What a great Thanksgiving. Not only did I feast on an outstanding dinner, but the dessert was extra sweet since those bastards from Dallas lost (I'm thankful for Ron Dayne and Jason Elam). And, by winning both games yesterday, I have already matched last week's win total of 2. Sad, I know, but there's only one way to go once you've hit rock bottom. One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is eating a cold turkey sandwich made from the leftovers from the night before. Along the same lines, these are the games left on the Week 12 slate.
The Match-up: St. Louis (-4.0) @ Houston
The Skinny: Houston has played statistically the toughest schedule in the league this year. Yeah, that's what their problem is.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: New England (+3.0) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: The Pats may have to sign me to play corner if they lose one more player.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Cleveland (+4.5) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Nice rally by the Vikings. Probably too little too late with the Bears surging as they are, but still they've showed a lot of character (yes, this is the same team that took a sex cruise on their bye week, so maybe character isn't the right word).
Straight up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: Carolina (-4.0) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: Warm-weathered Carolina favored in Buffalo tells me a lot.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Chicago (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Sure, I'll take the Bears defense plus some points against young Chris Simms.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Baltimore (+9.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: Memo to Chad Johnson - look at what happened with T.O. and re-think that hold out you're planning during the off-season.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: San Diego (-3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Both teams are in playoff contention, and a win Sunday would go a long way.
Straight up: San Diego
aging the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: San Francisco (+7.5) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: It's all about draft positioning between these two fallen powers.
Straight up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Miami (+7.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: That's right, I'm wagering on Sage Rosenfels on the road in November. As the saying goes, do as I say, not as I do.
Straight up: Oakland
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-3.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Nice showing by Kurt Warner last week, but Jacksonville's defense will provide a litmus test as to whether or not Warner is officially back.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Green Bay (+4.5) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: You heard it here first - the Eagles will win out, finish 10-6 and sneak into the playoffs.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: New York Giants (+4.5) @ Seattle
The Skinny: Did you know that the Seahawks have the best record in the NFC? The Seahawks? Unbelievable.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New Orleans (-1.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: At least the Jets play a little defense.
Straight up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (+7.5) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: I wanted to take Pittsburgh, I really did. But in Indy, I just couldn't pull the trigger.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Friday, November 25, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Thanksgiving Day Deuce
Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday of the year. Why? Because I get to sit around, watch football, eat until I feel the need to undo the button on my pants, and fall asleep in the recliner. My wife would tell you that's no different from how I spend every weekend. Touche.
Anyway, my Thanksgiving ritual is basically as follows:
1) Wake up and eat an enormous breakfast of eggs, bacon, and cinnamon buns.
2) Camp out in front of the TV to watch part of the Thanksgiving Day Parade (only because it is hosted by charter "List of Five" member Kelly Ripa.
3) Watch football (root for whomever is playing against Dallas).
4) Gorge myself on turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, bread, and gravy.
5) Watch more football as the Triptophan kicks in and gently nod off.
6) Wake up just in time for dessert.
Time to add a new feature to the ritual - share with you, my loyal readers, the Turkey Day picks (the remaining games for the weekend will follow in a later post). Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
The Match-up: Atlanta (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: I don't think either team should be making plans to return to Ford Field in February, but I do like Ron Mexico to shine on a national stage, a la Randy Moss against the Cowgirls a few years back.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Denver (-2.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: The Broncos are playing some good football right now. And what would Thanksgiving be if I didn't go against the Cowboys?
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Anyway, my Thanksgiving ritual is basically as follows:
1) Wake up and eat an enormous breakfast of eggs, bacon, and cinnamon buns.
2) Camp out in front of the TV to watch part of the Thanksgiving Day Parade (only because it is hosted by charter "List of Five" member Kelly Ripa.
3) Watch football (root for whomever is playing against Dallas).
4) Gorge myself on turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, bread, and gravy.
5) Watch more football as the Triptophan kicks in and gently nod off.
6) Wake up just in time for dessert.
Time to add a new feature to the ritual - share with you, my loyal readers, the Turkey Day picks (the remaining games for the weekend will follow in a later post). Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
The Match-up: Atlanta (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: I don't think either team should be making plans to return to Ford Field in February, but I do like Ron Mexico to shine on a national stage, a la Randy Moss against the Cowgirls a few years back.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Denver (-2.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: The Broncos are playing some good football right now. And what would Thanksgiving be if I didn't go against the Cowboys?
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Week 11 Picks
It's a true road game this weekend, as the picks are coming to you live from the former home front in the Philly 'burbs. I'm also working on a dial up connection, so the picks will be brief in nature (so as not to get cut off by an incoming call). I won't even bombard you with any T.O. commentary - at least not for another week or so.
FYI - I will keep track of how many times I am disconnected through the proceedings, starting with the time it just happened [one].
The Match-up: Oakland (+6.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: The Skins are the latest team to fall victim of a coach growing stones at the end of the game when Jon Gruden went for two and the win at the gun last week. Oakland fell victim to Dick Vermeil's last-second touchdown call the week before. The two meet this week, and somebody will leave FedEx Field pissed off again.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Miami (+2.5) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Don't think I've picked the Browns yet this year, and I see no reason to start now. Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (off) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Tommy Maddox vs. Kyle Boller isn't exactly good theatre.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Detroit (+8.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Dallas sucks, have I mentioned that before? Just making sure I cover all my bases.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-4.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: Other than Indianapolis at home, the Jags have a virtual cake walk to the post-season.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
[two]
The Match-up: Arizona (+9.5) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: The Rams are starting to regain their health and round back into form.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: New Orleans (+9.5) @ New England
The Skinny: Notice no one is talking about the Pats three-peating any more.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+7.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: Mike McMahon to Billy McMullen for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Hey, it could happen.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+6.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Chris Simms may have come of age last week against Washington. Down by seven twice late, he rallied the troops to the aforementioned last-second two point conversion victory. But in Atlanta is a tough go, even though the Bucs have given Ron Mexico fits in the past.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Carolina (-3.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: At 7-2, the best team in the NFC right now resides in Charlotte.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
[three]
The Match-up: Seattle (-12.5) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Shaun Alexander is a stud - five straight years of 15+ touchdowns? Unheard of.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New York Jets (+13.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: 13 points is just too many to give the Jets, even on the road.
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Buffalo (+11.0) @ San Diego
The Skinny: Bills fans should not get too excited about the showing of J.P. Losman last week. I mean, it's not like he's Jim Kelly or anything.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
[four - this is getting ridiculous]
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-6.0) @ Cincinatti
The Skinny: In the game of the week, I like the Colts to get to 10-0, but not without a fight from the Bengals.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
[five - what the chicken?]
The Match-up: Kansas City (-7.0) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Chiefs should not miss a beat without Priest Holmes, as long as Larry Johnson keeps running the way he has.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Minnesota (+4.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Brett Favre, Lambeau Field, Monday night. Need I say more?
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
FYI - I will keep track of how many times I am disconnected through the proceedings, starting with the time it just happened [one].
The Match-up: Oakland (+6.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: The Skins are the latest team to fall victim of a coach growing stones at the end of the game when Jon Gruden went for two and the win at the gun last week. Oakland fell victim to Dick Vermeil's last-second touchdown call the week before. The two meet this week, and somebody will leave FedEx Field pissed off again.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Miami (+2.5) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Don't think I've picked the Browns yet this year, and I see no reason to start now. Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (off) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Tommy Maddox vs. Kyle Boller isn't exactly good theatre.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Detroit (+8.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Dallas sucks, have I mentioned that before? Just making sure I cover all my bases.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-4.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: Other than Indianapolis at home, the Jags have a virtual cake walk to the post-season.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
[two]
The Match-up: Arizona (+9.5) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: The Rams are starting to regain their health and round back into form.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: New Orleans (+9.5) @ New England
The Skinny: Notice no one is talking about the Pats three-peating any more.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+7.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: Mike McMahon to Billy McMullen for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Hey, it could happen.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+6.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Chris Simms may have come of age last week against Washington. Down by seven twice late, he rallied the troops to the aforementioned last-second two point conversion victory. But in Atlanta is a tough go, even though the Bucs have given Ron Mexico fits in the past.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Carolina (-3.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: At 7-2, the best team in the NFC right now resides in Charlotte.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
[three]
The Match-up: Seattle (-12.5) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Shaun Alexander is a stud - five straight years of 15+ touchdowns? Unheard of.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New York Jets (+13.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: 13 points is just too many to give the Jets, even on the road.
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Buffalo (+11.0) @ San Diego
The Skinny: Bills fans should not get too excited about the showing of J.P. Losman last week. I mean, it's not like he's Jim Kelly or anything.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
[four - this is getting ridiculous]
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-6.0) @ Cincinatti
The Skinny: In the game of the week, I like the Colts to get to 10-0, but not without a fight from the Bengals.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
[five - what the chicken?]
The Match-up: Kansas City (-7.0) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Chiefs should not miss a beat without Priest Holmes, as long as Larry Johnson keeps running the way he has.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Minnesota (+4.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Brett Favre, Lambeau Field, Monday night. Need I say more?
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Friday, November 11, 2005
The Week 10 Picks
I’m a little disappointed about the whole Terrell Owens situation. My loyal readers (both of you) know I’ve been a supporter of Owens as recently as two weeks ago in this space, but this entire ordeal has really showed me the guy’s true colors. The sad thing is, this all started last December when Owens broke his leg and Donovan McNabb said in a press conference that he still thought the Eagles could win without him. T.O. took that as a personal slight, and the relationship deteriorated from there.
A couple of points that should be made:
a) What exactly was Owens expecting McNabb to say? “T.O. is hurt, so we might as well shut it down for the season.”
b) Owens claims he came back to play in the Super Bowl for the team, but its apparent that he did it for himself, as evidenced by the fact that he used that as a negotiating ploy to try and get more money.
c) T.O. claims he’s not being selfish, but everything he pulled was done with the intent of milking more money out of the Eagles. He personifies selfishness.
All of these actions virtually guarantee that Owens will never get the big money he so covets, from the Eagles or any other team. Not only is he selfish, he’s also ignorant, misguided, and not very bright. Oh, and his agent is a weasel (next question, next question, next question…what a spineless coward). Owens is the ultimate ‘Me’ player in the ultimate team sport.
But the guy can ball.
In his year and a half as an Eagle, Owens averaged almost 100 yards and a touchdown per game. So while the popular line is that the Eagles will be better off without him, I guess I’m torn. In the clubhouse, yes, they’re probably better off. But on the field, it will be tough to account for an extra seven points per game. Especially when a 4-4 record is bringing up the rear in the suddenly-stacked NFC East, and there are teams like Carolina, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Chicago that the Eagles would have to leap frog to make the playoffs.
It could be a long, cold winter in Philly.
The Match-up: Kansas City (+2.5) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: Props to Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil for his decision to go for the touchdown from the one yard line while down three with five seconds to go and no timeouts in last week’s game against Oakland. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pissed because I had KC -4.5 and was hoping for OT. The football Gods will get me back this week.
Straight up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: San Francisco (+13.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: Even if Thomas Jones sits out with bruised ribs, I like the Bears to win. But Frisco plays with some tenacity, and I like that.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Baltimore (+6.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Kyle Boller is back under center for the Ravens, but unless he had a transplant and became Johnny Unitas, it won’t make a difference in Jacksonville.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Arizona (+4.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Two quarterback controversies, four marginal quarterbacks, one crappy game.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Houston (+18.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Classic trap game for the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team. The Colts finally got that gorilla off their back on Monday, and I could see them sleepwalking through the first half on Sunday. That could keep Houston in cover range.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: New England (-3.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: While last year’s NFC champion Eagles are 4-4 and struggling to make the playoffs, the equally 4-4 Patriots are still in first place in their division. So much for the AFC being the dominant conference.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Minnesota (+9.5) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: Anybody know the pre-season odds on the Giants to win the NFC? Not nearly as good as Minnesota’s, I’m sure. A gimpy quarterback, a drugged-up running back, and a sex cruise can do that to a team.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: New York Jets (+9.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: During their recent five-game winning streak, the Panthers have resembled the contender everyone predicted them to be. And, their cheerleaders know how to party.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Denver (-3.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: Still waiting for Jake Plummer to turn into, well, Jake Plummer. I mean, everybody else on my fantasy team has thrown it in the tank, why not “The Snake?”
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: This one’s for the division, so you can bet it will be close. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are both expected back for the Rams, thus I feel they’re going to be in the ball game. But Shaun Alexander and the ‘Hawks are money at home.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Green Bay (+9.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Anybody remember which team drafted Brett Favre out of Southern Miss in 1991? The answer is my pick in this game.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Washington (-1.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: If anyone but Mark Brunell wins the NFL’s comeback player of the year award, I’m calling for a formal investigation.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Cleveland (+8.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Ben Roethlisberger is still on the shelf for the Steelers, but Willie Parker will play. The combination of Parker and Duce Staley should be enough to get it done at home for the ‘burgh.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: Next question.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
A couple of points that should be made:
a) What exactly was Owens expecting McNabb to say? “T.O. is hurt, so we might as well shut it down for the season.”
b) Owens claims he came back to play in the Super Bowl for the team, but its apparent that he did it for himself, as evidenced by the fact that he used that as a negotiating ploy to try and get more money.
c) T.O. claims he’s not being selfish, but everything he pulled was done with the intent of milking more money out of the Eagles. He personifies selfishness.
All of these actions virtually guarantee that Owens will never get the big money he so covets, from the Eagles or any other team. Not only is he selfish, he’s also ignorant, misguided, and not very bright. Oh, and his agent is a weasel (next question, next question, next question…what a spineless coward). Owens is the ultimate ‘Me’ player in the ultimate team sport.
But the guy can ball.
In his year and a half as an Eagle, Owens averaged almost 100 yards and a touchdown per game. So while the popular line is that the Eagles will be better off without him, I guess I’m torn. In the clubhouse, yes, they’re probably better off. But on the field, it will be tough to account for an extra seven points per game. Especially when a 4-4 record is bringing up the rear in the suddenly-stacked NFC East, and there are teams like Carolina, Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Chicago that the Eagles would have to leap frog to make the playoffs.
It could be a long, cold winter in Philly.
The Match-up: Kansas City (+2.5) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: Props to Kansas City head coach Dick Vermeil for his decision to go for the touchdown from the one yard line while down three with five seconds to go and no timeouts in last week’s game against Oakland. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pissed because I had KC -4.5 and was hoping for OT. The football Gods will get me back this week.
Straight up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: San Francisco (+13.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: Even if Thomas Jones sits out with bruised ribs, I like the Bears to win. But Frisco plays with some tenacity, and I like that.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Baltimore (+6.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Kyle Boller is back under center for the Ravens, but unless he had a transplant and became Johnny Unitas, it won’t make a difference in Jacksonville.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Arizona (+4.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Two quarterback controversies, four marginal quarterbacks, one crappy game.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Houston (+18.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Classic trap game for the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team. The Colts finally got that gorilla off their back on Monday, and I could see them sleepwalking through the first half on Sunday. That could keep Houston in cover range.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: New England (-3.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: While last year’s NFC champion Eagles are 4-4 and struggling to make the playoffs, the equally 4-4 Patriots are still in first place in their division. So much for the AFC being the dominant conference.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Minnesota (+9.5) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: Anybody know the pre-season odds on the Giants to win the NFC? Not nearly as good as Minnesota’s, I’m sure. A gimpy quarterback, a drugged-up running back, and a sex cruise can do that to a team.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: New York Jets (+9.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: During their recent five-game winning streak, the Panthers have resembled the contender everyone predicted them to be. And, their cheerleaders know how to party.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Denver (-3.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: Still waiting for Jake Plummer to turn into, well, Jake Plummer. I mean, everybody else on my fantasy team has thrown it in the tank, why not “The Snake?”
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: This one’s for the division, so you can bet it will be close. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are both expected back for the Rams, thus I feel they’re going to be in the ball game. But Shaun Alexander and the ‘Hawks are money at home.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Green Bay (+9.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: Anybody remember which team drafted Brett Favre out of Southern Miss in 1991? The answer is my pick in this game.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Washington (-1.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: If anyone but Mark Brunell wins the NFL’s comeback player of the year award, I’m calling for a formal investigation.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Cleveland (+8.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Ben Roethlisberger is still on the shelf for the Steelers, but Willie Parker will play. The combination of Parker and Duce Staley should be enough to get it done at home for the ‘burgh.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: Next question.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Making the Turn - The Week 9 Picks
It’s that time of the year. This week marks the halfway point of the season, and there’s no time like the present to re-visit some of my pre-season predictions and see how they’re looking now. To recap:
Division Winner Then Now
AFC East New England New England
AFC North Baltimore (oops) Pittsburgh
AFC South Indianapolis Indianapolis
AFC West San Diego Denver
Wild Cards Buffalo, Pittsburgh Jacksonville, San Diego
NFC East Philadelphia Philadelphia
NFC North Minnesota (my bad) Chicago
NFC South Carolina Carolina
NFC West St. Louis St. Louis
Wild Cards Atlanta, Dallas Atlanta, New York Giants
Super Bowl Philadelphia over Indianapolis (I’ll stand by that)
Other than the aforementioned, my biggest pre-season busts were my offensive rookie of the year (Did I say J.J. Arrington? I meant Heath Miller. No, seriously, I did.) and my sleeper team (which I almost nailed with the Bears before I got cold feet and switched to Buffalo). The lesson here? Trust your instincts.
As for the individual scorecard, records of 75-41 (.647) straight up and 59-54-3 (.522) against the spread are comparable to last year’s marks. But we strive for constant improvement around here, so its time to buckle down.
Here’s to a strong second half!
The Match-up: Cincinnati (-3.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: I figured one of these teams would be in the hunt in the AFC and the other would be a middle-of-the-road club. So I guess I was right…and wrong.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Atlanta (-2.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: Miami is one of those teams that gives me fits. Just when I think I’ve got them figured out, they burn me.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Detroit (0.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Now that Daunte Culpepper’s season is over, the Vikings season is about to go down like a sinking ship, no pun intended. Alright, maybe it was intended.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: San Diego (-6.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: The Jets tend to play pretty well at home, but the Chargers may be the best 4-4 team in the history of the league.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Carolina (-1.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: The battle for first place in the NFC South takes place when the Panthers visit the Bucs, with Tampa listed as the underdog. Call it the “Chris Simms Factor.”
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Tennessee (+3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Earlier I mentioned something about trusting your instincts. Well, for some reason I have a feeling the Titans will pull a mild upset in the dog pound.
Straight up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Houston (+13.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Jacksonville doesn’t score enough to justify the high spread. It is almost time for the Texans to start thinking about whether they will take Matt Leinart or Reggie Bush with the #1 pick next April.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Oakland (+4.5) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: KC owns Oakland at Arrowhead.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Chicago (-3.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: Last week’s OT thriller just about clinched the NFC North for the 4-3 Bears. I wish I was kidding, but I’m not.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Seattle is typically not a good road team. Arizona is just not a good team.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New York Giants (-11.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Each week, the Giants are looking more and more like a legitimate contender in the NFC. As for San Francisco, Cody Pickett will start at QB this week. What, were Steve Bono and Jim Druckenmiller unavailable?
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: How bad are the Packers? Not only are they an underdog at Lambeau (which happens roughly once every 5 years), but they’re an underdog against a team led by Charlie Batch.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: The next three weeks will determine a lot about the hierarchy in the NFC East – Philly visits Washington, hosts Dallas (they suck, by the way), and travels to The Meadowlands to take on the Giants. If the birds are going to win the division, they’ll need to take at least two of the next three, perhaps without T.O. Difficult, but not impossible.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-3.0) @ New England
The Skinny: Do the Colts FINALLY have New England’s number? They’ve been in this spot before (i.e., favored in Foxboro) and flopped. Will this one be any different? In a word, yes.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Division Winner Then Now
AFC East New England New England
AFC North Baltimore (oops) Pittsburgh
AFC South Indianapolis Indianapolis
AFC West San Diego Denver
Wild Cards Buffalo, Pittsburgh Jacksonville, San Diego
NFC East Philadelphia Philadelphia
NFC North Minnesota (my bad) Chicago
NFC South Carolina Carolina
NFC West St. Louis St. Louis
Wild Cards Atlanta, Dallas Atlanta, New York Giants
Super Bowl Philadelphia over Indianapolis (I’ll stand by that)
Other than the aforementioned, my biggest pre-season busts were my offensive rookie of the year (Did I say J.J. Arrington? I meant Heath Miller. No, seriously, I did.) and my sleeper team (which I almost nailed with the Bears before I got cold feet and switched to Buffalo). The lesson here? Trust your instincts.
As for the individual scorecard, records of 75-41 (.647) straight up and 59-54-3 (.522) against the spread are comparable to last year’s marks. But we strive for constant improvement around here, so its time to buckle down.
Here’s to a strong second half!
The Match-up: Cincinnati (-3.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: I figured one of these teams would be in the hunt in the AFC and the other would be a middle-of-the-road club. So I guess I was right…and wrong.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Atlanta (-2.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: Miami is one of those teams that gives me fits. Just when I think I’ve got them figured out, they burn me.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Detroit (0.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Now that Daunte Culpepper’s season is over, the Vikings season is about to go down like a sinking ship, no pun intended. Alright, maybe it was intended.
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: San Diego (-6.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: The Jets tend to play pretty well at home, but the Chargers may be the best 4-4 team in the history of the league.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: New York Jets
The Match-up: Carolina (-1.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: The battle for first place in the NFC South takes place when the Panthers visit the Bucs, with Tampa listed as the underdog. Call it the “Chris Simms Factor.”
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Tennessee (+3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: Earlier I mentioned something about trusting your instincts. Well, for some reason I have a feeling the Titans will pull a mild upset in the dog pound.
Straight up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Tennessee
The Match-up: Houston (+13.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Jacksonville doesn’t score enough to justify the high spread. It is almost time for the Texans to start thinking about whether they will take Matt Leinart or Reggie Bush with the #1 pick next April.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Oakland (+4.5) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: KC owns Oakland at Arrowhead.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Chicago (-3.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: Last week’s OT thriller just about clinched the NFC North for the 4-3 Bears. I wish I was kidding, but I’m not.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: Seattle is typically not a good road team. Arizona is just not a good team.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New York Giants (-11.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: Each week, the Giants are looking more and more like a legitimate contender in the NFC. As for San Francisco, Cody Pickett will start at QB this week. What, were Steve Bono and Jim Druckenmiller unavailable?
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: How bad are the Packers? Not only are they an underdog at Lambeau (which happens roughly once every 5 years), but they’re an underdog against a team led by Charlie Batch.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: The next three weeks will determine a lot about the hierarchy in the NFC East – Philly visits Washington, hosts Dallas (they suck, by the way), and travels to The Meadowlands to take on the Giants. If the birds are going to win the division, they’ll need to take at least two of the next three, perhaps without T.O. Difficult, but not impossible.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-3.0) @ New England
The Skinny: Do the Colts FINALLY have New England’s number? They’ve been in this spot before (i.e., favored in Foxboro) and flopped. Will this one be any different? In a word, yes.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)