Picks of the Week

Baltimore disappointed us all, but WOW, that Kansas City - Houston game was AMAZING!!!  I certainly could watch that game over and over.  So much going on in that game that it was hard to keep up.  Almost makes up for the cluster that was betting on Baltimore.  Today we only have two games upon which to focus, so it makes each bet that much more important.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.  Since it is the playoffs, I might make more big bets, and I will also be betting the money lines in the games.

Kansas City Chiefs -7 v. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are on a serious roll, but the Chiefs' offense is seriously rolling.  Tennessee cannot keep relying on Derrick Henry to the point the ignore the passing game entirely and win this game.  Kansas City rolls.

Kansas City Chiefs -320 v. Tennessee Titans (Bet $320 to win $100)
If I think the Chiefs are going to cover, then I definitely think they will win outright.

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs OVER 52 1/2
The only question after last week is will Kansas City hit this number on its own.

Green Bay Packers +8 at San Francisco 49ers
Does anyone not think that Aaron Rodgers can at least keep this one close, especially now that Aaron Jones has started to hit his stride?

San Francisco 49ers -350 over Green Bay Packers (Bet $350 to win $100)
Just because I think Green Bay can keep it close, does not mean that I think they are going to win.  In fact, San Francisco has basically been the best team in the NFC this entire season.

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers UNDER 46 1/2
The under has hit way more than in should in these playoffs, and part of that is the quality of the defenses left.  Green Bay is 9th in scoring defense in the NFL and San Francisco is 8th.  I guess this means that the over will definitely hit, but I am taking the UNDER.

Big Bet I

Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs OVER 52 1/2
The only question after last week is will Kansas City hit this number on its own.
I am just hoping this game is even remotely as exciting as last week's.

Big Bet II

Green Bay Packers +8 at San Francisco 49ers
Does anyone not think that Aaron Rodgers can at least keep this one close, especially now that Aaron Jones has started to hit his stride?
This game will be close, right?

Big Bet III (Because it's the playoffs)

Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers UNDER 46 1/2
The under has hit way more than in should in these playoffs, and part of that is the quality of the defenses left.  Green Bay is 9th in scoring defense in the NFL and San Francisco is 8th.  I guess this means that the over will definitely hit, but I am taking the UNDER.
The Unders have been huge this playoffs.

Last Week's Record:  8-4
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-2
Year-to-Date Record:  139-138-4
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  17-10
Playoff Record:  15-9
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  ($190)
Playoff Winnings (Losses):  ($105)
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,005)

Picks of the Week

With the exception of the Minnesota - New Orleans game, last week was very good.  Even with my 3 losses from that one wildcard game (and one BAD one at -$400), I still finished up for the week.  Let's see how that playoff luck continues in the divisional round.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.  Since it is the playoffs, I might make more big bets, and I will also be betting the money lines in the games.

Minnesota Vikings +7 at San Francisco 49ers
Look, I get why San Francisco is favored, but with a defense like Minnesota's that is playing extremely well, this number seems high to me.  Give me the touchdown.

San Francisco 49ers -320 over Minnesota Vikings (Bet $320 to win $100)
San Francisco is the better team, they should win this game.  Of course, Minnesota got me last week as well, but Rudolph did push-off on the game winning touchdown and the playoff rules stink - both teams should at least get one possession.

Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers UNDER 44 1/2
These defenses are good, and San Francisco is getting a ton of players back from injury.

Tennessee Titans +10 at Baltimore Ravens
Tennessee is the type of hard-nosed, ball-control team that could give Baltimore trouble.  For that, there is no way that I will give up 10 points in this round of the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens -450 v. Tennessee Titans (Bet $450 to win $100)
This is the type of line to make me consider taking Tennessee, but I do feel that the Ravens will win this game, and I am confident in that so I have to take the money line on them to win.

Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens UNDER 47
Two ball control teams will limit possessions, thus limiting scoring.

Kansas City Chiefs -9 1/2 v. Houston Texans
I love DeShaun Watson.  Hell, probably no non-fan of Clemson or the Houston Texans love DeShaun Watson more than I do.  I still feel he should be quarterbacking the Chicago Bears.  But, if not for his super-heroics last week, Houston does not get passed the Buffalo Bills.  And, this Kansas City team is way better than the Buffalo Bills, especially offensively.  It sounds stupid to give up 9 1/2 in the divisional round of the playoffs, but in this case, I will do it.  Kansas City by 2 touchdowns.

Kansas City Chiefs -450 v. Houston Texans (Bet $450 to win $100)
See my analysis of the Baltimore money line and the Chiefs ATS bet.  Patrick Mahomes will put up POINTS.

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs UNDER 51
A 35-14 Chiefs victory still hits the under here.

Seattle Seahawks +4 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Yes, I know that Russell Wilson's numbers in Green Bay are his worst in any stadium, but he can keep the Seahawks in this game.  Green Bay's secondary is much improved from last year, but D.K. Metcalfe has improved the Seahawks receiving corps.  This game will be close.

Green Bay Packers -200 v. Seattle Seahawks (Bet $200 to win $100)
Despite the fact that I think this is going to be a close game, at plus $170, there is not enough value for me to take a team with no running game fronted by Travis Homer.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers OVER 46 1/2
I can't pick all unders, and in this one, Green Bay wins 27-24.

Big Bet I

Minnesota Vikings +7 at San Francisco 49ers
Look, I get why San Francisco is favored, but with a defense like Minnesota's that is playing extremely well, this number seems high to me.  Give me the touchdown.
This game is going to be close.

Big Bet II

Kansas City Chiefs -9 1/2 v. Houston Texans
I love DeShaun Watson.  Hell, probably no non-fan of Clemson or the Houston Texans love DeShaun Watson more than I do.  I still feel he should be quarterbacking the Chicago Bears.  But, if not for his super-heroics last week, Houston does not get passed the Buffalo Bills.  And, this Kansas City team is way better than the Buffalo Bills, especially offensively.  It sounds stupid to give up 9 1/2 in the divisional round of the playoffs, but in this case, I will do it.  Kansas City by at least 2 touchdowns.

This game is not.  35-14.

Big Bet III (Because it's the playofs)

Seattle Seahawks +4 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Yes, I know that Russell Wilson's numbers in Green Bay are his worst in any stadium, but he can keep the Seahawks in this game.  Green Bay's secondary is much improved from last year, but D.K. Metcalfe has improved the Seahawks receiving corps.  This game will be close.
Seattle would win this game is Chris Carson was healthy.

Last Week's Record:  7-5
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-1
Year-to-Date Record:  131-134-4
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  16-8
Playoff Record:  7-5
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $85
Playoff Winnings (Losses):  $85
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($815)

Picks of the Week

Well, week 17 was a total crapshoot.  Now we are on to the playoffs, with the wildcard round starting today.  That means the below rules apply to the over/under bet as well as to the pick via the point spread.  I will also be picking each game via the money line, and the money line rules will apply.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Houston Texans -2 1/2 v. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have had a great season, with a great, but overrated defense.  I say overrated because in 11 of their games they played against offenses is the bottom third of the league.  So, they are overrated.  I trust DeShaun Watson, Carlos Hyde and DeAndre Hopkins more than I trust Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and John Brown, even with Tre'Davious White guarding Hopkins.

Houston Texans -145 over Buffalo Bills (Bet $145 to win $100)
For all of the reasons mentioned above.

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans OVER 43 1/2
Again, for the same reason listed above.  In addition to Buffalo's defense being overrated, Houston's defense is 28th overall and 25th against the run.

Tennessee Titans +5 at New England Patriots
New England's challenges have been well documented on this site (at least offensively). Plus, I selected Miami last week as well.  Mike Vrabel is not going to be scared going into Foxboro, and Tennessee's defense is 12th in scoring defense and 8th in third down defense. Derrick Henry - the NFL's rushing champion - leads the third ranked rushing offense and can help keep the ball away from Tom Brady.

Tennessee Titans +190 at New England Patriots (Bet $100 to win $190)
Now, even give all of the above, I feel more comfortable taking 5 points than predicting the win outright.  Why?  Because everyone seems to be selecting New England to win.  That makes me leery.  But, with a money line approaching 2-to-1, I have to take it.

Tennessee Titans at New England OVER 44 1/2
I can see each time scoring over 20 each.

New Orleans Saints -7 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
This seems like a lot of points for this game, but the Vikings don't actually know what they will be getting with Dalvin Cook. Even if Cook is healthy, the Saints have the 4th best rushing defense in the NFL, and 6th best in third down defense.  The primary weakness is that the Saints are 20th in passing defense, but Minnesota is only 23rd in passing offense - even with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen on the edges.

New Orleans Saints -400 v. Minnesota Vikings
I hate this line.  Just hate it.  But, obviously, if I think the Saints are going to cover 7 1/2, then I will take them outright.  The Saints just look like they cannot be stopped on offense, especially Michael Thomas.  Who does Minnesota have to cover him?  Don't worry, I'll wait.

Minnesota Vikings v. New Orleans Saints OVER 49 1/2
Lots of points to be scored in this game, I believe.

Seattle Seahawks -1 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles
I would have taken almost any line under 7 for this one.  Yes Seattle is on the road, but they are a legitimate contender - just look at their two games against San Francisco.  Philadelphia is game, given their injuries, and given that Zach Ertz - their best receiver left - is still questionable with broken ribs and punctured organs, Seattle behind Russell Wilson should win this one handily.

Seattle Seahawks -125 at Philadelphia Eagles
See above.

Seattle Seahawks at Philadelphia Eagles UNDER 45 1/2
I can't pick all overs

Big Bet I

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans OVER 43 1/2

The offenses are going to put a lot of pressure on the defenses in this game, especially with running quarterbacks DeShaun Watson and Josh Allen.

Big Bet II

Tennessee Titans +5 at New England Patriots

Even if Tom Brady can summons some of that old school magic (and invent some other offensive players to play with), this game is going to be close, right?

Big Bet III (Because it's the playofs)

Seattle Seahawks -1 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle is just so much better than Philadelphia.

Last Week's Record:  8-7-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  124-129-4
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  14-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $330
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($900)

Picks of the Week

Welcome to the total crapshoot that is Week 17 of the NFL.  We really don't know who will be playing, how much they will be playing, or how hard they will be playing.  Basically, all we know is that in most cases, what we saw all season has no relevance to today.  Horrible for gambling, and I don't even want to make picks today, but I will, for my faithful readers.  I will be making my picks, but likely just commenting on the games in which both teams have something to play for, as those are the teams that are most likely to play they way they have all season, without resting starters, trying to see what they have in rookies, and we could generally and rationally try to handicap.  So, here we go.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Chicago Bears -3 at Minnesota Vikings
Most of Minnesota's ailing players will not playing having clinched a wild card, and virtually locked into the 6 seed.  Given their spate of injuries of late, they should be resting everybody.

New York Jets +1 at Buffalo Bills

New Orleans Saints -14 at Carolina Panthers
I hate doing this, but New Orleans really has something to play for.

Cleveland Browns -3 at Cincinnati Bengals
Nick Chubb clinches rushing title.

Green Bay Packers -12 1/2 at Detroit Lions
See Saints, New Orleans.

Kansas City Chiefs -10 v. Los Angeles Chargers
Well, I already picked two other double digit favorites. At least this one is at home.

Miami Dolphins +16 at New England Patriots
I have said it before, and I will say it again, this team is playing hard for Brian Flores.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick 'em v. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta relaxes after learning their coach will return next season.

Baltimore Ravens +1 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
We, as viewers, do not need Pittsburgh in the playorrs.

Dallas Cowboys -12 v. Washington Racists
The most Dallas Cowboys thing ever would be fore them to back into the playoffs, win a game or two and have Jerry Jones bring back Jason Garrett.  I feel like we should all want this.  (Cowboys fans excluded).

Tennessee Titans -7 at Houston Texans
Tennessee NEEDS this game whereas Houston doesn't.  No way the Texans use this game to knock the Titans out of the playoffs thus setting up the possibility of an inferior team making the playoffs and thus having less competition in the playoffs, right?

Indianapolis Colts -6 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Do we know if Marrone is staying or going?  Of course we do - he is GONE.

New York Giants +3 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Part of the plan to get the Cowboys to not fire Jason Garrett.

Denver Brocnos -3 1/2 v. Oakland Raiders
They lost to Jacksonville last week, and lost Josh Jacobs this week.

Arizona Cardinals +6 1/2 at Lost Angeles Rams
Why not?

San Francisco 49ers -3 at Seattle Seahawks
Toughest game on the board to pick.

Big Bet I
Chicago Bears -3 at Minnesota Vikings
Most of Minnesota's ailing players will not playing having clinched a wild card, and virtually locked into the 6 seed.  Given their spate of injuries of late, they should be resting everybody.

Bears beat Minnesota when Minnesota was healthy.

Big Bet II

Miami Dolphins +16 at New England Patriots
I have said it before, and I will say it again, this team is playing hard for Brian Flores.
And, hopefully New England's offense is still floundering.

Last Week's Record:  9-6-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  116-122-3
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  12-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $660
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,230)

Picks of the Week

Of course I get annihilated in week 15, after a phenomenal week 14.  This year has been ridiculous.  Oh well - gotta keep plugging along.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 v. Houston Texans
A short week, plus Houston is 28th in the NFL in passing defense, which doesn't bode well against the number 1 passing offense in the league.  And, Houston's offensive strength in running the ball - 7th in the NFL - but Tampa Bay's defense is 1st in rushing defense.

New England Patriots -6 v. Buffalo Bills
This line is begging for everyone to take the Bills, and in fact, they are, as the line has moved a full point since it opened at -7.  That is the only reason that I am taking the Patriots, because there offense is not good right now, and the Bills defense is great.  (3rd passing defense, 10th rushing defense, 2nd scoring defense and 3rd total defense).  Unfortunately, Buffalo's offense is practically horrid (22nd in total offense and scoring offense).

San Francisco 49ers -6 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams
Like the above, this line is screaming for action on the Rams.  But, I will once again take the home team (third of three for Saturday's games), and run with it.  Plus, San Fran needs to seriously bounce back from that lost to Atlanta last week.

Atlanta Falcons -7 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ok, so maybe the Jaguars haven't given up as they beat the Raiders last week.  But that was the Raiders - and Derek Carr.  Atlanta has been playing well lately, having beat New Orleans and San Francisco in the past month.

Baltimore Ravens -9 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
It sure seems as if Cleveland is imploding, doesn't it?

Carolina Panthers +6 1/2 at Indianapolis Cotls
I just think that the Panthers will get a jolt from new starting quarterback Will Grier.  Can McCaffrey be any more dangerous than when the safeties have to actually protect against the deep ball, instead of cheating up to guard McCaffrey?

Miami Dolphins pick 'em v. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals seem to want the number 1 pick more than the Dolphins do.

New York Jets +3 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
I will take the points, any points, in this game, as we matchup the 30th and 31st ranked total offenses.  YAWN!

New Orleans Saints -2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
The Saints are rolling, and although we never get the Titans enough credit, by rule I think they have to finish 8-8.

Washington Racists -1 v. New York Giants
Honestly, who cares?

Denver Broncos -7 v. Detroit Lions
A lot of teams would have lost to Kansas City in the snow last week.  Against mediocre and bad teams, Drew Lock has looked pretty good, and that should continue.

Los Angeles Chargers -7 v. Oakland Raiders
I know the transitive property does not apply to sports, but he Raiders just lost to the Jaguars at home, a team the Rams annihilated - in Jacksonville.

Dallas Cowboys -3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas at its best looks better than Philadelphia at its best.  The question is ... will we get either of their bests?

Seattle Seahawks -9 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has gotten better this year, and a good draft or two and they could be challenging for the playoffs.  But, that is in a good draft or two, not now.

Kansas City Chiefs -6 at Chicago Bears
DeShaun Watson v. Pat Mahomes would have been a great battle this week.

Green Bay Packers +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
No Dalvin Cook for one thing.  Green Bay has been continually underrated all season for another.  I'll take the points.

Big Bet I
Atlanta Falcons -7 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ok, so maybe the Jaguars haven't given up as they beat the Raiders last week.  But that was the Raiders - and Derek Carr.  Atlanta has been playing well lately, having beat New Orleans and San Francisco in the past month.

The Jaguars have given up.

Big Bet II

Green Bay Packers +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
No Dalvin Cook for one thing.  Green Bay has been continually underrated all season for another.  I'll take the points.

Why not another big bet.  Let's save it for Monday night to make it even more interesting.

Last Week's Record:  5-10-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  0-2
Year-to-Date Record:  107-116-2
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  10-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  ($930)
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,890)

The Ole College Try

Small sample size, but some important points I wanted to make, so you get a column.

Game of the Week

Navy 31 - Army 7.  Actually, not a good game at all, but it was the only one on the menu!

Best Team Performance

Navy Midshipmen.  Despite giving up a touchdown to their most hated early in the first quarter, Navy thoroughly dominated Army to win 31-7.  Despite an allowing 78 yards to Army on its scoring drive, the Midshipmen held Army to a total of 148 yards, or just 70 more yards for the rest of the game.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Army Cadets.  The Cadets were bombarded by Navy and lost 31-7, and only gained a total of 148 yards.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Perry rushed for 304 yards (an Army-Navy game record) and scored 2 touchdowns all while literally quarterbacking the potent Navy rushing attack.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Jacob Springer, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  Springer finished the game with 7 total tackles (4 solo), and even more importantly 1 sack.  The sack is important because Army only attempted to pass 8 times (6 pass attempts/2 sacks).

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Bijan Nichols, K - Navy Midshipmen.  Nichols was successful in all 4 of his PATs, and was 1-2 in his field attempts (including the only successful field goal of the game).

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

No goats this week, as the game played out exactly as people thought it would.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

No goats this week, as the game played out exactly as people thought it would.

Breakthrough Performance

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else?

Finally

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Again, who else?

Impact Injury

N/A

Team Rising

Navy Midshipmen.  The 23rd ranked Midshipmen will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana to play Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl.

Team Falling

Army Cadets.  Army finished the season 5-8.

Player(s) to Watch

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else?

My New Favorite Player

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else? Actually, it is because of this story, Perry was not even on the roster his first season, but when the Midshipmen were hit with some injuries his freshman year, Perry was asked to join the team for some depth.

Players of the Week

5.  Christian Anderson, RB - Army Cadets.  Anderson finished the game with 56 yards rushing and a touchdown, the Cadets' only score.

4.  Diego Fagot, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  Fagot finished the rivalry game with 8 tackles and 1 sack (again, on 8 dropbacks for Army).

3.  Jamale Carrothers, RB - Navy Midshipmen.  He rushed for 75 yards and 1 TD, while also catching a pass (for 1 yard) and another score.

2.  Jacob Springer, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  See above.

1.  Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  See above.

(No Longer) Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

LSU Tigers (1) v. Oklahoma Sooners (4)/ (2) Ohio State Buckeyes v. (3) Clemson Tigers

Remaining Unbeatens

Clemson, LSU, Ohio State

Remaining Winless Team

Akron - Only winless team on the year, as Akron has finished its season.

Rant(s) of the Week

For those of you spouting off about the investigations into the "white power OK hand signal" used in the stadium in the Army-Navy game, just know that your defense of the "circle game" is way off base.  First, in the circle game, the object is to make someone look at the circle as it is placed somewhere on your body below the waist.  If you could just do the OK sign anywhere, people would always look.  Second, more than one person would not be doing the circle game at the same exact time, and at the same exact time as the camera was being pointed at them (the object is one person trying to make others look at "the circle", not everyone doing "the circle".  Third, yes using the OK sign as a white supremacist symbol started as a troll on 4chan, but the trolling actually caught on with white supremacist groups, who now use it as their own.  So, 4chan trolled themselves, basically.  And, fourth, there is a well-documented history of white supremacy in the service academies.  Look it up, it isn't hard to find.  In fact, Army, the United States Military Academy, just dropped one of its long-standing mottoes - "God Forgives, Brothers Don't" - because it was created as a motto by white supremacist gangs.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

Last week's questions were:

1.  Ohio State's wide receiver K.J. Hill broke the school career reception record in the Big 10 Championship game.  Which Buckeye receiver's record did he break?

2.  LSU's Joe Burrow set the single season SEC record for most touchdown passes thrown.  Which SEC quarterback had the previous record?

The answers are:  David Boston, who had 191 career receptions; and Drew Lock, who threw for 44 touchdowns in 2017.

Match up(s) to Watch

Bowl games start this week, but I couldn't figure out if I wanted to write the matchups to watch for this week, or for the whole Bowl Season.  Lucky for you, I decided the whole Bowl Season.  Why?  Who knows - it's my column.

6,  USC Trojans v. Iowa Hawkeyes (San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl).  Both teams have played better than the recognition they received this year, plus the Holiday Bowl is usually zany. This game may kill that history.

5.  SMU Mustangs v. Florida Atlantic Owls (Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl).  This bowl game has changed its name from the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Yes, Seriously), so it is picked just so I could type Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl.  It also features two relatively exciting teams whose type of play could lead to an exciting shootout - even without Lane Kiffin on the sidelines.  Plus, this might be the last time FAU is relevant with Willie Taggert taking over next year.

4.  Memphis Tigers v. Penn State Nittany Lions (Goodyear Cotton Bowl).  The battle of the Big Cats, as Memphis takes the Group of 5 spot in the New Year's Bowls. Memphis is great, and should have won their only loss - as a horrible call led to them losing - the subject of one of my earlier rants.  Too bad Mike Norvell is leaving for Florida State, as he was really building something in Memphis.

3.  Minnesota Golden Gophers v. Auburn Tigers (Outback Bowl).  I am interested in seeing a rugged Minnesota team play the speedier Auburn Tigers.

2.  Georgia Bulldogs v. Baylor Bears (AllState Sugar Bowl).  Baylor's only two losses came to the Oklahoma Sooners, one of those in overtime.  Georgia's two losses include a defeat at the hands of LSU.  Both LSU and Oklahoma play each other in the semifinals.  What does that have to do with this game?  Nothing.

1.  Clemson Tigers v Ohio State Buckeyes (PlayStation Fiesta Bowl).  The best game in the bowl season (except for the finals - unless Oklahoma defeats LSU).

Trivia Question of the Week

What is the all-time record for the Army-Navy game?

Picks of the Week

What a great week last week.  Perhaps after 13 weeks I finally learned something.  Of course, after bragging about it here, I am going to get demolished this week.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

New York Jets +17 at Baltimore Ravens
That number just seemed big to me.  Moral of the story?  Home team on a short week.

Chicago Bears +4 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
These games always seem to be close, and should be more so now that Akiem Hicks is back for the Bears.

Carolina Panthers +6 v. Seattle Seahawks
i don't like this pick, but it is a west coast team travelling east and playing in the early matchup.  But, Russell Wilson has historically done phenomenal in these situations.  With a 6 point spread, Seattle can win, and Carolina still cover.

Cincinnati Bengals +10 v. New England Patriots
Cincinnati has been playing better with Andy Dalton back at the helm, and New England's offense has been going backward.  Patriots will likely still win, but by a touchdown.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -5 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Jameis - for better or for worse - has been slinging it, and he is playing for his job (and contract), whether in Tampa or otherwise.

Denver Broncos +10 at Kansas City Chiefs
I cannot pull the trigger on giving up double digits in this intradivisional rivalry, especially since Denver's offense looks entirely different with Drew Lock.  They aren't great, and Lock still has a long way to go, but at least it looks like I am watching an NFL team.

Miami Dolphins +3 at New York Giants
Do I need to say one more time how hard this team has been playing under Flores?  And, as the year end approaches, lots of Dolphins are playing for their jobs.  Plus, Fitzpatrick gets to pick on a team that just cut one of their cornerbacks because of a twitter feud.  Kudos to Eli for the way he handled himself while benched, but he just doesn't have the firepower - even with Saquon Barkley.

Tennessee Titans -3 v. Houston Texans
I just feel that this Tennessee team is better than (1) the sum of its parts; and (2) we all think.  If this game was at Houston, I would probably pick the Texans.

Philadelphia Eagles -6 at Washington Racists
The Eagles now know they have a legitimate chance to take over the division lead, as the Cowboys host the Rams and the Eagles play the Giants in week 17.  This win could make next week's game against the Cowboys less important.

Cleveland Browns -3 at Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland's offense has looked more dangerous since Kareem Hunt arrived, without lessening the impact running of Nick Chubb.  This is just too much for Arizona.

Oakland Raiders -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have given up.

Minnesota Vikings -2 1/2 at Los Angeles Chargers
Minnesota celebrates the return of Adam Thielen by defeating the Chargers.  But, I would be incredibly happy if the Chargers win this game outright.

Los Angeles Rams -1 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has not defeated a team over .500 this season.  The only reason they are still in the playoff hunt is because their division is weak, and because they also haven't lost to a team under .500 all year.

San Francisco 49ers -10 1/2 v. Atlanta Falcons
I really hope that we get the 49ers offense from last week.

Buffalo Bills +1 1/2 Pittsburgh Steelers
James Conner is back for Pittsburgh, but only will split carries with Jaylen Samuels and Bennie Snell.  This leaves me in a fantasy football dilemma, but not in a picks dilemma.  I will take any points Pittsburgh gives me.

New Orleans Saints -9 1/2 v. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis gave this season as good run for 10 or 11 weeks, but just ran out of steam.  If the Saints play anywhere near the level they played last week, they win this in a walk.

Big Bet I
Oakland Raiders -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have given up.

In case you haven't seen it yet this week, or in previous weeks, the Jaguars have given up.

Big Bet II

Cleveland Browns -3 at Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland's offense has looked more dangerous since Kareem Hunt arrived, without lessening the impact running of Nick Chubb.  This is just too much for Arizona.

I am only picking a second big bet because I couldn't decide which of the two to choose, so I am picking both.  I would do I if I was actually limited to one because Oakland is at home.

Last Week's Record:  10-5-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  102-106-1
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  10-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $750
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($960)