NFL Week 17 Bettors Guide.

Last Week: 9-7 straight up; 7-9 against the spread

Overall: 69-39-1 straight up; 49-49-3 against the spread

Let's try to finish the regular season with a winning record ATS hah.

Sunday's 1pm Slate:

Oakland Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-13): I'm not a big fan of big spreads as I said. But as you'll see as a trend this week, it will be warranted. Oakland is 0-3 SU and ATS this season with the NFC South, being outscored 75-9. Tampa's coming off a tough loss to a desperate San Diego team; that they had on the ropes but couldn't put away and it cost them. Fighting for their playoff lives against this anemic Oakland offense which likely showed up for the last time this year vs. Houston...forget about it. Tampa Bay 27 Oakland 6

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-11): True, the Steelers are entrenched as the AFC's 2 seed, but you must believe that Mike Tomlin will play his starters for a decent portion of this one since they get a first round bye. Regardless, with a Browns team that has gone longer without a TD than I have with a date (frickin unbelievable- 5 weeks ha) and was shut out by the BENGALS' DEFENSE...I hate to see any coach especially Romeo Crennel go out like this but dear God. They'll get a garbage TD I think late but it's over. Pittsburgh 24 Cleveland 10

Tennessee Titans (-3) @ Indianapolis Colts: A game that will have no bearing seeding wise (the Titans have homefield throughout; the Colts will be the 5 seed). Don't expect Peyton Manning to play much at all (maybe a couple of series before giving it over to Jim Sorgi); meanwhile Jeff Fisher has let it be known the Titans' starters will be in this one for at least a half or so. There will be a Vince Young sighting however hah. Look for the Titans to take this one. Tennessee 20 Indianapolis 14

St. Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons (-14): The last time the Falcons were this heavily favored was back in week 11 against the Broncos and they actually lost as 6.5 point favorites. I don't think however you have to worry about this Lambs team that is coming off a game where they blew a 13 point lead late against the Niners. This is a recipe for disaster, especially since the Falcons with some help can get the NFC's 2 seed. Atlanta 31 St. Louis 10

New England Patriots (-6) @ Buffalo Bills: Yes, the Bills are playing the role as spoiler for the 2nd consecutive week; preventing the Broncos from clinching and making their game a primetime tilt. The Pats have owned the Bills in Orchard Park the past 3 years however, winning by a total combined 117-23. You'll think the Bills will come out swinging, but eventually they'll be missing. I do hope I'm totally wrong, however. New England 27 Buffalo 17

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (-10.5): The Lions have lost...16 straight times in Green Bay. In week 17 they will have lost 17 straight times in Green Bay. One year after the perfect regular season we will have the imperfect season. Green Bay 34 Detroit 14

Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans (-3): I'm just pounding these favorites right now yeah I know. Chicago needs this game in order to have any shot at the NFC North title; meanwhile Houston needs this game in order to have their second consecutive 8-8 season. The Texans are 2-1 SU/1-2 ATS against the NFC North this year; while the Bears are 2-1 SU and ATS against the AFC South. The Texans however are formidable at home (6-2) and with their top 5 offense, watch out. Houston 24 Chicago 20

Kansas City Chiefs (+3) @ Cincinnati Bengals: I have NO IDEA WHY the Chiefs are underdogs in this game, I guess Vegas knows something I don't? While yes the Chiefs' defense is dreadful...the Bengals have shown the ability to make any defense look respectable. KC wins this one straight up. Kansas City 21 Cincinnati 10

New York Giants (+7) @ Minnesota Vikings: I can understand why the Giants are being given this much (the most since Super Bowl 42) since they have absolutely nothing on the line while the Vikes need this one to win the NFC North and get the 3 seed. But Tom Coughlin wants to ensure that his boys are sharp and know what's good before the bye week...they need the momentum especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Vikes are known not to handle the pressure of getting into the playoffs. And the Giants would love nothing more than to keep the team that's been a thorn on their side for quite some time out of the playoffs. It won't happen, but the Giants cover. Minnesota 24 NY Giants 21

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (+2.5): I do not trust this line for one second however. The Panthers are seething after blowing their chance at homefield last week in New York and want to take it out on the Saints...but you best believe Drew Brees is gonna go all-out and try to break Dan Marino's record (he needs 403 yards to do it). Plus, the Panthers are susceptible on run defense. But, so are the Saints on defense period. I love the Over 51.5 in this one...but this pick here is shaky I won't lie. New Orleans 31 Carolina 28

Sunday's 415pm Slate:

Washington Redskins @ San Francisco 49ers (-3): A team traveling to the West Coast for a meaningless game is bad news. The Redskins got themselves a good win last week versus the Eagles at home, but I can see them being thoroughly disinterested in this game. San Francisco 21 Washington 13

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Baltimore Ravens (-11): This is a bit shaky to bet on though. If the Bills somehow beat the Patriots earlier on, then the Ravens will have already clinched a playoff spot. Either way, the Ravens will do whatever it takes to win this game in front of their home fans and leave them with a last impression. Jacksonville is likely worn out after their emotional game with the Colts. Baltimore 24 Jacksonville 10

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals (-6.5): This is a dangerous bet too. On one hand, the Cardinals are the 4 seed and firmly entrenched in the playoffs. On the other hand though, the Cardinals have NO MOMENTUM whatsoever and have just been killed these past 3 weeks. I'm sure Ken Wisenhurst will have his starters in this one for a while...and facing a Seahawks squad that played inspired at home for Mike Holgrem's last home game as coach, I don't think they have much left. And this is Arizona's element anyway, the NFC West hah. Arizona 31 Seattle 17

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1): This one is gonna be hella interesting. The Eagles will most likely be out of the playoff picture by kickoff...meanwhile the Cowboys have a playoff berth on the line if they win. Philly would love nothing more than to beat T.O at home and leave him out in the cold. This game will truly determine if the Cowboys are really a shitty December team or not. It's tough to get a gauge on the Cowboys whether the pressure tightens them up or makes them better. The Eagles as the looser team however I think wins, but this is..yikes. Philadelphia 24 Dallas 21

Miami Dolphins (+2.5) @ New York Jets: My Jets have fucked themselves up these past few weeks and it's well documented...I don't think I have to repeat myself nor what the media has been saying. There are a few subplots in this one: Pennington's return, Jay Feely wanting to stick it to his former team for kicking him (no pun intended) to the curb, Bill Parcells (but he'll be in Miami since he wants nothing to do with the media hoopla). The Jets have won 7 straight in this series, but you know me...I have been setting myself up for disappointment for the past few years and this will be no different. The worst part would be if we won, to be honest- given Baltimore and New England will win. But: Miami 20 NY Jets 17

Sunday Night Football:
Denver Broncos (+8) @ San Diego Chargers: If you want a sure-fire bet this week...it's the Over 50.5 in this one. The Broncos are trying not to pull off a New York Mets 2007 season here (ugh) but with the way their defense has let them down in the past couple of weeks; I don't see the defense making any significant strides in this one. Both defenses are in the bottom 10 overall in defense and top 10 in passing offense and you best believe it will be a repeat of Week 2's 39-38 epic. San Diego 31 Denver 28

And so on.

NFL Week 16 Bettors Guide.

Last Week: 11-5 straight up; 7-6-3 against the spread

Overall: 60-32-1 straight up; 44-42-3 against the spread

Tonight-
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+6): This line varies depending on what Sportsbook you use, this is the line I get on mine...it goes up to 6 or even 6.5 in others. Jacksonville may be done; but they like to play up to their level of competition and they always play Indy tough. They even beat them earlier in the year on the road...but we're talking about 2 teams going in opposite directions. With that said however, the Colts have had a tough time putting their opponents away recently and have failed to cover in 2 of their last 3 (Lions and Browns). I don't see this game being any different, with Jacksonville pulling off the upset. Jacksonville 23 Indianapolis 20

Saturday-
Baltimore Ravens (+4) @ Dallas Cowboys: This is an interesting one...potentially the last game ever played at Texas Stadium and all. The Ravens are coming off of a hard-fought but heartbreaking loss to the Steelers, while the Cowboys' defense stepped it up a few notches by giving the Giants fits. Some people think this is gonna be a high scoring one, but with Dallas' defense much improved, and the Ravens' D being nasty (and Marion Barber clearly wasn't at 100% last week; not even mentioning Tony Romo being knocked around like a pinata), I can't see it. The Cowboys win...but the Ravens cover. Dallas 20 Baltimore 17

Sunday's 1pm Slate-
New Orleans Saints @ Detroit Lions (+7): Call me crazy but any time you have a team that barely plays a lick of defense like the Saints do, it does give even a team like the Lions a shot...to cover. Drew Brees is prone to the INT...but the Lions don't know how to force turnovers so there goes that one. On the opposite side of the spectrum, who's gonna stop Calvin Johnson? Fireworks go off in this one. New Orleans 34 Detroit 28

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) @ Tennessee Titans: If Kerry Collins couldn't get anything started on the TEXANS' defense...how do you expect him to fare against this ferocious unit (especially if White-Johnson get shut down)? Not having Albert Haynesworth is gonna kill the Titans and their shot at a #1 seed in the playoffs. Pittsburgh 20 Tennessee 7

San Francisco 49ers (-5.5) @ St. Louis Rams: The Niners obliterated the Rams in SF 38-16 last meeting and it really wasn't even that close...as the Niners raced to a 35-3 halftime lead. The Rams make anybody competent and they've already gone through their quota for the month for hard-fought games. Meanwhile, the future looks pretty bright for the Niners with Shaun Hill at the helm. San Francisco 27 St. Louis 14

Cincinnati Bengals (+3) @ Cleveland Browns: I pity those who have to watch this game. This will be a far cry from that shootout they had two or so years ago...the over/under is around 32! That's what happens when you have the 30th (Browns) and 32nd (Bengals) ranked offenses battling each other. Only difference? The Bengals appeared to have snapped out of their funk last week (they were outscored 69-6 in their previous 2 games) with their upset victory (I called it)...while the Browns are just dying for their season to end. Another victory for the Bengals, who will avoid being swept. Cincinnati 13 Cleveland 10

Miami Dolphins (-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are feisty. One feisty bunch I tell you. But there comes a point in time where they get a reality check, and it'll come this Sunday at home. The Dolphins aren't spectacular in any way shape or form...but they haven't allowed a TD in 3 games believe it or not. The Chiefs have trouble stopping a paper bag from going 10 yards. They'll get theirs and it'll be enough to cover. Miami 24 Kansas City 17

Arizona Cardinals @ New England Patriots (-7.5): A storm system's supposed to hit the Northeast on Sunday and it could have a profound impact on this game...especially with the snow/rain chances. Nevertheless, you know the drill when it comes to Arizona and the East Coast- BET AGAINST THEM. Besides, the Cardinals seem disinterested in the regular season at this point, while the Pats are fighting for their playoff lives. Bad combo. New England 38 Arizona 20

San Diego Chargers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3.5): See, you would assume OK, the Bucs may be without Jeff Garcia and the Chargers look like they're finally playing the way they're supposed to be that this should be a Chargers victory. Not so fast, the Bucs are 6-0 at home, the Chargers are traveling to the East, and the Chargers have had difficulty in games against teams not as talented as them all year. Bye bye playoffs. Tampa Bay 23 San Diego 17

Sunday's 4pm/815pm Slate-
Houston Texans (-7) @ Oakland Raiders: I went with the Raiders to cover the past 3 weeks and they've fallen flat on their face. Now they're taking on a streaking Texans team that is looking to finish with their first winning season in franchise history and are clicking on all cylinders. Bad combo. Houston 27 Oakland 10

New York Jets @ Seattle Seahawks (+4.5): Fuckin Jets and the West Coast. They haven't won out there yet. Seattle meanwhile has been playing better recently and in this one, they're gonna blow a chance at a top 5 pick with an upset, because the Jets' playcalling sucks. GIVE THOMAS JONES THE F'N BALL! Seattle 21 NY Jets 13

Buffalo Bills (+6.5) @ Denver Broncos: Impossible to get a read on the Broncos these days. But they'll back into the playoffs here. JP Losman is a lost cause (although he's my savior for what he did last week in the Jets game) and the Bills contrary to popular belief did not give up (at least offensively) on their season. Should be a high scoring one. Denver 31 Buffalo 27

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings (-3): Michael Turner vs. Adrian Peterson. Now that's what I'm talking about. Peterson, who leads the NFL in rushing yards by 160 over Turner, can effectively not only clinch the title here on Sunday, but also the NFC North. I hate going against Atlanta because they've proven me wrong all year, but being at home and knowing what's at stake here; I gotta go with my instincts all along and that's with the Vikings winning a good one. Minnesota 24 Atlanta 20

Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins (+5): The Eagles are flying high after their beatdown of the hapless Browns, while the Redskins made it an imperfect 0-4 ATS/1-3 SU stretch against the AFC North by embarassing themselves against the Bengals. I think the Redskins come out ready to fight for everything they have left on the table and pull off the upset...but they'll think back to losing to the Bengals AND Rams and see why they're not in the playoff hunt. Washington 20 Philadelphia 17

Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants (-3): Another Sunday night game for the Giants huh? Well, this game is gonna determine home-field throughout...and considering the Panthers are 8-0 at home and the Giants are 6-1...the stakes are HUGE. The difference in this one is that the Panthers' defense is more susceptible against the run than the Giants' one is...and with Brandon Jacobs returning, that will lift the Giants over the top. I don't expect the QB play to factor much into this, as it could snow and temperatures hovering around 30 at kickoff. NY Giants 23 Carolina 17

Monday-
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (-4): I give up on the Packers, and while the Bears don't impress me at all...I take them more seriously than I can the Packers. Packers will have to wait until December 28th to finally get their victory. Oh, and the Bears will be fully rested, playing for the first time since last THURSDAY. Chicago 24 Green Bay 16

And so on.

NFL Week 15 Bettors Guide.

Last Week: 11-5 straight up; 8-7 against the spread (No Line in the Vikings-Lions game)

Overall: 50-27-1 straight up; 37-36 against the spread

Tonight-
New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears (-3): There is a LOT riding on this game. The winner will still be very much alive in the NFC race while the loser will be all but done for (especially in the Saints' case). Given how inconsistent both defenses are and of course with Drew Brees in the house- expect points to be scored (don't be fooled by the expected 20 degree temperature at kickoff- they've played in the cold 2 times in a row and both times the total went over). I think for the 3rd straight time the Bears will be able to hold the Saints at bay. Chicago 31 New Orleans 27

Sunday's 1pm Games-
Detroit Lions @ Indianapolis Colts (-17): Good lord what a line. Daunte Culpepper might be out for this one after he injured his shoulder in the last game...leaving the immortal Drew Staton as the starter. Peyton Manning is a little better than Tavares Jackson/Gus Ferrorte... The Lions have allowed 28+ in all 3 of their games against AFC South competition this year and this will be #4. Indianapolis 38 Detroit 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (-3): The Bucs cannot be happy about their Monday Night performance whatsoever against those Panthers; simply being bullied by their running game. It gets no easier facing the NFL TD leader in Michael Turner and this explosive Falcons' offense. You just cannot ignore the NFC South's 23-2 home record this year...and of course the Falcons looking to extract revenge from their last game, where Matt Ryan was abysmal. Atlanta 27 Tampa Bay 20

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans (+3): Houston is on a midst of another late-season hard charge. A win here effectively will keep them out of the cellar for this year. Tennessee in the meantime has already wrapped up the division and a first round bye. A win here will all but lock up homefield throughout. They dominated Houston in their last meeting...but why is the line so low? Houston especially in December has a propensity to play really tough down to the last second- and remember last year when they nearly came back from 25 down to win; only to be thwarted by Rob Bironas. Something tells me Bironas will factor in this yet again. Tennessee 26 Houston 24

Washington Redskins @ Cincinnati Bengals (+7): The Bengals are 3-0 ATS versus the NFC East actually; whilst the Redskins are 0-3 ATS versus the AFC North. Washington has become ridiculously one-dimensional relying solely on Clinton Portis. Cincy was torched by the Colts last week but that was to be expected- Washington doesn't nearly have the firepower to threaten this defense (which isn't really that bad). The dreadful Ryan Fitzpatrick led offense though...Dear God. This will be a snoozer and something tells me somehow...the Bengals will win. Cincinnati 16 Washington 13.

Seattle Seahawks (-3) @ St. Louis Rams: Does there really have to be a winner here? At least in Seattle's case they put up a fight and nearly upset the Patriots. The Rams meanwhile got outscored by the Cardinals' defense last week. I feel pity for those who need to watch this game; and for Marc Bulger as well since he'll lose to the legend of Seneca Wallace. Seattle 24 St. Louis 13

Green Bay Packers (-1.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars: There isn't a team that has fallen off more within the past month more than the Packers. 3 straight losses leave them all but dead in the NFC race. At least they play an equally as pathetic team as these Jaguars- who are just injury-ravaged and may not even play with Fred Taylor for the rest of the year due to a thumb injury. At least we know both team will play hard... Green Bay 23 Jacksonville 16

San Francisco 49ers (+6.5) @ Miami Dolphins: You're thinking to yourself WHY IS HE GIVING THE NINERS POINTS WHEN THEY'RE A WEST-COAST TEAM? Think about this: The Niners are 2-1 ATS/SU against the AFC East, and even won at Buffalo the other week. What's even worse...the Dolphins are 0-3 ATS against the NFC West on the year and the two teams who have come from the west to face them (Oakland, Seattle) they have defeated them by a combined 3 points. They don't handle being big favorites well. These Niners are feisty and they may even pull off the upset. But the Dolphins know what's good...unlike the Jets. Miami 20 San Francisco 17

Buffalo Bills (+7.5) @ New York Jets: These Jets have been abysmal these past couple of weeks in their losses to Denver and San Francisco. Eric Mangini is a bitch-made dude who you can't draw ANY inspiration over and you can tell that this team only plays to the level of their competition...which is dangerous against a team like Buffalo...which has fallen like a rock and will likely play with JP Losman again. They better get their act together on some real shit. I don't think they will. Upset alert. Buffalo 24 NY Jets 14

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs (+5.5): The Chiefs almost pulled off an epic stunner at San Diego the last time these teams squared off...and as a matter of fact if it wasn't for a botched extra point snap...that would have been the case. We all know Herm Edwards plays to win the game, even if the Chargers up until last week haven't. They FINALLY looked like world-beaters...against Oakland. If they really expect to make their last-second charge (no pun intended) it starts now against a putrid defense in KC. But KC will get theirs too. San Diego 31 Kansas City 27

Sunday's 4/815pm Games:
Minnesota Vikings @ Arizona Cardinals (-3): This is gonna be a good one; and it's also important, more so for playoff positioning (3 seed). It's a battle of strengths; can the Cards stop the Vikings' rushing attack at all? Can the Vikings stop the Cardinals' passing attack at all? The Cards have proven they can slow down a running game- when they played the Giants a few weeks back...and the thing with the Vikes is their passing attack is very meager. The Cards got this, being at home and all. Arizona 30 Minnesota 17

Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers (-7.5): I'm not sure what made this game 415pm worthy (maybe to give the Broncos a chance to wake up?) but whatever. Anyhow, the Broncos are gonna find it hard pressed to stop Carolina's rushing attack...if Tampa Bay couldn't do it then my God. These Broncos have proven us wrong before though with wins @ Atlanta and the Jets...and with a passing game that they have they will put up points on the board (Antonio Bryant went bonkers last week and I don't see why Brandon Marshall can't do the same). Ultimately though Carolina will be too much in what will be a higher scoring game than people think. Carolina 38 Denver 28

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens (-2.5): If you want a physical as all hell game with some bad blood stewing and first place in a division (and likely a first round bye along with it) on the line...this is your game right here. Both defenses do not give up an inch whatsoever. Field position is gonna be absolutely key and I think it's gonna be a matter of which safety makes the most impact: Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed. I give the Ravens the edge being at home. Baltimore 17 Pittsburgh 10

New England Patriots @ Oakland Raiders (+7.5): The Pats stay out in the west coast this week and Matt Cassell learned that his father has died. His status for the game on Sunday is in limbo but one thing that's not in limbo is how dreadful Oakland's offense has been. Their only TD last week at San Diego was via a kickoff return...but these Pats aren't that good. Oakland might be able to hang with them for a little...but there's no way they should win. New England 20 Oakland 13

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (-3): This is a season-defining game for both teams. Both teams are coming off of bad losses- the Giants being pushed around by the Eagles 20-14 (the score was much closer than the actual gameplay); while the Cowboys blew their game @ Pittsburgh in the last minutes of the game. The Giants have won the NFC East...but suddenly homefield advantage throughout doesn't look so certain. The Cowboys are desperately not only trying to seek revenge from the 35-14 napalming they received in Jersey...but are also trying to keep a hold of their 5 seed. Romo tends to play well against the Giants (in the regular season) and I think the Cowboys' players will heed the message. The New York Media is gonna panic on Monday...over a soon to be 11-3 team...ridiculous. Dallas 31 NY Giants 24

Monday Night-
Cleveland Browns (+14) @ Philadelphia Eagles: The Browns have played their best on Monday Night Football actually hah. They're 2-0 SU/ATS this year...including the biggest shock of the season thus far- the 35-14 beatdown of the Giants. But seriously...who in the blue hell runs the Browns' offense right now? Ken Dorsey. Christ. The Eagles have finally figured out their offense begins and ends with gettin my main man Brian Westbrook the ball all day, everyday in every which way. The Browns' will show up again on MNF...but this time will lose. Philadelphia 31 Cleveland 20

And so on.

NFL Playoff Projections/Power 5/Powerless 5.

Lets get right to it:

AFC:

1) Tennessee Titans (13-3)- They've already clinched at least a 2 seed after a victory and Jets loss last week. They'll win a close one @ Houston before closing out with defeats over Pittsburgh and @ Indianapolis.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)- They showed their mettle coming from behind in that Dallas game. They'll lose this week @ Baltimore but close out with victories @ Tennessee and vs. Cleveland.
3) Miami Dolphins (11-5)- I am convinced my Jets will choke; and the Dolphins will take advantage of hosting (and defeating) San Francisco and Kansas City before beating us in week 17.
4) Denver Broncos (9-7)- With San Diego all but dead, they're the AFC West champs in my mind. They'll lose @ Carolina this week and to Buffalo the following week...before taking out the Chargers in San Diego.
5) Indianapolis Colts (11-5)- Another gimme game in their schedule (Detroit). They'll slip up at Jacksonville (for some reason) but take out the Titans at home to end the season. They own the tiebreaker over the Ravens for the #5 due to their head-to-head win.
6) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)- They'll win the showdown vs. Pittsburgh this week...but then slip up at Dallas the following week before handling Jacksonville.

NFC:

1) New York Giants (12-4)- That loss to the Eagles was huge. I still think they'll get homefield but it's gonna be hella tough these next three weeks. I have them losing to Dallas, then beating Carolina (which will save them)...before a tough matchup @ Minnesota which I can see them losing (but the question will be whether the Williamses play for MIN or not).
2) Tampa Bay Bucs (11-5)- The loss to Carolina hurts; and they won't get any breaks facing the Falcons next week either. But they win their last two to pull with a tie with Carolina...and win the conference tiebreaker with them (they'd be even head-to-head as well as NFC South-wise).
3) Arizona Cardinals (11-5)- I still think the NFC West Champs can run the table. The game @ New England is what I haven't really decided on yet (given Arizona's poor record in the East) but they have MIN and SEA at home.
4) Minnesota Vikings (10-6)- They have it really tough. With that said, I think they can eek out 2 of 3 (losing this week to Arizona) before beating Atlanta and the Giants.
5) Dallas Cowboys (11-5)- They beat the Giants this week, then Baltimore before succumbing to the Eagles in the last game of the season.
6) Carolina Panthers (11-5)- They'll complete a perfect 8-0 home record by defeating the Broncos...before losing their last two to the Giants and Saints on the road.

Power 5:

1) Tennessee Titans (12-1): They did exactly what was expected of them last week versus Cleveland. Traveling to Houston has never been an easy task for them however (hence the low 3.5 spread in Vegas) so they need to watch out here.

2) New York Giants (11-2): I guess the distractions finally caught up to them this week. They looked extremely lethargic particularly on defense, only recording ONE sack and forcing no turnovers. They won the division...but not the way they liked to. They're gonna be angry...but they bump into another extremely angry team this week in the Cowboys. Drama ensues. NY Media goes nuts if the Giants lose.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3): I gotta give credit where credit is due. When they were stopped on 4th down down 13-3 I thought it was all but over. But they never seemed to panic and pulled that one out. Their confidence is very high heading into Baltimore I bet. Their defense is light-years ahead of their offense still. Sidenote: That Streak for Cash winner has to be in love with Tony Romo for his ineptitude last week.

4) Carolina Panthers (10-3): That was a scintillating performance on national TV versus the Bucs. Their defense had some issues...but with a running game like that...Good God. They should be able to run all over the Broncos this coming week.

5) Indianapolis Colts (9-4): Pretty tough for me to choose between them and the Ravens for this spot...but the Colts are streaking. Granted their level of opposition has been weak recently (Browns, Bengals, and now Lions) but that's what good teams do- take advantage of soft schedules. With a team like this regaining confidence...they're gonna be a tough out come playoff time.

I got Next: Baltimore Ravens (9-4), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4)

Powerless 5:

1) Detroit Lions (0-13): Well. They only lost by 4 last week...

2) Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1): Can this season end for them already?? Funny thing is though this week they MIGHT win against the Redskins? If it's any motivation- the Redskins have lost to the Rams at home already.

3) St. Louis Rams (2-11): OK, so we expected the Cardinals to bitch-smack them around. What is sad however- Arizona's Defense 14, St. Louis 10. At least for them though they have an equally inept team on their schedule next...

4) Seattle Seahawks (2-11): They showed up! But did you really think that 21-13 lead was gonna stand up? I had hoped so personally but oh well. They'll likely find themselves out of the Bottom 5 next week @ St. Louis...and could fuck up their chances at a top 5 pick along with it.

5) Oakland Raiders (3-10): I know Kansas City has a worse record than them but I keep them here because at least once again the Chiefs came to play. Meanwhile, two weeks after Oakland had "visions of playoffs" (yes that's the hallucinations AFC West teams had) they are back to normal. Facing New England this week doesn't help matters but they did beat the Jets, lost to the Bills by 1 and lost to the Dolphins by 2...

I got Next: Kansas City Chiefs (2-11), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)

And so on.

Early New Year's Resolutions.

Yeah it had been hella long since I had a dope as fuck weekend as I did this past weekend. It made me appreciate the little things that had been missing from my life the past few months.

- I'm blessed to be friends with the people who I am with.
- People who want to fade from your life- let them be and fade out yourself because it's not worth worrying about them when they're not worrying about you.
- You can't dwell on decisions others have made to make themselves happy. At the end of the day the most important person is yourself. If something wasn't meant to be- it's likely for the best...it's like poppin a chick in the ass before puttin the lube on her if you try to force shit.

With that in mind, I'm so looking forward to this piece of shit year to end that I'm already lookin forward to what changes I like to make in 2009:

1) More selfish: I need to realize that yes it's cool to put others before yourself...it's not worth doin so to people who don't deserve that. Far too often I've tried so hard to make other ppl happy that I wind up disappointing myself...probably a reason why I have such high standards for myself and get upset when I feel like I haven't lived up to them to someone. So in 2009 I am gonna still be me...but only going out of my way for people when I know there's a mutual benefit involved.

2) Running in a half-marathon in May or June; doing the NYC Marathon in November: Yeah the latter is a stretch...but I can feasibly get myself to do the former. I've been doing a lot of 5Ks in the past few months and I have ran/jogged 5 miles consistently for the past few weeks now. I can easily get myself to the 10 mile mark by March if I continue to dedicate myself and who knows from there. It's more of a self-esteem booster for me.

3) Significantly cutting back on my drinking: I've already done this, but I am gonna have to continue this trend. My excessive drinking I had came to learn was getting me absolutely nowhere...as I would have to be trashed in order to make myself believe I was havin a good time. I was simply in denial however- allowing the little things to bother the fuck out of me. I got to the point where I would literally live for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights because I know then I could go to the bar and pound hella drinks. I don't need to do that anymore...just a couple drinks here and there with good company is more than enough.

4) Finding a job by February: I just finished an internship over at PRISM...which is a sports sponsorship company; and gained some invaluable experience in that realm. I'm actually stepping out of my introverted realm and have been networking ever so slowly with people to hopefully get myself working full-time in a month or so. That would be huge.

5) More outgoing: I've always been the shy type and I don't think that's gonna change now after 23 years. However, I need to continue going to different places meeting new people (chicks) and not worry about goin too hard. Plus hopefully with this change of attitude comes a change in self-confidence, which has been fairly low up to this point.

I don't talk about tryin to lose hella weight blah blah because that shouldn't just be for the year...that should be for life- trying to lose it and not only get back to my summer 2006 level but even better than that. Sure it can impress others but the one person I must impress, the one person that carries himself around is myself.

What a difference one weekend can have on an entire outlook. I coulda sworn I was depressed...when in fact it's just a matter of getting up from your ass and getting back to what you had been doing and just do you.

Good riddance 2008.

And so on.

NFL Week 14 Bettors Guide.

Last week: 9-7 straight up; 5-10 against the spread (there was no line in the Dolphins-Rams game til after I posted this up)

Last month: 39-22-1 straight up; 29-29 against the spread.

Tonight-
Oakland Raiders (+9.5) @ San Diego Chargers: I've given up hope for the Chargers. It's like waitin for someone to get back up after bein punched in the gut, you expect them to recover from it but they couldn't answer the 10 count. What an embarrassing way to get knocked out by the way. Anyways, Oakland has a decent enough defense to keep this game close (we know Tomlinson isn't 100%)...the question is whether or not their anemic offense can do ANYTHING. This time the Chargers win but it's too little too late. San Diego 20 Oakland 13

Sunday's 1pm Slate-
Minnesota Vikings (NL) @ Detroit Lions: The only reason why there's no line in this game is because of the uncertain status of Pat and Kevin Williams, the key to the Vikings' excellent run defense. They were scheduled to be suspended four weeks for using a banned diuretic but right now it's being appealed. Nevertheless the Lions nearly beat the Vikes last time they played but fell short 10-9. The Vikes should be able to run on the Lions all day but if the Williamses don't play, the Lions may actually be able to put in some work. Minnesota 27 Detroit 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (+6.5) @ Chicago Bears: What a disappointing season for the Jaguars. One that's been marred with injuries, a shooting (Richard Collier) and a total lack of team chemistry. Should be an L right? Not so fast. These Bears are mediocre as all hell...and I'm surprised the line is as high as it is. Upset time. Jacksonville 23 Chicago 20

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts (-13.5): God Bless TJ Houzmendazedah because I don't know how he deals with this mess of an offense in Cincy. Who woulda thought coming into this season the Bengals' offense would be the bigger issue? Anyways, the Colts are quietly rollin and beginning to click on the offensive side of the ball. This should be easy for Peyton and company. Indianapolis 31 Cincinnati 10

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-3): Always take the NFC South home team. Always. This will be a fun game to watch though. New Orleans 34 Atlanta 28

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants (-7): All these distractions for the Giants have not fazed them one bit. They've been through the same song and dance over, and over, and over again. Vegas I think is once again being generous with this unit. New York 27 Philadelphia 14

Houston Texans (+6) @ Green Bay Packers: Houston looks like they're primed for yet another one of their "saving grace" runs to end the season on a high note...meanwhile you can't get a read on these Packers. They're still very much alive in NFC North...but they need to get their act together QUICK because this Texans' offense is nothing to snicker at (Top 5 in the NFL). Upset time. Houston 27 Green Bay 21

Cleveland Browns @ Tennessee Titans (-14): I think 14 is too generous. Until you factor in the following for the Browns- Starting QB: Ken Dorsey. No Kellen Winslow. If Jamal Lewis can't get on track with the Titans' stingy run defense...God bless and goodnight. Tennessee 24 Cleveland 3

Sunday's 4pm/815pm Slate-

NY Jets (-4) @ San Francisco 49ers: I just hope to GOD this comes to fruition. For some odd reason the Jets are 0-3 this year in 4pm games. They have dominated the NFC West this year thus far- outscoring Arizona and St. Louis 103-38...albeit both those games have been at home. These 49ers have been playing inspired football as of late, the one saving grace for the Jets though is, they got smacked in the mouth by the Broncos and I'm sure they're not gonna take that lying down 2 weeks in a row. NY Jets 28 San Francisco 20

New England Patriots (-5) @ Seattle Seahawks: Seattle's offense is simply abysmal. New England got annihilated by the Steelers. This doesn't bode well. New England 27 Seattle 10

Kansas City Chiefs (+9) @ Denver Broncos: The Broncos' defense actually played well last week. Meanwhile, KC finally got off the schnide in Oakland. This is gonna be a shootout though folks. Denver 31 Kansas City 28

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-1): This game is actually in Toronto. Both teams are coming off of mediocre performances. The Dolphins won yes...but that's because they played the Rams. It was a mere 16-12 victory. The Bills meanwhile dominated the 49ers...yet were on the losing end of a 10-3 game. I look for the Bills to bounce back in this one. Btw, is it just me or is it weird as fuck all AFC East teams have 4pm games this week? Buffalo 20 Miami 17

Dallas Cowboys (+3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Game of the week right here. Pittsburgh's defense has been spectacular lately. Dallas has rebounded very nicely ever since Tony Romo has returned. Something is gonna have to give; and the Steelers have had some level of difficulty against the NFC East this year...going 1-2 overall. Dallas vs. the AFC North is 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS. Dallas pulls this one out though. Dallas 17 Pittsburgh 13

St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals (-14): Ladies and gentlemen your 2008 NFC West Champions- Arizona Cardinals. I don't think I need to explain myself any further. Arizona 38 St. Louis 14

Washington Redskins @ Baltimore Ravens (-5): Good luck trying to run on the Ravens' defense...who have been just as stifling as the Steelers' defense...even if they don't get the credit as PIT does. Joe Flacco's been stepping his game up lately as well and the Ravens will prove their mettle in this Beltway matchup. Baltimore 23 Washington 13

Monday Night-
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (-3): Finally a MNF game worth watching. First place in the NFC South is on the line here and both teams haven't done anything too exceptional. But they simply know how to win. I don't have much to say here, just enjoy watching these two defenses put in work and the game comes down to whichever offense can take advantage of their opportunities. And it's in Carolina- so by NFC South law...Carolina 21 Tampa Bay 17

And so on.

College Football Bettors Guide.

There's only 16 games overall this entire week how exciting. It is however, championship week in some teams' cases. For the sake of niggaitis there's no true need to explain myself in most of these games.

Last week: 9-5 straight up; 5-8-1 against the spread.

Past month: 47-19 straight up; 31-33-1 against the spread.

Tonight-
Middle Tennessee State @ Louisiana-Lafayette (-5): Both teams are going in opposite directions. MTSU has won 3 straight while ULL has lost 3 straight. ULL was in the hunt for the Sun Belt title prior to their slide. The winner here becomes bowl eligible with their 6th win. I'm gonna go with the home team. Louisiana-Lafayette 28 Middle Tennessee State 20

Tommorrow-
Louisville (+10) @ Rutgers (730pm-ESPN): It feels so long ago but 2 years ago this game was what put Rutgers into national prominence when they beat then #3 Louisville in a Thursday night thriller. What's at stake here this time though? Not much, except for Rutgers maybe a better bowl bid? Louisville pisses me off spreadwise yet it's like an ex that you get good dome from- you keep comin back. But they play each other fairly close usually. Rutgers 31 Louisville 24

Friday-
#12 Ball State (-15) vs. Buffalo (8pm-ESPN): The MAC title game. Ball State is undefeated and figures to steamroll past the pesky Bulls who have made themselves notorious for winning in the last minute/OT. There will be no OT. Ball State will stomp on their throats and not let go, unlike some of UB's other opponents. And for the sake of Central Michigan/Western Michigan Ball State can ill afford to give Buffalo an automatic berth. Ball State 42 Buffalo 21

Saturday-
Army vs. Navy (-11) (Noon-CBS): As usual, Navy's goin bowlin and Army's goin nowhere but that's usually the furthest thing from your mind when these two power running teams play each other. Navy is the much better team though. Navy 34 Army 17

#23 Pittsburgh (+3) @ Connecticut (Noon): Pitt for the 2nd year in a row won the Backyard Brawl with rival West Virginia and looks to continue to put a stamp on finally a season where they reached expectations. There's not much on the line for either team except for momentum heading into their bowl game. UConn's favored bc they're at home. Don't buy it. Pittsburgh 23 Connecticut 20

East Carolina @ Tulsa (-13) (Noon-ESPN): The C-USA championship game. But it's being played in Tulsa, where Tulsa is impregnable straight up and ATS. Lately they've been able to be slowed down which is true. Just not at home. Remember when people were tabbing ECU as the next big BCS buster and they moved up to #13 in the rankings after 2 weeks? Yeah, me either. The Tulsa Show successfully defends their title. Tulsa 45 East Carolina 28

#17 Boston College (PK) vs. #25 Virginia Tech (1pm- ABC): Va Tech in case yall didn't know are the defending ACC champs. And this is actually a rematch of last year's snoozer in which Va Tech won. It's only fitting that it's a pick'em game. Boston College 20 Virginia Tech 14

Washington (+35.5) @ California (3pm): I would like to think that Washington after having 2 weeks to think about how they somehow lost to the Wazzu Horror Show would at least TRY to make Ty Willingham come out a winner against the spread at the VERY LEAST. Please? California 45 Washington 10

#1 Alabama vs. #4 Florida (-9.5) (4pm-CBS): Florida=spread covering machines. This will be their toughest challenge to date no doubt. But hey, until it breaks, don't try to fix what you've been doin. Florida 31 Alabama 17

#5 USC (-33) @ UCLA (430pm- ABC): We'll see you back in Pasadena on January 1st USC. USC 38 UCLA 3

Arkansas State (+11) @ Troy (7pm): This is the defacto Sun Belt title game I suppose. I don't know anythin about numbers though. Troy 34 Arkansas State 24

South Florida (+7.5) @ West Virginia (8pm): Zzzzzz no drama zzzzzzz. Zzzzz..ohh wait, USF has beat WVU 2 straight years. Make it three for these 2 schizo as fuck disappointments. South Florida 21 West Virginia 17

Arizona State @ Arizona (-11) (8pm): I can't take a team seriously that even though they won 34-9 did so with 4 DEFENSIVE TDs and only had 112 yards of total offense. Nor can I take a team seriously that lost to UNLV. Arizona 35 Arizona State 14

#20 Missouri vs. #2 Oklahoma (-17) (8pm-ABC): The Big 12 title game. Mizzou is lookin for the Twist of Fate (in other words- they want to KO Oklahoma from the NC game the same way OU did to them last year). God Bless Chase Daniel and company but their firepower is nothing compared to Sam Bradford. Yeah yeah yeah stranger things have happened...umm how about no. Oklahoma 49 Mizzou 28

#13 Cincinnati @ Hawaii (+7.5) (1130pm- ESPN2): Aww the last regular season game of the year. You gotta envy Cincy, they won their conference the day before playing their game. That game was against Syracuse for Christ sakes. Then they get to go to Hawaii in the fun and the sun knowing they're the Big East champs. And then they go to the Orange Bowl after that. Receipe for an upset. Hawaii 24 Cincinnati 21.

And so on.

NFL Playoff Predictions/Power 5/Powerlesss 5.

My second installment.

Playoff Projections (AFC):

1) Tennessee (13-3): Wins- Cle and Hou. Losses- Pit and Ind. Pit and Ind are at the end of the year in which by then Tennessee should have home-field already wrapped up.
2) Pittsburgh (11-5): Wins- Ten and Cle. Losses- Dal and Bal. Would hold the tiebreaker over the Ravens with better conference record (10-2). That win @ NE was huge for Pittsburgh as they're able to keep their distance from the red-hot Ravens.
3) NY Jets (11-5): Wins- Buf, Mia and Sea. Loss to SF. I just have a feeling it's gonna be one of the West Coast teams they're gonna lose to; I just don't know which one exactly.
4) Denver (9-7): Wins- KC and SD. Losses- Car and Buf. This is one confusing as fuck team to figure out but at least we know they'll take the division now.
5) Indianapolis (11-5): Wins- Cin, Det, Ten. Loss to Jax. Would hold the tiebreaker over the Ravens by virtue of their 31-3 win over them in Week 5. If you're a Colts' fan you GOT to be salivating over this ridiculously easy schedule down the stretch (the projected wins being at home). The game @ Jax could feasibly be a win as well considering how poorly Jacksonville has played lately.
6) Baltimore (11-5): Wins- Was, Pit, Jax. Loss to Dal. As a Jets' fan I would be scared shitless to play them in the first round. This could be the most dangerous 6 seed of all time.

Playoff Projections (NFC):
1) NY Giants (13-3): Wins- Phi and Car. Losses- Dal and Min. The Giants should have the division all but wrapped up this week.
2) Tampa Bay (11-5): Wins- SD and Oak. Losses- Atl and Car. Would hold the tiebreaker over the Panthers for the division by virtue of better conference record (8-4). Would hold the tiebreaker over the Cardinals I'm sure by having a stronger strength of schedule.
3) Arizona (11-5): Wins- StL, Sea, NE, Min. 3 of their final 4 are at home (they travel to NE in week 16).
4) Minnesota (10-6): Wins- Det, NYG, Atl. Loss- Arz. The NFC North is theirs to lose now. The Atlanta game is gonna be tough but it is at home. The Giants' game is the last game of the season and the Vikes MIGHT get a break with the Giants' already having homefield.
5) Dallas (11-5): Wins- NYG, Pit and Bal. Loss to Phi. This team is finally rollin and the twist of fate here is that them and the Giants' right now have switched seeds last year. Imagine a Dal @ NYG Divisional Playoff game dear God. Honestly I don't know who'd hold the tiebreaker between the Cowboys and the Panthers at this point though I'm too lazy to break that down- since they'd have the same conference record (7-5)
6) Carolina (11-5): Wins- Den and TB. Losses- NYG and NO. I don't know how any of those NFC South teams do it to be honest. That was a tremendous victory on the road last week. Steve Smith bailed them out BIG-TIME.

My Power 5:

1) NY Giants (11-1): They just keep rollin along. Vegas has been very generous with them too...only 3.5 point favorites last week @ Washington?? What were they thinking, they were just beggin to get robbed hah. No Plaxico, no problem...for now. They clinch the division this week versus the Eagles.

2) Tennessee Titans (11-1): They did exactly what everyone in America expected them to do to the Lions on Thanksgiving. Up next- a depleted Cleveland Browns team who now is down to Ken Dorsey at QB and will be without Kellen Winslow this week. Oh, and they only scored 6 points on the Colts' D without Bob Sanders. Dear God.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): Boy did they ever make a statement at Foxboro last week especially on the defensive side of the ball (5 forced turnovers). They made Matt Cassell look like an all-pro Clipboard Holder for this week. The 33-10 score could've been a lot worse actually but the Steelers settled for 3 FGs from 25 yards out or less. Up next- another tough NFC opponent in the streaking Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers are 1-2 vs. the NFC this year.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3): How do you slow down Drew Brees? Force him to throw INTs. Their offense is nothing to write about at all (i.e. Jeff Garcia going 9-23 for 119 and a TD BUT...no turnovers again) and this team as a whole you're just like umm... But if it translates to victories, so be it.

5) Carolina Panthers (9-3): That was a gritty win on the road in Lambeau that both teams needed...yet Carolina wanted more. Deangelo Williams is a BEAST...I remember when he was coming out of Memphis and I raved about him- how badly I wanted him to be a Jet and I just knew Carolina was gonna reap the benefits when they got him. Him and Steve Smith bailed out Jake Delhomme, who's just had an extremely mediocre season. Their defense though is gonna have to step it up a notch.

Next in line- Baltimore Ravens (8-4), Indianapolis Colts (8-4), New York Jets (8-4)

Powerless 5:

1) Detroit Lions (0-12): At this point, is there anything that needs to be said??? You know things are bad when fantasy pronogsticators are pegging Gus freakin Ferrote as a MUST-START at QB on your fantasy team LORD HAVE MERCY. Sidenote- don't do it hah...Adrian Peterson AND Chester Taylor might go for 175+ yards.

2) Cincinnati Bengals (1-10-1): Total yards on the Baltimore Ravens- 309. Doesn't sound that bad right? Wait, no, that's in the 2 games they played them this year. This team is gonna have to be blown up on the offensive side of the ball. How the hell is Ryan Fitzpatrick a starter in this league??? Probably because for the 3rd time this year he's led the team in rushing yards.

3) Seattle Seahawks (2-10): This is probably a bit harsh. But they were nowhere to be found in Dallas last week, at least in the first half. Their offense is sad; and what in God's name was Julius Jones doing starting after Maurice Morris had a 100+ yard game the other week? Because "he wanted to stick it to his former team?" Please. After that fumble which killed their first drive of the game he shoulda put Morris in.

4) St. Louis Rams (2-10): They had their play-hard game of the month. Then again, don't get your hopes up...Miami is a TERRIBLE team when it comes to facing teams they're supposed to destroy (i.e. Seattle, Oakland). Arizona will smoke them to the tune of 40+ points next week.

5) Oakland Raiders (3-9): They get the nod over KC here since they lost to them. A botched fake field goal that led to a KC touchdown. ONE RECEPTION by a wide receiver all game (for 0 yards btw). Only scoring 13 points on that defense? Fuckin A. They blew their chance to tie the Chargers for 2nd place hah.

Next in line- Kansas City Chiefs (2-10), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)

And so on.

Bold Move or Foolish Move?

With my confidence and swag sagging big-time; I basically have let myself have three options:
a) To hell with even tryin to talk to chicks right now
b) Go from being my passive self and get agressive right off the bat
c) Have my boys do the pursuing for me and then work my magic from there. Well ok, it seems more like Magic's Biggest Secrets: Finally Revealed but you get the idea.

Lets see what I get with choice A:
Strengths- My ego doesn't take any hits and I can't get let down as usual and fail. Sure "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take" but if you're still missing shots that you're attempting then why bother?
Weakness- It just sounds gay. Also, I would be depriving myself.

With choice B:
Strengths- Apparently girls like dudes who are more forward and are willing to take charge. I tend to do this a lot more when I'm not sober as well and it usually works (whether with gettin digits or hookin up, shit like that).
Weakness- If I go this route and do get rejected, I do not take it well whatsoever and it destroys my night

With choice C:
Strengths- It's like gettin a reference and you don't have to prove your worth as much in order to succeed.
Weakness- If you don't impress her then you have no game. Maybe it wasn't your night/her type either but you're gonna think you have no game. Which in turn, burns your ego even more because you had a shot at the title and lost.

So last Friday night, I went with choice B. I went to this bar on the Upper West Side in whom my boy knows a whole lot of ppl (namely for this sake of the conversation chicks). I decide on some super-random shit to talk to this one bartender who has worked there and I have met exactly one time, a chick named Andrea. I thought she was lookin pretty damn good...so I said fuck it why not and conversed with her for maybe 20 minutes. Then for some odd reason...I asked her if she had time and wanted to go ice skatin with me at some point (ehh next week or so). After jokin around about it and her talkin about how she's dated hockey players blah blah blah you gotta impress me- my answer was: I'm flattered; but I'm busy...and I don't think it'd be the right kind of date to go on.

FUCK!

I get dead quiet and on the low I was about pissed off for 45 minutes. I don't know why. I should have expected it though.

Bold move to go for the kill so quickly (keepin it real)? Or foolish move in that I didn't even wait til I even got to know her better (using the date as a ploy for that)?

And so on. Sponsored by my main man Stephon Marbury.