Indy asserted themselves quite nicely after falling 11 behind the NFL's best defense. The Jets scored on a couple of huge plays, which though good, were a little fluky. Indy's sustained offensive attack shows that they're not playing around.
New Orleans, on the other hand, cheated. You can't tell me they didn't butter up those footballs before the game. Peterson fumbled thrice, losing only the first and making a hell of a play to get back the third one. Harvin fumbled two plays in a row, obviously losing only the latter. Then Berrian fumbled as the Vikings were threatening to score. Terrible. But Favre still had a chance to win and blew it. All he needed to do was scramble for 10 yards down the open sideline and let Longwell kick it. Instead, in typical Favre fashion (though more his fashion in prior years...hadn't done too much of it this year...) he tried to force it and gave the game away. I'm also against the pass interference call on Leber on that Saints drive, but knowing them they would have found a way to score anyway. In any event, I'm glad to see the city of New Orleans get what it deserves, as it has become one of the best football towns in America.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
NFL Championship Round
AFC Championship - Sunday, January 24th - 3pm
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
Line: Colts -7.5
O/U: 39
Yes, the Jets defense has been outstanding in the playoffs. But this time they've got to face Peyton Manning, a man who can shred any defense. Do the Colts have enough of a run game to keep the pressure off of Peyton and the passing game? We'll see. This game will be strength vs. strength: the best pass D in the NFL against one of the league's all-time great quarterbacks. The Jets are confident after their week 16 win in Indy, and they certainly think they can do it again. I worry that the Colts D will be the difference maker. They've got the speed and strength to hang in against the Jets run game and to force Sanchez into a few bad decision. If the Jets have a bunch of 3-and-outs (like they did against San Diego to start the game), the Jets defense will be forced to spend extended time on the field, and Peyton will make them pay. If the Jets can move the ball, they'll be ok. This is a game where it would be very easy to pick the Jets with the points, but I think Indy is out to prove that the way the season ended was a fluke.
My Pick: Colts -7.5. Indy finally shows that the Jets D is beatable 23-13.
NFC Championship - Sunday, January 24th - 6:40pm
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
Line: Saints -3.5
O/U: 53
I've been looking forward to this matchup for quite some time. Both teams have stellar offenses, but I think Minnesota's D is significantly better than the Saints' D. Jared Allen and the Vikes' D totally shut down the Cowboys last week. And while it may be equally impressive that the Saints held down the red-hot Cards, Arizona hasn't really put multiple good games together all season long. And Warner was hurt for more than half of the game. Not only do I think the Vikings have the advantage, but I also want the Vikings to win. I'm on the purple bandwagon. How great would it be to see two future hall of famers (Favre, Manning) go head-to-head on the biggest stage of them all? Plus I love the spirit of Brett Favre. The guy's a winner. That's all there is to it. Yes, I'd love to see Katrina-ravaged New Orleans have success...but they've already rallied together as a community behind the once 13-0 Saints. All good things must come to an end. Nawlins will party like crazy while hosting the NFC championship, but it will be the Minnesota Vikings who will be heading to Miami.
My Pick: Vikings +3.5. Minnesota wins a classic, 38-35.
New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts
Line: Colts -7.5
O/U: 39
Yes, the Jets defense has been outstanding in the playoffs. But this time they've got to face Peyton Manning, a man who can shred any defense. Do the Colts have enough of a run game to keep the pressure off of Peyton and the passing game? We'll see. This game will be strength vs. strength: the best pass D in the NFL against one of the league's all-time great quarterbacks. The Jets are confident after their week 16 win in Indy, and they certainly think they can do it again. I worry that the Colts D will be the difference maker. They've got the speed and strength to hang in against the Jets run game and to force Sanchez into a few bad decision. If the Jets have a bunch of 3-and-outs (like they did against San Diego to start the game), the Jets defense will be forced to spend extended time on the field, and Peyton will make them pay. If the Jets can move the ball, they'll be ok. This is a game where it would be very easy to pick the Jets with the points, but I think Indy is out to prove that the way the season ended was a fluke.
My Pick: Colts -7.5. Indy finally shows that the Jets D is beatable 23-13.
NFC Championship - Sunday, January 24th - 6:40pm
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
Line: Saints -3.5
O/U: 53
I've been looking forward to this matchup for quite some time. Both teams have stellar offenses, but I think Minnesota's D is significantly better than the Saints' D. Jared Allen and the Vikes' D totally shut down the Cowboys last week. And while it may be equally impressive that the Saints held down the red-hot Cards, Arizona hasn't really put multiple good games together all season long. And Warner was hurt for more than half of the game. Not only do I think the Vikings have the advantage, but I also want the Vikings to win. I'm on the purple bandwagon. How great would it be to see two future hall of famers (Favre, Manning) go head-to-head on the biggest stage of them all? Plus I love the spirit of Brett Favre. The guy's a winner. That's all there is to it. Yes, I'd love to see Katrina-ravaged New Orleans have success...but they've already rallied together as a community behind the once 13-0 Saints. All good things must come to an end. Nawlins will party like crazy while hosting the NFC championship, but it will be the Minnesota Vikings who will be heading to Miami.
My Pick: Vikings +3.5. Minnesota wins a classic, 38-35.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
NFL Divisional Round Recap
One of the higher seeds had to lose, but I picked the wrong one! San Diego had been unstoppable. I'm not sure what happened. Guess the Jets D is just playing too good right now. And the Chargers should have emphasized the run more. That Jets D line had only 5 healthy players...they should have gotten pushed around.
Good to see Minny and New Orleans back in form again. That's a matchup I've been hoping to see since week 4 (when I actually looked at the schedule to see if they'd meet in the regular season...). Should be a hell of a game, though I am leaning toward the Vikings. Better defense and an offense that can put up just as many points as the Saints. Not to mention a gritty veteran leader. I wouldn't ever bet money against Favre when he's healthy and the season's on the line. He's just a proven winner.
In the AFC, the Jets will replay week 16, but this time they'll have to go against the Colts' starters. Indy will need to step it up a bit, as they weren't stellar against the Ravens. They got a LOT of lucky breaks, although one could argue that they created their own luck. Pierre Garcon made a hell of a play to strip Ed Reed after his first interception, but I'd consider that a bit lucky. That should have been a scoring opportunity for the Ravens. Reed's other pick was negated by a questionable penalty, and one which didn't really affect the outcome of the play. I always hate when that happens. But to be honest, my attitude is likely a direct result of having picked the Ravens to win.
I do like the Colts, and I wouldn't bet against them this week. I'm just a little concerned that the Jets have all the momentum after their win in Indy in week 16, and I know how drama-laden the NFL tends to be. The irony of the Colts letting the Jets into the playoffs only to lose to them in the AFC championship game is too good to pass up. Not to mention the last team to "not have a chance" that went on a crazy playoff run was also from New York...and we all know where that ended. But if the Jets do pull off the upset, I'd bet on the NFC to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
Good to see Minny and New Orleans back in form again. That's a matchup I've been hoping to see since week 4 (when I actually looked at the schedule to see if they'd meet in the regular season...). Should be a hell of a game, though I am leaning toward the Vikings. Better defense and an offense that can put up just as many points as the Saints. Not to mention a gritty veteran leader. I wouldn't ever bet money against Favre when he's healthy and the season's on the line. He's just a proven winner.
In the AFC, the Jets will replay week 16, but this time they'll have to go against the Colts' starters. Indy will need to step it up a bit, as they weren't stellar against the Ravens. They got a LOT of lucky breaks, although one could argue that they created their own luck. Pierre Garcon made a hell of a play to strip Ed Reed after his first interception, but I'd consider that a bit lucky. That should have been a scoring opportunity for the Ravens. Reed's other pick was negated by a questionable penalty, and one which didn't really affect the outcome of the play. I always hate when that happens. But to be honest, my attitude is likely a direct result of having picked the Ravens to win.
I do like the Colts, and I wouldn't bet against them this week. I'm just a little concerned that the Jets have all the momentum after their win in Indy in week 16, and I know how drama-laden the NFL tends to be. The irony of the Colts letting the Jets into the playoffs only to lose to them in the AFC championship game is too good to pass up. Not to mention the last team to "not have a chance" that went on a crazy playoff run was also from New York...and we all know where that ended. But if the Jets do pull off the upset, I'd bet on the NFC to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
NFL Divisional Weekend Preview
Saturday, January 16th, 4:30pm:
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
Line: Saints -7
O/U: 57
It'll be high-scoring, that's for sure. But having seen the Saints the last time they "tried" (New England at home...), I can only imagine this will only be close until Nawlins breaks it wide open. Arizona's defense was solid for about 3 drives against Green Bay, but ultimately allowed a ton of yards and points. Which isn't good, because the offense they're facing this week is even better.
My Pick: Saints -7. New Orleans 42-31.
Saturday, January 16th, 8pm:
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
Line: Colts -6.5
O/U: 44
The Colts are the class of the league, but I'm worried that Peyton's extremely limited playing time down the stretch will come back to haunt them. Remember how bad the Colts were at the start of last season, when Peyton had missed the whole preseason? At least two road teams have won in the divisional round 4 straight year, and in 5 of the last 6. Which means I have to pick at least one road team. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy - The Colts were worried about being rusty and losing their first playoff game. That worry may contribute to their downfall. Though I really would like to see the Colts-Chargers matchup that has seemingly been on the AFC championship horizon for months now, this has to be my upset pick.
My Pick: Ravens +6.5. Baltimore is good in the playoffs. They win outright 23-21.
Sunday, January 17th, 1pm:
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Line: Vikings -2.5
O/U: 45.5
Why wasn't this my upset pick you ask? For a few reasons. First of all, I'm hardcore on the Favre bandwagon, and I don't want to fall off. Second, the Williams boys in the middle can shut down the Cowboys' strong run game like no other team in the league. Plus Romo has been solid for too many weeks in a row and is bound to stumble. I know Favre has been bad against the Cowboys in his career, but now that he's wearing purple I think that's all out the window. I just don't see the Cowboys defense, which has been outstanding 4 weeks in a row, stopping Favre and Peterson. If they can, more power to them on their march to glory.
My Pick: Vikings -2.5. Minnesota wins 27-17.
Sunday, January 17th, 4:30pm:
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
Line: Chargers -7
O/U: 42
The Chargers haven't lost in a long time. I don't think the Jets will be the team that breaks them. Revis is a great corner, and always shuts down the opponents' top guy. But against the Chargers, who do you shut down? You have to pick your poison, as the Bolts have too many go-to guys. The Jets run D has been bad all year. Enter LT to show them who's boss. I wouldn't be shocked if the Jets played insanely good defense and kept it close, but that's not the outcome I'd put my money on.
My Pick: Chargers -7. San Diego wins 34-17.
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
Line: Saints -7
O/U: 57
It'll be high-scoring, that's for sure. But having seen the Saints the last time they "tried" (New England at home...), I can only imagine this will only be close until Nawlins breaks it wide open. Arizona's defense was solid for about 3 drives against Green Bay, but ultimately allowed a ton of yards and points. Which isn't good, because the offense they're facing this week is even better.
My Pick: Saints -7. New Orleans 42-31.
Saturday, January 16th, 8pm:
Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts
Line: Colts -6.5
O/U: 44
The Colts are the class of the league, but I'm worried that Peyton's extremely limited playing time down the stretch will come back to haunt them. Remember how bad the Colts were at the start of last season, when Peyton had missed the whole preseason? At least two road teams have won in the divisional round 4 straight year, and in 5 of the last 6. Which means I have to pick at least one road team. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy - The Colts were worried about being rusty and losing their first playoff game. That worry may contribute to their downfall. Though I really would like to see the Colts-Chargers matchup that has seemingly been on the AFC championship horizon for months now, this has to be my upset pick.
My Pick: Ravens +6.5. Baltimore is good in the playoffs. They win outright 23-21.
Sunday, January 17th, 1pm:
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Line: Vikings -2.5
O/U: 45.5
Why wasn't this my upset pick you ask? For a few reasons. First of all, I'm hardcore on the Favre bandwagon, and I don't want to fall off. Second, the Williams boys in the middle can shut down the Cowboys' strong run game like no other team in the league. Plus Romo has been solid for too many weeks in a row and is bound to stumble. I know Favre has been bad against the Cowboys in his career, but now that he's wearing purple I think that's all out the window. I just don't see the Cowboys defense, which has been outstanding 4 weeks in a row, stopping Favre and Peterson. If they can, more power to them on their march to glory.
My Pick: Vikings -2.5. Minnesota wins 27-17.
Sunday, January 17th, 4:30pm:
New York Jets @ San Diego Chargers
Line: Chargers -7
O/U: 42
The Chargers haven't lost in a long time. I don't think the Jets will be the team that breaks them. Revis is a great corner, and always shuts down the opponents' top guy. But against the Chargers, who do you shut down? You have to pick your poison, as the Bolts have too many go-to guys. The Jets run D has been bad all year. Enter LT to show them who's boss. I wouldn't be shocked if the Jets played insanely good defense and kept it close, but that's not the outcome I'd put my money on.
My Pick: Chargers -7. San Diego wins 34-17.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
NFL Wildcard Weekend Recap
Things didn't go so well for me on wildcard weekend. Don't get me wrong, I'm quite glad that I was able to watch the Jets and Cardinals win their respective games. But 0-4 is as bad as it gets for picking games. 2 blowouts, 1 solid game, and one all-time great game (most combined points ever scored in a playoff game gets it to that level) wouldn't have surprised many people. But the Cowboys blowing out the Eagles twice in a row and the Ravens surprising the Pats at Foxboro should have been shocking to most. The Packers beat very few solid teams all year, so when the Cards decided to actually PLAY, they were bound to have difficulty. And no, the Cowboys win doesn't count, because Dallas was playing like crap at that point in the year. The Jets win was surprising to me, but they've been playing good football lately, and you had to figure that if the Bengals couldn't get the pass game going they wouldn't be able to win that game.
This sets up some interesting games for next week, although I would have loved to see a Jets-Colts rematch. Though there is still a chance the two could face off in the AFC title game. Baltimore had no shot going into New England, so you can't really count them fully out of the running against Indy. The Jets simply don't allow teams to throw the ball, which means that if LT has an off day, even the red-hot Chargers could stumble. Minnesota has been my pick for a while, and I really want to see them go all the way, but I'm not sure anyone is playing better football than Dallas right now, especially on defense. But if anybody can solve them, it's Favre. Though he has struggled against the 'Boys in the playoffs throughout his career. And the Cards and Saints could break that points-scored-in-the-playoffs record all over again this weekend. I'm not sure either team brings much of a defense to the party. My guess is that it will be one of those last-team-to-score-wins scenarios.
This sets up some interesting games for next week, although I would have loved to see a Jets-Colts rematch. Though there is still a chance the two could face off in the AFC title game. Baltimore had no shot going into New England, so you can't really count them fully out of the running against Indy. The Jets simply don't allow teams to throw the ball, which means that if LT has an off day, even the red-hot Chargers could stumble. Minnesota has been my pick for a while, and I really want to see them go all the way, but I'm not sure anyone is playing better football than Dallas right now, especially on defense. But if anybody can solve them, it's Favre. Though he has struggled against the 'Boys in the playoffs throughout his career. And the Cards and Saints could break that points-scored-in-the-playoffs record all over again this weekend. I'm not sure either team brings much of a defense to the party. My guess is that it will be one of those last-team-to-score-wins scenarios.
Friday, January 8, 2010
NFL Wild Card Preview
Saturday, January 9th, 4:30 pm:
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
Line: Bengals -2.5
O/U: 34
I think this is the only rematch that will have a different outcome. Cincinnati has played very well all season long against run-oriented teams with great defenses (4-0 vs. PIT and BAL...). They clearly didn't care about Sunday night's game, and simply let the Jets do whatever they wanted. As long as they can stop the run, they'll win. And I'd rather not bet on a rookie QB in the playoffs.
My Pick: Bengals -2.5. Cincy wins 23-17.
Saturday, January 9th, 8:00 pm:
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Line: Cowboys -4
O/U: 45
The Cowboys are incredibly hot right now, and the defense is absolutely stellar. I'm not sure how the team will react to the playoffs, though. Dallas has had a long drought, and once "curse" thoughts start to trickle into the players' minds, a "Red Sox" situation is a real possibility. It's also very tough to beat a very good team 3 times in one year, although it has obviously been done. I can't pick against the Boys winning the way they've been playing, but I think it will be close.
My Pick: Eagles +4. Dallas wins 27-24.
Sunday, January 10th, 1pm:
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Line: Patriots -3
O/U: 43
Welker's injury is a huge blow, but Edelman is better than people think. Welker missed time earlier in the year, and the Patriots weren't that much easier to beat. Plus they have experience and know how to win in the postseason. Baltimore hasn't lost to any bad teams this season, but most of their wins are against non-playoff teams. The only big win they have is @San Diego, and that was before the Chargers gelled into the powerhouse they are right now.
My Pick: Patriots -3. New England wins 28-13.
Sunday, January 10th, 4:40 pm:
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Line: 0
O/U: 47
The Packers killed the Cards in week 17, and I'm not sure how different this week will be. Don't get me wrong, it'll be closer. But does Arizona have enough up its sleeve to beat a defense that has been so solid all year long? I don't think so.
My Pick: Packers pk. Green Bay wins 27-23.
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
Line: Bengals -2.5
O/U: 34
I think this is the only rematch that will have a different outcome. Cincinnati has played very well all season long against run-oriented teams with great defenses (4-0 vs. PIT and BAL...). They clearly didn't care about Sunday night's game, and simply let the Jets do whatever they wanted. As long as they can stop the run, they'll win. And I'd rather not bet on a rookie QB in the playoffs.
My Pick: Bengals -2.5. Cincy wins 23-17.
Saturday, January 9th, 8:00 pm:
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Line: Cowboys -4
O/U: 45
The Cowboys are incredibly hot right now, and the defense is absolutely stellar. I'm not sure how the team will react to the playoffs, though. Dallas has had a long drought, and once "curse" thoughts start to trickle into the players' minds, a "Red Sox" situation is a real possibility. It's also very tough to beat a very good team 3 times in one year, although it has obviously been done. I can't pick against the Boys winning the way they've been playing, but I think it will be close.
My Pick: Eagles +4. Dallas wins 27-24.
Sunday, January 10th, 1pm:
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Line: Patriots -3
O/U: 43
Welker's injury is a huge blow, but Edelman is better than people think. Welker missed time earlier in the year, and the Patriots weren't that much easier to beat. Plus they have experience and know how to win in the postseason. Baltimore hasn't lost to any bad teams this season, but most of their wins are against non-playoff teams. The only big win they have is @San Diego, and that was before the Chargers gelled into the powerhouse they are right now.
My Pick: Patriots -3. New England wins 28-13.
Sunday, January 10th, 4:40 pm:
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Line: 0
O/U: 47
The Packers killed the Cards in week 17, and I'm not sure how different this week will be. Don't get me wrong, it'll be closer. But does Arizona have enough up its sleeve to beat a defense that has been so solid all year long? I don't think so.
My Pick: Packers pk. Green Bay wins 27-23.
NFL Week 17 Recap
Overall SU: 170-86 (11-5 wk 17)
Week 17 ATS: 7-9
Overall ATS: 122-130-4
Bye!
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Line: Vikings -9
O/U: 47.5
My Pick: Giants +9. Minnesota wins 30-23.
Result: Vikings 44-7
Didn't realize the Vikings would be back to their old selves. Although I did have an inkling that the Gmen would give up. That bye could loom large...don't count out the Vikes in the NFC!
Just Missed
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Line: Falcons -2.5
O/U: 41.5
My Pick: Falcons -2.5. Atlanta wins 24-20.
Result: Falcons 20-10
At 9-7, the Falcons should be considered #7 in the NFC. They were good enough to make the playoffs, but the Ryan and Turner injuries killed them.
.500
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
Line: 49ers -7
O/U: 40.5
My Pick: 49ers -7. San Fran finsihes strong 20-10.
Result: 49ers 28-6
The 49ers ended up right where I thought they would, but I was still impressed with them. Early in the season they looked like they'd win the West!
Just Missed...
New England Patriots @ Houston Texans
Line: Texans -8
O/U: 46
My Pick: Pats +8. New England wins outright 23-20.
Result: Texans 34-27
Houston did what they needed to do...but on the heels of their earlier season loss to the Texans, the Bengals threw away Houston's chances by taking a dive against New York.
I'm an Idiot
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns
Line: Browns -1.5
O/U: 37.5
My Pick: Jags +1.5. Jacksonville wins 21-13.
Result: Browns 23-17
I honestly thought I picked the Browns...I was pretty sure the Jags would give up after being eliminated from the playoffs. They did. Apparently I picked them anyway.
Limping Across the Finish Line
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
Line: Panthers -7
O/U: N/A
My Pick: Saints +7. New Orleans wins 35-13.
Result: Panthers 23-10
You'd think the Saints would want to finish on a more positive note. Unless it is their plan to make opponents think they're faltering before pouncing on them, 3 losses to end the year isn't a very auspicious start to a Super Bowl run.
At Least the Bills can blow out the Colts' second string...
Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills
Line: Bills -7.5
O/U: N/A
My Pick: Colts +7.5. Buffalo gets the win 17-13.
Result: Bills 30-7
When I saw that the game was happening in a blizzard I figured I was safe...the Bills can't score enough to win by 7 when it's nice out! And somehow they put up 30. Oh well. Now to see if the Colts' strategy backfires...
Positive Notes for Next Year
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
Line: Bears -3
O/U: 45
My Pick: Bears -3. Chicago wins 28-16.
Result: Bears 37-23
At least we know Cutler can put up points. It'll be interesting to see what transpires with the Bears' offense next season.
Another Team shafted by others' Dives
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins
Line: Steelers -3
O/U: 46
My Pick: Steelers -3. Pittsburgh wins 30-17.
Result: Steelers 30-24
Pittsburgh played a solid game, but they'll be missing the playoffs thanks to New England and Cincy's week 17 losses. You had to figure they were out after that losing streak that included losses to KC, Oakland, and Cleveland.
Round Two
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Line: Cowboys -3
O/U: 47.5
My Pick: Eagles +3. Philly wins 34-20.
Result: Cowboys 24-0
I didn't count on how good the Cowboys D has been performing. The rematch will be closer, but that defense has a lot of confidence, and the Boys have beaten the Iggles twice this year.
Round One
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Line: Cardinals -3
O/U: 44
My Pick: Packers +3. Green Bay forces the rematch with a 31-21 win.
Result: Packers 33-7
This one meant very little, as the Cards didn't want to show their hand before the rematch. As with the Eagles-Cowboys, the game will be much closer this week, but after such a decisive win it'll be tough to pick against the week 17 winner.
OUT in Style
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Line: Broncos -13
O/U: 38
My Pick: Chiefs +13. Denver can't blow them out twice, right? Denver 34-27.
Result: Chiefs 44-24
Rather than miss the playoffs on tiebreakers, the Broncos decided to get blown out by a team with only 3 prior wins all year. Well done Broncos. From 6-0 to 8-8...I may not have called exactly that, but I mentioned that the 6-0 start may have risen the hopes of the Broncos faithful to dangerous levels in the wake of a large collapse.
Won and In
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Line: Ravens -10.5
O/U: 38
My Pick: Ravens -10.5. Baltimore rolls 31-10.
Result: Ravens 21-13
I knew the Raiders would give them a game, but the Ravens did exactly what they needed to do. Now they'll have to get by the Pats in Foxboro.
Still the Super Chargers
Washington Redskins @ San Diego Chargers
Line: Chargers -3.5
O/U: 39.5
My Pick: Chargers -3.5 San Diego wins 20-13.
Result: Chargers 23-20
The Chargers haven't lost in a long time. I'm not sure anyone's more dangerous right now. If the Pats win this week, they'll head out to San Diego for the divisional round, which would be a heck of a game.
Didn't Win Out, but...
Tennessee Titans @ Seattle Seahawks
Line: Titans -4.5
O/U: 44
My Pick: Titans -4.5. Tennessee wins 34-17.
Result: Titans 17-13
Way more defense in this one than I expected. Tennessee showed a ton of heart in coming back from their 0-6 start to finish 8-8. The exact opposite of Denver, actually. I expect them to be in top form next season.
Lay Down
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets
Line: Jets -10
O/U: 35
My Pick: Bengals +10. The Jets still win 17-10.
Result: Jets 37-0
Wow. The Bengals didn't even try to make it look good. Let's hope nobody gets injured, because their second string is clearly worthless.
Week 17 ATS: 7-9
Overall ATS: 122-130-4
Bye!
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Line: Vikings -9
O/U: 47.5
My Pick: Giants +9. Minnesota wins 30-23.
Result: Vikings 44-7
Didn't realize the Vikings would be back to their old selves. Although I did have an inkling that the Gmen would give up. That bye could loom large...don't count out the Vikes in the NFC!
Just Missed
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Line: Falcons -2.5
O/U: 41.5
My Pick: Falcons -2.5. Atlanta wins 24-20.
Result: Falcons 20-10
At 9-7, the Falcons should be considered #7 in the NFC. They were good enough to make the playoffs, but the Ryan and Turner injuries killed them.
.500
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
Line: 49ers -7
O/U: 40.5
My Pick: 49ers -7. San Fran finsihes strong 20-10.
Result: 49ers 28-6
The 49ers ended up right where I thought they would, but I was still impressed with them. Early in the season they looked like they'd win the West!
Just Missed...
New England Patriots @ Houston Texans
Line: Texans -8
O/U: 46
My Pick: Pats +8. New England wins outright 23-20.
Result: Texans 34-27
Houston did what they needed to do...but on the heels of their earlier season loss to the Texans, the Bengals threw away Houston's chances by taking a dive against New York.
I'm an Idiot
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cleveland Browns
Line: Browns -1.5
O/U: 37.5
My Pick: Jags +1.5. Jacksonville wins 21-13.
Result: Browns 23-17
I honestly thought I picked the Browns...I was pretty sure the Jags would give up after being eliminated from the playoffs. They did. Apparently I picked them anyway.
Limping Across the Finish Line
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers
Line: Panthers -7
O/U: N/A
My Pick: Saints +7. New Orleans wins 35-13.
Result: Panthers 23-10
You'd think the Saints would want to finish on a more positive note. Unless it is their plan to make opponents think they're faltering before pouncing on them, 3 losses to end the year isn't a very auspicious start to a Super Bowl run.
At Least the Bills can blow out the Colts' second string...
Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills
Line: Bills -7.5
O/U: N/A
My Pick: Colts +7.5. Buffalo gets the win 17-13.
Result: Bills 30-7
When I saw that the game was happening in a blizzard I figured I was safe...the Bills can't score enough to win by 7 when it's nice out! And somehow they put up 30. Oh well. Now to see if the Colts' strategy backfires...
Positive Notes for Next Year
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
Line: Bears -3
O/U: 45
My Pick: Bears -3. Chicago wins 28-16.
Result: Bears 37-23
At least we know Cutler can put up points. It'll be interesting to see what transpires with the Bears' offense next season.
Another Team shafted by others' Dives
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins
Line: Steelers -3
O/U: 46
My Pick: Steelers -3. Pittsburgh wins 30-17.
Result: Steelers 30-24
Pittsburgh played a solid game, but they'll be missing the playoffs thanks to New England and Cincy's week 17 losses. You had to figure they were out after that losing streak that included losses to KC, Oakland, and Cleveland.
Round Two
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Line: Cowboys -3
O/U: 47.5
My Pick: Eagles +3. Philly wins 34-20.
Result: Cowboys 24-0
I didn't count on how good the Cowboys D has been performing. The rematch will be closer, but that defense has a lot of confidence, and the Boys have beaten the Iggles twice this year.
Round One
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Line: Cardinals -3
O/U: 44
My Pick: Packers +3. Green Bay forces the rematch with a 31-21 win.
Result: Packers 33-7
This one meant very little, as the Cards didn't want to show their hand before the rematch. As with the Eagles-Cowboys, the game will be much closer this week, but after such a decisive win it'll be tough to pick against the week 17 winner.
OUT in Style
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Line: Broncos -13
O/U: 38
My Pick: Chiefs +13. Denver can't blow them out twice, right? Denver 34-27.
Result: Chiefs 44-24
Rather than miss the playoffs on tiebreakers, the Broncos decided to get blown out by a team with only 3 prior wins all year. Well done Broncos. From 6-0 to 8-8...I may not have called exactly that, but I mentioned that the 6-0 start may have risen the hopes of the Broncos faithful to dangerous levels in the wake of a large collapse.
Won and In
Baltimore Ravens @ Oakland Raiders
Line: Ravens -10.5
O/U: 38
My Pick: Ravens -10.5. Baltimore rolls 31-10.
Result: Ravens 21-13
I knew the Raiders would give them a game, but the Ravens did exactly what they needed to do. Now they'll have to get by the Pats in Foxboro.
Still the Super Chargers
Washington Redskins @ San Diego Chargers
Line: Chargers -3.5
O/U: 39.5
My Pick: Chargers -3.5 San Diego wins 20-13.
Result: Chargers 23-20
The Chargers haven't lost in a long time. I'm not sure anyone's more dangerous right now. If the Pats win this week, they'll head out to San Diego for the divisional round, which would be a heck of a game.
Didn't Win Out, but...
Tennessee Titans @ Seattle Seahawks
Line: Titans -4.5
O/U: 44
My Pick: Titans -4.5. Tennessee wins 34-17.
Result: Titans 17-13
Way more defense in this one than I expected. Tennessee showed a ton of heart in coming back from their 0-6 start to finish 8-8. The exact opposite of Denver, actually. I expect them to be in top form next season.
Lay Down
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets
Line: Jets -10
O/U: 35
My Pick: Bengals +10. The Jets still win 17-10.
Result: Jets 37-0
Wow. The Bengals didn't even try to make it look good. Let's hope nobody gets injured, because their second string is clearly worthless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)