Hey, at least I'm consistent. Since I apparently have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to picking games this playoff season, I've decided to ask my almost three-year-old daughter for some insight into this week's games. I've included her picks next to mine below. For the purposes of this blog, we'll call her the Roaming the Sidelines Daughter (RTSD). Note that when I asked her why she chose her picks, she said "because they like to win" in both cases.
As a quick, non-sports related aside, I just want to say that if you're a horror/sci-fi fan, you should check out the movie Cloverfield. I just saw it today, after following the internet viral campaign since last July, and I found it to be worth the wait. I won't get into the details here, but if you want to learn more about this movie and it's back-story, check out this blog.
Last week's record 1-3 (the point spread giveth, the point spread taketh away). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
New England Patriots over San Diego Chargers (+14.5) 3:00pm, Sunday
I'm actually a bit terrified about picking this game. On the one hand, I don't think that the Pats can lose this game. On the other hand, this point spread is ridiculous. The Bolts deserve credit for taking out the Colts last weekend, but I really believe that the ride ends in Foxborough. I just can't conceive of a universe where a Norv Turner coached team beats a Bill Belichick coached team in a game of this magnitude. Of course, I'm mildly concerned about what's going on with Randy Moss this week.
RTSD's Pick: San Diego --- I'm obviously quite distressed over this. Of course, if she's right we're taking a family trip to Vegas.
Green Bay Packers over New York Giants (+7.5) 6:30pm, Sunday
Green Bay should win this game, even giving the points. Keep in mind, though, that this is coming from a guy who's picked against the Giants each of the past two weeks. I will say this, if either of these teams is going to get a boost from the football gods this weekend, it will be the Giants based on this story. Have people in Wisconsin ever heard of portable DVD players? More importantly, a year ago did anyone think that we'd see the day when an opposing team was trying to get inside Eli Manning's head? It also does my heart good to know that if the football thing doesn't work out for him, Eli's been able to take a page out of his brother's book and prostitute himself out for an extra buck.
RTSD's Pick: New York.
There you have it. If the Pats secure a spot in the Super Bowl, I'll be dedicating a blog to my most vivid Super Bowl memories (especially if there's going to be a re-match of Super Bowl XXXI). If the Chargers pull off the upset, you might want to send someone to check on me --- I'm not sure how I'd handle it, but let's hope it goes better than the days following this.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
NFL Playoffs, Round 2
Okay, I've been clean and sober for the past 7 minutes, so hopefully this week's picks will be more on the mark. Before we jump into the predictions, a quick aside about the Sox. I just got the NESN-produced DVD of the 2007 season for my birthday, and it is definitely worth picking up if you don't already have it. Great re-cap of the entire season (including post-season, obviously), and some cool special features --- including one on Buchholz's no-hitter. Good stuff.
Last week's record 1-3 (thank God for the point-spread). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks (+7.5) 4:30pm, Saturday
Favre's magical season might come to end soon, but it shouldn't be this weekend. Seattle has a solid team, but the emotional lift that Lambeu Field provides for the home team should be enough to lift the Packers to victory. Besides, can a team whose kicker is planning on wearing heated pants really be taken seriously?
New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars (+13.5) 8:00pm, Saturday
I know that this a pretty big point spread, just like I know that Jacksonville is playing some pretty good ball these days. I just don't think that they will be able to shut down Lawrence Maroney the same way that they shut down the Steelers backs. I also think that the mild weather is going to favor the Patriots passing attack. If the Pats get off to a quick lead, I'd be shocked if Garrard is able to air it out against them with much success.
Indianapolis Colts over San Diego Chargers (+10) 1:00pm, Sunday
If the Chargers had as much trouble as they did playing at home against Tennesse last weekend, how can they be expected to win in Indy? I actually think that the Colts are going to win by 3 TDs. Let's face it, FINALLY winning a playoff game last Sunday was like the Super Bowl for these guys. They're not going to have anything left for the Colts.
Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants (+7.5) 4:30pm Sunday
The Giants have had some pretty good karma going the past few weeks, but it ends now. Romo is probably bursting at the seems in anticipation of proving to everyone that having a little fun with your girlfriend does not mean that you can't focus on getting the job done. Additionally, Terrell Owens knows a thing or two about playing hurt in the money games. The only thing that remotely concerns me is the coaching match-up. Though he's come short of making it to the big game (twice), Coughlin is a better coach than Phillips. I don't see that making that much of a difference in this game, though. I will say that if I'm wrong about any of these picks, I hope it's this one.
After re-reading this, I can see that I've really gone out on a limb this week --- picking all of the favored home teams. Wow, that's daring. I just can't see the sense in picking an underdog, unless you're just trying to be different. And that's dumb.
I'll check back in after the dust settles. Go PATS!!!
Last week's record 1-3 (thank God for the point-spread). Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Green Bay Packers over Seattle Seahawks (+7.5) 4:30pm, Saturday
Favre's magical season might come to end soon, but it shouldn't be this weekend. Seattle has a solid team, but the emotional lift that Lambeu Field provides for the home team should be enough to lift the Packers to victory. Besides, can a team whose kicker is planning on wearing heated pants really be taken seriously?
New England Patriots over Jacksonville Jaguars (+13.5) 8:00pm, Saturday
I know that this a pretty big point spread, just like I know that Jacksonville is playing some pretty good ball these days. I just don't think that they will be able to shut down Lawrence Maroney the same way that they shut down the Steelers backs. I also think that the mild weather is going to favor the Patriots passing attack. If the Pats get off to a quick lead, I'd be shocked if Garrard is able to air it out against them with much success.
Indianapolis Colts over San Diego Chargers (+10) 1:00pm, Sunday
If the Chargers had as much trouble as they did playing at home against Tennesse last weekend, how can they be expected to win in Indy? I actually think that the Colts are going to win by 3 TDs. Let's face it, FINALLY winning a playoff game last Sunday was like the Super Bowl for these guys. They're not going to have anything left for the Colts.
Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants (+7.5) 4:30pm Sunday
The Giants have had some pretty good karma going the past few weeks, but it ends now. Romo is probably bursting at the seems in anticipation of proving to everyone that having a little fun with your girlfriend does not mean that you can't focus on getting the job done. Additionally, Terrell Owens knows a thing or two about playing hurt in the money games. The only thing that remotely concerns me is the coaching match-up. Though he's come short of making it to the big game (twice), Coughlin is a better coach than Phillips. I don't see that making that much of a difference in this game, though. I will say that if I'm wrong about any of these picks, I hope it's this one.
After re-reading this, I can see that I've really gone out on a limb this week --- picking all of the favored home teams. Wow, that's daring. I just can't see the sense in picking an underdog, unless you're just trying to be different. And that's dumb.
I'll check back in after the dust settles. Go PATS!!!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Wildcard Weekend Re-cap
Well, if Wildcard Weekend taught me anything, it's this --- don't make picks immediately following steak and beers with Uncle Charlie. Thankfully, only two people read this blog, and one of them is my wife. Fortunately she's known for awhile that I don't know what I'm talking about, so the inaccuracy of these picks came as no surprise to her. Although I went 0 for the weekend, I take some solace in the fact that Jacksonville did not cover the spread. Not much solace, but a little. And yes, through the better of the Chargers game I was having a good time imagining what LDT (there was only ONE true LT, and he retired a long time ago) was going to cry about after the game. Oh well, there's always next week.
Speaking of next week, here's my list of 3 (semi) compelling storylines for next Saturday's Patriots/Jaguars game (in no particular order) ...
Speaking of next week, here's my list of 3 (semi) compelling storylines for next Saturday's Patriots/Jaguars game (in no particular order) ...
1. Bulletin board material. Jacksonville defensive lineman Paul Spicer feels that the Pats got off too easy for violating the league policy on sideline taping. Apparently, losing a first round draft pick, 250k for the team, and a half million dollars for the coach isn't enough. No, Mr. Spicer feels that the Pats should be excluded from the playoffs. I guess that's one way for Jacksonville to get past this round. Can't we just put this whole "spygate" thing to bed? They broke the rule, got caught, and paid the punishment. Where was all of this indignation last year when Shawn Merriman was suspended for steroid usage? Wasn't he still allowed to play against (or should I say "lose to") the Pats in the playoffs last year? Anyone who is still holding this grudge against the Pats needs to get over it.
2. Head-to head playoff results. Hopefully, the Pats can continue their dominance of the Jags. In Jacksonville's short history, they've played against the Pats 3 times, losing twice --- including an AFC Championship game.
- Jan. 12, 1997 - AFC Championship - New England 20, Jacksonville 6
- Jan. 3, 1999 - AFC Wild Card - Jacksonville 25, New England 10
- Jan. 7, 2006 - AFC Wild Card - New England 28, Jacksonville 3
3. David vs. Goliath. The Pats had 8 players selected for this year's Pro Bowl, the Jags had 0 --- though a strong case could be made for perennial Pro Bowl snub, Fred Taylor. Added to that is the fact that Belichick received "Coach of the Year" and Brady was named League MVP. I personally think that this storyline has a chance of being mentioned 753 times during the broadcast. I'll keep you posted.
Well, it's getting late, and I need to go start studying up on how I can screw up next week's picks.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
NFL Playoffs, Round 1
So, I just got back from having a nice steak and a couple of beers with my Uncle Charlie. What does that have to do with the NFL playoffs, you ask? Absolutely nothing, of course --- which is exactly what LaDainian Tomlinson will be doing after this weekend ... except for maybe whining about the fact that his team has made yet another early exit from the playoffs. But more on that later.
Before I jump into my predictions for the games this weekend, I just wanted to mention a pretty good column that Bob Ryan wrote about the current state of Boston sports. If you've got the time, I recommend giving it a read. After growing up experiencing the heartaches of the local teams (with the exception of the Larry Bird led Celtics), it truly is amazing to sit back and reflect on just how good we have it right now.
Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Washington Redskins (+3.5) over Seattle Seahawks 4:30pm, Saturday
Something tells me that the 'Skins are going to make some noise in the playoffs. They've dealt with tragedy this year. They've got a resurgent QB, and Joe Gibbs has some experience in this department. Also, as much as I like Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, I just don't think that Seattle has it in them.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars 8:00pm, Saturday
I know, I know --- Jacksonville is the team du jour right now, and nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs ... blah, blah, blah. Listen, Pittsburgh is not going to lose to them again this year. The Steelers have guys wearing championship rings, and know how to win big playoff games --- unless they're playing the Pats (sorry, I couldn't resist). The most entertainment this game will have to offer for Jacksonville fans will be watching the coach who bears a striking resemblance to a certain actor, walking the sidelines. That's right, I'm talking about Jack Del Rio and Ben Falcone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) over New York Giants 1:00pm, Sunday
I'd love to pick the Giants here, but I can't. They really impressed me with the game that they put up against the Pats, but I think they might be in for a bit of an emotional let-down. Also, I think that Earnest Graham is going to run all over them --- and I'm not saying that just because he was a stud on my fantasy football champion team this year. Okay, maybe just a little.
Tennessee Titans (+10) over San Diego Chargers
The Chargers cannot win big games. Norv Turner cannot win big games. Until I see otherwise, I'm always betting against these two entities --- regardless of who's playing QB for their opponent. Plus, I'm REALLY looking forward to watching LDT's meltdown after this game.
Those are my picks, and I'm sticking to them.
Before I jump into my predictions for the games this weekend, I just wanted to mention a pretty good column that Bob Ryan wrote about the current state of Boston sports. If you've got the time, I recommend giving it a read. After growing up experiencing the heartaches of the local teams (with the exception of the Larry Bird led Celtics), it truly is amazing to sit back and reflect on just how good we have it right now.
Now, on to the picks (home team in bold). Please note that all lines are as of the time of this writing.
Washington Redskins (+3.5) over Seattle Seahawks 4:30pm, Saturday
Something tells me that the 'Skins are going to make some noise in the playoffs. They've dealt with tragedy this year. They've got a resurgent QB, and Joe Gibbs has some experience in this department. Also, as much as I like Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, I just don't think that Seattle has it in them.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) over Jacksonville Jaguars 8:00pm, Saturday
I know, I know --- Jacksonville is the team du jour right now, and nobody wants to meet them in the playoffs ... blah, blah, blah. Listen, Pittsburgh is not going to lose to them again this year. The Steelers have guys wearing championship rings, and know how to win big playoff games --- unless they're playing the Pats (sorry, I couldn't resist). The most entertainment this game will have to offer for Jacksonville fans will be watching the coach who bears a striking resemblance to a certain actor, walking the sidelines. That's right, I'm talking about Jack Del Rio and Ben Falcone.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) over New York Giants 1:00pm, Sunday
I'd love to pick the Giants here, but I can't. They really impressed me with the game that they put up against the Pats, but I think they might be in for a bit of an emotional let-down. Also, I think that Earnest Graham is going to run all over them --- and I'm not saying that just because he was a stud on my fantasy football champion team this year. Okay, maybe just a little.
Tennessee Titans (+10) over San Diego Chargers
The Chargers cannot win big games. Norv Turner cannot win big games. Until I see otherwise, I'm always betting against these two entities --- regardless of who's playing QB for their opponent. Plus, I'm REALLY looking forward to watching LDT's meltdown after this game.
Those are my picks, and I'm sticking to them.
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