No commentary today, long week of family and friends. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! But its not too late to get your picks in, so here we go!
Minnesota (-2) over WASHINGTON
CLEVELAND (-8.5) over Carolina
BALTIMORE (-7.5) over Tampa Bay
Philadelphia (-3) over CHICAGO
Green Bay (+1.5) over ATLANTA
San Diego (+2) over INDIANAPOLIS
OAKLAND (-3) over Miami
Kansas City (-2.5) over SEATTLE
St. Louis (+3.5) over DENVER
San Francisco (PK) over ARIZONA
Second Runner Up Lock of the Week
HOUSTON (-5.5) over TENNESSEE
First Runner Up Lock of the Week
Jacksonville (+7.5) over NEW YORK GIANTS
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh (-6) over BUFFALO
Last Week: 7-9
Overall: 84-70
Lock Picks: 16-15-2
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Week 12 Power Rankings
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We will get to my picks for the three games later on, but first, I owe you fine folks some power rankings! Sit back, relax, watch football, eat turkey and read through the list. Enjoy!
The Elite
1. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons have been the NFC's best team all year, and now, it appears as if they are the best team in all of football. Winners of four straight, they rise to the top for the first time all season. Will they be able to stay there?
2.Baltimore Ravens- You know by now what the Ravens have to offer. They have some of the best skill players in all of football, their defense is weak by their standards, but still pretty good, and they know how to win games. Still like them to come out of the AFC.
3. New York Jets- Just when you think you have the Jets on the ropes, they come firing right back and win. That is a very dangerous sign for the rest of the AFC. A talented team that has a swagger where they think even if they get down they are never out? Scary.
4. Green Bay Packers- I picked them (again) to win the Super Bowl, and despite the losses of Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley for the season, they are finally starting to look like an elite team. I thought the injuries would be a bit too much to overcome, but as long as one man doesn't go down, they are going to be right in the hunt for the crown. Aaron Rodgers.
5. New England Patriots- I have been a doubter of this team for a while, considering how young and unspectacular their defense is, but they just keep beating whoever you put in front of them. I have no choice but to include them amongst the NFL's Elite, after beating the Steelers and Colts in back to back weeks.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers- I still have to put the Steelers in here because of their defense, which is the best in the game. They have a great QB that can beat anyone and has proven it, but they have also shown some vulnerability against the league's better teams. Six is a great spot for the Steelers.
The Contenders
7. Philadelphia Eagles- After what they did to the Redskins, they sure looked like an elite team... but then they played a sub-par game against the Giants and barely escaped with the win, so for now, they simply lead the pack of contenders, but that's not all that bad!
8. Indianapolis Colts- They were able to give the Pats a late scare, but couldn't pull the same feat from 2009 in 2010. Can never go against Peyton Manning winning the AFC South, and I should know this by now. Silly to think this team won't be causing problems for someone in the playoffs.
9. San Diego Chargers- This is an Elite team just waiting to break out. The Chargers haven't lost a December game since 2005, when Drew Brees was still their quarterback. They are about to hit their stride, and dominate the second half of the season, led by Phillip Rivers and his MVP quest.
10. New Orleans Saints- Still hyper-talented, and starting to get healthy. The scary thing is, they have a better defense than last year. I wouldn't want to play Drew Brees in a playoff game, that's for sure. Especially if you have to do it at the Superdome.
11. Chicago Bears- Winners of three straight, Can't keep them out of the contending ranks. I don't see how they don't end up fighting for a Wild Card spot in the NFC, and I think they get one (with New Orleans grabbing the other).
12. Kansas City Chiefs- Once again, I think that once we get to the Chiefs, its about that time when we get out of the contending ranks.
The Mediocre
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- They just won't... go... AWAY. Josh Freeman is legit. I apologize to the Freeman family for ever doubting him. They win games. I don't know how they do it but they do. I think they just miss the playoffs this season, but with Freeman at the helm, I think they could come back with a vengeance next season.
14. New York Giants- Ha! These past two weeks have exposed the Giants for the frauds they are! Watch them miss the playoffs. Watch!
15. Oakland Raiders- The very definition of mediocre. They will play well one week, pull off a win, then get handled easily by a clearly better team the next.
16. Tennessee Titans- Sigh.... I was so ready for my team to make a run. To take over the top rank of the NFL. TO finally start capitalizing on all of the potential.... and then Vince Young gets hurt, pissed off, and throws his pads into the stands. Then Jeff Fisher gets pissed off and says he is no longer the quarterback. Then VY is put on IR. Have you ever seen a team with so much potential fall apart this fast? I haven't. The problem is, this team is best when Vince is healthy and playing. Sure, he has attitude problems, but he is a damn good football player and his record proves it. He knows how to win. I have all the respect for Fisher as a coach, but if I had to choose between coach and quarterback, I side with Vince. I know the kind of results this team has with him in the lineup, and those when he isn't. I shutter to think about the Rusty Smith era. This sucks.
17. Cleveland Browns- And the Browns keep climbing. This team is legitimately talented enough to compete with anyone. I praised the Lions last time, this week, that same type of praise goes to Cleveland. They play a ton of tight games and pull off the occasional win. They are headed quickly in the right direction.
18. Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys are showing signs of the team that everyone thought they would be going into the season. Sure it was against the Giants and Lions, two mediocre teams, but still, the Jason Garrett era has been a success so far. The Cowboys should have taken my advice and fired Wade Phillips the minute after they lost to the pitiful Redskins in week one.
19. Detroit Lions- I mentioned the Lions in each of the last two paragraphs, and look, here they are! They are easily the best 2-8 team I have ever seen. All this means is that they will get another chance to nail another high draft pick (like they appear to have done with Suh, Stafford and Best). They play every team close (bar the Cowboy game) and they should have at least 4-5 wins. They would be winning the NFC West, if they were lucky enough to be put in that crap division.
20. Houston Texans- I think we all know the story with this team by now. Uber-talented, no winner's edge. They might need to just blow the whole thing up and start from scratch, again.
21. Miami Dolphins- I'm pretty sure Miami is the most boring team in the NFL. They don't really do anything particularly well. They are on their third mediocre QB of the season. They are .500. Can anyone actually care one way or another about Miami? I know I can't.
22. Seattle Seahawks- WE finally get our first NFC West team... at spot number 22! One of these teams needs to make the playoffs, and I really hope it prompts the NFL to think about a seeded playoff, because there is no way the Seahawks deserve the playoff spot they currently sit in.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars- Remember when I said I couldn't figure out how this team was 4-4? Well now they are 6-4... If the Miami Dolphins are the league's most boring team, the Jags are definitely the most puzzling.
24. Washington Redskins- Followed closely by the Washington Redskins. Who knows what to make of this mediocre team?
25. St. Louis Rams- They can'[t win on the road, they are bad in their own horrible division, they are 4-6, but for some reason I think people think they might be good. I think its a result of them being so awful last year and then finding some early improvement this season, but they rest at the very bottom of the mediocre for me, an improvement, but nothing to be proud of.
The Garbage
26. Denver Broncos- They got blown out by a pretty damn good team in San Diego, so I won't penalize them too much for that. Still, they aren't very good whatsoever.
27. Minnesota Vikings- They finally fired Brad Childress, which is something that should have happened a long time ago. Now, maybe if they sit their quarterback, they might actually have something here! Wait, its already week 12? Oh....
28. San Francisco 49ers- Sigh... something tells me this team won't be going 9-7. Is Mike Singletary the third coach that Green Bay gets fired? We'll find out next week! Wouldn't that be something?
29. Buffalo Bills- Whoa Ho! The Buffalo Bills are on a winning streak! Who needs Andrew Luck when you've got Ryan Fitzpatrick slinging the ball! And I'm only half kidding...
30. Cincinnati Bengals- Couldn't feel any more vindicated in saying that this team was going to take a huge step backward this season.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Make it five losses in a row for this absolutely atrocious football team. I can't even tell you who their starting quarterback is right now, because I don't hate myself enough to care about Arizona Cardinals football this year.
32. Carolina Panthers- I do, however, know who is the quarterback for the Panthers. His name is Brian St. Pierre. And that is why they are in last place.
And now, on to my Turkey Day picks!
DETROIT (+7) over New England
I'm pretty sure that I'm just going to pick Detroit every week. they are 8-2 against the spread, and the only time I didn't pick them, they blew out the Rams. I'm rolling with them, and the points.
New Orleans (-4) over DALLAS
I think this Dallas mini run ends here on Thanksgiving, when Drew Bress cuts up their mediocre defense.
NEW YORK JETS (-9) over Cincinnati
The Jets are awesome, and the Bengals suck. I don't care how big the line is, this should be a blowout.
The Elite
1. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons have been the NFC's best team all year, and now, it appears as if they are the best team in all of football. Winners of four straight, they rise to the top for the first time all season. Will they be able to stay there?
2.Baltimore Ravens- You know by now what the Ravens have to offer. They have some of the best skill players in all of football, their defense is weak by their standards, but still pretty good, and they know how to win games. Still like them to come out of the AFC.
3. New York Jets- Just when you think you have the Jets on the ropes, they come firing right back and win. That is a very dangerous sign for the rest of the AFC. A talented team that has a swagger where they think even if they get down they are never out? Scary.
4. Green Bay Packers- I picked them (again) to win the Super Bowl, and despite the losses of Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley for the season, they are finally starting to look like an elite team. I thought the injuries would be a bit too much to overcome, but as long as one man doesn't go down, they are going to be right in the hunt for the crown. Aaron Rodgers.
5. New England Patriots- I have been a doubter of this team for a while, considering how young and unspectacular their defense is, but they just keep beating whoever you put in front of them. I have no choice but to include them amongst the NFL's Elite, after beating the Steelers and Colts in back to back weeks.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers- I still have to put the Steelers in here because of their defense, which is the best in the game. They have a great QB that can beat anyone and has proven it, but they have also shown some vulnerability against the league's better teams. Six is a great spot for the Steelers.
The Contenders
7. Philadelphia Eagles- After what they did to the Redskins, they sure looked like an elite team... but then they played a sub-par game against the Giants and barely escaped with the win, so for now, they simply lead the pack of contenders, but that's not all that bad!
8. Indianapolis Colts- They were able to give the Pats a late scare, but couldn't pull the same feat from 2009 in 2010. Can never go against Peyton Manning winning the AFC South, and I should know this by now. Silly to think this team won't be causing problems for someone in the playoffs.
9. San Diego Chargers- This is an Elite team just waiting to break out. The Chargers haven't lost a December game since 2005, when Drew Brees was still their quarterback. They are about to hit their stride, and dominate the second half of the season, led by Phillip Rivers and his MVP quest.
10. New Orleans Saints- Still hyper-talented, and starting to get healthy. The scary thing is, they have a better defense than last year. I wouldn't want to play Drew Brees in a playoff game, that's for sure. Especially if you have to do it at the Superdome.
11. Chicago Bears- Winners of three straight, Can't keep them out of the contending ranks. I don't see how they don't end up fighting for a Wild Card spot in the NFC, and I think they get one (with New Orleans grabbing the other).
12. Kansas City Chiefs- Once again, I think that once we get to the Chiefs, its about that time when we get out of the contending ranks.
The Mediocre
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- They just won't... go... AWAY. Josh Freeman is legit. I apologize to the Freeman family for ever doubting him. They win games. I don't know how they do it but they do. I think they just miss the playoffs this season, but with Freeman at the helm, I think they could come back with a vengeance next season.
14. New York Giants- Ha! These past two weeks have exposed the Giants for the frauds they are! Watch them miss the playoffs. Watch!
15. Oakland Raiders- The very definition of mediocre. They will play well one week, pull off a win, then get handled easily by a clearly better team the next.
16. Tennessee Titans- Sigh.... I was so ready for my team to make a run. To take over the top rank of the NFL. TO finally start capitalizing on all of the potential.... and then Vince Young gets hurt, pissed off, and throws his pads into the stands. Then Jeff Fisher gets pissed off and says he is no longer the quarterback. Then VY is put on IR. Have you ever seen a team with so much potential fall apart this fast? I haven't. The problem is, this team is best when Vince is healthy and playing. Sure, he has attitude problems, but he is a damn good football player and his record proves it. He knows how to win. I have all the respect for Fisher as a coach, but if I had to choose between coach and quarterback, I side with Vince. I know the kind of results this team has with him in the lineup, and those when he isn't. I shutter to think about the Rusty Smith era. This sucks.
17. Cleveland Browns- And the Browns keep climbing. This team is legitimately talented enough to compete with anyone. I praised the Lions last time, this week, that same type of praise goes to Cleveland. They play a ton of tight games and pull off the occasional win. They are headed quickly in the right direction.
18. Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys are showing signs of the team that everyone thought they would be going into the season. Sure it was against the Giants and Lions, two mediocre teams, but still, the Jason Garrett era has been a success so far. The Cowboys should have taken my advice and fired Wade Phillips the minute after they lost to the pitiful Redskins in week one.
19. Detroit Lions- I mentioned the Lions in each of the last two paragraphs, and look, here they are! They are easily the best 2-8 team I have ever seen. All this means is that they will get another chance to nail another high draft pick (like they appear to have done with Suh, Stafford and Best). They play every team close (bar the Cowboy game) and they should have at least 4-5 wins. They would be winning the NFC West, if they were lucky enough to be put in that crap division.
20. Houston Texans- I think we all know the story with this team by now. Uber-talented, no winner's edge. They might need to just blow the whole thing up and start from scratch, again.
21. Miami Dolphins- I'm pretty sure Miami is the most boring team in the NFL. They don't really do anything particularly well. They are on their third mediocre QB of the season. They are .500. Can anyone actually care one way or another about Miami? I know I can't.
22. Seattle Seahawks- WE finally get our first NFC West team... at spot number 22! One of these teams needs to make the playoffs, and I really hope it prompts the NFL to think about a seeded playoff, because there is no way the Seahawks deserve the playoff spot they currently sit in.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars- Remember when I said I couldn't figure out how this team was 4-4? Well now they are 6-4... If the Miami Dolphins are the league's most boring team, the Jags are definitely the most puzzling.
24. Washington Redskins- Followed closely by the Washington Redskins. Who knows what to make of this mediocre team?
25. St. Louis Rams- They can'[t win on the road, they are bad in their own horrible division, they are 4-6, but for some reason I think people think they might be good. I think its a result of them being so awful last year and then finding some early improvement this season, but they rest at the very bottom of the mediocre for me, an improvement, but nothing to be proud of.
The Garbage
26. Denver Broncos- They got blown out by a pretty damn good team in San Diego, so I won't penalize them too much for that. Still, they aren't very good whatsoever.
27. Minnesota Vikings- They finally fired Brad Childress, which is something that should have happened a long time ago. Now, maybe if they sit their quarterback, they might actually have something here! Wait, its already week 12? Oh....
28. San Francisco 49ers- Sigh... something tells me this team won't be going 9-7. Is Mike Singletary the third coach that Green Bay gets fired? We'll find out next week! Wouldn't that be something?
29. Buffalo Bills- Whoa Ho! The Buffalo Bills are on a winning streak! Who needs Andrew Luck when you've got Ryan Fitzpatrick slinging the ball! And I'm only half kidding...
30. Cincinnati Bengals- Couldn't feel any more vindicated in saying that this team was going to take a huge step backward this season.
31. Arizona Cardinals- Make it five losses in a row for this absolutely atrocious football team. I can't even tell you who their starting quarterback is right now, because I don't hate myself enough to care about Arizona Cardinals football this year.
32. Carolina Panthers- I do, however, know who is the quarterback for the Panthers. His name is Brian St. Pierre. And that is why they are in last place.
And now, on to my Turkey Day picks!
DETROIT (+7) over New England
I'm pretty sure that I'm just going to pick Detroit every week. they are 8-2 against the spread, and the only time I didn't pick them, they blew out the Rams. I'm rolling with them, and the points.
New Orleans (-4) over DALLAS
I think this Dallas mini run ends here on Thanksgiving, when Drew Bress cuts up their mediocre defense.
NEW YORK JETS (-9) over Cincinnati
The Jets are awesome, and the Bengals suck. I don't care how big the line is, this should be a blowout.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Week 11 Picks
Always good to be right in the Thursday night game. On with the rest of this week's picks.
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Oakland (+7.5) over PITTSBURGH
Oakland is a legitimate threat and this line is just too high to ignore. No one should be giving more than a touchdown against Oakland. Congrats Raider fans.
NEW YORK JETS (-6.5) over HOUSTON
Great defense beats great offense, especially when that great offense has a wounded QB.
Baltimore (-11.5) over CAROLINA
Nothing about this matchup indicates anything short of a blow out. Third string QB, third string RB, worst team in the league versus arguably its best. I'd take Baltimore even if the line was 17.
TENNESSEE (-7) over Washington
If the Eagles can embarrass the Skins like they did on Monday, so can the Titans.
Green Bay (-3.5) over MINNESOTA
Despite all the injuries, Green Bay is still playing good football and it is a true testament to the mighty Aaron Rodgers. Minnesota on the other hand, is left with old man Favre, and its just sad at this point. I don't think his last chance against his former team will end well for him.
Buffalo (+5) over CINCINNATI
Two bad teams, take the points. Very simple philosophy but it works often enough. Congrats on the win last week Buffalo!
Cleveland (+2) over JACKSONVILLE
I just like Cleveland as a better team. I don't trust the Jags, at all.
Arizona (+8.5) over KANSAS CITY
KC is sliding down the mediocrity avalanche and they are still getting 8 and a half. I'll take those points. They have proven to be nothing special the past few weeks, and that is a huge number.
NEW ORLEANS (-12) over Seattle
Again, a game with a huge number, but I think the Saints are playing well and the Hawks aren't at all (unless they are playing a division game in the horrible NFC West.) This has blowout written all over it.
SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Tampa Bay
Another team playing good football against one who has overachieved a bit. I happen to like this Troy Smith era in San Fran, and maybe, just maybe, they can still win their division. A sad, sad statement, but its entirely possible for them to be a game out after this week.
NEW ENGLAND (-4) over Indianapolis
Indy is banged up, can't run the ball, can't stop the run, and basically has no one other than Peyton Manning..... BUT since they do have Manning, that means they could definitely pull this off. Its an absolute gambling stay away, but there is too much going in New England's favor here, and they just don't lose regular season games at home.
Denver (+9.5) over SAN DIEGO
If I'm wrong, its ok, because I will just feel vindicated that this San Diego team is that good, and my 12-1 Super Bowl bet on them was a good investment. I like San Diego to win, but a closer game than the line suggests.
Second Runner-up Lock of the Week
Detroit (+6.5) over DALLAS
So the Cowboys beat an overrated Giants team and they start getting treated like they are good? Please! Detroit is always a good bet to take the points, why stray from that now?
First Runner-up Lock of the Week
PHILADELPHIA (-3) over New York Giants
Did you see the Monday night game???? Vick was like the bionic man out there! The Giants are going to have their hands full with him, considering they couldn't even handle Jon Kitna. Unless Vick gets hurt, I think the Eagles roll here.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Atlanta (-3.5) over ST. LOUIS
I am obviously a firm believer in this Atlanta team, and they will be well rested and ready to go against a St. Louis team that has been a bit of an overachiever this season. Atlanta shuts them up in a hurry.
Last Week: 8-6
Overall: 77-61-6
Lock Picks: 14-14-2
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Oakland (+7.5) over PITTSBURGH
Oakland is a legitimate threat and this line is just too high to ignore. No one should be giving more than a touchdown against Oakland. Congrats Raider fans.
NEW YORK JETS (-6.5) over HOUSTON
Great defense beats great offense, especially when that great offense has a wounded QB.
Baltimore (-11.5) over CAROLINA
Nothing about this matchup indicates anything short of a blow out. Third string QB, third string RB, worst team in the league versus arguably its best. I'd take Baltimore even if the line was 17.
TENNESSEE (-7) over Washington
If the Eagles can embarrass the Skins like they did on Monday, so can the Titans.
Green Bay (-3.5) over MINNESOTA
Despite all the injuries, Green Bay is still playing good football and it is a true testament to the mighty Aaron Rodgers. Minnesota on the other hand, is left with old man Favre, and its just sad at this point. I don't think his last chance against his former team will end well for him.
Buffalo (+5) over CINCINNATI
Two bad teams, take the points. Very simple philosophy but it works often enough. Congrats on the win last week Buffalo!
Cleveland (+2) over JACKSONVILLE
I just like Cleveland as a better team. I don't trust the Jags, at all.
Arizona (+8.5) over KANSAS CITY
KC is sliding down the mediocrity avalanche and they are still getting 8 and a half. I'll take those points. They have proven to be nothing special the past few weeks, and that is a huge number.
NEW ORLEANS (-12) over Seattle
Again, a game with a huge number, but I think the Saints are playing well and the Hawks aren't at all (unless they are playing a division game in the horrible NFC West.) This has blowout written all over it.
SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5) over Tampa Bay
Another team playing good football against one who has overachieved a bit. I happen to like this Troy Smith era in San Fran, and maybe, just maybe, they can still win their division. A sad, sad statement, but its entirely possible for them to be a game out after this week.
NEW ENGLAND (-4) over Indianapolis
Indy is banged up, can't run the ball, can't stop the run, and basically has no one other than Peyton Manning..... BUT since they do have Manning, that means they could definitely pull this off. Its an absolute gambling stay away, but there is too much going in New England's favor here, and they just don't lose regular season games at home.
Denver (+9.5) over SAN DIEGO
If I'm wrong, its ok, because I will just feel vindicated that this San Diego team is that good, and my 12-1 Super Bowl bet on them was a good investment. I like San Diego to win, but a closer game than the line suggests.
Second Runner-up Lock of the Week
Detroit (+6.5) over DALLAS
So the Cowboys beat an overrated Giants team and they start getting treated like they are good? Please! Detroit is always a good bet to take the points, why stray from that now?
First Runner-up Lock of the Week
PHILADELPHIA (-3) over New York Giants
Did you see the Monday night game???? Vick was like the bionic man out there! The Giants are going to have their hands full with him, considering they couldn't even handle Jon Kitna. Unless Vick gets hurt, I think the Eagles roll here.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Atlanta (-3.5) over ST. LOUIS
I am obviously a firm believer in this Atlanta team, and they will be well rested and ready to go against a St. Louis team that has been a bit of an overachiever this season. Atlanta shuts them up in a hurry.
Last Week: 8-6
Overall: 77-61-6
Lock Picks: 14-14-2
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thursday Night Pick
Chicago (+1) over MIAMI
I don't trust Tyler Thigpin to beat even a mediocre Bears team. It could go either way, but I like the more experienced quarterback.
I don't trust Tyler Thigpin to beat even a mediocre Bears team. It could go either way, but I like the more experienced quarterback.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Week 10 Picks!
Well, I start out this week 0-1 after the Ravens blew a perfect opportunity to cement their status as the number one team in football, but lets see if I can bounce back from that to put together my third solid week in a row.
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Tennessee (-1.5) over MIAMI
Chad Pennington does not scare me. Kerry Collins does, but only a little. I'm still taking the Titans though.
CHICAGO (+1) over Minnesota
Neither team is good, and Chicago is home, plus they are slight underdogs, so I'll gladly pick against Brett Favre.
New York Jets (-3) over CLEVELAND
I don't think Cleveland is good enough to knock off two superior teams in a row. And the Jets will not overlook them the way the Patriots did.
TAMPA BAY (-7) over Carolina
Carolina is just so bad that any team that is even mediocre should blow them out.
Kansas City (-1.5) over DENVER
I am not confident in this, but I just think Denver is a really bad football team, so KC should pull it off, even on the road in Denver.
St. Louis (+6) over SAN FRANCISCO
I don't get this line, but I'll have no problem betting against the Niners in this one. And I will STILL be wrong.
ARIZONA (-3.5) over SEATTLE
What a garbage football game. Charlie Whitehurst vs. Max Hall. Fans should get a refund. Probably the worst game we've had all season.
Dallas (+14) over NEW YORK GIANTS
I just don't feel comfortable picking the Giants as 14 point favorites over anyone, even this pitiful Dallas team. The teams know each other well enough that it should be closer than that.
New England (+5) over PITTSBURGH
I think Pittsburgh will win, but its certainly not inconceivable that the Pats pull it off, and it should be closer than 5. Tom Brady always comes back strong after a loss, and I see it here again, even if I think they come up just short.
Philadelphia (-3) over WASHINGTON
I don't feel comfortable picking Washington against a contender unless they are getting a TD+. That is not the case here.
Second Runner Up Lock of the Week
INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Cincinnati
So the Bengals are finally getting a touchdown+ from Vegas. Nope, still not enough for me to take them over Indy.
First Runner Up Lock of the Week
Detroit (+3) over BUFFALO
How is Detroit a three point dog to a team that hasn't won a game? Its almost too obvious, but I'm taking the Lions to improve to 8-1 against the spread on the season.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Houston (+1.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville is a pitiful team. This game should not even be close, and Houston is getting points?!?!? I'm puzzled.
Last Week: 9-3-1
Overall: 69-55-6
Lock Picks: 13-12-2
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Tennessee (-1.5) over MIAMI
Chad Pennington does not scare me. Kerry Collins does, but only a little. I'm still taking the Titans though.
CHICAGO (+1) over Minnesota
Neither team is good, and Chicago is home, plus they are slight underdogs, so I'll gladly pick against Brett Favre.
New York Jets (-3) over CLEVELAND
I don't think Cleveland is good enough to knock off two superior teams in a row. And the Jets will not overlook them the way the Patriots did.
TAMPA BAY (-7) over Carolina
Carolina is just so bad that any team that is even mediocre should blow them out.
Kansas City (-1.5) over DENVER
I am not confident in this, but I just think Denver is a really bad football team, so KC should pull it off, even on the road in Denver.
St. Louis (+6) over SAN FRANCISCO
I don't get this line, but I'll have no problem betting against the Niners in this one. And I will STILL be wrong.
ARIZONA (-3.5) over SEATTLE
What a garbage football game. Charlie Whitehurst vs. Max Hall. Fans should get a refund. Probably the worst game we've had all season.
Dallas (+14) over NEW YORK GIANTS
I just don't feel comfortable picking the Giants as 14 point favorites over anyone, even this pitiful Dallas team. The teams know each other well enough that it should be closer than that.
New England (+5) over PITTSBURGH
I think Pittsburgh will win, but its certainly not inconceivable that the Pats pull it off, and it should be closer than 5. Tom Brady always comes back strong after a loss, and I see it here again, even if I think they come up just short.
Philadelphia (-3) over WASHINGTON
I don't feel comfortable picking Washington against a contender unless they are getting a TD+. That is not the case here.
Second Runner Up Lock of the Week
INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Cincinnati
So the Bengals are finally getting a touchdown+ from Vegas. Nope, still not enough for me to take them over Indy.
First Runner Up Lock of the Week
Detroit (+3) over BUFFALO
How is Detroit a three point dog to a team that hasn't won a game? Its almost too obvious, but I'm taking the Lions to improve to 8-1 against the spread on the season.
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Houston (+1.5) over JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville is a pitiful team. This game should not even be close, and Houston is getting points?!?!? I'm puzzled.
Last Week: 9-3-1
Overall: 69-55-6
Lock Picks: 13-12-2
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Week 10 Power Rankings
The Elite
1. Baltimore Ravens- Nothing has swayed me from believing they are the league's best team. They appear to finally be playing up to their full potential.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers- The top two teams both reside in the same division! Crazy, but true. No denying how great Pittsburgh has been all season, these guys just wear you down with their physical, smashmouth play.
3. Tennessee Titans- You heard me. Highest scoring team in the league. Second best point differential. Blew out the Giants. And they just ADDED a superstar receiver to stretch the field and open up the field for Chris Johnson. Can you say elite?
4. Atlanta Falcons- They keep proving week in and week out to be the best in the NFC, and I think they can stand up to the AFC teams as well. The only team I can say that about, which is why they jump to elite status.
5. New York Jets- They fall a few spots after the scare from the Lions, but they remain one of the few Elite teams in this year's NFL.
The Contenders
6. Green Bay Packers- Even as injured as they are, they continue to win games. They obliterated the Cowboys last week, and cost Wade Phillips his job. They are very close to Elite, but just not quite there yet.
7. Indianapolis Colts- The Eagles had two weeks to prepare and home field advantage, and the Colts still almost beat them. Peyton Manning is simply too damn good. Isn't there another league he can play in, like a God league or something? They keep losing weapons and he still keeps them competitive week in and week out. It will be tough to make the playoffs in the AFC this year, but I wouldn't bet against Peyton single handedly dragging this team in.
8. New England Patriots- Yes, they fell into the classic trap game against Cleveland, so I'm not going to hold that against them too much. They are still pretty damn good, but the upcoming schedule does not get friendlier for this team. They might lose three in a row entering a better than you think Lions team on Thanksgiving. We'll see how they handle it.
9. New Orleans Saints- No, they aren't last year's Saints, but they are certainly still a contender in the weak NFC. They can still beat just about anyone on any given Sunday.
10. San Diego Chargers- Don't look now, but the Chargers have won two in a row, have a bye this week, will be getting Vincent Jackson back soon after, and should be getting several weapons healthy. Did I just place a bet on their Super Bowl odds at 12-1? You bet I did.
11. New York Giants- Beating Charlie Whitehurst is not something to brag about. I can't WAIT to bet against this team in the playoffs. Just saying, they are overrated and will continue to be so with their pillow soft schedule.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- They did impress against the Colts, and they have a lot of weapons on offense. If Vick can continue to provide the team with a spark and stay on the field, they will win the NFC East, and might even win a playoff game.
13. Kansas City Chiefs- The wheels are definitely starting to come off here... but they do still sit on top of the AFC West, for now... we need to get out of the Contenders and move on...
The Mediocre
14. Oakland Raiders- The team that showed that the Chiefs are starting to unravel, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are any good either. They shouldn't have won the game, but they did. This is the perfect spot for them, as they aren't bad anymore, but there is no way they contend for a playoff spot this year.
15. Chicago Bears- Yup, we really are at the mediocre when we hit chicago. everything about this team is just meh.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman is better than I ever gave him credit for, and there might be something here in the future, but they aren't getting there this season.
17. Detroit Lions- Yes, they are 2-6, but this team is a lot better than their record suggests. If they didn't lose their starting QB late in the game against the Jets, they probably knock off an elite team. They have lost a lot of tight games, as evidenced by the fact that they are 7-1 against the spread. I like the way they are heading.
18. Houston Texans- another season, same story for the Texans, and their fans. Lots of promise, but they just can't get over the hump.
19. Miami Dolphins- Making the change to Chad Pennington just screams of desperation for this once promising squad.
20. St. Louis Rams- Tough to guage whether or not they are for real, but hey, maybe, just maybe, they pull off the division and get obliterated in the playoffs.
21. Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy wins football games! I can't wait to see how his career develops and see just how many teams end up kicking themselves for passing on him.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Brett Favre's team is now bordering on garbage level. It took them to overtime to beat the Cardinals. They desperately need Sidney Rice back in the lineup, but its already way to late.
23. Washington Redskins- McNabb or Grossman? Well apparently Shanahan can't make up his mind. If I were a Redskins fan, I'd be needing someone to talk me off the ledge right about now.
The Garbage
24. Seattle Seahawks- As long as Charlie Whitehurst is the quarterback, how can they be above garbage level? They weren't even good to begin with.
25. San Fransisco 49ers- They are still a mess, just slightly less of a mess than they were two weeks ago.
26. Cincinnati Bengals- unfortunately I think we might be approaching the point where Vegas finally realizes this team is awful and I don't get to win an easy game against the spread every week.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars- I honestly can't for the life of me figure out how this team is 4-4.
28. Arizona Cardinals- Three losses in a row, no real excuse, they just aren't very good. Maybe we should have given Kurt Warner the MVP every year this team was actually good?
29. Denver Broncos- Well, at least the Cardinals haven't lost four straight, like the Broncos have.
30. Dallas Cowboys- Or 5 in a row, like Dallas! Damn what an embarrassment Green Bay handed them. What a joke of a team this is. Wade Phillips was fired half a season too late, and there is just nothing going for this team. Kitna at QB, turning the ball over at record paces, they just can't beat anyone at this point. Well, except maybe these next two teams.
31. Carolina Panthers- You know, I really wanted to put them last, because they deserve it. They are abysmal in every sense of the game.
32. Buffalo Bills- But until Buffalo actually beats a team, I can't move them out of the bottom spot. If you are winless, you get 32, its just that simple.
1. Baltimore Ravens- Nothing has swayed me from believing they are the league's best team. They appear to finally be playing up to their full potential.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers- The top two teams both reside in the same division! Crazy, but true. No denying how great Pittsburgh has been all season, these guys just wear you down with their physical, smashmouth play.
3. Tennessee Titans- You heard me. Highest scoring team in the league. Second best point differential. Blew out the Giants. And they just ADDED a superstar receiver to stretch the field and open up the field for Chris Johnson. Can you say elite?
4. Atlanta Falcons- They keep proving week in and week out to be the best in the NFC, and I think they can stand up to the AFC teams as well. The only team I can say that about, which is why they jump to elite status.
5. New York Jets- They fall a few spots after the scare from the Lions, but they remain one of the few Elite teams in this year's NFL.
The Contenders
6. Green Bay Packers- Even as injured as they are, they continue to win games. They obliterated the Cowboys last week, and cost Wade Phillips his job. They are very close to Elite, but just not quite there yet.
7. Indianapolis Colts- The Eagles had two weeks to prepare and home field advantage, and the Colts still almost beat them. Peyton Manning is simply too damn good. Isn't there another league he can play in, like a God league or something? They keep losing weapons and he still keeps them competitive week in and week out. It will be tough to make the playoffs in the AFC this year, but I wouldn't bet against Peyton single handedly dragging this team in.
8. New England Patriots- Yes, they fell into the classic trap game against Cleveland, so I'm not going to hold that against them too much. They are still pretty damn good, but the upcoming schedule does not get friendlier for this team. They might lose three in a row entering a better than you think Lions team on Thanksgiving. We'll see how they handle it.
9. New Orleans Saints- No, they aren't last year's Saints, but they are certainly still a contender in the weak NFC. They can still beat just about anyone on any given Sunday.
10. San Diego Chargers- Don't look now, but the Chargers have won two in a row, have a bye this week, will be getting Vincent Jackson back soon after, and should be getting several weapons healthy. Did I just place a bet on their Super Bowl odds at 12-1? You bet I did.
11. New York Giants- Beating Charlie Whitehurst is not something to brag about. I can't WAIT to bet against this team in the playoffs. Just saying, they are overrated and will continue to be so with their pillow soft schedule.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- They did impress against the Colts, and they have a lot of weapons on offense. If Vick can continue to provide the team with a spark and stay on the field, they will win the NFC East, and might even win a playoff game.
13. Kansas City Chiefs- The wheels are definitely starting to come off here... but they do still sit on top of the AFC West, for now... we need to get out of the Contenders and move on...
The Mediocre
14. Oakland Raiders- The team that showed that the Chiefs are starting to unravel, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are any good either. They shouldn't have won the game, but they did. This is the perfect spot for them, as they aren't bad anymore, but there is no way they contend for a playoff spot this year.
15. Chicago Bears- Yup, we really are at the mediocre when we hit chicago. everything about this team is just meh.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Josh Freeman is better than I ever gave him credit for, and there might be something here in the future, but they aren't getting there this season.
17. Detroit Lions- Yes, they are 2-6, but this team is a lot better than their record suggests. If they didn't lose their starting QB late in the game against the Jets, they probably knock off an elite team. They have lost a lot of tight games, as evidenced by the fact that they are 7-1 against the spread. I like the way they are heading.
18. Houston Texans- another season, same story for the Texans, and their fans. Lots of promise, but they just can't get over the hump.
19. Miami Dolphins- Making the change to Chad Pennington just screams of desperation for this once promising squad.
20. St. Louis Rams- Tough to guage whether or not they are for real, but hey, maybe, just maybe, they pull off the division and get obliterated in the playoffs.
21. Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy wins football games! I can't wait to see how his career develops and see just how many teams end up kicking themselves for passing on him.
22. Minnesota Vikings- Brett Favre's team is now bordering on garbage level. It took them to overtime to beat the Cardinals. They desperately need Sidney Rice back in the lineup, but its already way to late.
23. Washington Redskins- McNabb or Grossman? Well apparently Shanahan can't make up his mind. If I were a Redskins fan, I'd be needing someone to talk me off the ledge right about now.
The Garbage
24. Seattle Seahawks- As long as Charlie Whitehurst is the quarterback, how can they be above garbage level? They weren't even good to begin with.
25. San Fransisco 49ers- They are still a mess, just slightly less of a mess than they were two weeks ago.
26. Cincinnati Bengals- unfortunately I think we might be approaching the point where Vegas finally realizes this team is awful and I don't get to win an easy game against the spread every week.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars- I honestly can't for the life of me figure out how this team is 4-4.
28. Arizona Cardinals- Three losses in a row, no real excuse, they just aren't very good. Maybe we should have given Kurt Warner the MVP every year this team was actually good?
29. Denver Broncos- Well, at least the Cardinals haven't lost four straight, like the Broncos have.
30. Dallas Cowboys- Or 5 in a row, like Dallas! Damn what an embarrassment Green Bay handed them. What a joke of a team this is. Wade Phillips was fired half a season too late, and there is just nothing going for this team. Kitna at QB, turning the ball over at record paces, they just can't beat anyone at this point. Well, except maybe these next two teams.
31. Carolina Panthers- You know, I really wanted to put them last, because they deserve it. They are abysmal in every sense of the game.
32. Buffalo Bills- But until Buffalo actually beats a team, I can't move them out of the bottom spot. If you are winless, you get 32, its just that simple.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The Thursday Night Week 10 Pick
Baltimore (PK) over ATLANTA
I'll take the team that I still think is the best team in the league, over the team that is the best in the crappy NFC. Baltimore looked VERY sharp against Miami. Let's see if Flacco and the boys can keep it going.
I'll take the team that I still think is the best team in the league, over the team that is the best in the crappy NFC. Baltimore looked VERY sharp against Miami. Let's see if Flacco and the boys can keep it going.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Week 9 Picks
I've lost so much sleep this week, and with loss of sleep also comes loss of writing, unfortunately. But I will keep giving you guys my picks for every Sunday. I'm coming off a great week last week, so lets try and keep that going.
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Chicago (-3) over Buffalo
San Diego (-3) over HOUSTON
New Orleans (-6.5) over CAROLINA
Arizona (+7.5) over MINNESOTA
Tampa Bay (+9) over ATLANTA
DETROIT (+5.5) over New York Jets
Miami (+5) over BALTIMORE
Kansas City (+.5) over OAKLAND
Indianapolis (+3) over PHILADELPHIA
GREEN BAY (-8) over Dallas
Second Runner Up Lock of the Week
New York Giants (-7) over SEATTLE
First Runner Up Lock of the Week
New England (-4) over CLEVELAND
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh (-4.5) over CINCINNATI
Last Week: 9-4
Overall: 60-52-5
Lock Picks: 11-11-2
Home team in CAPS
Lines courtesy of sportsbetting.com
Chicago (-3) over Buffalo
San Diego (-3) over HOUSTON
New Orleans (-6.5) over CAROLINA
Arizona (+7.5) over MINNESOTA
Tampa Bay (+9) over ATLANTA
DETROIT (+5.5) over New York Jets
Miami (+5) over BALTIMORE
Kansas City (+.5) over OAKLAND
Indianapolis (+3) over PHILADELPHIA
GREEN BAY (-8) over Dallas
Second Runner Up Lock of the Week
New York Giants (-7) over SEATTLE
First Runner Up Lock of the Week
New England (-4) over CLEVELAND
LOCK OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh (-4.5) over CINCINNATI
Last Week: 9-4
Overall: 60-52-5
Lock Picks: 11-11-2
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