Since only one game remains - THE SUPER BOWL - I have combined the roundtable discussion with my picks column. At the roundtable today is Sinickal, Hopps and myself. We have invited Audio, Geo and Tony to join us to add a bit to the content.
Pepster: Let's start off with the simplest question, who wins the Super Bowl?
Hopps: Patriots.
Audio: Patriots.
Geo: Man do I hate the Patriots.
Sinickal: I am rooting for Atlanta.
Pepster: I have the Falcons.
Pepster: What do you predict will happen Tony?
Tony: A stomach ache from eating too fast! Oh, and the Falcons because I hate New England.
Sinickal: F'in nerd.
Pepster: Haven't we established that, multiple times.
Sinickal: So.
Pepster: I am going with Atlanta because New England's defensive statistics are a bit overrated in that they did not play a top 10 offense all year.
Hopps: Brady.
Sinickal: Yes, the Patriots have Brady.
Geo: Man, do I hate the Patriots.
Sinickal: But the Falcons have Julio Jones. That dude is ALWAYS open.
Audio: If that happens today, it will only be in the first half. If Atlanta's passing attack is successful, by halftime Donald Trump will likely deport JULIO Jones AND MOHAMMAD Sanu.
Hopps/Sinickal/Pepster: *Spit takes*
All: We will definitely be using that sometime during the game today.
Pepster: But seriously ...
Hopps: Bill.
Pepster: Incredibly succinct Hopps, Brady and Bill.
Hopps: Yep.
Geo: Man, I hate the Patriots.
So basically, it is like this ...
Audio: And, no matter which team wins, Kevin Durant will sign with them this summer.
All: *Spit takes*
Pepster: Definitely thank you for joining us today Audio.
Now, on to my picks ...
So last week was successful. Four wins and two losses, the only losses being the point spread. Neither underdog covered, but I did have both overs and the money line winners. Not many picks this week, so I am adding one prop bet.
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. No big bet for $250 this week, because I will also be making bets on the money line and the over/under. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler, except on the money line bet.
Atlanta Falcons +3 v. New England Patriots
Atlanta was quietly the best team in the NFC this year (yes, better than Dallas), and a large part of it has to do with a vastly improved defense. Atlanta can get to the quarterback without having to blitz, and they can line up Vic Beasley, Jr. anywhere on the line of scrimmage. Each of New England's Super Bowl's have been really close. Atlanta keeps this one close as well.
Atlanta Falcons +130 v. New England Patriot (Bet $100 to win $130)
Yes, Atlanta wins. Malcolm Butler will have to face a lot better receivers than Seattle brought two years ago. Plus, a chance to make up a bit more money by picking the underdog.
Atlanta Falcons v. New England Patriots (57 1/2) OVER
The first and fourth highest scoring teams in the league. Is it so unbelievable to think that each will score 30? I think not.
Luke Bryan's National Anthem (2:15) UNDER
Lady Gaga went over 2:22 last year, but only because she intentionally held the last note, took a breath, and then extended "brave" again. (Interestingly enough, because of the extended notes, some Vegas books paid the over, while others paid the under). Idina Menzel hit the over by 3 seconds two years ago. Luke Bryan is a country singer. He will not hit the over.
Last Week's Record: 4-2
Year-to-Date Record: 152-131-5
Playoff Record: 20-10
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 6-11
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $180
Playoff Winnings: (Losses): $10555
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: ($465)
