota needs to pummel the Colts.  Not sure this is the smart bet, but it is my bet.

Detroit Lions +4 at New York Giants

With Miami, these two teams are the hottest in football with the Lions having won 5 straight games and the Gians having won 7 of their last 8.  Detroit has made it a habit of playing very tight, close games, and this one should be no different.  Therefore, I will take the points.

Pittsburgh Steelers -3 at Cincinnati Bengals
Taking a road favorite is bad, but especially an intra-divisional game.  Why am I doing it, then?  Well, the Steelers have won 4 in a row, having not once surrendered 100 yards rushing during this streak.  Without A.J. Green, the Bengals need to rely more heavily on their running game, and it looks like that is not going to happen.  Plus, anytime our Patron Saint mouths off, something bad will happen to that team the next game.

New Orleans Saints +3 at Arizona Cardinals
Drew Brees is quietly having one of the best years of his career at age 66.  I don't see where Arizona's defense has the capability of shutting him down.  Larry Fitzgerald is quietly approaching the 100 reception mark, but New Orleans scores enough to keep in this game.

Atlanta Falcons -14 v. San Francisco 49ers
The Falcons are first in points per game, 3rd in passing yards and 3rd in total  yards per game.  Meanwhile San Francisco is 32nd in points per game defense, total yards per game defense and rushing yards per game defensively.  Atlanta should score, A LOT.

New England Patriots -3 at Denver Broncos
New England is 6-0 on the road this season, and coming ever so close to clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.  This is when Belichick is at his best, especially against a one-dimensional offense.  Devontae Booker has not excelled since CJ Anderson went down injured, averaging only 3.43 yards per carry.  Meanwhile, LaGarrette Blount is fifth in the NFL in rushing.

Oakland Raiders -2 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
San Diego is tough, but without a legitimate running game to exploit Oakland's defense, guys like Khalil Mack will feast on the pass rush.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +7 at Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott has failed to reach 200 yards passing in each of his last 3 games.  The Buccaneers defense, which is second best in the NFL in 3rd down percentage, is vastly improved from earlier in the season.  The best receiver in this game - Mike Evans with 80 catches (compared to Dez Bryant's 38).  Yes Ezekial Elliott is a best, but Tampa keeps this game close - and I believe can win outright.

Washington Racists -7 v. Carolina Panthers
Washington is second in the league offensively in total yards and passing yards whereas Carolina's defense is 30th in pass defense.  Kirk Cousins should feast this week.  I wonder whatever happened to Josh Norman ...

Big Bet Game of the Week

Tennessee Titans +6 at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are having a great season at 10-3, and can clinch a win with a victory today over the Titans.  That still may happen, but the Titans have the 3rd best rushing offense, the 4th best third down percentage and the 3rd best rushing defense.  This should be a battle, and that means the game is close.

I would have actually picked Miami in this slot, but with them playing the early game, nobody would have believed me.  I will take the tough running team getting 6 points.

Last Week's Record: 12-4

Last Week's Big Bet: 0-1

Year-to-Date Record: 102-103-5

Big Bet Year-to-Date: 4-10

Last Week's Winnings (Losses):$595

Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: ($2,715)

He IS Our Patron Saint!

Another great day of NFL football was made even greater yesterday by an epic appearance from our Patron Saint. If you were watching the Cleveland Browns lose their 16th straight game yesterday to the Cincinnati Bengals, you were there for the trainwreck that is pro football in Ohio.

It. Was. Awful.

But. But, it was also fun to see the Browns mascot take a header on the sidelines trying to retrieve a football. It was fun watching Robert Griffin III throw a fleaflicker from his endzone into triple coverage for an interception. And most importantly, it was fun to see our Patron Saint in a post-game interview talking about Terrelle Pryor. I have no idea what prompted this, and since I am not a journalist, I don't care. The video link below (courtesy of FOX19, via Facebook) is all you and I need...

Adam Jones "Trashes" Terrelle Pryor

I only wish that there was a way for him to have made it rain also.

Picks of the Week

Week 14 - after last week, I should just give up.  I have definitely mentally checked out on this year, but I will not quit.  Onto the picks.

My long time readers know how this works, but for everybody else,  a reminder.  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 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 to make the math that much simpler.

Oakland Raiders +3 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs

Ugh..

Chicago Bears +7 1/2 at Detroit Lions
The Bears are actually playing much better as of late.  Of course, last week was San Francisco, but they should have beaten the Titans if not for 47 dropped touchdown passes.  (No, I am not bitter).  Anyways, here is to losing the game, but winning the pick.  C'Mon DeShaun Watson.

Pittsburgh Steelers -2 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers run defense is suspect, but they are on a 3 game winning streak to keep themselves in the playoff hunt.

Carolina Panthers -1 v. San Diego Chargers
West coast team playing the early game on the east coast is the only reason I am picking Carolina.  Plus, every year there are two teams that I just cannot figure out.  Last year it was the Racists and the Chiefs.  This year it is definitely the Chargers.  My first instinct was that they would win.  So, since I cannot figure them out, I will go Carolina.

Cincinnati Bengals -5 at Cleveland Browns
It's Cleveland.

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler is playing about as bad as any quarterback in the league not named Blake Bortles.

Minnesota Vikings -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Speaking of Bortles.

Miami Dolphins +2 v. Arizona Cardinals
Another west team (albeit not coastal) heading east for an early game, but the clincher for me here is that the Dolphins NEED a bounce back after the thrashing they took from Baltimore last week.

Washington Racists -1 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

Washington just looks better right now.  Jay Gruden says he believes running back Robert Kelly needs a few more touches, so he will not keep him trapped in the closet this game.

Tennessee Titans -1 v. Denver Broncos
Marcos Mariota has played much better than most people realize, having thrown multiple touchdown passes in 8 consecutive games.  Denver seems a bit sluggish.

New York Jets +3 at San Francisco 49ers
Who cares?!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2 v. New Orleans Saints
The Bucs offensive line has dramatically improved since the beginning of the season, as has the defense.  I see the Bucs scoring on a few sustained drives, keeping the ball away from Drew Brees.

Seattle Seahawks -3 v. Green  Bay Packers
Seattle might be starting to peak at just the right time.

Atlanta Falcons -5 1/2 at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams, 1-7 in their last 8 games, are going to need a lot of help to defeat the Falcons.  They just might get it if Julio Jones doesn't play.

New York Giants +3 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have had a great season, but they have to be the worst 11-1 team of all time.  That 1 loss came to the Giants.

Baltimore Ravens _6 1/2 at New England Patriots
John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco have proven that they can go into New England and win.

Big Bet Game of the Week

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler is playing about as bad as any quarterback in the league not named Blake Bortles.

I was going to take Minnesota over Jacksonville as my big bet, giving up on 3 points, but Minnesota is on the road, so I'll take the home team Colts.

Last Week's Record: 5-10

Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0

Year-to-Date Record: 90-99-5

Big Bet Year-to-Date: 3-10

Last Week's Winnings (Losses):($450)

Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: ($3,310)

Picks of the Week

Horrible week, again.  This is becoming a familiar refrain.

My long time readers know how this works, but for everybody else,  a reminder.  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 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 to make the math that much simpler.

Dallas Cowboys -3 at Minnesota Vikings

Road favorite, yes, but Minnesota was without a coach.  Damn Vikings.

Chicago Bears +1 v. San Francisco 49ers
If the Bears lose this game, and they should, they fall into the number 2 pick in the draft.  Let's go DeShaun Watson.

Kansas City Chiefs +4 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Kansas City just does not give up that many points on defense.  I feel the Falcon win, but 23-20.

Miami Dolphins +3 1/2 at Baltimore Ravens
In what should be a really close game, I will take the points.  The Ravens have won four of the last five against the Dolphins, but Miami keeps it close at least.

Cincinnati Bengals -2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Cincinnati tries to salvage something from a very disappointing season.  That something is they find a new a complement to A.J. Green in Tyler Boyd.

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

I predict that all of Green Bay's touchdown drives total the amount of plays in one of Houston's drives.

Jacksonville Jaguars +3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos

The Broncos had established some good rhythm with Trevor Siemian, but have to start rookie Paxton Lynch today.  Austin Davis from Southern Mississippi is the backup today.  Rough going for the Broncos.

Los Angeles Rams +13 at New England Patriots
New England wins this game, but with all of their injuries, I do not see it being complete domination.  I will take almost 2 touchdowns.

New Orleans -6 1/2 v. Detroit Lions

The only thing that I know for sure about this game is that the Lions will be trailing in the fourth quarter.  I expect New Orleans to close them out.

Oakland Raiders -3 v. Buffalo Bills
Oakland is cruising.

Washington Racists +2 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
Kirk Cousins bet on himself, and he is winning HUGE!  The Skins offense keeps rolling against a disappointing Arizona team.  David Johnson does score two touchdowns, though.

New York Giants +6 1/2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers cannot stop anybody, which means they really cannot stop Odell Beckham, Jr.  Plus, the visiting team usually wins in this series.  So, I will take the visiting team with points!

San Diego Chargers -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
San Diego is so much better than its 5-6 record.  They are the third highest scoring team, and they will put up a ton against Tampa Bay.

Carolina Panthers +7 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is 5-0 at home, but three of these games have been by six points or less.  Cam pulls a big game out of Greg Olsen to keep this close on the road.

New York Jets +2 v. Indianapolis Colts

Andres Luck is 0-2 against the Jets in his career with a passer rating of 52.  Jets win in an upset.

Big Bet Game of the Week

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

I predict that all of Green Bay's touchdown drives total the amount of plays in one of Houston's drives.  Plus, it looks like Aaron Rodgers and this offense has found a good rhythm.

Last Week's Record: 7-8-1

Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0

Year-to-Date Record: 85-89-5

Big Bet Year-to-Date: 2-10

Last Week's Winnings (Losses):($30)

Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: ($2860)