Here is the reason this blog even exists. The final results of the great experiment to see how well I could pick the over-under for each NFL team's 2007 regular-season wins. Listed below is exactly how I picked them to finish, their predicted record and the number in parenthasis represents what Vegas listed as the over-under back in August. I'm giving myself the benefit of the doubt, because I would not have picked a team to push. Their actual record is in bold.
I predicted 18 right, 13 wrong and there was one (1) push -- San Diego with 11 wins. That comes out to .578. I was hoping for much better than 58%, but at least I still would have won some money. To break it down by conference, I went 10-5-1 in the AFC and 8-8 in the NFC.
I predicted 6 of the 12 playoff teams correctly and 5 of the 8 division champions: Dallas, Green Bay, New England, Indianapolis and San Diego. Pittsburgh is the other team I predicted to go to the playoffs but not to win their division.
NFC
East
*Dallas: 13-3 (9) 13-3 (correct)
*Philadelphia: 12-4 (9) 8-8 (incorrect)
NY Giants: 8-8 (8) 10-6 (correct)
Washington: 3-13 (7.5) 9-7 (incorrect)
North
*Green Bay: 8-8 (7.5) 13-3 (correct)
Chicago: 8-8 (10) 7-9 (correct)
Detroit: 8-8 (6) 7-9 (correct)
Minnesota: 4-12 (6.5) 8-8 (incorrect)
South
*New Orleans: 14-2 (9) 7-9 (incorrect)
Carolina: 5-11 (9) 7-9 (correct)
Tampa Bay: 3-13 (7) 9-7 (incorrect)
Atlanta: 1-15 (7.5) 4-12 (correct)
West
*San Francisco: 11-5 (8) 5-11 (incorrect)
*St. Louis: 11-5 (7.5) 3-13 (incorrect)
Seattle: 10-6 (9) 10-6 (correct)
Arizona: 5-11 (7.5) 8-8 (incorrect)
AFC
East
*New England: 13-3 (11.5) 16-0 (correct)
NY Jets: 7-9 (8) 4-12 (correct)
Buffalo: 5-11 (6) 7-9 (incorrect)
Miami: 3-13 (7.5) 1-15 (correct)
North
*Cincinnati: 12-4 (9) 7-9 (incorrect)
*Pittsburgh: 11-5 (9) 10-6 (correct)
Baltimore: 7-9 (9.5) 5-11 (correct)
Cleveland: 2-14 (6) 10-6 (incorrect)
South
*Indianapolis: 13-3 (10.5) 13-3 (correct)
*Houston: 9-7 (6.5) 8-8 (correct)
Tennessee: 8-8 (7) 10-6 (correct)
Jacksonville: 6-10 (9) 11-5 (incorrect)
West
*San Diego: 14-2 (11) 11-5 (push)
Kansas City: 9-7 (7.5) 4-12 (incorrect)
Denver: 6-10 (9.5) 7-9 (correct)
Oakland: 3-13 (5) 4-12 (correct)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Final Regular Season Tally
Even though I will keep picking through the playoffs, here's the final tally for my 2008 regular season picks:
Week 17
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 10-5-1
For the season
Straight Up: 176-80 (.688)
Against the Spread: 139-108-9 (.561)
Week 17
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 10-5-1
For the season
Straight Up: 176-80 (.688)
Against the Spread: 139-108-9 (.561)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Week 17 Picks
Saturday, Dec. 29
New England (-14.5) at NY Giants -- NY to cover
Sunday, Dec. 30
Buffalo (+7.5) at Philadelphia -- BUF to cover
Carolina (-2.5) at Tampa Bay
Cincinnati (-3) at Miami
Dallas (+8.5) at Washington -- DAL to cover
Detroit (+3.5) at Green Bay
Jacksonville (+6.5) at Houston
New Orleans (-2.5) at Chicago
Pittsburgh (-4) at Baltimore
Seattle (+2.5) at Atlanta
San Francisco (+10) at Cleveland -- SF to cover
Tennessee (+6.5) at Indianapolis -- IND to cover
Minnesota (-3) at Denver
San Diego (-8) at Oakland
St. Louis (+6) at Arizona
Kansas City (+6) at NY Jets
New England (-14.5) at NY Giants -- NY to cover
Sunday, Dec. 30
Buffalo (+7.5) at Philadelphia -- BUF to cover
Carolina (-2.5) at Tampa Bay
Cincinnati (-3) at Miami
Dallas (+8.5) at Washington -- DAL to cover
Detroit (+3.5) at Green Bay
Jacksonville (+6.5) at Houston
New Orleans (-2.5) at Chicago
Pittsburgh (-4) at Baltimore
Seattle (+2.5) at Atlanta
San Francisco (+10) at Cleveland -- SF to cover
Tennessee (+6.5) at Indianapolis -- IND to cover
Minnesota (-3) at Denver
San Diego (-8) at Oakland
St. Louis (+6) at Arizona
Kansas City (+6) at NY Jets
Week 16 Results
Week 16
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 12-4
For the Season
Straight Up: 163-77 (.679)
Against the Spread: 129-103-8 (.554)
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 12-4
For the Season
Straight Up: 163-77 (.679)
Against the Spread: 129-103-8 (.554)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Week 16 Picks
Thursday, Dec. 20
Pittsburgh (-8) at St. Louis
Saturday, Dec. 22
Dallas (-11) at Carolina
Sunday, Dec. 23
Cleveland (-3) at Cincinnati
Green Bay (-9) at Chicago -- CHI to cover
Houston (+7) at Indianapolis
Kansas City (+4.5) at Detroit
Miami (+22) at New England -- MIA to cover
NY Giants (-3) at Buffalo
Oakland (+13) at Jacksonville
Philadelphia (+3.5) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+10) at Arizona
Baltimore (+10) at Seattle
NY Jets (+9) at Tennessee
Tampa Bay (-7) at San Francisco
Washington (+6.5) at Minnesota -- WAS to cover
Monday, Dec. 24
Denver (+9) at San Diego
Pittsburgh (-8) at St. Louis
Saturday, Dec. 22
Dallas (-11) at Carolina
Sunday, Dec. 23
Cleveland (-3) at Cincinnati
Green Bay (-9) at Chicago -- CHI to cover
Houston (+7) at Indianapolis
Kansas City (+4.5) at Detroit
Miami (+22) at New England -- MIA to cover
NY Giants (-3) at Buffalo
Oakland (+13) at Jacksonville
Philadelphia (+3.5) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+10) at Arizona
Baltimore (+10) at Seattle
NY Jets (+9) at Tennessee
Tampa Bay (-7) at San Francisco
Washington (+6.5) at Minnesota -- WAS to cover
Monday, Dec. 24
Denver (+9) at San Diego
Monday, December 17, 2007
Week 15 Results
Week 15
Straight Up: 9-7
Against the Spread: 7-9
For the Season
Straight Up: 150-74 (.670)
Against the Spread: 117-99-8 (.540)
Straight Up: 9-7
Against the Spread: 7-9
For the Season
Straight Up: 150-74 (.670)
Against the Spread: 117-99-8 (.540)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Interesting
I know Dallas Cowboys fans laugh at the Houston Texans and how terrible they are and how stupid of a draft pick Mario Williams was and on and on and on...
...but I prefer to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The Cowboys are in their 48th season in the NFL, while the Texans are in their sixth.
Here are the Cowboys first six seasons in the NFL:
1960: 0-11-1
1961: 4-9-1
1962: 5-8-1
1963: 4-10
1964: 5-8-1
1965: 7-7 (made the playoffs for the first time)
Total: 25-53-4 (.329)
Here are the Texans' first six seasons in the NFL:
2002: 4-12
2003: 5-11
2004: 7-9
2005: 2-14
2006: 6-10
2007: 6-7
Total: 30-63 (.323)
Funny thing is, if the Texans win this week, they will have a nearly identical record as the Cowboys through their first six seasons. The Cowboys did not go to the Super Bowl until their 11th season and did not win one until their 13th, so the Texans are on the clock for the next five years.
...but I prefer to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The Cowboys are in their 48th season in the NFL, while the Texans are in their sixth.
Here are the Cowboys first six seasons in the NFL:
1960: 0-11-1
1961: 4-9-1
1962: 5-8-1
1963: 4-10
1964: 5-8-1
1965: 7-7 (made the playoffs for the first time)
Total: 25-53-4 (.329)
Here are the Texans' first six seasons in the NFL:
2002: 4-12
2003: 5-11
2004: 7-9
2005: 2-14
2006: 6-10
2007: 6-7
Total: 30-63 (.323)
Funny thing is, if the Texans win this week, they will have a nearly identical record as the Cowboys through their first six seasons. The Cowboys did not go to the Super Bowl until their 11th season and did not win one until their 13th, so the Texans are on the clock for the next five years.
Week 15 Picks
Thursday, Dec. 13
Denver (-1) at Houston
Sunday, Dec. 16
Cincinnati (-8.5) at San Francisco
Arizona (+4) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+13) at Tampa Bay
Baltimore (-3.5) at Miami
Buffalo (+5.5) at Cleveland
Green Bay (-9.5) at St. Louis
Jacksonville (+4) at Pittsburgh
New York Jets (+24.5) at New England
Seattle (-7) at Carolina
Tennessee (-4) at Kansas City
Indianapolis (-10.5) at Oakland
Detroit (+10.5) at San Diego -- DET to cover
Philadelphia (+10.5) at Dallas
Washington (+5) at New York Giants
Monday, Dec. 17
Chicago (+10) at Minnesota -- CHI to cover
Denver (-1) at Houston
Sunday, Dec. 16
Cincinnati (-8.5) at San Francisco
Arizona (+4) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+13) at Tampa Bay
Baltimore (-3.5) at Miami
Buffalo (+5.5) at Cleveland
Green Bay (-9.5) at St. Louis
Jacksonville (+4) at Pittsburgh
New York Jets (+24.5) at New England
Seattle (-7) at Carolina
Tennessee (-4) at Kansas City
Indianapolis (-10.5) at Oakland
Detroit (+10.5) at San Diego -- DET to cover
Philadelphia (+10.5) at Dallas
Washington (+5) at New York Giants
Monday, Dec. 17
Chicago (+10) at Minnesota -- CHI to cover
Week 14 Results
Week 14
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 11-5
For the season...
Straight Up: 141-67 (.678)
Against the Spread: 110-90-8 (.548)
Straight Up: 13-3
Against the Spread: 11-5
For the season...
Straight Up: 141-67 (.678)
Against the Spread: 110-90-8 (.548)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Waiting for Something Exciting
I've been quiet here the past few weeks, because there's just not a whole lot for me to be excited about right this second. The Texans' injury problems have been out of control and have ruined what started out as a promising season -- now I'm just looking forward to the draft. The Rockets are 9-9 coming off a disappointing loss to the Kings. I'm going to give the Rockets a free pass for the rest of 2007. They have played the toughest schedule in the NBA so far and have a new coach, new system and virtually all of their bench players are new or playing different roles. However, 2008 is a different story. January and February are very favorable months on the Rockets' schedule and I look for them to make a significant move and improve dramatically.
The Astros were so bad this season and so many things are wrong with this team, I fear the problems cannot be fixed in one offseason. I don't think they have the bargaining power to pull off a deal for another starting pitcher and a closer. I think Chad Qualls is a great set-up man, but I don't see him as the answer. I would try to go after a closer before a starter, because I think out of Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, Chris Sampson, Matt Albers and Troy Patton, three of them will be able to step up and do a serviceable job. However, serviceable does not win divisions or compete for the wild card, especially when you've got a weak No. 2 in the rotation.
Now on to my last team. I was all for Baylor making a serious run at Mike Singletary as its next head football coach, but I was OK if Ian McCaw decided to go in another direction. Singletary's inexperience as a head coach was a red flag, but in Baylor's position I don't think it was much of a risk considering the rewards that would be reaped in recruiting and national media exposure. For whatever reason, the two sides could not get on the same page during the interview and I don't care what happened. I still respect Mike and I have more respect for Ian to go out and make a solid hire.
I am happy with the selection of Art Briles, but I'm not annointing him the savior just yet. The man did not become a major college football coach by being an idiot, so of course many people are going to have great things to say about him. You don't get a 100% raise after a terrible evaluation. Each job, whether it's coaching or something else, is it's own beast, and being the head football coach at Baylor is a lot different than being the the head football coach at the University of Houston. I believe Coach Briles is a terrific offensive mind and is the right man for the job, but he must have an outstanding defensive coordinator. There should be no excuses, because money will be no object for this position, and Baylor had a respectable group out there last year. Even though the scoreboard was tilted, you came blame a lot of that on offensive turnovers deep in its own territory, the inability of the offense to sustain drives and manage the clock and a poor kicking game.
Next year's schedule is tough, but if Briles is as good as advertised, it's not unbearable (no pun intended). The one thing that impresses me most about Briles is he doesn't consider next year any kind of rebuilding year or honeymoon year. He wants to get it turned around now, and he wants to win no matter what.
Significant dates for the Sports Guy's teams:
Jan. 5, 2008: The Rockets return home from a brutal two-game road trip to Boston and Orlando to begin a favorable stretch through the end of February.
Feb. 15, 2008: Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.
April 26, 2008: NFL Draft -- Texans picking 11th right now.
Aug. 30, 2008: Baylor vs. Wake Forest
The Astros were so bad this season and so many things are wrong with this team, I fear the problems cannot be fixed in one offseason. I don't think they have the bargaining power to pull off a deal for another starting pitcher and a closer. I think Chad Qualls is a great set-up man, but I don't see him as the answer. I would try to go after a closer before a starter, because I think out of Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, Chris Sampson, Matt Albers and Troy Patton, three of them will be able to step up and do a serviceable job. However, serviceable does not win divisions or compete for the wild card, especially when you've got a weak No. 2 in the rotation.
Now on to my last team. I was all for Baylor making a serious run at Mike Singletary as its next head football coach, but I was OK if Ian McCaw decided to go in another direction. Singletary's inexperience as a head coach was a red flag, but in Baylor's position I don't think it was much of a risk considering the rewards that would be reaped in recruiting and national media exposure. For whatever reason, the two sides could not get on the same page during the interview and I don't care what happened. I still respect Mike and I have more respect for Ian to go out and make a solid hire.
I am happy with the selection of Art Briles, but I'm not annointing him the savior just yet. The man did not become a major college football coach by being an idiot, so of course many people are going to have great things to say about him. You don't get a 100% raise after a terrible evaluation. Each job, whether it's coaching or something else, is it's own beast, and being the head football coach at Baylor is a lot different than being the the head football coach at the University of Houston. I believe Coach Briles is a terrific offensive mind and is the right man for the job, but he must have an outstanding defensive coordinator. There should be no excuses, because money will be no object for this position, and Baylor had a respectable group out there last year. Even though the scoreboard was tilted, you came blame a lot of that on offensive turnovers deep in its own territory, the inability of the offense to sustain drives and manage the clock and a poor kicking game.
Next year's schedule is tough, but if Briles is as good as advertised, it's not unbearable (no pun intended). The one thing that impresses me most about Briles is he doesn't consider next year any kind of rebuilding year or honeymoon year. He wants to get it turned around now, and he wants to win no matter what.
Significant dates for the Sports Guy's teams:
Jan. 5, 2008: The Rockets return home from a brutal two-game road trip to Boston and Orlando to begin a favorable stretch through the end of February.
Feb. 15, 2008: Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.
April 26, 2008: NFL Draft -- Texans picking 11th right now.
Aug. 30, 2008: Baylor vs. Wake Forest
Monday, December 3, 2007
Week 14 Picks
Thursday, Dec. 6
Chicago (+3) at Washington
Sunday, Dec. 9
Carolina (+11) at Jacksonville
Dallas (-11) at Detroit -- DET to cover
Miami (+7) at Buffalo
NY Giants (+3) at Philadelphia
Oakland (+10.5) at Green Bay
Pittsburgh (+11) at New England -- PIT to cover
San Diego (-1) at Tennessee
St. Louis (+6.5) at Cincinnati
Tampa Bay at Houston
Arizona (+7) at Seattle -- ARZ to cover
Minnesota (+8) at San Francisco
Cleveland (-3.5) at NY Jets
Kansas City (+6.5) at Denver
Indianapolis (-9.5) at Baltimore
Monday, Dec. 10
New Orleans (-5) at Atlanta
Chicago (+3) at Washington
Sunday, Dec. 9
Carolina (+11) at Jacksonville
Dallas (-11) at Detroit -- DET to cover
Miami (+7) at Buffalo
NY Giants (+3) at Philadelphia
Oakland (+10.5) at Green Bay
Pittsburgh (+11) at New England -- PIT to cover
San Diego (-1) at Tennessee
St. Louis (+6.5) at Cincinnati
Tampa Bay at Houston
Arizona (+7) at Seattle -- ARZ to cover
Minnesota (+8) at San Francisco
Cleveland (-3.5) at NY Jets
Kansas City (+6.5) at Denver
Indianapolis (-9.5) at Baltimore
Monday, Dec. 10
New Orleans (-5) at Atlanta
Week 13 Results
Week 13
Straight Up: 10-6
Against the Spread: 9-7
For the season...
Straight Up: 128-64 (.667)
Against the Spread: 99-85-8 (.537)
Straight Up: 10-6
Against the Spread: 9-7
For the season...
Straight Up: 128-64 (.667)
Against the Spread: 99-85-8 (.537)
Monday, November 26, 2007
Week 13 Picks
Thursday, Nov. 29
Green Bay (+6.5) at Dallas
Sunday, Dec. 2
Atlanta (+4.5) at St. Louis
Buffalo (+5.5) at Washington
Detroit (+3.5) at Minnesota
Houston (+4) at Tennessee
Jacksonville (+7) at Indianapolis -- JAC to cover
NY Jets (+1.5) at Miami
San Diego (-5) at Kansas City
Seattle (+3) at Philadelphia
San Francisco (+2.5) at Carolina
Tampa Bay (+3) at New Orleans
Cleveland (+1) at Arizona
Denver (-3.5) at Oakland
NY Giants (+2) at Chicago
Cincinnati (+8.5) at Pittsburgh -- CIN to cover
Monday, Dec. 3
New England (+20.5) at Baltimore -- BAL to cover
Green Bay (+6.5) at Dallas
Sunday, Dec. 2
Atlanta (+4.5) at St. Louis
Buffalo (+5.5) at Washington
Detroit (+3.5) at Minnesota
Houston (+4) at Tennessee
Jacksonville (+7) at Indianapolis -- JAC to cover
NY Jets (+1.5) at Miami
San Diego (-5) at Kansas City
Seattle (+3) at Philadelphia
San Francisco (+2.5) at Carolina
Tampa Bay (+3) at New Orleans
Cleveland (+1) at Arizona
Denver (-3.5) at Oakland
NY Giants (+2) at Chicago
Cincinnati (+8.5) at Pittsburgh -- CIN to cover
Monday, Dec. 3
New England (+20.5) at Baltimore -- BAL to cover
Week 12 Results
Week 12
Straight Up: 9-7
Against the Spread: 7-9
Season
Straight Up: 118-58 (.670)
Against the Spread: 90-78-8 (.534)
Straight Up: 9-7
Against the Spread: 7-9
Season
Straight Up: 118-58 (.670)
Against the Spread: 90-78-8 (.534)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Week 12 Picks
Thursday, Nov. 22
Green Bay (-3.5) at Detroit
NY Jets (+14.5) at Dallas -- NYJ to cover
Indianapolis (-12) at Atlanta
Sunday, Nov. 25
Denver (+2.5) at Chicago
Tennessee (-1.5) at Cincinnati
Buffalo (+7.5) at Jacksonville
Oakland (+5.5) at Kansas City -- OAK to cover
Houston (+3.5) at Cleveland
Seattle (-3) at St. Louis
Minnesota (+7) at NY Giants
New Orleans (-3) at Carolina
Washington (+3) at Tampa Bay
San Francisco (+10.5) at Arizona
Baltimore (+9.5) at San Diego -- BAL to cover
Philadelphia (+23.5) at New England -- PHI cover
Monday, Nov. 26
Miami (+16) at Pittsburgh
Green Bay (-3.5) at Detroit
NY Jets (+14.5) at Dallas -- NYJ to cover
Indianapolis (-12) at Atlanta
Sunday, Nov. 25
Denver (+2.5) at Chicago
Tennessee (-1.5) at Cincinnati
Buffalo (+7.5) at Jacksonville
Oakland (+5.5) at Kansas City -- OAK to cover
Houston (+3.5) at Cleveland
Seattle (-3) at St. Louis
Minnesota (+7) at NY Giants
New Orleans (-3) at Carolina
Washington (+3) at Tampa Bay
San Francisco (+10.5) at Arizona
Baltimore (+9.5) at San Diego -- BAL to cover
Philadelphia (+23.5) at New England -- PHI cover
Monday, Nov. 26
Miami (+16) at Pittsburgh
Week 11 Picks
Week 11
Straight Up: 14-2
Against the Spread: 9-6-1
For the Season
Straight Up: 109-51 (.679)
Against the Spread: 83-69-8 (.541)
Straight Up: 14-2
Against the Spread: 9-6-1
For the Season
Straight Up: 109-51 (.679)
Against the Spread: 83-69-8 (.541)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
NBA Observations
Since I am the Houston Sports Guy, let me make one profound observation about my Rockets:
Mike James sucks. Yeah, Mike James sucks -- bad. I'm tired of seeing him out on the floor late in a game, please send out Luther Head, Steve Francis or suit up Aaron Brooks. If those three guys are worse than Mike James, they don't belong on the roster. Sure Mike can hit an occasional three, but so can I, but I wouldn't turn the ball over and take as many ill-advised shots as he does. I'm serious, the Rockets' +/- would be better with 31-year old, 6-0, 215-pound me out there than Mike James. So, I'm going to say here what I couldn't say out loud at the Toyota Center last night -- "Fuck you, Mike James" and "Fuck you, Rick, for leaving him in there to almost single-handedly put us in an 18-point hole."
While I'm talking about the NBA and people who suck and need to lose their job, throw NBA referee Violet Palmer in there too. I don't think I've seen someone more out of their element than her during the Rockets-Lakers game at the Toyota Center last night. I would be very interested to see how she graded out last night, I'm not even exaggerating that it's probably the worst in NBA history. She called a foul on the Rockets when a Lakers shooter ran into his own teammate! (along with many other calls that were flat-out silly.) The other two guys were fine and the Rockets had their chances to ice the game from the free-throw line, but she is awful. I'm all for diversity, but for now there are some places women don't belong (just like there are places men don't belong, ladies). Women should be professional sports officials about as much as men should be gynos.
Mike James sucks. Yeah, Mike James sucks -- bad. I'm tired of seeing him out on the floor late in a game, please send out Luther Head, Steve Francis or suit up Aaron Brooks. If those three guys are worse than Mike James, they don't belong on the roster. Sure Mike can hit an occasional three, but so can I, but I wouldn't turn the ball over and take as many ill-advised shots as he does. I'm serious, the Rockets' +/- would be better with 31-year old, 6-0, 215-pound me out there than Mike James. So, I'm going to say here what I couldn't say out loud at the Toyota Center last night -- "Fuck you, Mike James" and "Fuck you, Rick, for leaving him in there to almost single-handedly put us in an 18-point hole."
While I'm talking about the NBA and people who suck and need to lose their job, throw NBA referee Violet Palmer in there too. I don't think I've seen someone more out of their element than her during the Rockets-Lakers game at the Toyota Center last night. I would be very interested to see how she graded out last night, I'm not even exaggerating that it's probably the worst in NBA history. She called a foul on the Rockets when a Lakers shooter ran into his own teammate! (along with many other calls that were flat-out silly.) The other two guys were fine and the Rockets had their chances to ice the game from the free-throw line, but she is awful. I'm all for diversity, but for now there are some places women don't belong (just like there are places men don't belong, ladies). Women should be professional sports officials about as much as men should be gynos.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Week 11 Picks
Sunday, Nov. 18
San Diego (+3) at Jacksonville
Kansas City (+14.5) at Indianapolis
Oakland (+5) at Minnesota
Cleveland (-3) at Baltimore
Pittsburgh (-9.5) at New York Jets
Tampa Bay (-3) at Atlanta
Arizona (+3) at Cincinnati
Miami (+10) at Philadelphia
New Orleans (PK) at Houston
Carolina (+10) at Green Bay
New York Giants (-2.5) at Detroit
St. Louis (-2.5) at San Francisco
Chicago (+5) at Seattle
Washington (+10.5) at Dallas
New England (-16) at Buffalo
Monday, Nov. 19
Tennessee (+2.5) at Denver
San Diego (+3) at Jacksonville
Kansas City (+14.5) at Indianapolis
Oakland (+5) at Minnesota
Cleveland (-3) at Baltimore
Pittsburgh (-9.5) at New York Jets
Tampa Bay (-3) at Atlanta
Arizona (+3) at Cincinnati
Miami (+10) at Philadelphia
New Orleans (PK) at Houston
Carolina (+10) at Green Bay
New York Giants (-2.5) at Detroit
St. Louis (-2.5) at San Francisco
Chicago (+5) at Seattle
Washington (+10.5) at Dallas
New England (-16) at Buffalo
Monday, Nov. 19
Tennessee (+2.5) at Denver
Week 10 Results
For the Week
Straight Up: 6-8
Against the Spread: 4-8-1
For the season
Straight Up: 95-49 (.660)
Against the Spread: 74-63-7 (.538)
Straight Up: 6-8
Against the Spread: 4-8-1
For the season
Straight Up: 95-49 (.660)
Against the Spread: 74-63-7 (.538)
Monday, November 5, 2007
Week 10 Picks
Sunday, Nov. 11
Jacksonville (+4) at Tennessee
Denver (+3) at Kansas City
Buffalo (-3) at Miami
Cleveland (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
St. Louis (+12) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+4) at Carolina
Philadelphia (+3) at Washington
Minnesota (+6) at Green Bay -- MIN to cover
Cincinnati (+5) at Baltimore -- CIN to cover
Chicago (-3.5) at Oakland
Dallas (-1) at New York Giants
Detroit (-1) at Arizona
Indianapolis (-3.5) at San Diego
Monday, Nov. 12
San Francisco (+10) at Seattle
Jacksonville (+4) at Tennessee
Denver (+3) at Kansas City
Buffalo (-3) at Miami
Cleveland (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
St. Louis (+12) at New Orleans
Atlanta (+4) at Carolina
Philadelphia (+3) at Washington
Minnesota (+6) at Green Bay -- MIN to cover
Cincinnati (+5) at Baltimore -- CIN to cover
Chicago (-3.5) at Oakland
Dallas (-1) at New York Giants
Detroit (-1) at Arizona
Indianapolis (-3.5) at San Diego
Monday, Nov. 12
San Francisco (+10) at Seattle
Week 9 Results
Straight Up: 12-2
Against the Spread: 11-3 (!)
For the Season: 89-41 (.685)
Against the Spread: 69-55-6 (.554)
Against the Spread: 11-3 (!)
For the Season: 89-41 (.685)
Against the Spread: 69-55-6 (.554)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
I'm going to say it first
Let me get to one point everyone seems to be overlooking very quickly: I believe Alex Rodriguez wants to play shortstop if he is not a Yankee.
Does everyone forget that this guy was the greatest shortstop of all time before he went to a team that already had a Hall of Fame shortstop as its captain?
Everyone talks about him playing third and not fitting here and not fitting there. Well, I'm going to put in my two cents worth since nobody I've listened to makes sense.
I know the Red Sox don't want to disrupt their clubhouse chemistry, but do you think Varitek would let that happen? I suggest finding a suitor for Manny and Lugo, re-sign Lowell to play 3B and sign A-Rod to play SS. Do you think the Red Sox would be worse? No way in hell.
The other plan is to go to the Mets. This makes perfect sense, but the Mets have to get the OK from David Wright? Wright, stay put at third. You're going to be playing next to A-Rod and Jose is going to move to 2B. That way we can dump all the garbage we currently have at 2B.
That's Plan A and Plan B. Plan C is to sign with the Dodgers, Angels, Cubs or Giants and play wherever the hell you want, I guess. I'm an Astros fan, so I shouldn't even care, but I want to see A-Rod play shortstop again and I think he wants to play there, too.
Does everyone forget that this guy was the greatest shortstop of all time before he went to a team that already had a Hall of Fame shortstop as its captain?
Everyone talks about him playing third and not fitting here and not fitting there. Well, I'm going to put in my two cents worth since nobody I've listened to makes sense.
I know the Red Sox don't want to disrupt their clubhouse chemistry, but do you think Varitek would let that happen? I suggest finding a suitor for Manny and Lugo, re-sign Lowell to play 3B and sign A-Rod to play SS. Do you think the Red Sox would be worse? No way in hell.
The other plan is to go to the Mets. This makes perfect sense, but the Mets have to get the OK from David Wright? Wright, stay put at third. You're going to be playing next to A-Rod and Jose is going to move to 2B. That way we can dump all the garbage we currently have at 2B.
That's Plan A and Plan B. Plan C is to sign with the Dodgers, Angels, Cubs or Giants and play wherever the hell you want, I guess. I'm an Astros fan, so I shouldn't even care, but I want to see A-Rod play shortstop again and I think he wants to play there, too.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
NBA Preseason Picks
Got to get them in under the wire...
EAST
Atlantic: Boston, Toronto, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia
Central: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee
Southeast: Washington, Orlando, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta
WEST
Northwest: Denver, Utah, Seattle, Portland, Minnesota
Pacific: Phoenix, LA Clippers, Golden State, LA Lakers, Sacramento
Southwest: Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Memphis
Playoffs
EAST
Chicago (1) vs. Miami (8)
Boston (2) vs. Orlando (7)
Cleveland (3) vs. Toronto (6)
Washington (4) vs. Detroit (5)
WEST
Phoenix (1) vs. Golden State (8)
Dallas (2) vs. LA Clippers (7)
San Antonio (3) vs. Utah (6)
Houston (4) vs. Denver (5)
EAST
Chicago vs. Detroit
Boston vs. Toronto
WEST
Phoenix vs. Houston
Dallas vs. San Antonio
EAST
Chicago vs. Boston
WEST
San Antonio vs. Houston
FINALS
San Antonio vs. Chicago
CHAMPION
San Antonio
Notes: I like Houston if McGrady and Yao play at least 75 games each, but until they do I have to go with Dallas in the regular season and San Antonio in the playoffs. Phoenix will have the best record in the West because they are in a weaker division, but I see them having a lot of problems with Houston, especially if Aaron Brooks matures and can come off the bench to help defend Nash. The NBA is about matchups (ask Don Nelson) and the Spurs and Rockets just seem to be able to matchup better this year no matter what is thrown at them. While I think the Mavs and Suns are still great, I think their best teams have already come and gone and their window of opportunity is closing rather than opening.
EAST
Atlantic: Boston, Toronto, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia
Central: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee
Southeast: Washington, Orlando, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta
WEST
Northwest: Denver, Utah, Seattle, Portland, Minnesota
Pacific: Phoenix, LA Clippers, Golden State, LA Lakers, Sacramento
Southwest: Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Memphis
Playoffs
EAST
Chicago (1) vs. Miami (8)
Boston (2) vs. Orlando (7)
Cleveland (3) vs. Toronto (6)
Washington (4) vs. Detroit (5)
WEST
Phoenix (1) vs. Golden State (8)
Dallas (2) vs. LA Clippers (7)
San Antonio (3) vs. Utah (6)
Houston (4) vs. Denver (5)
EAST
Chicago vs. Detroit
Boston vs. Toronto
WEST
Phoenix vs. Houston
Dallas vs. San Antonio
EAST
Chicago vs. Boston
WEST
San Antonio vs. Houston
FINALS
San Antonio vs. Chicago
CHAMPION
San Antonio
Notes: I like Houston if McGrady and Yao play at least 75 games each, but until they do I have to go with Dallas in the regular season and San Antonio in the playoffs. Phoenix will have the best record in the West because they are in a weaker division, but I see them having a lot of problems with Houston, especially if Aaron Brooks matures and can come off the bench to help defend Nash. The NBA is about matchups (ask Don Nelson) and the Spurs and Rockets just seem to be able to matchup better this year no matter what is thrown at them. While I think the Mavs and Suns are still great, I think their best teams have already come and gone and their window of opportunity is closing rather than opening.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Week 9 Picks
Sunday, Nov. 4
Washington (-3.5) at New York Jets -- NYJ to cover
Green Bay (+2.5) at Kansas City
Arizona (+3.5) at Tampa Bay
Carolina (+4.5) at Tennessee -- CAR to cover
San Francisco (+3) at Atlanta
Jacksonville (+3.5) at New Orleans
Denver (+3) at Detroit
Cincinnati (PK) at Buffalo
San Diego (+8) at Minnesota
Seattle (+1) at Cleveland
New England (-5.5) at Indianapolis
Houston (+3) at Oakland
Dallas (-3) at Philadelphia
Monday, Nov. 5
Baltimore (+9) at Pittsburgh
Washington (-3.5) at New York Jets -- NYJ to cover
Green Bay (+2.5) at Kansas City
Arizona (+3.5) at Tampa Bay
Carolina (+4.5) at Tennessee -- CAR to cover
San Francisco (+3) at Atlanta
Jacksonville (+3.5) at New Orleans
Denver (+3) at Detroit
Cincinnati (PK) at Buffalo
San Diego (+8) at Minnesota
Seattle (+1) at Cleveland
New England (-5.5) at Indianapolis
Houston (+3) at Oakland
Dallas (-3) at Philadelphia
Monday, Nov. 5
Baltimore (+9) at Pittsburgh
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Week 8 Results
Straight Up: 9-4
Against the Spread: 8-5
For the Season...
Straight Up: 77-39 (.664)
Against the Spread: 58-52-6 (.526)
Against the Spread: 8-5
For the Season...
Straight Up: 77-39 (.664)
Against the Spread: 58-52-6 (.526)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Week 8 Picks
Time to focus...
Sunday, Oct. 28
Cleveland (-3) at St. Louis
Detroit (+5) at Chicago -- DET to cover
Indianapolis (-7) at Carolina
New York Giants (-9.5) vs. Miami
Oakland (+7) at Tennessee
Philadelphia (-1) at Minnesota
Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Cincinnati
Buffalo (+3) at New York Jets
Houston at San Diego
Jacksonville (+4) at Tampa Bay
New Orleans (-3) at San Francisco
Washington (+16.5) at New England -- WAS to cover
Monday, Oct. 29
Green Bay (+3) at Denver
Sunday, Oct. 28
Cleveland (-3) at St. Louis
Detroit (+5) at Chicago -- DET to cover
Indianapolis (-7) at Carolina
New York Giants (-9.5) vs. Miami
Oakland (+7) at Tennessee
Philadelphia (-1) at Minnesota
Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Cincinnati
Buffalo (+3) at New York Jets
Houston at San Diego
Jacksonville (+4) at Tampa Bay
New Orleans (-3) at San Francisco
Washington (+16.5) at New England -- WAS to cover
Monday, Oct. 29
Green Bay (+3) at Denver
Week 7 Results
Straight Up: 9-5
Against the Spread: 6-8
For the season
Straight Up: 68-35 (.660)
Against the Spread: 50-47-6 (.515)
Against the Spread: 6-8
For the season
Straight Up: 68-35 (.660)
Against the Spread: 50-47-6 (.515)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2008 Texans Schedule
I'm not giving up on this season, I'm just curious what we have next year and I thought I would put it down somewhere I can find it later. It's never too early to start looking ahead (I can't wait until the showdown between the Texans and Patriots at Reliant Stadium in 2009.) We already know 14 of 16, just have to see how the rest of this season plays out:
Indianapolis (home/away)
Jacksonville (home/away)
Tennessee (home/away)
Baltimore (home)
Cincinnati (home)
Chicago (home)
Detroit (home)
Pittsburgh (away)
Cleveland (away)
Green Bay (away)
Minnesota (away)
AFC East same-place finisher (I'm going to guess Buffalo)
AFC West same-place finisher (I'm going to guess Denver)
*One of the last two will be at home, the other on the road
Indianapolis (home/away)
Jacksonville (home/away)
Tennessee (home/away)
Baltimore (home)
Cincinnati (home)
Chicago (home)
Detroit (home)
Pittsburgh (away)
Cleveland (away)
Green Bay (away)
Minnesota (away)
AFC East same-place finisher (I'm going to guess Buffalo)
AFC West same-place finisher (I'm going to guess Denver)
*One of the last two will be at home, the other on the road
Monday, October 15, 2007
Week 7 Picks
Sunday, Oct. 21
Arizona (+7) at Washington
Atlanta (+7) at New Orleans
Baltimore (-3) at Buffalo
Minnesota (+9.5) at Dallas -- MIN to cover
New England (-17) at Miami
San Francisco (+6.5) at NY Giants
Tampa Bay (+2) at Detroit
Tennessee (-1.5) at Houston
Kansas City (+2.5) at Oakland
NY Jets (+6) at Cincinnati
Chicago (+5) at Philadelphia
St. Louis (+8.5) at Seattle
Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Denver
Monday, Oct. 22
Indianapolis (-3) at Jacksonville
Arizona (+7) at Washington
Atlanta (+7) at New Orleans
Baltimore (-3) at Buffalo
Minnesota (+9.5) at Dallas -- MIN to cover
New England (-17) at Miami
San Francisco (+6.5) at NY Giants
Tampa Bay (+2) at Detroit
Tennessee (-1.5) at Houston
Kansas City (+2.5) at Oakland
NY Jets (+6) at Cincinnati
Chicago (+5) at Philadelphia
St. Louis (+8.5) at Seattle
Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Denver
Monday, Oct. 22
Indianapolis (-3) at Jacksonville
Week 6 Results
This Week:
Straight Up: 7-6
Against the Spread: 6-6-1
For the season:
Straight Up: 59-30 (.663)
Against the Spread: 44-39-6 (.528)
Straight Up: 7-6
Against the Spread: 6-6-1
For the season:
Straight Up: 59-30 (.663)
Against the Spread: 44-39-6 (.528)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Bye, Saints
I really hate to see one of my Super Bowl picks voted off the island so early (see early post Preseason Predictions: Survivor Style). I've got to give New Orleans the boot, they're just pissing me off now. I went 12-2 straight up this week because the Saints can't beat Carolina...at home...with David Carr as the Panthers' quarterback and because the Packers felt sorry for the Bears.
Here's who's left from my original picks: Dallas, Philadelphia, Green Bay and San Francisco.
Here's who's out: St. Louis and New Orleans.
Here's who's in: Seattle and Tampa Bay.
Revised Super Bowl pick: Philadelphia.
Everyone is still alive in the AFC tribe (barely): New England, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Houston and San Diego.
Most hated: Cincinnati.
Here's who's left from my original picks: Dallas, Philadelphia, Green Bay and San Francisco.
Here's who's out: St. Louis and New Orleans.
Here's who's in: Seattle and Tampa Bay.
Revised Super Bowl pick: Philadelphia.
Everyone is still alive in the AFC tribe (barely): New England, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Houston and San Diego.
Most hated: Cincinnati.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Week 6 Predictions
Sunday, Oct. 14
Cincinnati (-3) at Kansas City
Houston (+6.5) at Jacksonville -- HOU to cover
Miami (+5) at Cleveland
Minnesota (+6) at Chicago -- MIN to cover
Philadelphia (-3) at NY Jets
St. Louis (+10) at Baltimore -- STL to cover
Tennessee (+3) at Tampa Bay
Washington (+3.5) at Green Bay
Carolina (+4) at Arizona
New England (-4.5) at Dallas
Oakland (+10) at San Diego
New Orleans (+7) at Seattle
Monday, Oct. 15
NY Giants (-3.5) at Atlanta
Cincinnati (-3) at Kansas City
Houston (+6.5) at Jacksonville -- HOU to cover
Miami (+5) at Cleveland
Minnesota (+6) at Chicago -- MIN to cover
Philadelphia (-3) at NY Jets
St. Louis (+10) at Baltimore -- STL to cover
Tennessee (+3) at Tampa Bay
Washington (+3.5) at Green Bay
Carolina (+4) at Arizona
New England (-4.5) at Dallas
Oakland (+10) at San Diego
New Orleans (+7) at Seattle
Monday, Oct. 15
NY Giants (-3.5) at Atlanta
Week 5 Results
Things turned around a little bit this week. I'm still pissed the Saints are so bad they can't beat a Panthers team led by David Carr and the Packers threw away an easy win.
Through Sunday's games
Straight up: 12-2
Against the spread: 7-7
For the season
Straight up: 52-24 (.684)
Against the spread: 38-33-5 (.533)
Through Sunday's games
Straight up: 12-2
Against the spread: 7-7
For the season
Straight up: 52-24 (.684)
Against the spread: 38-33-5 (.533)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Kornheiser, Shut Your Kornhole
I've never liked Tony Kornheiser, because he's a loudmouth who thinks he's so much smarter and knows more than everyone else. When he had his show on ESPN Radio, he wouldn't talk about sports -- he would talk about things he liked and the listener should like it, too. Yesterday, while I was listening to John Seibel on my way home from work, I was rudely interrupted by PTI (Dick's, huh, that's about right) and Kornheiser put me over the edge. What an asshole!
Everyone knows he couldn't have possibly watched the first 9-10 innings of the tiebreaker game between the Rockies and Padres, because he was doing Monday Night Football. Yet, he was adamant the Rockies shouldn't be in the playoffs, because Matt Holliday never touched home plate with the winning run. Well, if the Padres had won, should they have been in the playoffs after Garrett Atkins' home run in the seventh inning was incorrectly called a double? Who should be in the playoffs, Tony?
He didn't even watch the freaking game and he's talking about the one call he saw on a national show. Way to put your ignorance on display and let everybody know how much of an idiot you really are. Nobody is making a big deal about Holliday, because it was justice -- the bad calls evened out. Tony should quit one of his many jobs, so he doesn't continue to make a complete ass of himself.
By the way, I was going for the Padres, but there would have been a lot more controversy and discussion about instant replay in baseball had they won.
Everyone knows he couldn't have possibly watched the first 9-10 innings of the tiebreaker game between the Rockies and Padres, because he was doing Monday Night Football. Yet, he was adamant the Rockies shouldn't be in the playoffs, because Matt Holliday never touched home plate with the winning run. Well, if the Padres had won, should they have been in the playoffs after Garrett Atkins' home run in the seventh inning was incorrectly called a double? Who should be in the playoffs, Tony?
He didn't even watch the freaking game and he's talking about the one call he saw on a national show. Way to put your ignorance on display and let everybody know how much of an idiot you really are. Nobody is making a big deal about Holliday, because it was justice -- the bad calls evened out. Tony should quit one of his many jobs, so he doesn't continue to make a complete ass of himself.
By the way, I was going for the Padres, but there would have been a lot more controversy and discussion about instant replay in baseball had they won.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Week 5 Picks
Sunday, Oct. 7
Miami (+5.5) at Houston
Atlanta (+8.5) at Tennessee -- ATL to cover
Jacksonville (-2.5) at Kansas City
NY Jets (+3) at NY Giants
Carolina (+3) at New Orleans
Arizona (-3.5) at St. Louis
Cleveland (+16) at New England -- CLE to cover
Seattle (+6) at Pittsburgh
Detroit (+3.5) at Washington
Tampa Bay (+10) at Indianapolis
San Diego (+1) at Denver
Baltimore (-3) at San Francisco
Chicago (+3) at Green Bay
Monday, Oct. 8
Dallas (-10) at Buffalo
Miami (+5.5) at Houston
Atlanta (+8.5) at Tennessee -- ATL to cover
Jacksonville (-2.5) at Kansas City
NY Jets (+3) at NY Giants
Carolina (+3) at New Orleans
Arizona (-3.5) at St. Louis
Cleveland (+16) at New England -- CLE to cover
Seattle (+6) at Pittsburgh
Detroit (+3.5) at Washington
Tampa Bay (+10) at Indianapolis
San Diego (+1) at Denver
Baltimore (-3) at San Francisco
Chicago (+3) at Green Bay
Monday, Oct. 8
Dallas (-10) at Buffalo
Monday, October 1, 2007
Week 4 Results
What a crappy week -- again. Here's where we stand before tonight's game:
WEEK 4
Straight Up: 7-7
Against the Spread: 7-7
SEASON
Straight Up : 40-22 (.645)
Against the Spread: 31-26-5 (.540)
Hey, at least I'm as good as Bill Simmons. And, at least I'm keeping up with the pace car. If you only picked the favorites in each game straight up, you would be 40-22. ESPN needs to find a place for me.
WEEK 4
Straight Up: 7-7
Against the Spread: 7-7
SEASON
Straight Up : 40-22 (.645)
Against the Spread: 31-26-5 (.540)
Hey, at least I'm as good as Bill Simmons. And, at least I'm keeping up with the pace car. If you only picked the favorites in each game straight up, you would be 40-22. ESPN needs to find a place for me.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thanks, Astros!
Before the 2007 baseball season ends on Sunday, I just wanted to say "thanks" to my beloved, favorite team: the Houston Astros. I was born and raised in Houston and did not leave until I went to college. I moved back to my hometown in January and couldn't wait to recapture the good old days when I would go to 15-20 Astros games a year. The Astros were so exciting this season that I went to a whopping four games.
Since I'm a newlywed and we had our financial strappings after the honeymoon, I want to thank the Astros for forcing me to stay home when I gladly would have blown more money to go see them.
Thank you Astros for making football season start in July. I set up my fantasy league weeks before training camp and followed the Texans throughout camp and even did something I rarely do: watched a down of preseason football.
The Astros have already got me thinking about the Rockets and the upcoming NBA season. Without them, I would have no idea training camp starts on Monday. I've already renewed my mini-plan with the Rockets and can't wait until November!
So, here's to you Astros! I can't wait until February, unless you do absolutely nothing over the next five months. Then, we'll be sucking A-Rod (Cubs), Prince and Pujols' sacks next year when they're all in our division.
Since I'm a newlywed and we had our financial strappings after the honeymoon, I want to thank the Astros for forcing me to stay home when I gladly would have blown more money to go see them.
Thank you Astros for making football season start in July. I set up my fantasy league weeks before training camp and followed the Texans throughout camp and even did something I rarely do: watched a down of preseason football.
The Astros have already got me thinking about the Rockets and the upcoming NBA season. Without them, I would have no idea training camp starts on Monday. I've already renewed my mini-plan with the Rockets and can't wait until November!
So, here's to you Astros! I can't wait until February, unless you do absolutely nothing over the next five months. Then, we'll be sucking A-Rod (Cubs), Prince and Pujols' sacks next year when they're all in our division.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Preaseason Picks: Survivor Style
Through Week 3, I still feel pretty good about 11 of my 12 playoff teams. I've decided to do something a little different, I'm going to go Survivor style. I'm going to check back on the "island" every so often if I feel like one of the teams has fallen out of my favor. I have strategically picked a person to represent each team, so we'll see who is left at the end of the season. My wife and I are obvious choices for our respective cities, but you can tell who my favorites are by which team they are matched up with.
Here are my original 12:
NFC:
Dallas - represented by my wife
Philadelphia
Green Bay - Scarlett was dressed too fittingly to put her anywhere else
New Orleans
San Francisco - for Diego, my Colombian friend
St. Louis
AFC:
New England
Cincinnati - Had to throw something for my wife in there, right?
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Houston - represented by me
San Diego
The first casuality of the season, the first team to be voted off the island is St. Louis. I will replace them with a team from their own division and the team I should have picked in the first place: Seattle. People will think I'm crazy, but I like black-haired Hilary and black-haired Ashlee better than their blond alter-egos -- it makes them stand out.
On Survivor, you always have those people who are pissing everyone off and are in danger the next week. This week's candidates badly in need of immunity (another win): Cincinnati and Philadelphia. New Orleans gets immunity this week by default, they have a bye. However, their division sucks, so they pretty much have immunity the rest of the season.
Here are my original 12:
NFC:
Dallas - represented by my wife
Philadelphia
Green Bay - Scarlett was dressed too fittingly to put her anywhere else
New Orleans
San Francisco - for Diego, my Colombian friend
St. Louis
AFC:
New England
Cincinnati - Had to throw something for my wife in there, right?
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Houston - represented by me
San Diego
The first casuality of the season, the first team to be voted off the island is St. Louis. I will replace them with a team from their own division and the team I should have picked in the first place: Seattle. People will think I'm crazy, but I like black-haired Hilary and black-haired Ashlee better than their blond alter-egos -- it makes them stand out.
On Survivor, you always have those people who are pissing everyone off and are in danger the next week. This week's candidates badly in need of immunity (another win): Cincinnati and Philadelphia. New Orleans gets immunity this week by default, they have a bye. However, their division sucks, so they pretty much have immunity the rest of the season.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Week 4 Predictions
Straight up winner in bold, losers to cover noted after listing (only one this week)
Sunday, Sept. 30
Oakland (+4) at Miami
Houston (-3) at Atlanta
Baltimore (-4.5) at Cleveland
Chicago (-3) at Detroit
Green Bay (-2) at Minnesota
St. Louis (+12.5) at Dallas
New York Jets (-3.5) at Buffalo
Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina
Seattle (-1.5) at San Francisco
Pittsburgh (-5.5) at Arizona
Kansas City (+12.5) at San Diego
Denver (+9.5) at Indianapolis
Philadelphia (-2.5) at New York Giants
Monday, Oct. 1
New England (-7.5) at Cincinnati -- CIN to cover
Sunday, Sept. 30
Oakland (+4) at Miami
Houston (-3) at Atlanta
Baltimore (-4.5) at Cleveland
Chicago (-3) at Detroit
Green Bay (-2) at Minnesota
St. Louis (+12.5) at Dallas
New York Jets (-3.5) at Buffalo
Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina
Seattle (-1.5) at San Francisco
Pittsburgh (-5.5) at Arizona
Kansas City (+12.5) at San Diego
Denver (+9.5) at Indianapolis
Philadelphia (-2.5) at New York Giants
Monday, Oct. 1
New England (-7.5) at Cincinnati -- CIN to cover
Week 3 Results
Decent week straight up -- miserable week against the spread. All of the teams I picked to lose but cover were blown out.
Through Sunday
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 6-8-2
Season totals
Straight up: 33-15 (.688)
Against the spread: 24-19-5 (.552)
Through Sunday
Straight up: 11-5
Against the spread: 6-8-2
Season totals
Straight up: 33-15 (.688)
Against the spread: 24-19-5 (.552)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Random Thoughts From a Boring Friday
I can't remember the comedian, but this joke made me LMAO today: "Comedians feel about Carrot Top the way vampires feel about Count Chocula." (BTW, did anyone else know that Carrot Top was now a 'roided-out drag queen?)
This story made me laugh, because it was originally teased with a picture of Jessica Simpson.
Now on with the musings:
I hope I have a better week with my picks than last week.
I hope the Texans win Sunday without Andre Johnson, so everyone will know they are for real and are going to the playoffs!
I hope my fantasy football team survives without Andre Johnson, because I'm playing my brother and my other receivers and my quarterback scare me right now.
I hope Baylor wins Saturday, because they'll have a hard time winning another game the rest of the season. 2-10 would suck. I hope I'm wrong.
I hope my nephew wins his first football game. I hope my niece hits a softball without flinging her bat as far as she hit the ball.
I hope my other four items sell on ebay.
I hope the HBU and Rice volleyball matches are only three games long. I don't mind them, I'm just tired and want to relax this weekend.
I hope I remember how to hit a golf ball, since I haven't picked up a club in three weeks.
I hope I sleep OK with my wife out of town. I hope she has fun with her friends. (But not too much fun.)
It's almost 5:00!
This story made me laugh, because it was originally teased with a picture of Jessica Simpson.
Now on with the musings:
I hope I have a better week with my picks than last week.
I hope the Texans win Sunday without Andre Johnson, so everyone will know they are for real and are going to the playoffs!
I hope my fantasy football team survives without Andre Johnson, because I'm playing my brother and my other receivers and my quarterback scare me right now.
I hope Baylor wins Saturday, because they'll have a hard time winning another game the rest of the season. 2-10 would suck. I hope I'm wrong.
I hope my nephew wins his first football game. I hope my niece hits a softball without flinging her bat as far as she hit the ball.
I hope my other four items sell on ebay.
I hope the HBU and Rice volleyball matches are only three games long. I don't mind them, I'm just tired and want to relax this weekend.
I hope I remember how to hit a golf ball, since I haven't picked up a club in three weeks.
I hope I sleep OK with my wife out of town. I hope she has fun with her friends. (But not too much fun.)
It's almost 5:00!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
I Still Like Hockey
Last night as I was watching SportsCenter, I saw a score scroll across the Bottom Line: NHL - Blues 5 Stars 6.
I didn't even realize preseason games were starting. No warning. No in-depth season preview. No fantasy draft special. No Barry Melrose making the rounds on ESPN Radio. I love the Stars, but I've been focused on football just like everyone else. It kind of pissed me off, because I still like hockey.
First of all, let me start by saying that the NHL did this to themselves with the lockout a few years ago and they need to accept their share of the blame. The sport was doing well, its popularity was on the rise and at the worst possible point, the players and owners decide to pull the rug from underneath one another.
That being said, I hate what ESPN has done to the NHL as well. The network is punishing the league for the lockout and is wielding its power by not covering it. I hate how much influence ESPN has over the sports world -- it has zero competition. Instead, we get more NASCAR, Barry Bonds, Adam Jones, Bengal/Texas Longhorn Criminal of the Week, Michael Vick, Terrell Owens, Yankees-Red Sox, Womens' Basketball, Little League World Series, Spelling Bees and Dog Shows.
Do you remember when there used to be an entire show, like Baseball Tonight and NFL Primetime, devoted to hockey? It was great. More games than you could handle on the network. Now I'm lucky if I get to see the Stars at all. I live four hours from Dallas and I have a better chance of seeing them live than I do seeing them on TV.
NHL, grovel -- do whatever you have to do to get back in ESPN's graces.
I didn't even realize preseason games were starting. No warning. No in-depth season preview. No fantasy draft special. No Barry Melrose making the rounds on ESPN Radio. I love the Stars, but I've been focused on football just like everyone else. It kind of pissed me off, because I still like hockey.
First of all, let me start by saying that the NHL did this to themselves with the lockout a few years ago and they need to accept their share of the blame. The sport was doing well, its popularity was on the rise and at the worst possible point, the players and owners decide to pull the rug from underneath one another.
That being said, I hate what ESPN has done to the NHL as well. The network is punishing the league for the lockout and is wielding its power by not covering it. I hate how much influence ESPN has over the sports world -- it has zero competition. Instead, we get more NASCAR, Barry Bonds, Adam Jones, Bengal/Texas Longhorn Criminal of the Week, Michael Vick, Terrell Owens, Yankees-Red Sox, Womens' Basketball, Little League World Series, Spelling Bees and Dog Shows.
Do you remember when there used to be an entire show, like Baseball Tonight and NFL Primetime, devoted to hockey? It was great. More games than you could handle on the network. Now I'm lucky if I get to see the Stars at all. I live four hours from Dallas and I have a better chance of seeing them live than I do seeing them on TV.
NHL, grovel -- do whatever you have to do to get back in ESPN's graces.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Week 3 Predictions
Picks can be altered up until Saturday.
Sunday, Sept. 23
Indianapolis (-6) at Houston
San Diego (-4.5) at Green Bay
Minnesota (+2.5) at Kansas City
Detroit (+6) at Philadelphia -- DET to cover
Buffalo (+16.5) at New England -- BUF to cover (Have some pride in yourselves, Bills)
Miami (+3) at New York Jets (Toughest pick of the week)
San Francisco (+8.5) at Pittsburgh -- SF to cover
Arizona (+7.5) at Baltimore -- ARZ to cover
St. Louis (+3.5) at Tampa Bay
Jacksonville (+3.5) at Denver
Cincinnati (+3.5) at Seattle
Cleveland (+3) at Oakland
Carolina (-4) at Atlanta
New York Giants (+4) at Washington
Dallas (+3) at Chicago
Monday, Sept. 24
Tennessee (+5) at New Orleans
Sunday, Sept. 23
Indianapolis (-6) at Houston
San Diego (-4.5) at Green Bay
Minnesota (+2.5) at Kansas City
Detroit (+6) at Philadelphia -- DET to cover
Buffalo (+16.5) at New England -- BUF to cover (Have some pride in yourselves, Bills)
Miami (+3) at New York Jets (Toughest pick of the week)
San Francisco (+8.5) at Pittsburgh -- SF to cover
Arizona (+7.5) at Baltimore -- ARZ to cover
St. Louis (+3.5) at Tampa Bay
Jacksonville (+3.5) at Denver
Cincinnati (+3.5) at Seattle
Cleveland (+3) at Oakland
Carolina (-4) at Atlanta
New York Giants (+4) at Washington
Dallas (+3) at Chicago
Monday, Sept. 24
Tennessee (+5) at New Orleans
Monday Morning QB
Man, did I put the hex on McNabb last night or what? I'm going to start establishing some rules around here. Rule #1: I will no longer post about my fantasy league or the friendly office pick 'em before all games are finished ever again. Luckily the rest of my fantasy team stepped up and picked up the slack, but I'm going nowhere without my QB.
It wasn't a great week for picks, but it's Week 2, so it should be the hardest of all. Coming out above .500 is OK with me for this week, but I expect more out of myself (and the Saints, Rams, Eagles and Bengals) for the rest of the season.
It wasn't a great week for picks, but it's Week 2, so it should be the hardest of all. Coming out above .500 is OK with me for this week, but I expect more out of myself (and the Saints, Rams, Eagles and Bengals) for the rest of the season.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Week 2 Fantasy
I usually don't bring up fantasy football unless I'm talking to someone who I know is into it as much as I am. I'm also happy that I only have one team this year, so I'm focused. Yesterday was unlike any other week I've ever had in fantasy football. Just check out my starters:
Shaun Alexander: 75 yards, 1 TD
Marion Barber: 94 yards, 2 TD
Andre Johnson: 120 yards, 2 TD
Donald Driver: 73 yards, 1 TD
Donte Stallworth: 19 yards
Kellen Winslow: 100 yards, 1 TD
Neil Rackers: 3 FG, 2 XP
Pittsburgh: 3 point allowed, 4 sacks
6 players, 7 TDs. Oh yeah, where's my quarterback? Donovan McNabb hasn't even played yet and I'm up by 40.
Shaun Alexander: 75 yards, 1 TD
Marion Barber: 94 yards, 2 TD
Andre Johnson: 120 yards, 2 TD
Donald Driver: 73 yards, 1 TD
Donte Stallworth: 19 yards
Kellen Winslow: 100 yards, 1 TD
Neil Rackers: 3 FG, 2 XP
Pittsburgh: 3 point allowed, 4 sacks
6 players, 7 TDs. Oh yeah, where's my quarterback? Donovan McNabb hasn't even played yet and I'm up by 40.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Week 2 Results
Week 2 did not get off to a good start with Tampa Bay, Cleveland and San Francisco pulling the upsets. I really didn't care, because the Texans won! (And that's all that ultimately matters.) However, TGP had a great recovery in the late games against the spread, picking three losing teams to cover: 5-1-1. What was with Vegas and the 9+ point spreads this week?
On a side note, the Chiefs covering the spread against the Bears was the most gratifying of all my picks this week. One of my friends, who is a huge Bears fan, said they would cover. They didn't and I was right. Here's hoping they have six more losses in them or I won't hear the end of it.
With one more game to go Monday, here are my results:
Straight up: 10-6
Against the spread: 9-6-1
For the season: 22-10 straight up; 18-11-3 vs. the spread
On a side note, the Chiefs covering the spread against the Bears was the most gratifying of all my picks this week. One of my friends, who is a huge Bears fan, said they would cover. They didn't and I was right. Here's hoping they have six more losses in them or I won't hear the end of it.
With one more game to go Monday, here are my results:
Straight up: 10-6
Against the spread: 9-6-1
For the season: 22-10 straight up; 18-11-3 vs. the spread
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Interesting...
I was listening to Scott Van Pelt (the most revered and at the same time most hated sports personality in blogdom apparently) on ESPN Radio today and he and Kevin Schaffer were talking about how over the last five years, 30 of the 60 NFL playoff teams did not make the playoffs the year before. They kept asking (without answering, because they just didn't want to take a stab this early) which six teams are going to make the playoffs that did not make it the year before and which six playoff teams will not be back. Of course, this is on average over the last five years so it doesn't mean exactly six either way. Or does it?...
According to my preseason predictions, this is precisely correct:
Six 2006 playoff teams that will be back in 2007: Indianapolis, New England, San Diego, New Orleans, Dallas and Philadelphia.
Six new playoff teams in 2007: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Houston, Green Bay, San Francisco and St. Louis.
We'll see, but after last night I don't feel so good about the 49ers. I bought into it just like everyone else. I did not buy into the Ravens, though, and they showed just why I did not pick them to do well: they're old.
According to my preseason predictions, this is precisely correct:
Six 2006 playoff teams that will be back in 2007: Indianapolis, New England, San Diego, New Orleans, Dallas and Philadelphia.
Six new playoff teams in 2007: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Houston, Green Bay, San Francisco and St. Louis.
We'll see, but after last night I don't feel so good about the 49ers. I bought into it just like everyone else. I did not buy into the Ravens, though, and they showed just why I did not pick them to do well: they're old.
Week 2 Picks
Again, straight up picks in bold -- if losing team will cover noted at right
Sunday, Sept. 16
Buffalo (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati (-6.5) at Cleveland
Indianapolis (-7) at Tennessee
Houston (+6.5) at Carolina
San Francisco (+3) at St. Louis
Green Bay (PK) at NY Giants
Atlanta (+10.5) at Jacksonville -- ATL to cover
New Orleans (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
Minnesota (+3) at Detroit
Dallas (-3.5) at Miami
Seattle (-3) at Arizona
NY Jets (+10.5) at Baltimore -- NYJ to cover
Oakland (+9.5) at Denver -- OAK to cover
Kansas City (+12) at Chicago -- KC to cover
San Diego (+3.5) at New England
Monday, Sept. 17
Washington (+7) at Philadelphia
Sunday, Sept. 16
Buffalo (+9.5) at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati (-6.5) at Cleveland
Indianapolis (-7) at Tennessee
Houston (+6.5) at Carolina
San Francisco (+3) at St. Louis
Green Bay (PK) at NY Giants
Atlanta (+10.5) at Jacksonville -- ATL to cover
New Orleans (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
Minnesota (+3) at Detroit
Dallas (-3.5) at Miami
Seattle (-3) at Arizona
NY Jets (+10.5) at Baltimore -- NYJ to cover
Oakland (+9.5) at Denver -- OAK to cover
Kansas City (+12) at Chicago -- KC to cover
San Diego (+3.5) at New England
Monday, Sept. 17
Washington (+7) at Philadelphia
Monday, September 10, 2007
Week 1 Results
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
NFL Week 1 Picks
Here are my picks for Week 1. I will bold my straight up pick and note to the side if I think the losing team will cover the point spread.
Thursday, Sept. 6
New Orleans (+5.5) at Indianapolis
Sunday, Sept. 9
Philadelphia (-3) at Green Bay
Kansas City (+3) at Houston
Denver (-3.5) at Buffalo
Pittsburgh (-4.5) at Cleveland
Carolina (+1) at St. Louis
Atlanta (+3) at Minnesota
New England (-6.5) at NY Jets -- NYJ to cover
Miami (+3) at Washington
Tennessee (+6.5) at Jacksonville -- TEN to cover
Chicago (+6) at San Diego
Tampa Bay (+6) at Seattle
Detroit (+2) at Oakland
NY Giants (+6) at Dallas -- NYG to cover
Monday, Sept. 10
Baltimore (+3) at Cincinnati
Arizona (+3) at San Francisco
Thursday, Sept. 6
New Orleans (+5.5) at Indianapolis
Sunday, Sept. 9
Philadelphia (-3) at Green Bay
Kansas City (+3) at Houston
Denver (-3.5) at Buffalo
Pittsburgh (-4.5) at Cleveland
Carolina (+1) at St. Louis
Atlanta (+3) at Minnesota
New England (-6.5) at NY Jets -- NYJ to cover
Miami (+3) at Washington
Tennessee (+6.5) at Jacksonville -- TEN to cover
Chicago (+6) at San Diego
Tampa Bay (+6) at Seattle
Detroit (+2) at Oakland
NY Giants (+6) at Dallas -- NYG to cover
Monday, Sept. 10
Baltimore (+3) at Cincinnati
Arizona (+3) at San Francisco
Friday, August 31, 2007
NFL Preseason Predictions
I wanted to get my preseason predictions set in stone before the season, just so I can go back and look how I did at the end of the season. The main goal I want to accomplish is to see how the number of wins I predict for each team compares to the over/under in Las Vegas.
I predicted each regular season game, just so I'm not pulling numbers out of a hat. I had no preconceived thought as to what I wanted each team's record to be -- I just looked at each individual game and predicted what I thought might happen. It really takes into consideration each team's strength of schedule. I did go back at the end and change some of my picks because some teams I thought were too high and too low and would be able to pull out a win or snatch defeat from the jaws of victory every once in a while.
I'll be honest, I'm a Texans fan, so I have to believe in my team at this point. However, I also hate the Dallas Cowboys, so my prediction for them should restore some credibility to the picks.
Keep in mind I'm just seeing how I do compared to the over/under in Vegas, not necessarily trying to pick every team's record perfectly. If I get around 75% right, I will be pleased. Here we go:
2007 predicted record followed by over/under wins in parenthases provided by BetInternet. * denotes playoff team.
Top Picks: Over - New Orleans. Under - Atlanta. Other picks I feel really good about: Washington (under), Dallas (over), Tampa Bay (under), Miami (under), Cleveland (under), Denver (under).
NFC Wild Card
St. Louis at Green Bay
Philadelphia at San Francisco
AFC Wild Card
Houston at Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at New England
NFC Divisional Round
St. Louis at New Orleans
Philadelphia at Dallas
AFC Divisional Round
Cincinnati at San Diego
New England at Indianapolis
NFC Championship Game
Philadelphia at New Orleans
AFC Championship Game
Indianapolis at San Diego
Super Bowl
New Orleans vs. San Diego
Champion
San Diego
Check back on my next blog for my complete Week 1 picks.
I predicted each regular season game, just so I'm not pulling numbers out of a hat. I had no preconceived thought as to what I wanted each team's record to be -- I just looked at each individual game and predicted what I thought might happen. It really takes into consideration each team's strength of schedule. I did go back at the end and change some of my picks because some teams I thought were too high and too low and would be able to pull out a win or snatch defeat from the jaws of victory every once in a while.
I'll be honest, I'm a Texans fan, so I have to believe in my team at this point. However, I also hate the Dallas Cowboys, so my prediction for them should restore some credibility to the picks.
Keep in mind I'm just seeing how I do compared to the over/under in Vegas, not necessarily trying to pick every team's record perfectly. If I get around 75% right, I will be pleased. Here we go:
2007 predicted record followed by over/under wins in parenthases provided by BetInternet. * denotes playoff team.
Top Picks: Over - New Orleans. Under - Atlanta. Other picks I feel really good about: Washington (under), Dallas (over), Tampa Bay (under), Miami (under), Cleveland (under), Denver (under).
NFC Wild Card
St. Louis at Green Bay
Philadelphia at San Francisco
AFC Wild Card
Houston at Cincinnati
Pittsburgh at New England
NFC Divisional Round
St. Louis at New Orleans
Philadelphia at Dallas
AFC Divisional Round
Cincinnati at San Diego
New England at Indianapolis
NFC Championship Game
Philadelphia at New Orleans
AFC Championship Game
Indianapolis at San Diego
Super Bowl
New Orleans vs. San Diego
Champion
San Diego
Check back on my next blog for my complete Week 1 picks.
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