NFL Picks: Week 12

Well, after the last couple of weeks I might have to do something drastic. I’m giving myself one more chance at redemption this week, then we’ll see what happens.

Now, on to the picks ...

Thursday, November 26th
Green Bay at Detroit (+11) --- Green Bay
Oakland (+13.5) at Dallas --- Dallas
NY Giants at Denver (+6) --- Denver

Sunday, November 29th

Indianapolis at Houston (+3.5) --- Houston
Cleveland (+13.5) at Cincinnati --- Cincinnati
Chicago (+11) at Minnesota --- Minnesota
Washington (+9) at Philadelphia --- Philadelphia
Miami at Buffalo (+3) --- Miami
Arizona (+2) at Tennessee --- Arizona
Seattle at St. Louis (+4) --- Seattle
Tampa Bay (+12) at Atlanta --- Atlanta
Carolina (+3) at NY Jets --- Carolina
Jacksonville (+3) at San Francisco --- San Francisco
Kansas City (+13.4) at San Diego --- Kansas City
Pittsburgh (+6.5) at Baltimore --- Baltimore

Monday, November 30th

New England (+2) at New Orleans --- New England

Last Week’s Record: 4-12

Season Record: 85-73-2

NFL Picks: Week 11

That was one UGLY week (and I won’t even get into the Pats/Colts game). That being the case, I’ve got to really focus this week on getting the mojo back. First a couple of rules that I’m going to follow for the foreseeable future.

Rule 1: Always bet against Cleveland and Oakland. Oakland is Oakland, and Cleveland has Mangini. On a side note, St. Louis used to be part of this rule, but they’ve tucked it to me on the point spread a couple of times.

Rule 2: Always bet on New England. I know I’m going to look like a homer, but I really think that they’re going to be playing with a chip on their shoulders for the rest of the season. I can’t include New Orleans and Indianapolis as locks, because the point spreads have been stacked against them.

Now, on to the picks ...

Thursday, November 19th

Miami (+3) at Carolina --- Carolina

Sunday, November 22nd
Cleveland (+3.5) at Detroit --- Detroit
Buffalo (+8.5) at Jacksonville --- Jacksonville
Pittsburgh at Kansas City (+10) --- Pittsburgh
Indianapolis at Baltimore (+1) --- Indianapolis
Atlanta (+7) at NY Giants --- Atlanta
San Francisco (+6.5) at Green Bay --- San Francisco
Seattle (+10.5) at Minnesota --- Seattle
Washington (+11) at Dallas --- Dallas
New Orleans at Tampa Bay (+11.5) --- Tampa Bay
Arizona at St. Louis (+9.5) --- Arizona
NY Jets (+10.5) at New England --- New England
Cincinnati at Oakland (+9.5) --- Cincinnati
San Diego at Denver (+4) --- Denver
Philadelphia at Chicago (+3) --- Chicago

Monday, November 23rd
Tennessee (+4.5) at Houston --- Houston

Last Week’s Record: 6-8-1

Season Record: 81-61-2

Those Who Served

I just noticed that my post for the week 10 picks was the 50th site entry this year. Its makes me feel good that this milestone was hit on an entry that featured an image of Roger Staubach --- because I used that image to honor Veteran's Day. I think that a little more recognition is in order, though. So, in honor of my late Uncle Charlie who passed earlier this year (and served our country in Vietnam), here's a look at some of our sports heroes who were also members of our armed services.

For those who are interested, clicking on each name will bring you to some suggested reading.

Roger Staubach

Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1964 out of Navy, he began his career in 1969 as a 27 year-old rookie (due to his military commitment). Rather than requesting a state-side assignment, he volunteered for a tour of duty in Vietnam. Staubach was a two-time Super Bowl champion (winning the MVP for Super Bowl VI), and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

David Robinson

The San Antonio Spurs drafted Robinson in the 1987 draft with the first overall pick, but had to wait until he served two years in the Navy before they could see him in uniform. Even though the Navy excused him from the final three years of his service, he continued to serve as reserve. Robinson retired in 2003 with two NBA championships and a league MVP to his credit.

Pat Tillman

After being drafted in 1998, Tillman spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals. Following the 2001 season, he turned down a $3.6 million dollar contract to enlust in the Army (becoming a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment). While deployed in Afghanistan, he was killed in a friendly-fire incident --- the details of which are currently being investigated by Congress.

Ted Williams

A 17-time All-Star, and 2-time MVP, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966 after spending his entire career with the Boston Red Sox. His military accomplishments include tours of duty in WWII and the Korean War, serving in both as a pilot. Both tours took a substantial chunk out of the prime of his career, and provide the substance for one of the more intriguing "what if" scenarios in sports history. Who knows what records he might have owned?

Rocky Bleier

An eventual 4-time Super Bowl champ, Bleier was drafted in 1968 after his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He suffered wounds in Vietnam from grenade shrapnel, and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Bob Kalsu

The only active NFL player to lose his life in Vietnam. Kalsu was the Buffalo Bills Rookie of the Year in 1968, and shipped out to Vietnam after that season. He was killed in action on July 21, 1970. He was survived by his daughter Jill, and his pregnant wife Jan who gave birth to their son James on July 23rd.

NFL Picks: Week 10

Well, I thought that last week was tough … but at least I didn’t miss any games --- like I did this week with NO vs. CAR (I’ll count it as a loss). Oddly enough, that’s the second time this year that I’ve neglected a Carolina game.

Now, on to the picks ...

Thursday, November 12th
Chicago (+2.5) at San Francisco --- Chicago

Sunday, November 15th

Jacksonville (+7) at NY Jets --- NY Jets
Denver at Washington (+3.5) --- Denver
Cincinnati (+7) at Pittsburgh --- Cincinnati
Buffalo (+7) at Tennessee --- Tennessee
Detroit (+17) at Minnesota --- Detroit
New Orleans at St. Louis (+13.5) --- New Orleans
Atlanta at Carolina (+1.5) --- Carolina
Tampa Bay (+10) at Miami --- Miami
Kansas City (+2) at Oakland --- Kansas City
Seattle (+8.5) at Arizona --- Seattle
Philadelphia (+1.5) at San Diego --- Philadelphia
Dallas at Green Bay (+3) --- Dallas
New England (+3) at Indianapolis --- New England

Monday, November 16th

Baltimore at Cleveland (+11) --- Baltimore

Last Week’s Record: 7-6

Season Record: 75-53-1

NFL Picks: Week 9

Tough week in the sleep department (as well as for picks) --- just checking-in to post the picks for this week.

Now, on to the picks ...

Sunday, November 8th
Kansas City (+6.5) at Jacksonville --- Jacksonville
Baltimore at Cincinnati (+3) --- Cincinnati
Houston (+8.5) at Indianapolis --- Houston
Washington (+9) at Atlanta --- Atlanta
Green Bay at Tampa Bay (+9.5) --- Green Bay
Arizona (+3) at Chicago --- Arizona
Miami (+10.5) at New England --- New England
Detroit (+10) at Seattle --- Seattle
Tennessee (+4) at San Francisco --- San Francisco
San Diego (+5) at NY Giants --- San Diego
Dallas (+3) at Philadelphia --- Dallas

Monday, November 9th
Pittsburgh at Denver (+3) --- Denver

Last Week’s Record: 7-6

Season Record: 68-47-1