And so we’ve reached the end of the regular season, and this weekend’s games are peppered with playoff implications, resting starters, and of course, the Reggie Bush Bowl between Houston and San Francisco (which could actually play out more like a lottery, as up to five teams could be tied for the worst record in the league). This is always one of the toughest weeks to pick, just for the record. Also, look for the first annual “Season Preview Review”coming next week. Read on, and Happy New Year to you!
The Match-up: Denver (+10.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: The Broncos are locked into the #2 spot in the AFC, thus many of their regulars will be on the sidelines in baseball caps. San Diego, loaded as they are, should be playing for more than pride against a division rival.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: New York Giants (-9.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: Typically, I steer clear of Eli Manning on the road. However, this is a must-win for the Giants to lock up the NFC East, and Oakland shouldn’t be much of a spoiler.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+7.5) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Not much intrigue here other than Larry Johnson looking for his 9th straight 100-yard game. I know the Chiefs are technically still alive for the playoffs, but that’s only if Pittsburgh loses to Detroit (and that’s not going to happen).
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Miami (+5.5) @ New England
The Skinny: The Pats still have an outside chance at the #3 seed, which would mean a home game in Foxboro and avoiding the Colts in the second round.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Buffalo (-1.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: The Jets are one of the teams with an outside chance at the #1 pick. I had an inclination to take them this week, but then I’ve remembered past hunches about this team and getting burned. So, I’m reluctantly taking the Bills.
Straight up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: Carolina (-4.0) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: The Panthers need a win to clinch a playoff berth, so they’ll pull out all the stops. One problem – they have lost seven straight in Atlanta and are 1-9 all time in the Georgia Dome. Atlanta may not spoil the Panthers’ season, but they’ll give them a game.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Detroit (+13.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: See “Cincinnati (+7.5) @ Kansas City”
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Baltimore (-3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: The Browns look to bounce back from last week’s 41-0 embarrassment at the hands of the Steelers. Baltimore, meanwhile, has players and coaches fighting for jobs next season.
Straight up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: New Orleans (+13.5) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: The Bucs control their own destiny in terms of winning the NFC South.
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Seattle (+4.5) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Shaun Alexander has a chance to break the single-season touchdown record, so he’ll start. Chances are he’ll score early to clinch the record, then join the other Seattle starters on the bench.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
The Match-up: Arizona (+6.5) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: Welcome back, Coach Dungy.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: Houston (-1.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: If the Texans end up with the #1 pick, guys like Domanick Davis and Johnathan Wells could end up on the trading block (Note to Texans front office – grab some offensive linemen).
Straight up: San Francisco
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Tennessee (+3.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Jacksonville is the #5 seed, win lose or draw, and they’re 3-1 behind David Garrard, with that one loss at the hands of the mighty Colts. So why all the talk about Byron Leftwich suiting up this week?
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Chicago (+4.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: Normally, I would advise that the Bears sit Rex Grossman. But he’s been out for so long, and developing chemistry with the offense wouldn’t be a bad thing. Plus, if the worst happens and Grossman gets hurt (again), Kyle Orton waits in the wings, and he did a solid job as a starter in Grossman’s absence.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Washington (-7.5) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: For the Redskins, it’s simple – win and they’re in. The Eagles would love nothing more than to spoil Washington’s hopes.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: St. Louis (+12.5) @ Dallas
The Skinny: There actually will be a perfect record in the NFL this season…16 times the Dallas Cowboys took the field, and 16 times I’ve picked against them. No playoffs for the Cowgirls, and another retirement for Bill Parcells. Good riddance, Tuna.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
Friday, December 30, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
The Week 16 Picks
Before we get started, I want to personally express my condolences to Colts head coach Tony Dungy on the death of his son, James, who apparently committed suicide this week at the age of 18. As a father, I couldn’t imagine losing one of my children, especially around the holidays. So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, say a prayer for Coach Dungy and his family.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season
The Match-up: Tennessee (+5.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: Sounds more like a Peach Bowl than a meaningless Week 16 NFL match-up (and, quite frankly, a more intriguing one).
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Detroit (+3.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: Both teams are just a mess. The Lions are back to Joey Harrington, who actually showed signs of life in relief of Jeff Garcia a week ago. New Orleans started Todd Bouman last week, and he showed up Aaron Brooks…by tossing 4 picks! Brutal.
Straight up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Ron Mexico faces his nemesis on Saturday, as the Bucs always seem to make Mexico one-dimensional (and not the good dimension, either).
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Buffalo (+14.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: Chad Johnson is at it again. He stated this week that he had a Christmas-themed TD celebration planned that would incorporate a reindeer. Fun stuff.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: New York Giants (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Loyal readers should know what’s coming here. Eli Manning on the road against a VERY good defense? It’s almost like stealing.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Cleveland (+7.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Desperation tells me that the Steelers will come to play on Saturday. They’re still alive, and can’t afford a let-down against their bitter rival. Speaking of, I gave you Miami as a potential sleeper for next year, but how about the Browns in that same vain?
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Dallas (+5.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Nice effort by the Cowgirls last week. Another loss this week in Carolina should pretty much seal their fate.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-6.0) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Texans actually hurt themselves with a win last week, dropping them into a tie with San Francisco for the worst record in the Reggie Bush sweepstakes.
Straight up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: San Diego (Pick) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Good match-up between the top-ranked Chargers run defense and the 100-yards per game streak of pro-bowler Larry Johnson. It may be hard for San Diego to get all the way up for this one (which explains the line a little bit), but I’ll take a chance on them..
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: San Francisco (+9.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: Did you know that 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, the number one overall pick of a year ago, was a high school teammate of Reggie Bush? They may be together again very, very soon.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+1.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: If only you could combine these two offenses and put Boldin and Fitzgerald on the Eagles…
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Indianapolis (+10.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: Suddenly, this game seems meaningless. True, it could be a Super Bowl preview. However, questions arise. Now that the perfect season has come and gone, how much will the Colts starters play? And, will the team be able to focus with Tony Dungy dealing with the personal tragedy that befell him this week? I almost feel disrespectful making a pick in this game.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Oakland (+13.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: Even if Raiders RB LaMont Jordan was healthy, I still would have taken Denver.
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Chicago (-7.0) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Is this the end for Brett Favre? If so, it’s a shame to see him go out like this. Just in case, congratulations on a hall of fame career, Brett.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Minnesota (+2.5) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Okay, as a guy who thought the Ravens were going to be a contender this year, I have to ask - where has this offense been all year?
Straight up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: New England (-5.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: It’s the finale for Monday Night Football on ABC, and they’ll focus more on the history of the program as opposed to the actual game. The Patriots are starting to look like, well, the Patriots, and they’re the team no one wants to play in the playoffs. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season
The Match-up: Tennessee (+5.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: Sounds more like a Peach Bowl than a meaningless Week 16 NFL match-up (and, quite frankly, a more intriguing one).
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Detroit (+3.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: Both teams are just a mess. The Lions are back to Joey Harrington, who actually showed signs of life in relief of Jeff Garcia a week ago. New Orleans started Todd Bouman last week, and he showed up Aaron Brooks…by tossing 4 picks! Brutal.
Straight up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay
The Skinny: Ron Mexico faces his nemesis on Saturday, as the Bucs always seem to make Mexico one-dimensional (and not the good dimension, either).
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Buffalo (+14.0) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: Chad Johnson is at it again. He stated this week that he had a Christmas-themed TD celebration planned that would incorporate a reindeer. Fun stuff.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Buffalo
The Match-up: New York Giants (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Loyal readers should know what’s coming here. Eli Manning on the road against a VERY good defense? It’s almost like stealing.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Cleveland (+7.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Desperation tells me that the Steelers will come to play on Saturday. They’re still alive, and can’t afford a let-down against their bitter rival. Speaking of, I gave you Miami as a potential sleeper for next year, but how about the Browns in that same vain?
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Dallas (+5.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Nice effort by the Cowgirls last week. Another loss this week in Carolina should pretty much seal their fate.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-6.0) @ Houston
The Skinny: The Texans actually hurt themselves with a win last week, dropping them into a tie with San Francisco for the worst record in the Reggie Bush sweepstakes.
Straight up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: San Diego (Pick) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Good match-up between the top-ranked Chargers run defense and the 100-yards per game streak of pro-bowler Larry Johnson. It may be hard for San Diego to get all the way up for this one (which explains the line a little bit), but I’ll take a chance on them..
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: San Francisco (+9.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: Did you know that 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, the number one overall pick of a year ago, was a high school teammate of Reggie Bush? They may be together again very, very soon.
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+1.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: If only you could combine these two offenses and put Boldin and Fitzgerald on the Eagles…
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Indianapolis (+10.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: Suddenly, this game seems meaningless. True, it could be a Super Bowl preview. However, questions arise. Now that the perfect season has come and gone, how much will the Colts starters play? And, will the team be able to focus with Tony Dungy dealing with the personal tragedy that befell him this week? I almost feel disrespectful making a pick in this game.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: Oakland (+13.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: Even if Raiders RB LaMont Jordan was healthy, I still would have taken Denver.
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Chicago (-7.0) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: Is this the end for Brett Favre? If so, it’s a shame to see him go out like this. Just in case, congratulations on a hall of fame career, Brett.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Minnesota (+2.5) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Okay, as a guy who thought the Ravens were going to be a contender this year, I have to ask - where has this offense been all year?
Straight up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
The Match-up: New England (-5.5) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: It’s the finale for Monday Night Football on ABC, and they’ll focus more on the history of the program as opposed to the actual game. The Patriots are starting to look like, well, the Patriots, and they’re the team no one wants to play in the playoffs. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
Friday, December 16, 2005
And Down the Stretch they Come - The Week 15 Picks
News flash – I’m not black.
Maybe that’s why I can’t understand the comments made by J. Whyatt “Jerry” Mondesire, the head of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, in which he criticized Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for not running the ball more, adding that McNabb’s failing to scramble “not only amounts to a breach of faith but also belittles the real struggles of black athletes who've had to overcome real racial stereotypcasting in addition to downright segregation.”
Um, Jerry, what the hell are you talking about?
Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, McNabb running less this season had something to do with the bruised sternum, sports hernia, and groin injuries he was playing through. Maybe it’s not about race, but rather it’s about wins and losses. McNabb didn’t run as much last year, but the Eagles were 13-3 and a Super Bowl team. Coincidentally, there were no complaints from the NAACP about him selling out. If the Eagles were 8-5 and in the playoff hunt as opposed to 5-8 and eliminated from playoff contention, would we even know who Jerry Mondesire is?
Look, I don’t know ‘5’ personally, but I can pretty much guarantee you that when he dropped back in the pocket and saw a lane to run through, his thought process did not involve retarding the progress of black athletes across the globe. Think of it this way – did Steve Young set white people back because he was a scrambling quarterback and not the typical pocket passer? Of course not.
In case you were unaware, the last three letters of the acronym “NAACP” stand for “Advancement of Colored People.” I’m not sure how Mondesire’s comments do anything to foster the advancement of black athletes. Don’t get me wrong, he’s as entitled to his opinion as I am to mine, but it would seem to me that using the forum he did might lead someone to believe that his opinion is that of the NAACP and not that of a bitter Eagles fan.
Speaking of which, how about a little slack for the Eagles? This is a team that went to four straight NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl in the last four seasons. They have a down year, and now all of a sudden they need a new coach, a GM, a new quarterback, and new ownership. Come on, people. The reality of the situation is that the Eagles have had a lot to deal with this year (including significant injuries and a clubhouse cancer that, thankfully, was eradicated), and they slipped a little. But they don’t need to blow the whole thing up and start over. There is still a nucleus of talent with this team (McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jevon Kearse, Jeremiah Trotter, Brian Dawkins, Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis, David Akers) and there are some young players in place who look like legitimate NFL players (Trent Cole, Reggie Brown, Ryan Moats, Shawn Andrews). Believe me, the Eagles will be back.
Alright, that’s enough soap box for this week. I like that the NFL starts playing on Saturdays now that college football is into the Bowl season. It gives the marginal basketball fans (like myself) something to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It’s one reason why the NFL is so popular. Another reason? Parity. That said, there are a few games that are tough to call this week, as detailed below in the Week 15 picks. Here they are.
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+4.5) @ New England
The Skinny: If Brady was healthy, I’d probably take the Pats because of Tampa’s history in cold weather. But the Bucs impressed me by going into Carolina and dominating last week against one of the best defenses in the league.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Kansas City (+3.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The G-Men got all they could handle from the Eagles practice squad last week, and they won’t sleep on a team like K.C. Eli Manning is a much better QB at home, and since this game is in the swamps of Jersey, I like big blue.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Denver (-8.5) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: If only the Bills had a QB that could take advantage of the injured Broncos secondary…
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: San Francisco (+15.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Jacksonville’s last three games of the season are against Frisco, Houston, and Tennessee. In other words, there’s no need for Byron Leftwich to hurry back from his broken ankle.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Arizona (-1.5) @ Houston
The Skinny: Anybody else think the Texans are tanking it to get Reggie Bush? Me too.
Straight up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Seattle (-7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: The Seahawks have had their problems on the road, but shouldn’t on Sunday.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: San Diego (+7.5) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: The Chargers need this game, and there’s no telling how long Tony Dungy will play his starters. I don’t know if San Diego will win this game, but they’ll play like it’s the post-season.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+3.5) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: I guess Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the next Kurt Warner.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: New York Jets (+8.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: The Dolphins are an early contender for a 2006 sleeper team.
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: The Vikings’ winning streak has to come to an end sometime.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Carolina (-9.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: The Saints shocked the Panthers in the season opener. Don’t think that the Panthers forgot that.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Cincinnati (-8.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Early congratulations to the Bengals for ending their 15-year playoff drought. Here’s hoping they don’t make any more music videos.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Cleveland (+3.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: First coach to get fired in the off-season? My money is on Norv Turner. I wonder if the Browns would have been better suited playing Charlie Frye all season.
Straight up: Oakland
Against the Spread: Oakland
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Since the Eagles have been eliminated from the playoffs, I’ve adopted the “ABC” philosophy – Anybody But the Cowboys.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: Dome teams in Chicago in December usually don’t fare well.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Green Bay (+3.5) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: As bad as the Packers are, it’s Monday Night Football and its Brett Favre. I just can’t bring myself to take the Ravens.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Maybe that’s why I can’t understand the comments made by J. Whyatt “Jerry” Mondesire, the head of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP, in which he criticized Eagles QB Donovan McNabb for not running the ball more, adding that McNabb’s failing to scramble “not only amounts to a breach of faith but also belittles the real struggles of black athletes who've had to overcome real racial stereotypcasting in addition to downright segregation.”
Um, Jerry, what the hell are you talking about?
Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, McNabb running less this season had something to do with the bruised sternum, sports hernia, and groin injuries he was playing through. Maybe it’s not about race, but rather it’s about wins and losses. McNabb didn’t run as much last year, but the Eagles were 13-3 and a Super Bowl team. Coincidentally, there were no complaints from the NAACP about him selling out. If the Eagles were 8-5 and in the playoff hunt as opposed to 5-8 and eliminated from playoff contention, would we even know who Jerry Mondesire is?
Look, I don’t know ‘5’ personally, but I can pretty much guarantee you that when he dropped back in the pocket and saw a lane to run through, his thought process did not involve retarding the progress of black athletes across the globe. Think of it this way – did Steve Young set white people back because he was a scrambling quarterback and not the typical pocket passer? Of course not.
In case you were unaware, the last three letters of the acronym “NAACP” stand for “Advancement of Colored People.” I’m not sure how Mondesire’s comments do anything to foster the advancement of black athletes. Don’t get me wrong, he’s as entitled to his opinion as I am to mine, but it would seem to me that using the forum he did might lead someone to believe that his opinion is that of the NAACP and not that of a bitter Eagles fan.
Speaking of which, how about a little slack for the Eagles? This is a team that went to four straight NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl in the last four seasons. They have a down year, and now all of a sudden they need a new coach, a GM, a new quarterback, and new ownership. Come on, people. The reality of the situation is that the Eagles have had a lot to deal with this year (including significant injuries and a clubhouse cancer that, thankfully, was eradicated), and they slipped a little. But they don’t need to blow the whole thing up and start over. There is still a nucleus of talent with this team (McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jevon Kearse, Jeremiah Trotter, Brian Dawkins, Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis, David Akers) and there are some young players in place who look like legitimate NFL players (Trent Cole, Reggie Brown, Ryan Moats, Shawn Andrews). Believe me, the Eagles will be back.
Alright, that’s enough soap box for this week. I like that the NFL starts playing on Saturdays now that college football is into the Bowl season. It gives the marginal basketball fans (like myself) something to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It’s one reason why the NFL is so popular. Another reason? Parity. That said, there are a few games that are tough to call this week, as detailed below in the Week 15 picks. Here they are.
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+4.5) @ New England
The Skinny: If Brady was healthy, I’d probably take the Pats because of Tampa’s history in cold weather. But the Bucs impressed me by going into Carolina and dominating last week against one of the best defenses in the league.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Kansas City (+3.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The G-Men got all they could handle from the Eagles practice squad last week, and they won’t sleep on a team like K.C. Eli Manning is a much better QB at home, and since this game is in the swamps of Jersey, I like big blue.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Denver (-8.5) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: If only the Bills had a QB that could take advantage of the injured Broncos secondary…
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: San Francisco (+15.5) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: Jacksonville’s last three games of the season are against Frisco, Houston, and Tennessee. In other words, there’s no need for Byron Leftwich to hurry back from his broken ankle.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: San Francisco
The Match-up: Arizona (-1.5) @ Houston
The Skinny: Anybody else think the Texans are tanking it to get Reggie Bush? Me too.
Straight up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Seattle (-7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: The Seahawks have had their problems on the road, but shouldn’t on Sunday.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: San Diego (+7.5) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: The Chargers need this game, and there’s no telling how long Tony Dungy will play his starters. I don’t know if San Diego will win this game, but they’ll play like it’s the post-season.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: Philadelphia (+3.5) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: I guess Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the next Kurt Warner.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: New York Jets (+8.5) @ Miami
The Skinny: The Dolphins are an early contender for a 2006 sleeper team.
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Pittsburgh (-3.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: The Vikings’ winning streak has to come to an end sometime.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Carolina (-9.0) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: The Saints shocked the Panthers in the season opener. Don’t think that the Panthers forgot that.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Cincinnati (-8.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Early congratulations to the Bengals for ending their 15-year playoff drought. Here’s hoping they don’t make any more music videos.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Cleveland (+3.0) @ Oakland
The Skinny: First coach to get fired in the off-season? My money is on Norv Turner. I wonder if the Browns would have been better suited playing Charlie Frye all season.
Straight up: Oakland
Against the Spread: Oakland
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ Washington
The Skinny: Since the Eagles have been eliminated from the playoffs, I’ve adopted the “ABC” philosophy – Anybody But the Cowboys.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: Dome teams in Chicago in December usually don’t fare well.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Green Bay (+3.5) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: As bad as the Packers are, it’s Monday Night Football and its Brett Favre. I just can’t bring myself to take the Ravens.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Friday, December 09, 2005
The Week 14 Picks
Embarrassing…
Frustrating…
Pathetic…
Unfortunate…
I know what you’re thinking - the Eagles on Monday night against Seattle. Well, yes, but I was actually referring to my Fantasy Football team. Last year, I won the championship. This year, I’m in 10th place in a ten team league. I’ve just been snake-bitten this year, as you’ll see from the following summary:
Ø For starters, I drew 9th in the draft order. My strategy was going to be to take the best RB on the board at 9, then take Donovan McNabb at 12 (except that ‘5’ went 3rd overall, hence a monkey wrench was thrown into the system).
Ø I traded Domanick Davis for Tiki Barber, only to then package Barber in a deal for Rudi Johnson, who I then traded with Reggie Wayne for Curtis Martin, Donte' Stallworth, and Duce Staley. I recently dealt Martin for convicted felon Jamal Lewis.
Ø I acquired Ahman Green for Corey Dillon. Green played about a half of football for me before rupturing a thigh tendon and being shelved for the season.
Ø I picked up Eric Moulds from Buffalo, who was just suspended by the team after failing to catch a pass last week for the first time in 121 games.
Ø I decided against trading Byron Leftwich for Drew Brees a week before Leftwich broke his ankle.
Ø Had I not made any trades, I could have fielded a team last week of Jake Plummer (11.84 points), Ben Roethlisberger (21.64), Corey Dillon (14.40), Thomas Jones (9.30), Reggie Wayne (11.00), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (21.50), Lee Evans (29.70), Randy McMichael (4.10), John Kasay (6.00), and the Jacksonville defense (6.00) for a grand total of 135.48 points. Instead, my team featuring guys like Jeff Garcia, Curtis Martin, Moulds, and Stallworth netted me a whopping 59.88 points.
Anyway, now that I have totally given up on my Fantasy team for the year, I can focus on my NFL Picks league, which I’m still winning (barely). Here are the Week 14 picks.
The Match-up: New England (-3.5) @ Buffalo
The Skinny: The Patriots can clinch the AFC East with a win and a Miami loss, both of which should happen.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Chicago (+6.0) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Both defenses are virtually impenetrable, especially to offenses guided by Kyle Orton and (potentially) Tommy Maddox. This has the feel of a 13-10 game, doesn’t it?
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Cleveland (+12.5) @ Cincinnati
The Skinny: Outspoken Cincinnati WR Chad Johnson said the Bengals could score 40 this week. You know what? I believe him.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (+5.5) @ Carolina
The Skinny: The NFC South may be the best division in football, and its two top dogs face off this week in Charlotte. This could be the game of the week.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
The Match-up: Indianapolis (-8.0) @ Jacksonville
The Skinny: The Colts have a few high hurdles to get over en route to 16-0, the first of which is in Jacksonville this week.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Houston (+7.0) @ Tennessee
The Skinny: After another come-from-ahead loss last week, it’s only a matter of time until the Texans break through and actually finish a game.
Straight up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ Minnesota
The Skinny: The resurgent Vikings could close to within a game of division-leading Chicago with a win over the Rams and a Bears loss in Pittsburgh.
Straight up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
The Match-up: Oakland (-3.0) @ New York Jets
The Skinny: LaMont Jordan returns to the Meadowlands, and will have to be the focal point of Oakland’s offense (with Kerry Collins benched in favor of Marques Tuiasosopo).
Straight up: Oakland
Against the Spread: Oakland
The Match-up: San Francisco (+16.0) @ Seattle
The Skinny: Shaun Alexander for NFL MVP? He’s as good a choice as anybody.
Straight up: Seattle
Against the Spread: Seattle
The Match-up: New York Giants (-9.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: When is a QB Controversy not a QB Controversy? When the options are Mike McMahon and Koy Detmer.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
The Match-up: Washington (-4.0) @ Arizona
The Skinny: The Redskins got back on the winning track last week in St. Louis. Another road test awaits Washington this week in Arizona.
Straight up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
The Match-up: Miami (+13.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: The Chargers are legit, and may be the second best team in the AFC (sorry, Bengals fans).
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Kansas City (+3.0) @ Dallas
The Skinny: Let me think about it…I’ll take K.C.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Baltimore (+14.0) @ Denver
The Skinny: After another loss in their house of horrors, Arrowhead Stadium, the Broncos return to the friendly confines of Mile High to take on the depleted Ravens.
Straight up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
The Match-up: Detroit (+6.0) @ Green Bay
The Skinny: It’s an epic running back battle between Artose Pinner and Samkon Gado. Save the uniforms in case Canton comes calling some day.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
The Match-up: New Orleans (+10.5) @ Atlanta
The Skinny: I just traded for Aaron Brooks and Joe Horn, so look for three picks from Brooks, a season-ending injury to Horn, and a big Falcons victory.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Week 13 Picks
As Charles Barkley or Dennis Rodman would tell you, rebounding is the key to success. That concept was employed last week, as The Kid bounced back from a dismal 7-9 and 2-14 Week 11 by nailing 14 winners in Week 12 and putting up a 12-3-1 record against the spread. Think Armando Cuko, but on a much smaller scale.
One quick note before we move onto the picks. Those of you who know me had to know I would hit on the Michael Irvin story that broke this week. Irvin, one of my all-time “favorites,” was arrested for an outstanding speeding ticket in Plano, TX and a search of his vehicle turned up drug paraphernalia (which, of course, he claimed was not his). This, of course, was not Irvin’s first run in with the law. Some years back, he pleaded no contest to drug charges when he was found in a hotel room with hookers and dinner plates full of cocaine. Since then, Irvin has stayed relatively clean (loosely translated, he hasn’t been caught doing anything wrong) and appeared to have turned his life around. I guess not. The lesson? A leopard doesn’t change its spots. Maybe I shouldn’t take such pleasure in a guy being busted for drugs, but when that guy is Michael Irvin, somehow I find it justifiable. Maybe that’s just me. But then, I’m the guy who started the standing ovation when Irvin broke his neck on the Veterans Stadium turf, so I guess we’ve all got issues.
Anyway, here are the Week 13 picks.
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (-3.5) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: The Saints always seem to give the Bucs fits, but that’s due in large part to Deuce McAllister, who is on the shelf. Tampa needs this one to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The winner takes control of the NFC East – for now.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Green Bay (+7.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: This season can’t end fast enough for the Packers.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Tough one to call, because Big Ben is nicked up (again) and will give it a try with a bruised thumb. If he struggles, so will the Steelers. But I’ll take a shot on them.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: David Garrard is in at QB for the Jags, which should not hurt Jacksonville’s playoff run, at least not this week against the Browns.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Minnesota (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Minnesota has been on a pretty good run lately, and Detroit is in turmoil after Steve Mariucci got axed this week. So why do I like the Lions in an upset?
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Tennessee (+16.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: When you’re 11-0 and chasing history, every week is a challenge, only at various degrees. Monday night against the Steelers was a tough one. This week against Tennessee? Not so much.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Interesting stat of the week #1 – Ron Mexico is 5-0 lifetime against the Carolina Panthers. Good enough for me.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Houston (+8.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Before blowing a 21 point lead in the second half last week, the Texans looked pretty good. If they play like that for 60 minutes, they’ll beat Baltimore. They should, at the very least, give them a game.
Straight up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Buffalo (+4.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: Very impressed by the Dolphins last week, hanging 33 on the Raiders in a big road win. Will the Fish keep it going against the Bills?
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Arizona (-3.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: The QB carousel in San Fran is back to rookie Alex Smith. Right, because that worked well the first time around.
Straight up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
The Match-up: Washington (-3.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: Remember when the Redskins were 5-2 and talking about the playoffs? Now they’re 5-6 and fighting to stay out of the NFC East cellar. That’s why they say “NFL” stands for “Not For Long.”
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: New York Jets (+10.0) @ New England
The Skinny: You know, I don’t think the Jets are a very good football team. It only took me twelve weeks to figure that out.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Denver (-1.0) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Interesting stat of the week #2 – Denver is 1-3 in their last 4 games at Arrowhead, and the Broncos are 1-13 all time in 14 December games in Kansas City. Again, good enough for me.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Oakland (+11.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: LaDanian Tomlinson always torches Oakland.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: High emotions in Philly on Monday as the Eagles pay tribute to the late, great Reggie White. How can you bet against the Eagles when they’ve got #92 in their corner?
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
One quick note before we move onto the picks. Those of you who know me had to know I would hit on the Michael Irvin story that broke this week. Irvin, one of my all-time “favorites,” was arrested for an outstanding speeding ticket in Plano, TX and a search of his vehicle turned up drug paraphernalia (which, of course, he claimed was not his). This, of course, was not Irvin’s first run in with the law. Some years back, he pleaded no contest to drug charges when he was found in a hotel room with hookers and dinner plates full of cocaine. Since then, Irvin has stayed relatively clean (loosely translated, he hasn’t been caught doing anything wrong) and appeared to have turned his life around. I guess not. The lesson? A leopard doesn’t change its spots. Maybe I shouldn’t take such pleasure in a guy being busted for drugs, but when that guy is Michael Irvin, somehow I find it justifiable. Maybe that’s just me. But then, I’m the guy who started the standing ovation when Irvin broke his neck on the Veterans Stadium turf, so I guess we’ve all got issues.
Anyway, here are the Week 13 picks.
The Match-up: Tampa Bay (-3.5) @ New Orleans
The Skinny: The Saints always seem to give the Bucs fits, but that’s due in large part to Deuce McAllister, who is on the shelf. Tampa needs this one to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
The Match-up: Dallas (+3.0) @ New York Giants
The Skinny: The winner takes control of the NFC East – for now.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
The Match-up: Green Bay (+7.0) @ Chicago
The Skinny: This season can’t end fast enough for the Packers.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
The Match-up: Cincinnati (+3.5) @ Pittsburgh
The Skinny: Tough one to call, because Big Ben is nicked up (again) and will give it a try with a bruised thumb. If he struggles, so will the Steelers. But I’ll take a shot on them.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
The Match-up: Jacksonville (-3.0) @ Cleveland
The Skinny: David Garrard is in at QB for the Jags, which should not hurt Jacksonville’s playoff run, at least not this week against the Browns.
Straight up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Jacksonville
The Match-up: Minnesota (-3.0) @ Detroit
The Skinny: Minnesota has been on a pretty good run lately, and Detroit is in turmoil after Steve Mariucci got axed this week. So why do I like the Lions in an upset?
Straight up: Detroit
Against the Spread: Detroit
The Match-up: Tennessee (+16.0) @ Indianapolis
The Skinny: When you’re 11-0 and chasing history, every week is a challenge, only at various degrees. Monday night against the Steelers was a tough one. This week against Tennessee? Not so much.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
The Match-up: Atlanta (+3.0) @ Carolina
The Skinny: Interesting stat of the week #1 – Ron Mexico is 5-0 lifetime against the Carolina Panthers. Good enough for me.
Straight up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
The Match-up: Houston (+8.0) @ Baltimore
The Skinny: Before blowing a 21 point lead in the second half last week, the Texans looked pretty good. If they play like that for 60 minutes, they’ll beat Baltimore. They should, at the very least, give them a game.
Straight up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Houston
The Match-up: Buffalo (+4.0) @ Miami
The Skinny: Very impressed by the Dolphins last week, hanging 33 on the Raiders in a big road win. Will the Fish keep it going against the Bills?
Straight up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
The Match-up: Arizona (-3.0) @ San Francisco
The Skinny: The QB carousel in San Fran is back to rookie Alex Smith. Right, because that worked well the first time around.
Straight up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
The Match-up: Washington (-3.0) @ St. Louis
The Skinny: Remember when the Redskins were 5-2 and talking about the playoffs? Now they’re 5-6 and fighting to stay out of the NFC East cellar. That’s why they say “NFL” stands for “Not For Long.”
Straight up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
The Match-up: New York Jets (+10.0) @ New England
The Skinny: You know, I don’t think the Jets are a very good football team. It only took me twelve weeks to figure that out.
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
The Match-up: Denver (-1.0) @ Kansas City
The Skinny: Interesting stat of the week #2 – Denver is 1-3 in their last 4 games at Arrowhead, and the Broncos are 1-13 all time in 14 December games in Kansas City. Again, good enough for me.
Straight up: Kansas City
Against the Spread: Kansas City
The Match-up: Oakland (+11.5) @ San Diego
The Skinny: LaDanian Tomlinson always torches Oakland.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
The Match-up: Seattle (-4.0) @ Philadelphia
The Skinny: High emotions in Philly on Monday as the Eagles pay tribute to the late, great Reggie White. How can you bet against the Eagles when they’ve got #92 in their corner?
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
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