Recap of the Past 7 Weeks
NFL Week 16 Selections
We are now at the time of the year when teams start to look foward and not backward and unfortuantely that means players tuning out and not showing up come gametime. What would otherwise be solid dog plays mid season are now bad beats and blow outs at the hands of the better team. Sometimes it really is that simple. Sometimes it really is about the motivation behind the effort. And because motivation plays a vital role in games towards the end of the year, we are to be weary of teams like Chicago and Indianapolis who have already clinched and seemingly have no reason to show up and put forth a strong effort. Where as teams who in fact do have something to play for will be left unto their own devices. Their fate is in their own hands and likely not the refs or anybody else for that matter. These kinds of teams can be counted on to show up and play up to the competition...The better team really does win...at least this weekend...
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-3.5)
The ideal situation for the Steelers in that it is indeed the perverbial revenge game...against the division rival. They have been solid albeit against lesser teams, but I like them here regardless because the spot fits and I expect the real Steelers to show up here...at home...in front of the home fans...They owe them something for the lousy time they have had earlier in the season....
Pittsburgh -3.5
Tennessee @ Buffalo (-4.5)
I like this game for one reason and that is momentum. Both teams seemingly on cruise control the last few weeks and kind of identical in their sudden playoff surge but the Titans differ in that they have been very fortunate in the turn over battle lately, especially last week in their win against the Jags. With the way Losman has been throwing the ball, the Titans cannot afford to depend on turnovers to get them through this game. Bills win if they dont turn it over...
Buffalo -4.5
Carolina @ Atlanta (-6)
It would be very easy to dismiss Carolina here as there season is practically over with recent losses to Pitt & New York. The points bother me a bit though. I think Atlanta is just as mentally defeated as the Panthers are and simply arent motivated enough to lay a double digit beating to this Carolina team. Of course in Week 1 that is precisely what happened albeit minus the great Steve Smith and Delhomme did not have his best day that day either. Both could be in uniform this weekend...I like Carolina to salvage what little pride they have left before the slaugher next week in New Orleans...
Carolina +6.5
New England @ Jacksonville (-3)
If its anybody in the NFL I trust as a road dog, it would be the Patriots, who do have something to play for and are capable of competing with the likes of the Jaguars. Jaguars seemingly look good in this spot, especially after throwing last week's game against the Titans...but Im not convinced they'll have enough for the Patriots especially without Taylor in the lineup who went down last week with a ham string. Why wait till next week to take care of things against the happy go lucky Titans and the magic of Vince Young when they can get it done against a Jaguar minus their star running back....?
New England +3
(5.5) Chicago @ Detroit
The favourite in this games should be favoured by double digits as they are fully capable of trouncing their respective opponent by at least 2 touch downs. As was the case, last week with the Ravens & Saints, who played down to their competition and in one case, loosing outright, I expect something similar to happen here this week. The Bears are resting their starters and as happless as the Lions are...I can't think of a better reason to take a dog.
Detroit -3
Tampa Bay @ Cleveland (-3)
Not much to talk about here. Browns are coming in off a solid performance against the Ravens. As are the Bucs. Browns looked impressive earlier in the year giving the Chargers a run at it and beating the Falcons. The last time they were a favourite was week 1 agains the Saints...Imagine that. They lost that game but I feel a different outcome the second time around...
Cleveland -3
New Orleans @ New York (-3)
After last weeks debacle, its hard to believe the Saints could choke twice in a row. And naturally given my point of view which most are familiar with by now, I dont believe it was a choke in the traditional sense of the word. I like to think of their loss to the Skins last week as...Uninspired....This week I expect a little more effort on their behalf. But I dont think it will result in a win. New York has their backs against the wall and their pride is on the line. It appears that Strahan may be returning....They will need help but it starts with a win here at home...at a small price....Il take it..
New York -3
RECAP
Pittsburgh -3.5
Buffalo -4.5
Carolina +6.5
New England +2.5
Detroit +5.5
Cleveland -3
New York -3
LEANS / OPINIONS
Rams -2
Cincinnati +3
San Francisco -4
Indy -9
NFL Week 16 Selections
We are now at the time of the year when teams start to look foward and not backward and unfortuantely that means players tuning out and not showing up come gametime. What would otherwise be solid dog plays mid season are now bad beats and blow outs at the hands of the better team. Sometimes it really is that simple. Sometimes it really is about the motivation behind the effort. And because motivation plays a vital role in games towards the end of the year, we are to be weary of teams like Chicago and Indianapolis who have already clinched and seemingly have no reason to show up and put forth a strong effort. Where as teams who in fact do have something to play for will be left unto their own devices. Their fate is in their own hands and likely not the refs or anybody else for that matter. These kinds of teams can be counted on to show up and play up to the competition...The better team really does win...at least this weekend...
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-3.5)
The ideal situation for the Steelers in that it is indeed the perverbial revenge game...against the division rival. They have been solid albeit against lesser teams, but I like them here regardless because the spot fits and I expect the real Steelers to show up here...at home...in front of the home fans...They owe them something for the lousy time they have had earlier in the season....
Pittsburgh -3.5
Tennessee @ Buffalo (-4.5)
I like this game for one reason and that is momentum. Both teams seemingly on cruise control the last few weeks and kind of identical in their sudden playoff surge but the Titans differ in that they have been very fortunate in the turn over battle lately, especially last week in their win against the Jags. With the way Losman has been throwing the ball, the Titans cannot afford to depend on turnovers to get them through this game. Bills win if they dont turn it over...
Buffalo -4.5
Carolina @ Atlanta (-6)
It would be very easy to dismiss Carolina here as there season is practically over with recent losses to Pitt & New York. The points bother me a bit though. I think Atlanta is just as mentally defeated as the Panthers are and simply arent motivated enough to lay a double digit beating to this Carolina team. Of course in Week 1 that is precisely what happened albeit minus the great Steve Smith and Delhomme did not have his best day that day either. Both could be in uniform this weekend...I like Carolina to salvage what little pride they have left before the slaugher next week in New Orleans...
Carolina +6.5
New England @ Jacksonville (-3)
If its anybody in the NFL I trust as a road dog, it would be the Patriots, who do have something to play for and are capable of competing with the likes of the Jaguars. Jaguars seemingly look good in this spot, especially after throwing last week's game against the Titans...but Im not convinced they'll have enough for the Patriots especially without Taylor in the lineup who went down last week with a ham string. Why wait till next week to take care of things against the happy go lucky Titans and the magic of Vince Young when they can get it done against a Jaguar minus their star running back....?
New England +3
(5.5) Chicago @ Detroit
The favourite in this games should be favoured by double digits as they are fully capable of trouncing their respective opponent by at least 2 touch downs. As was the case, last week with the Ravens & Saints, who played down to their competition and in one case, loosing outright, I expect something similar to happen here this week. The Bears are resting their starters and as happless as the Lions are...I can't think of a better reason to take a dog.
Detroit -3
Tampa Bay @ Cleveland (-3)
Not much to talk about here. Browns are coming in off a solid performance against the Ravens. As are the Bucs. Browns looked impressive earlier in the year giving the Chargers a run at it and beating the Falcons. The last time they were a favourite was week 1 agains the Saints...Imagine that. They lost that game but I feel a different outcome the second time around...
Cleveland -3
New Orleans @ New York (-3)
After last weeks debacle, its hard to believe the Saints could choke twice in a row. And naturally given my point of view which most are familiar with by now, I dont believe it was a choke in the traditional sense of the word. I like to think of their loss to the Skins last week as...Uninspired....This week I expect a little more effort on their behalf. But I dont think it will result in a win. New York has their backs against the wall and their pride is on the line. It appears that Strahan may be returning....They will need help but it starts with a win here at home...at a small price....Il take it..
New York -3
RECAP
Pittsburgh -3.5
Buffalo -4.5
Carolina +6.5
New England +2.5
Detroit +5.5
Cleveland -3
New York -3
LEANS / OPINIONS
Rams -2
Cincinnati +3
San Francisco -4
Indy -9
hno:
mj 23 said:
No it doesn't....all it really comes down to at this time of year is picking the winners straight up, stick wit the better team who has the motivation....but you have to be careful with a few situations like that NO/washington game...or games like the Indy/Houston one & the chicago/Detroit from this past weekend...
NFL Playoffs - Saturday Selections...
Indianapolis @ Batlimore (-4)
Things are not always what they seem. The Ravens are my favourite team and they seem primed and ready to roll. But something isn't right about this game...Manning has fallen from grace almost overnight....hmmm
Indy +4
Philly @ New Orelans (-5)
I saw it coming when they played Atlanta and I see it now...
Saints -5
Indianapolis @ Batlimore (-4)
Things are not always what they seem. The Ravens are my favourite team and they seem primed and ready to roll. But something isn't right about this game...Manning has fallen from grace almost overnight....hmmm
Indy +4
Philly @ New Orelans (-5)
I saw it coming when they played Atlanta and I see it now...
Saints -5
NFL Playoffs - Sunday Selections
Seattle @ Chicago (-8.5)
Too many points? Rex Grossman is unreliable? Seattle was and is still a Superbowl contender? Only one thing left to do....
Chicago -9
New England @ San Diego (-4.5)
I once said that there are few teams I trust more on the road than the New England Patriots. Of course, last time I said that they were giving points to the Jags, not the San Diego Chargers.
San Diego -4.5
Seattle @ Chicago (-8.5)
Too many points? Rex Grossman is unreliable? Seattle was and is still a Superbowl contender? Only one thing left to do....
Chicago -9
New England @ San Diego (-4.5)
I once said that there are few teams I trust more on the road than the New England Patriots. Of course, last time I said that they were giving points to the Jags, not the San Diego Chargers.
San Diego -4.5
Season Recap
There has been a lot of talk recently about the Saints Destined path to the Superbowl and the story it would make in regards to their cities recent tragedy that was Katrina. And I was probably one of the most vocal proponents of this particular angle when approaching this game. Given my controversial stance on the NFL in regards to the "fixed" element that has pervaded the league for years, it would be very easy to sit here and point to the Saints and proclaim...
"YES iTS fixed SO they CaN GeT to The Dance...ThEy Are Being REWardEd"
I dont blame those of you out there who feel that way as they have done it in the past in a not so blatant manner. The Yanks did not loose at home to the Diamonbacks that year to close out the series in 2001 right after the infamous 911 attacks...As was case in New Orleans last week, the team who suffered such a tremendous blow the year before in a resurgent season did not loose at home in front of thousands of fans who for the first time had something to cheer about in regards to their beloved and much troubled Crescent city.
Unfortunately this is where it likely stops and as much as it pains me to say it as it would make for one hell of a story. I believe the racial story which the media I am positive is frothing at the mouth over, will be the one to focus on in the Superbowl. That of course being two black head coaches facing one another for the first time.
As unorthodox as I usually am in my "fixed" appraoch. I am going to have to get realistic here and state that the reality of the situation points toward the Saints loosing here to a team in a better situation at home in conditions not suitable to a dome team....I would not hestitate to take the Saints in a Dome versus Grossman, but that is not the case here. New Orleans has already been rewarded for their past tribulations....Chicago is the play....
Chicago -2.5
New England @ Indianapolis (-2.5)
The most difficult thing about this game is going a whole week trying to not listen to the media talk about the brilliance of Tom Brady & Bill Billecheck. As if we haven't heard enough about them already. And its not that I dont respect them but the reality of the situation is is that this New England team does not resemble the old New England teams of times past. And thier play this year showed it. An easy schedule and an inability to execute on behalf of San Diego has given them yet another shot at their fourth Superbowl Title in six years...
Obviously we have to respect the Pats and what they have done in the past. We also have to remember the Psychological implications a game like this has on a team like Indy who for years have suffered defeat at the hands of Brady & company. But you know, each time they lost, they were expected to win. This time around, it has changed. And despite being favoured, you wouldnt know it by how the public and the press have talked about this game all week. The public also seems to be forgetting that Indianapolis now has a secret weapon in Adam Vinetari whom is not to be underestimated. It almost seems as if the outcome of this game has already been decided by the pieces of the puzzle that now seem to be in place...
Homefield, a hall of game kicker, the underdog stench and most importantly, a team that suffered a tremendous loss last year in the death of Tony Dungy's son. And despite all the reason and logic behind selecting Indy, given my controversial view on the NFL being rigged in certain ways. I had pegged this Indy team to go to the Superbowl all the way back in Week 11
The Colts went on to loose that game to the Cowboys and I suspect it was at that point where people started to loose faith in the Colts in regards to how far they would go this season. And they seem to have almost coasted in the AFC conference championship without much fanfare as most of the experts along with bettors had left them for dead agains the Chiefs and Ravens. As you all know by now, when the public stock of a team falls, this is when I pounce and focus in on that particular team. Under the radar teams always seem to be the ones who get it done on Sunday. It has been this way all year...and the Colts are no exception. Is this game fixed? rigged? Well...lets put it this way. After what happened last year to this team and in particular Tony Dungy, he is owed..The Colts have it coming...they are the storybook team for this season...and the next chapter is in Miami....
Colts -2.5
New Orleans @ Chicago (- 2.5)
There has been a lot of talk recently about the Saints Destined path to the Superbowl and the story it would make in regards to their cities recent tragedy that was Katrina. And I was probably one of the most vocal proponents of this particular angle when approaching this game. Given my controversial stance on the NFL in regards to the "fixed" element that has pervaded the league for years, it would be very easy to sit here and point to the Saints and proclaim...
"YES iTS fixed SO they CaN GeT to The Dance...ThEy Are Being REWardEd"
I dont blame those of you out there who feel that way as they have done it in the past in a not so blatant manner. The Yanks did not loose at home to the Diamonbacks that year to close out the series in 2001 right after the infamous 911 attacks...As was case in New Orleans last week, the team who suffered such a tremendous blow the year before in a resurgent season did not loose at home in front of thousands of fans who for the first time had something to cheer about in regards to their beloved and much troubled Crescent city.
Unfortunately this is where it likely stops and as much as it pains me to say it as it would make for one hell of a story. I believe the racial story which the media I am positive is frothing at the mouth over, will be the one to focus on in the Superbowl. That of course being two black head coaches facing one another for the first time.
As unorthodox as I usually am in my "fixed" appraoch. I am going to have to get realistic here and state that the reality of the situation points toward the Saints loosing here to a team in a better situation at home in conditions not suitable to a dome team....I would not hestitate to take the Saints in a Dome versus Grossman, but that is not the case here. New Orleans has already been rewarded for their past tribulations....Chicago is the play....
Chicago -2.5
New England @ Indianapolis (-2.5)
The most difficult thing about this game is going a whole week trying to not listen to the media talk about the brilliance of Tom Brady & Bill Billecheck. As if we haven't heard enough about them already. And its not that I dont respect them but the reality of the situation is is that this New England team does not resemble the old New England teams of times past. And thier play this year showed it. An easy schedule and an inability to execute on behalf of San Diego has given them yet another shot at their fourth Superbowl Title in six years...
Obviously we have to respect the Pats and what they have done in the past. We also have to remember the Psychological implications a game like this has on a team like Indy who for years have suffered defeat at the hands of Brady & company. But you know, each time they lost, they were expected to win. This time around, it has changed. And despite being favoured, you wouldnt know it by how the public and the press have talked about this game all week. The public also seems to be forgetting that Indianapolis now has a secret weapon in Adam Vinetari whom is not to be underestimated. It almost seems as if the outcome of this game has already been decided by the pieces of the puzzle that now seem to be in place...
Homefield, a hall of game kicker, the underdog stench and most importantly, a team that suffered a tremendous loss last year in the death of Tony Dungy's son. And despite all the reason and logic behind selecting Indy, given my controversial view on the NFL being rigged in certain ways. I had pegged this Indy team to go to the Superbowl all the way back in Week 11
The Colts went on to loose that game to the Cowboys and I suspect it was at that point where people started to loose faith in the Colts in regards to how far they would go this season. And they seem to have almost coasted in the AFC conference championship without much fanfare as most of the experts along with bettors had left them for dead agains the Chiefs and Ravens. As you all know by now, when the public stock of a team falls, this is when I pounce and focus in on that particular team. Under the radar teams always seem to be the ones who get it done on Sunday. It has been this way all year...and the Colts are no exception. Is this game fixed? rigged? Well...lets put it this way. After what happened last year to this team and in particular Tony Dungy, he is owed..The Colts have it coming...they are the storybook team for this season...and the next chapter is in Miami....
Colts -2.5
