Sports Betting

While browsing I ran across a wiki page that breaks down sports betting. http://wapedia.mobi/en/Sports_betting
Judging from the writers perspective he does not live in a state where sports betting is legal, such as Nevada.
Growing up in Nevada allowed me to grow up with a unique perspective in relation to all gambling activities, not just sports related. That perspective is of course to treat gambling as entertainment.

If someone wished to pursue gambling for more than simple entertainment, this wiki breaks down a lot of the slang and lingo often heard around sports books and or bookies.
The one thing to keep in mind is this: Most sports bettors are overall losers as the bookmakers odds are fairly efficient.

Week 7 Recap

Chargers - 37
Chiefs - 7
Pick: Chargers
Spread: Chargers -4.5

Colts - 42
Rams - 6
Pick: Colts
Spread: Colts -13.5

Bengals - 45
Bears - 10
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears +1.5

Packers - 31
Browns - 3
Pick: Packers
Spread: Packers -8.5

Steelers - 27
Vikings - 17
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Vikings +4.5

Patriots - 35
Bucs - 7
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -14.5

Texans - 24
49ers - 21
Look for Singletary to have his guys fired up for this game coming off their bye week. With a healthy Gore they should keep it close.
Pick: 49ers
Spread: 49ers +3.5

Jets - 38
Raiders - 0
Pick: Jets
Spread: Raiders +6.5

Bills - 20
Panthers - 9
Pick: Panthers
Spread: Bills +6.5

Saints - 46
Dolphins - 34
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -6.5

Cowboys - 37
Falcons - 21
Pick: Falcons
Spread: Falcons +3.5

Cardinals - 24
Giants - 17
Pick: Giants
Spread: Giants -6.5

Eagles - 27
Redskins - 17
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Redskins +7.5

Week 7 Picks

Another week of football is finally upon us, I dread tallying up my win/loss record so I am going to put that off for now.

Chargers @ Chiefs
Chargers -4.5
Normally this would be an easy game for the Chargers, Arrowhead is never an easy place to play, but the Chargers usually don't struggle against the Chiefs. Not so sure about this week, the Chiefs have been playing well and the Chargers have not. Just going to have to pick the more talented team and hope for the best.
Pick: Chargers
Spread: Chargers -4.5

Colts @ Rams
Colts -13.5
Colts get healthy during their bye week and now get to play the Rams. Colts are one of the few teams who never play down to the level of their opponent, as the Rams are about to find out.
Pick: Colts
Spread: Colts -13.5

Bears @ Bengals
Bengals -1.5
Look for the Bears to put up 35 points in the first half and then watch their second sting offense put up another 21 in the second half. OchoCinco will be crying on the sidelines.
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears +1.5

Packers @ Browns
Packers -8.5
If the Browns cannot get consistent pressure on Rodgers there are in for a long day.
Pick: Packers
Spread: Packers -8.5

Vikings @ Steelers
Steelers -4.5
A lot of points to lay on the Steelers who are notorious for playing down to their opponents, hopefully they can play up to the Vikings and get to Favre.
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Vikings +4.5

Patriots @ Bucs in London
Patriots -14.5
Patriots get to go to London and play the Bucs. The favoritism the league shows them ridiculous.
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -14.5

49ers @ Texans
Texans -3.5
Look for Singletary to have his guys fired up for this game coming off their bye week. With a healthy Gore they should keep it close.
Pick: 49ers
Spread: 49ers +3.5

Jets @ Raiders
Jets -6.5
Jets looked horrible on the west coast last year. Aside from a few flashes in the Eagles game the Raiders have always looked horrible. Give the edge to the Jets and their running game, but don't see them covering the spread.
Pick: Jets
Spread: Raiders +6.5

Bills @ Panthers
Panthers -6.5
Kudos to T.O. for keeping his mouth shut this long, obviously looking forward to leaving Buffalo and signing with a contender next year.
Pick: Panthers
Spread: Bills +6.5

Saints @ Dolphins
Saints -6.5
A lot of people are predicting the Saints to slip up here after trouncing the Giants last week. Dolphins played the Colts close and lost in the 4th quarter. The saints defense won't allow the Dolphins to control the clock as long as they did against the Colts. I see too many similarities with the Patriots team that went to the SB undefeated to pick against the Saints here. Dolphins don't have the players to keep pace with the Saints.
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -6.5

Falcons @ Cowboys
Cowboys -3.5
Falcons should pull out an easy win here if they don't get too distracted by the huge screen above them.
Pick: Falcons
Spread: Falcons +3.5

Cardinals @ Giants
Giants -6.5
Look for the Giants to get to Warner fast and often, it has been a proven recipe for success against the Cardinals. The defense is looking to unload on someone after being embarrassed by the Saints.
Pick: Giants
Spread: Giants -6.5

Eagles @ Redskins
Eagles -7.5
Look for the Skins to rally and win one for the skipper here. Zorn will likely be fired come Tuesday anyways, but he can go out a winner.
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Redskins +7.5

Week 6 Recap

Another exciting week down with some great games. The one week I choose to not go against the Eagles and the Raiders beat them, needless to say I won't make that mistake again. The Redskins VP claims Zorn will coach until end of the year, funny thing is it is not up to him. Norv Turner in SD is somehow still the coach, team dropped to 2-3 after a bye week to prepare and looked horrible against the Broncos.
Another rough week at the books for me, stupid Eagles.

Chiefs - 14
Redskins - 6
Redskins continue their downward spiral.
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Chiefs +6.5

Texans - 28
Bengals - 17
Bengals -4.5
When Schaub is hot the Texans roll.
Pick: Bengals
Spread: Bengals -4.5

Steelers - 27
Browns - 14
Steelers couldn't put the game away, or at least enough to cover the spread.
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Steelers -14.5

Vikings - 33
Ravens - 31
Old Man Favre pulls out another win although Flacco looked pretty sharp in the 4th quarter comeback attempt. What happened to the Vikings defense?
Pick: Ravens
Spread: Ravens+2.5

Jaguars - 23
Rams - 20
Jaguards continue to play down to their opponents. They just can't seem to play up against the better teams.
Pick: Jaguars
Spread: Rams +9.5

Saints - 48
Giants - 27
Saints show they are the team to beat in the NFC and likely NFL. Peyton and his Colts might argue with that.
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -3.5

Panthers - 28
Bucs - 21
Carolina kick starts their ground game to take pressure off DelHomme. Shame it took them this long to realize that is what made them great last year.
Pick: Panthers
Spread: Bucs +3.5

Packers - 26
Lions - 0
Lions are a bad team without Stafford under center. Packers could have ran up the score more if they wanted too.
Pick: Packers
Spread: Lions +13.5

Raiders - 13
Eagles - 9
Muhahahahahahahahahaha! Made my weekend.
Pick: Eagles
Spread: Eagles -14.5

Cardinals - 27
Seahawks - 3
Seahawks choose to not play against division opponents?
Pick: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks -2.5

Bills - 16
Jets - 13
Sanchez should be glad his team actually forced overtime when he made more completions to the opposing team. Sad thing is racking up 300+ yards rushing and losing.
Pick: Jets
Spread: Jets -9.5

Patriots - 59
Titans - 0
To celebrate the shellacking Coach Fisher wears a Manning jersey to a charity event so he "knows how it feels to be a winner."
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -9.5

Falcons - 21
Bears - 14
Bears need to dump Ron Turner and get a coordinator that can improve Cutler and his tendency to struggle on the road.
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears +3.5

Broncos - 34
Chargers - 23
Guess this makes it official that the Broncos are for real. If nowhere else, at least in the AFC West.
Pick: Broncos
Spread: Broncos +3.5

Week 6 Picks

After a quite eventful day last Sunday some teams are showing they can play every Sunday (Broncos) while others leave us scratching our hears (Steelers, Jaguars). Jets tenacious D was shredded in Miami, Raiders were compared to a scrimmage team and the Bengals took the lead in their division.

Chiefs @ Redskins
Redskins -6.5
Infighting has already started with the Redskins with players calling each other out and everyone calling out management. To top it off the players asked for a "vote of confidence" for their coach asking if he will end the season or not. With no vote coming I assume the answer is "only until the bye week." A loss here might make it sooner than that.
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Chiefs +6.5

Texans @ Bengals
Bengals -4.5
OchoCinco and Motorola teamed up to buy out the remaining tickets this Sunday to avoid a blackout. Bengals are rolling and hard to see the Texans keep up this game.
Pick: Bengals
Spread: Bengals -4.5

Browns @ Steelers
Steelers -14.5
Game couldn't come at a better time for the Steelers who finally get Polamalu back on defense. Look for him to make an impact this game.
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Steelers -14.5

Ravens @ Vikings
Vikings -2.5
The Vikings gave up 400 yards of offense to the Rams and Jared Allen was silent the whole game. Don't see the Ravens racking up yardage and Allen always plays better at home. The difference will be how quickly and how often the Ravens can get to Favre. Peterson will get some yardage, but favre will make the difference and I see the Ravens beating him up here.
Pick: Ravens
Spread: Ravens+2.5

Rams @ Jaguars
Jaguars -9.5
Not sure what to expect here. Jaguars always play division opponents tough and non-division opponents horrible. Imagine the Jags will put up a fight at home, but won't win big.
Pick: Jaguars
Spread: Rams +9.5

Giants @ Saints
Saints -3.5
Give the edge to the Saints playing at home in a dome here. Should be game of the week.
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -3.5

Panthers @ Bucs
Panthers - 3.5
Think the Bucs might pull out a win here. Have no faith in the Panthers this season even with them being much more talented than the Bucs. If Panthers win it should be close, but Panthers do play division games tight.
Pick: Panthers
Spread: Bucs +3.5

Lions @ Packers
Packers -13.5
Still trying to figure out why they are giving the Pack so many points here. Lions have been playing teams tough and keeping games close.
Pick: Packers
Spread: Lions +13.5

Eagles @ Raiders
Eagles -14.5
Gonna have to go against my pledge of betting against the Eagles every game here. Can raise spread to 22 and it wouldn't matter much.
Pick: Eagles
Spread: Eagles -14.5

Cardinals @ Seahawks
Seahawks - 2.5
Seahawks home field is arguably the toughest place to play in the NFL. Division games take it a notch above that. Normally might look for a letdown after the Seahawks pounded the Jaguars last week. With the Cardianls coming to town look for them to be super hyped and ready to knock off the defending division champ.
Pick: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks -2.5

Bills @ Jets
Jets -9.5
Jets defense was embarassed on Monday night. Look for them to rebound here with a great performance against a poor offense, even on a short week.
Pick: Jets
Spread: Jets -9.5

Titans @ Patriots
Patriots -9.5
Billy has never lost a home game when they lost the previous week. The close loss to Denver must really sting. Titans won't put up much of a fight to stop that. Titans are hungry for their first win, but it will likely come against one of the worse teams in the league. Jeff Fisher needs some time off, it appears the death of McNair in the offseason is getting to him.
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -9.5

Bears @ Falcons
Falcons -3.5
Falcons are favored after trouncing the 49ers last week and playing at home. Look for the Bears to be sharp coming off a bye week rested. Bears in an easy rout here.
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears +3.5

Broncos @ Chargers
Chargers -3.5
Chargers are favored coming off a bye and playing at home. Broncos had an emotional game last week which might lead to a lackluster performance here. I think they'll come out sharp due to playing on Monday night, the extra day will help get them focused.
Pick: Broncos
Spread: Broncos +3.5

Vikings - 38
Rams - 10
Pick - Vikings
Spread - Vikings -9.5
Vikings defense allowed 400 yards against one of the wrost offenses in the league.

Cowboys - 26
Chiefs - 20
Pick - Cowboys
Spread - Chiefs +8.5
Boys needed overtime to squeak out a win against the Chiefs.

Panthers - 20
Redskins - 17
Pick - Panthers
Spread - Redskins +3.5
Two horrible teams that were predicted to be much better this year. Tough game to watch.

Buccaneers @ Eagles
Pick - Bucs
Spread - Bucs +14.5

Giants - 44
Raiders - 7
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants -15.5
Ginats players referred to this game a s a scrimmage. Wonder why they allowed a touchdown if it was that easy...

Browns - 6
Bills - 3
Pick - Bills
Spread - Bills -6.5
Game should have ended in a tie, neither team deserved a win here.

Bengals - 17
Ravens - 14
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Bengals -8.5
Good game. Ray Lewis was fined $25k for two different infractions. Bengals showing they are for real.

Steelers - 28
Lions - 20
Pick - Steelers
Spread - Steelers -10.5
Steelers looked horrible and Lions looked like they are improving.

Falcons - 45
49ers - 10
Pick - 49ers
Spread - 49ers -2.5
Niners got behind early and kept making mistakes. Going to be a long bye week in SF.

Broncos - 20
Patriots - 17
Pick - Patriots
Spread - Patriots -3.5
Orton is playing with the confidence Brady used to have. Amazing what a coach can do.

Cardinals - 28
Texans - 21
Pick - Cardinals
Spread - Texans +5.5
Cardinals squeak a win out at home.

Seahawks - 41
Jaguars - 0
Pick - Jaguars
Spread - Jaguars +1.5
Wow. Just wow.

Colts - 31
Titans - 9
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts -3.5
Someone has finally figured out how to slow down Peyton Manning...they gave him a bye week.

Dolphins - 31
Jets - 27
Pick - Jets
Spread - Jets -1.5
If what most people predicted as being a defensive game the team with the ball last won. The wildcat is still a gimmick, you have Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown in any scheme and they will rack up yardage.

Week 5 Picks

A few exciting games this week to offset the amount of what appears to be lopsided games. A few match ups should reveal more about some teams who really have not shown much.
Week 5 and I am still excited, maybe it is because the Bears look Super Bowl bound.

Vikings @ Rams
Vikings -9.5
Steven Jackson is one of two runners to rush for 100+ yards on the Vikings defense in the past three years. He might do that again, but it will be in a losing effort. Can't wait to see a good supporting cast around him again. Vikings will continue to be over-hyped as they win an easy one.
Pick - Vikings
Spread - Vikings -9.5

Cowboys @ Chiefs
Cowboys -8.5
A possible upset here for the Chiefs. Todd Haley is known for getting his teams to play as a big underdog and the Cowboys are far from playing up to their potential.
Take the Boys with the win but the Chiefs with the spread.
Pick - Cowboys
Spread - Chiefs +8.5

Redskins @ Panthers
Panthers -3.5
Losing coach buys himself job security for a little bit longer. In case of Redskins coach Zorn that might only be a few days. Panthers home field is the difference here.
Pick - Panthers
Spread - Redskins +3.5

Buccaneers @ Eagles
Eagles -14.5
McNabb is 0-4 against the Bucs in his career and I don't see that changing. Going for huge upset here and taking Bucs.
Pick - Bucs
Spread - Bucs +14.5

Raiders @ Giants
Giants -15.5
Whether or not Eli plays the Giants will pound the ball rushing and will walk away with an easy win.
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants -15.5

Browns @ Bills
Bills -6.5
I think the Browns left everything they had on the field against the Bengals. Someone forgot to tell them to go back and get it. See the usual Browns return for this game.
Pick - Bills
Spread - Bills -6.5

Bengals @ Ravens
Ravens -8.5
Ravens have nice home field advantage here, hopefully the refs are more lenient with them this time.
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Bengals -8.5

Steelers @ Lions
Steelers -10.5
With Stafford out that eliminates any chance this game might be close. Pittsburgh's new bruising back will help Steelers build a lead and keep it. Might be another game where Lions opponent puts up 40+ points.
Pick - Steelers
Spread - Steelers -10.5

Falcons @ 49ers
49ers -2.5
If the Falcons were at home they would be an easy pick. I like hat Singletary has done with the Niners and it's hard to pick against them when they play at home against a team that has traveled across country.
Pick - 49ers
Spread - 49ers -2.5

Patriots @ Broncos
Patriots -3.5
The best game of the week in my opinion. Look for it to be a close game with Tom Brady making the difference in the 4th quarter.
Pick - Patriots
Spread - Patriots -3.5

Texans @ Cardinals
Cardinals -5.5
Curious as to why the Cardinals are favored by 6 points. The only logical reason I see if they are coming off a bye week, but with few injuries that shouldn't be a major issue. Last team with ball wins this game.
Pick - Cardinals
Spread - Texans +5.5

Jaguars @ Seahawks
Seahawks -1.5
Seahawks have one of the toughest home fields to play in and the return of Hasselback should make this interesting. Think the combination of a hot Garrard and Jones-Drew overwhelms the Hawks.
Pick - Jaguars
Spread - Jaguars +1.5

Colts @ Titans
Colts -3.5
if the Titans go to 0-5 it could be devastating considering 11-5 was not good enough to make a wild card last year in the AFC, unless you won your division. Colts share the division with the Titans though so that doesn't not look viable. I want to root for the Titans and the Colts have to lose sometime, but Peyton always steps up his game when nationally televised.
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts -3.5

Jets @ Dolphins
Jets -1.5
Rex Ryan was the mastermind of the Ravens defense that shut down Miami and its wildcat attack in the playoffs last year. His has his Jets playing just as well as that Ravens team. If Sanchez can avoid throwing the ball to the other team the Jets should win easily.
Pick - Jets
Spread - Jets -1.5

Week 4 Recap cont.

Vikings - 30
Packers - 23
Pick: Vikings
Spread: Vikings -3.5

Peterson didn't play as big of a role as I expected. The Vikes still won easily due to solid defensive play.

Other NFL news Crabtree, the last draft pick holdout, finally ended his holdout and got what looks to be a worse deal than whet he was originally offered. The numbers are close but the 49ers added clauses to help protect them against further diva actions and holdouts.

Week 4 Recap

Yes, I am doing it before/during Monday nights game, but that game really doesn't matter. I might cover it later if something bad happens to Favre.
11-2 picking winners.
8-5 against the spread this week. Ouch.

Texans - 29
Raiders - 6
Raiders still highly ineffective on offense. News broke today that the coach may be arrested for battery on an assistant. Just another week of Raider football. More highlights off the field than on it.
Pick: Texans
Spread: Texans -9.5

Jaguars - 37
Titans - 17
No clue what is going on with the Titans. Game was not as close as score indicates. Colts coming to Tennessee next week. At Patriots after that, 0-6 going into the bye seems very likely.
Pick: Titans
Spread: Titans -2.5

Patriots - 27
Ravens - 21
Likely playoff match up. Great game with refs helping out the Pats.
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -1.5

Bengals - 23
Browns - 20
Bengals playing down to their opponents again, hurt them last year. Thought this game might end in a tie.
Pick: Bengals
Spread: Bengals -5.5

Giants - 27
Chiefs - 16
Another game that was not as nearly as close as score suggests.
Pick: Giants
Spread: Giants -8.5

Bears - 48
Lions - 24
Cutler adds another highlight to his MVP campaign by pulling a John Elway like move to score a rushing TD.
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears -9.5

Redskins - 16
Buccaneers - 13
Horrible game to watch, glad there were others on to keep me entertained.
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Buccaneers +7.5

Colts - 34
Seahawks - 17
Colts -10.5
Thought the Seahawks would put up some fight with the Colts on a short week. I was wrong.
Pick: Colts
Spread: Seahawks +10.5

Saints - 24
Jets - 10
Sanchez rookie mistakes put the Saints up early and they don't look back.
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -6.5

Dolphins - 38
Bills - 10
Bills embarrassed in Miami. Waiting for a T.O. eruption any day now.
Pick: Bills
Spread: Bills -1.5

49ers - 35
Rams - 0
49ers defense outscores the offense.
Pick: 49ers
Spread: 49ers -9.5

Broncos
Cowboys @
That's right, the Cowboys are a 9-7 team and both NFC wild cards are coming from the NFC North.
Pick: Broncos
Spread: Broncos +2.5

Steelers - 38
Chargers - 28
Chargers have lost 14 straight to the Steelers at Heinz field. Can someone please fire Norv Turner.
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Chargers +6.5

Week 4 Picks

After spending most of the day writing nasty letters to bad people I log onto the blog and read about Leno stooping to new lows to get ratings. That being said I don't plan on being too insightful in my picks this week. Just going to be short and sweet.

Raiders @ Texans
Texans -9.5
Raiders only play division opponents tough and they are on the road.
Pick: Texans
Spread: Texans -9.5

Titans @ Jaguars
Titans -2.5
Titans need to win sometime and the Jaguars drew the short straw.
Pick: Titans
Spread: Titans -2.5

Ravens @ Patriots
Patriots -1.5
Best morning game and might be the best game of the week if you care for Favre as much as I do, which is to say I don't. Don't see the Patriots losing at home here. Brady still doesn't look 100% but the Ravens defense is far from the dominating unit it was last year.
Pick: Patriots
Spread: Patriots -1.5

Bengals @ Browns
Bengals -5.5
Yawn. Think Bengals might make the playoffs if Palmer and Benson stay healthy.
Pick: Bengals
Spread: Bengals -5.5

Giants @ Chiefs
Giants -8.5
Cassel looks shaky in the pocket and Coach Haley recently questioned his decision making. Not good when one of the top defensive lines is coming to town.
Pick: Giants
Spread: Giants -8.5

Lions @ Bears
Bears -9.5
Half of Chicago is highly frustrated that the city failed to acquire the Olympics, the other half don't care because Da Bears are Super Bowl bound.
Pick: Bears
Spread: Bears -9.5

Buccaneers @ Redskins
Redskins -7.5
I want to know who the brilliant sports book director is that thinks the Redskins can score 8 points to cover the spread. Good possibility this game ends in a 0-0 tie. Yes Mr. McNabb, ties are possible. (That just never gets old.)
Pick: Redskins
Spread: Buccaneers +7.5

Seahawks @ Colts
Colts -10.5
Spread is a bit high due to the way the Colts manhandled Warner and Arizona last week. Look for Seattle to be a little more careful with the ball which will only allow them to keep the score somewhat respectable.
Pick: Colts
Spread: Seahawks +10.5

Jets @ Saints
Saints -6.5
If this game was in NY it might be interesting. It is in New Orleans in a dome, advantage Brees. Drew Brees enters a cheat code for the game whenever he is blitzed and becomes invincible for that play. Seriously, check his stats when blitzed. See Brees and Co. dismantling the Jets the same way they did the Eagles if the Jets cannot get consistent pressure without blitzing.
Pick: Saints
Spread: Saints -6.5

Bills @ Dolphins
Bills -1.5
In yet another game very few people care about, including most of Buffalo and Miami. Look for Henne to put up a good effort for Miami only to make a mistake in the 4th quarter and forfeit any chance at a win.
Pick: Bills
Spread: Bills -1.5

Rams @ 49ers
49ers -9.5
I thought Rams looked good against the Redskins, but then the Redskins lost to Detriot. In the Rams other games they showed why they deserve the 1st pick in next years draft. (Hint, don't pick Crabtreee) If Steven Jackson can get going the Rams look sharp. Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes of the 49ers are not going to let that happen. A bitter 49ers team might pile it on after the last minute loss to the Vikes last week.
Pick: 49ers
Spread: 49ers -9.5

Cowboys @ Broncos
Cowboys -2.5
The Broncos will show they are for real, lead by a stingy defense. The Cowboys will continue to stutter and play lazily. The big question is how many more games will Wade Phillips last?
Pick: Broncos
Spread: Broncos +2.5

Chargers @ Steelers
Steelers -6.5
Chargers have lost 13 straight to the Steelers at Heinz field. This will be 14, but will be close.
Pick: Steelers
Spread: Chargers +6.5

Packers @ Vikings
Vikings -3.5
In a match up for runner up in the NFC North Division race there is lots of hoopla about a quarterback for some reason. Adrian Peterson doesn't play QB though and he is the guy GB needs to worry about most. Could see this game going either way if it was in GB, but it is not.
Pick: Vikings
Spread: Vikings -3.5

Week 3 Recap

Washington bails out Detroit - headline at washingtonpost.com. Still makes me laugh.
Another wacky week in football with some games leaving me scratching my head at what went on.
Anywho, lets get to the scores.
Picks: 11-5
Spread: 12-4

New York Jets - 24
Tennessee Titans - 17
Pick - Jets
Spread - Jets -2.5
Solid pick, not surprise as Titans defense doesn't look intimidating anymore.

Jacksonville Jaguars - 31
Houston Texans - 24
Pick - Texans
Spread - Texans -3.5
With the Texans beating Titans last week I thought they would trounce the Jags. Still unsure of both of these teams.

Philadelphia Eagles - 34
Kansas City Chiefs - 14
Pick - Chiefs
Spread - Chiefs +9.5
I plan on picking against the Eagles for most of the year, chances are I will get most of the games right.

Baltimore Ravens - 34
Cleveland Browns - 3
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Ravens -13.5
Browns continue to live up to the low standards set for them. Ravens starting to show why they might be the team to beat in the AFC.

New York Giants - 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 0
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants -6.5
No surprise here.

Detroit Lions - 19
Washington Redskins - 14
Pick - Redskins
Spread - Lions
I mentioned in my picks - If the Lions can put up 20+ points they should get their first win. They almost followed through and won with 19 points.

Green Bay Packers - 36
St. Louis Rams - 17
Pick - Packers
Spread - Packers -6.5
Packers looked sloppy. Either they have their eyes set on Monday night against the Vikings or they have not improved much from last year.

Minnesota Vikings - 27
San Francisco 49ers - 24
Pick - Vikings
Spread - 49ers +6.5
Shame Singletary decided to go into prevent defense at the end. I thought the Niners had this game locked up.

New England Patriots - 26
Atlanta Falcons - 10
Pick - Falcons
Spread - Falcons -4.5
Pats dominated most of the game. Makes me think back to last week and how the Jets dominated the Pats. Going to be an interesting season.

Chicago Bears - 25
Seattle Seahawks - 19
Pick - Bears
Spread - Bears -2.5
Starting to wonder if Forte is suffering a sophomore slump. Wish the Bears would have worn their off color bright orange jersey, would have matched the Hawks lime green quite well.

New Orleans Saints - 27
Buffalo Bills - 7
Pick - Saints
Spread - Saints -6.5
TO still has not caught a pass. Bet he wished he signed with the Saints about now. Brees has completed a pass to everyone on the team and the water boy in the first three weeks.

San Diego Chargers - 23
Miami Dolphins - 13
Pick - Chargers
Spread - Miami +5.5
Chargers still in their normal start of season slump. They just happened to catch a bad Miami team on a short week.

Cincinnati Bengals - 23
Pittsburgh Steelers - 20
Pick - Steelers
Spread - Bengals +3.5
Steelers suffering without Polamalu in the lineup. The Bengals are finally living up to the hype they generated last year, hope Palmer stays healthy.

Denver Broncos - 23
Oakland Raiders - 3
Pick - Broncos
Spread - Broncos -1.5
Tough watching Russell waste away in Oakland, guy might have a chance to improve somewhere else under good coaching.

Indianapolis Colts - 31
Arizona Cardinals - 10
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts +2.5
Shame they closed the roof on the stadium. Warner might have been able to make a wish on a shooting star while spending half the night on his back. Cards looking horrible.

Dallas Cowboys - 21
Carolina Panthers - 7
Pick - Cowboys
Spread - Cowboys -8.5
DelHomme bailed me out vs the spread in the 4th when he threw a TD pass for the Cowboys. Both teams need to improve.

Week 3 Picks

After a decent showing last week I approach week 3 more open minded. A few teams are still not showing their true colors and make some picks pretty difficult.
Are the Jaguars really that bad, probably.
Which Cardinals teams will show up to play this week? No clue.
Is Cutler a viable choice for League MVP? Definitely! Maybe a stretch but I am a Bears fan.
Pull point spreads off Station Casinos parlay card, this is just for fun so I'm not to concerned about accuracy of the point spreads.
A - sign means the team is favored by that many points.
A + sign means that team is the underdog.
Points are often presented as .5 to avoid ties or a "push" in sports book talk.

Tennessee Titans @ New York Jets
Jets by 2.5
Rex Ryan has the Jets playing tough defense and the Jets have yet to allow a touchdown on D. Following the Patriots win this is a good let down game for the Jets, but I think they won't allow that to happen.
Titans play a tough defensive game against the Steelers and a shoot out against the Texans. Look for this game to be a close defensive game with the Titans on the short end of the stick once again.
Pick - Jets
Spread - Jets -2.5

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
Texans by 3.5
Jaguars might be the smart pick on the road, don't seem to show up for home games. Texans also might be in for a let down after the big win against the Titans.
I think the offense finally started clicking for the Texans and I can't see the Jaguars keeping pace.
Pick - Texans
Spread - Texans -3.5

Kansas City Chiefs @ Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles by 9.5
Cassel isn't making smart plays at QB and Larry Johnson is still not quite back to form as a top RB. With Kolb as starter and the sideshow surrounding the game look for the Chiefs to squeek out a win. Brees shredded the Eagles D by making throws against the blitz, if Cassel can do the same it will be a dark day in Philly.
Pick - Chiefs
Spread - Chiefs +9.5

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens
Ravens by 13.5
Ravens offense is throwing up a lot of points, but their defense is allowing almost as much. See the Ravens breaking 40+ points. Unsure if the Browns will be able to keep pace. The points are too much for me to put money on, but I'd be willing to say the Ravens just might cover.
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Ravens -13.5

New York Giants @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Giants by 6.5
Caddillac Williams is out for TB which leaves their offense with a bunch of people I don't know. Look for the Giants to win big.
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants -6.5

Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions
Redskins by 6.5
If the Lions can put up 20+ points they should get their first win. A lot of people are actually picking the Lions here which might give the 'Skins some motivation, but motivation won't score points.
Pick - Redskins
Spread - Lions

Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams
Packers by 6.5
The Bengals surprised the Packers last week and the Packers let them by playing sloppily. Look for the Packers to take it out on the Rams, the worst team in football. Key for the Rams is to get Steven Jackson going early and often.
Pick - Packers
Spread - Packers -6.5

San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings
Vikings by 6.5
Game of the week in my opinion. Last time Adrian Peterson played the 49ers he was held to 14 yards due largely to Patrick Willis. Peterson says he remembers that game well, being the worst of his career, and he wants to have a huge day. I think Patrick Willis might have something to say about that. Look for the Vikings to have blocking schemes to go after Willis on running plays, if they don't look for another low yardage day for Peterson.
Pick - Vikings
Spread - 49ers +6.5

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots
Falcons by 4.5
Oh how the mighty have fallen. I would like to see a Pats win here to stop them from sliding to 0-3 but without a serious running game or defense I don't see that happening. Brady is young and the Pats have robbed teams of plenty of draft picks for them to retool quickly, but that won't help them this year.
Pick - Falcons
Spread - Falcons -4.5

Chicago Bears @ Seattle Seahawks
Bears by 2.5
Cutler let me down by throwing only 2 touchdowns against the Steelers. Once again I will put my faith in him and ask for 4 touchdowns. Problem is with Tatupu out the Bears just might run the ball all day with Matt Forte. Seneca Wallace has yet to throw an interception as a starter at home, problem is he also has not thrown for many TD's.
Pick - Bears
Spread - Bears -2.5

New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills
Saints by 6.5
Look for the saints offensive juggernaut to put up another 40+ points. 45 first game, and 48 the second. Maybe break 50 this week? Doubtful, but look for T.O to have another outburst when his team cannot keep up. This might be a different matchup in December when yards in the air are harder to come by in Buffalo, but it is September and Brees is not slowing down just yet.
Pick - Saints
Spread - Saints -6.5

Miami Dolphins @ San Diego Chargers
Chargers by 5.5
Look for it to be a close game with Rivers making a heroic drive in the 4th quarter to get the lead or run out the clock. Miami has had a tough week playing monday night and traveling cross country, fortunately they play the Chargers. Until Norv Turner has his teams ready to play before midseason it is best to avoid them and the spread for non-division games.
Pick - Chargers
Spread - Miami +5.5

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Steelers by 3.5
Steelers look like an easy pick here. If you can get them at 2.5 or 3 they might be. Bengals could be 2-0 if not for a fluke pass against the Broncos, don't underestimate them. I just see this being a very close game, with Steelers winning by 3. The Steelers can run away with this game if they can get a few turnovers or a few lucky bounces.
Pick - Steelers
Spread - Bengals +3.5

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
Broncos by 1.5
These division games are always great matchups and fun to watch. Until Jamarcus Russell can get his completion percentage above 50% the Raiders are going to have a hard time winning. Broncos have been winning ugly and close, but winning nonetheless.
Pick - Broncos
Spread - Broncos -1.5

Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals by 2.5
Colts have played two tough opponents in close games, but won both contests. Look for the Cardianls to be Jekyl and Hyde this year - good on the road and sloppy at home. This week they are at home.
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts +2.5

Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys by 8.5
I imagine Jerry Jones already has Wade Phillips termination notice written up and maybe even hanging in his office as a signal to get things going. After blowing the home opener against the Giants the Cowboys get a break when the Panthers come to town. Jake Delhomme is going to be under pressure all game and he is going to make some mistakes. What might be a close game at the half will lead to a blowout in the 2nd half with the 'Boys piling it on late.
Pick - Cowboys
Spread - Cowboys -8.5

Week 2 Recap

Today we will recap the previous week and see how our picks fared.
Correct picks will be in red.
Incorrect picks will be in blue.
25-7 on my picks. Not a bad start to the year.
12-4 picking straight up winners.
13-3 picking against the spread.

Raiders - 13
Chiefs - 10
Pick - Raiders
Spread - Raiders +4
Both correct. Yay me.

Texans - 34
Titans - 31
Pick - Titans
Spread - Titans -7
Ouch, way off.

Jets - 16
Patriots - 9
Pick - Patriots
Spread - Jets +5.5
Split this pick, Patriots didn't put on much of a show.

Bengals - 31
Packers - 24
Pick - Packers
Spread - Bengals +9
Another surprise upset, another split pick.

Vikings - 27
Lions - 13
Pick - Vikings
Spread - Lions +9.5
Lions led the first half only to get beat up in the second half.

Saints - 48
Eagles - 22
Pick - Saints
Easy pick, yay for me.

Falcons - 28
Panthers - 20
Pick - Falcons
Spread - Falcons -6.5
Spot on here as well.

Redskins - 9
Rams - 7
Pick - Redskins
Spread - Rams +10
One of the worst games of the day. Are Redskins that bad or do Rams just have their number?

Cardinals - 31
Jaguars - 17
Pick - Jaguars
Spread - Jaguars -3
Still unsure of Cardinals so far this season, Jaguars didn't put up much of a fight.

49ers - 23
Seahawks - 10
Pick - 49ers
Spread - 49ers -1.5
Singletary is doing a great job in SF.

Bills - 33
Bucs - 20
Pick - Bills
Spread - Bills -4.5
No surprise here.

Broncos - 27
Browns - 6
Pick - Broncos
Spread - Broncos -3
Are the Broncos for real? Hard to say since they play in the weakest division in the NFL.

Ravens - 31
Chargers - 26
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Ravens +3.5
Ravens offense looks great, but their once feared D is giving up a lot of points.

Bears - 17
Steelers - 14
Pick - Bears
Spread - Bears +3
Cutler for league MVP.

Giants - 33
Cowboys -31
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants +2.5
Giants spoil the opening of Cowboys new stadium.

Colts - 27
Dolphins - 23
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts - 3

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NFL Games Week 2

Only doing detailed picks for a few teams this week. Look for a more in depth analysis next week.

Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs favored by 4
The Chiefs are the favorite here due to home field advantage. While Arrowhead stadium used to be one of the worst places to visit for opposing teams the energy there has dropped off with the Chiefs success. Matt Cassel is healthy enough to play and is projected to start.
The Raiders came out Monday night and punched the Chargers in the nose and never let up. If Russell was a bit more accurate it could have been an easy game. As things go the Chargers pulled away in the 4th quarter for a victory.
Look for the Raiders to dominate the Chiefs on both sides of the football and squeeze out a victory.
Pick - Raiders
Spread - Raiders +4

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
Titans favored by 7
Houston was projected as a preseason favorite to make the playoffs. After a drubbing by the Jets in week 1 the expectations have lowered quite a bit.
Titans had a tough loss in Pitssburgh in week 1. Look for them to manhandle the Texans and walk away with an easy victory.
Pick - Titans
Spread - Titans -7

New England Patriots @ New York Jets
Patriots favored by 5.5
With all the trash talking surrounding this game quite a few people think this is game of the week. I disagree, this could be a fight for the division title though. The Jets are an up and coming team with a loud mouth coach. The Patriots are looking to find their way back into Super Bowl form with Tom Brady back. Should be a tough smash mouth game with the Patriots getting a win in the 4th quarter.
Pick - Patriots
Spread - Jets +5.5

Cinncinnati Bengals @ Green Bay Packers
Packers favored by 9
Bengals D looked sharp last week, the only problem is it was against the Broncos. Look for the Packers to look better than they did against the Bears and win this game easily with a low score.
Pick - Packers
Spread - Bengals +9

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Vikings favored by 9.5
Vikings should win this game in a blowout. For some reason they always struggle against Detroit. I'll pick the Vikings to win, but the game should be close.
Pick - Vikings
Spread - Lions +9.5

New Orleans Saints @ Philidelphia Eagles
Pick - no favorite
McNabb is out for this game after suffering a rib injury in week 1. The Eagles D will step up and make some plays but Drew Brees will have a huge day.
Pick - Saints

Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
Falcons favored by 6.5
This game depends on which Jake Delholmme shows up. I am guessing someone in between good Jake and bad Jake which will not put up enough points to beat the Falcons.
Pick - Falcons
Spread - Falcons -6.5

St. Louis Rams @ Washington Redskins
Redskins favored by 10
Should be an easy win for the Redskins, it should have been an easy win last year too. See the 'Skins winning but not by much.
Pick - Redskins
Spread - Rams +10

Arizona Cardinals @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars favored by 3
Jaguars looked decent against the Colts in week 1, but don't look to have it together yet. Good thing the Cards are coming to town. Cardinals struggles on the east coast look to continue until some receivers get healthy.
Pick - Jaguars
Spread - Jaguars -3

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
49ers favored by 1.5
What looks to be a fight for the division crown I'll give the edge to the 49ers with home field. Look for a close low scoring game won by a field goal in the 4th quarter.
Pick - 49ers
Spread - 49ers -1.5


Tampa Bay Bucs @ Buffalo Bills
Bills favored by 4.5
Look for Bills to come out fired up after a heartbreaking loss to the Patriots.
Pick - Bills
Spread - Bills -4.5

Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos
Broncos favored by 3
My pick for lowest scoring game of the week. No touchdowns and 4-5 field goals.
Pick - Broncos
Spread - Broncos -3

Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers
Chargers favored by 3.5
With Norv Turner as coach the Chargers will not be at full speed until week 4 or 5.
Pick - Ravens
Spread - Ravens +3.5

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears
Steelers favored by 3
(Biased pick) Look for the Bears to get to Big Ben early and often. Look for Ben to have more interceptions than touchdowns. Cutler will emerge from his shell and toss 4 touchdowns to avenge the 4 interceptions he threw against the Packers.
Pick - Bears
Spread - Bears +3

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys favored by 2.5
Probably the worst opponent the Cowboys could face to christen their new stadium. Somehow I think it was arranged that way and not left up to random scheduling.
Pick - Giants
Spread - Giants +2.5

Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins
Colts favored by 3
Bob Sanders is out for the Colts, fortunately they are use to it by now. Look for a low scoring game with Peyton getting the win in the 4th quarter after a rough day.
Pick - Colts
Spread - Colts - 3