Got saved from disaster last week by the Jets. Salvaged three points and I am still on a pretty decent pace. I also think I learned a lot which I will apply to my picks this week.
NEW ORLEANS -14 1/2 indianapolis
I am worried about a spread this big but I love the Saints to win coming off that horrible loss to the ExpensiveCornPrices. A big win here would confirm what I believe about the league: always pick a good team coming off a bad loss or against a bad team coming off a good win. They should have the offensive fire power to bury Curtis Painter.
pittsburgh -3 1/2 ARIZONA
Good team versus bad team. Small spread because home field is overrated. Also the Steelers had a bad game last week against Jacksonville, no points in the second half. They should put up more points than that this week.
OAKLAND -3 1/2 kansas city
It doesn't matter who starts at quarterback. The Raiders are a good team, the Chiefs are a bad one and the spread is really small because of uncertainty. The Raiders are a team equipped to deal with a situation like this because they rely on their running game and defense. I'd rather see Palmer start because I think the whole "system" thing is incredibly overrated so coaches can prove their value. What matters is talent and the Raiders have more of it than the Chiefs.
houston +3 1/2 TENNESSEE
I think the Texans are a better team.
BEST BET
san diego chargers -1 NEW YORK JETS
I wonder if I have ever picked a team as my best bet one week, then picked against them as my best bet the very next week -- after they covered. Even in a big win, the Jets didn't seem very good. This is a big step up in competition and I expect them to lose.
Last week: 2-3 (3 points)
Season: 16-14 (18 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (4-2)
Home Favorites: 1-3 (7-5)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 0-0 (3-5)
Road Underdogs: 1-0 (6-4)
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
A Yankee Fan I Actually Like
Leave it to the New York Post to put a New York-centric spin on the killing of Muammar Qaddafi. The Libyan rebel who claims to have fired the fatal bullet (there's no way of knowing for sure) was wearing a Yankee hat.
The post gives him credit on its cover "Khadafy Killed by Yankee Fan."
But the subheading was even better "Gunman had more hits than A-Rod."
The post gives him credit on its cover "Khadafy Killed by Yankee Fan."
But the subheading was even better "Gunman had more hits than A-Rod."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Cain is Able
Presidential candidate Herman Cain used to run a company called Godfather's Pizza, unfamiliar to many of us on the East Coast. But apparently it was a big thing in the Midwest. Here's Cain in 1991 at the Omaha Press Club singing an ode to pizza to the tune of John Lennon's "Imagine."
His singing starts at :44
"Imagine there's no pizza
I couldn't if I tried
Eating only tacos
Or Kentucky Fried."
I really liked it, and think Cain is actually a pretty good singer. Several other big name musicians seem equally impressed and plan to release Cain-themed cover versions of their most popular songs.
Prince: "I only wanted to see you laughing in the ---, Herman Cain. Herman Cain, Herman Cain."
Wayne Newton: "Herman Cain, darling, Herman Cain. Thank you for, all the joy and pain."
Rob Base: "Joy. HermanCain. Sunshine. Rain."
Tay Zonday: "Herman Cain. Some stay dry while others feel the rain."
Update:
Scorpions: "Here I am. Rock you like a Herman Cain."
If you don't think it's funny, please click on the artist's name to hear the original.
If you still don't think it's funny try singing the new version out loud.
If you still don't think it's funny, you're a moron.
Thanks to Albino for his help on this
His singing starts at :44
"Imagine there's no pizza
I couldn't if I tried
Eating only tacos
Or Kentucky Fried."
I really liked it, and think Cain is actually a pretty good singer. Several other big name musicians seem equally impressed and plan to release Cain-themed cover versions of their most popular songs.
Prince: "I only wanted to see you laughing in the ---, Herman Cain. Herman Cain, Herman Cain."
Wayne Newton: "Herman Cain, darling, Herman Cain. Thank you for, all the joy and pain."
Rob Base: "Joy. HermanCain. Sunshine. Rain."
Tay Zonday: "Herman Cain. Some stay dry while others feel the rain."
Update:
Scorpions: "Here I am. Rock you like a Herman Cain."
If you don't think it's funny, please click on the artist's name to hear the original.
If you still don't think it's funny try singing the new version out loud.
If you still don't think it's funny, you're a moron.
Thanks to Albino for his help on this
Song of the Week
"I'm a Thug" - Trick Daddy
There's a surprising number of good candidates for 2001. But I like this one the best. And I was trying to pick the song I liked the best, not the one that best exemplifies the era, or was the most popular.
Note: this seems to be an alternate version of the video. The original, in which he orders from Wings N Thangs cannot be embedded.
There's a surprising number of good candidates for 2001. But I like this one the best. And I was trying to pick the song I liked the best, not the one that best exemplifies the era, or was the most popular.
Note: this seems to be an alternate version of the video. The original, in which he orders from Wings N Thangs cannot be embedded.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The NFL Is Poop - Week 6
Nice Game, Pal
The biggest story from Week 6 didn't even happen during a game. Everyone is talking about the postgame fight between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz. The seeds of discontent may have been sown earlier in the game. Harbaugh got a 15-yard penalty for challenging an unchallengeable play. It was a scoring play, and new for this season, all scoring plays are automatically reviewed. Schwartz allegedly made a comment similar to "know the rules" in Harbaugh's general direction.
After a close, tense game, the two met and midfield for a postgame handshake. An excited Harbaugh overzealousy shook Schwartz's hand and emphatically clapped him on the back.
It seemed like Schwartz said something, Harbaugh fired back, Schwartz chased him down and a melee ensued.
In my opinion, Schwartz greatly overreacted to Harbaugh's display of enthusiasm. But in order for there to be something to overreact to, there had to be an initial act and that is where Harbaugh is to blame.
I think they both embarrassed themselves and failed to act as leaders of men should. But if I have to pick one, and I do, that's what the poll demands, I will say Harbaugh was more wrong.
Topsy-Turvy World
I've talked about this many times in the past, but it always pays to be reminded, especially when trying to pick games, the NFL is a roller coaster. Teams play like shit next week, and world beaters the next. This week's examples: The ExpensiveCornPrices who lost to San Francisco by 45, then beat the Saints the next week. And the Giants who lost at home to Seattle and then beat the Bills.
White Guys Can Run, Can't Jump, But Can Run
There are very few white wide receivers in the NFL, but two of them have exploded for the biggest plays this season. There was Wes Welker outrunning everyone for a 99-yard TD against the Dolphins. And this week Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a 93-yard TD against St. Louis.
Ain't That a Shame
A couple weeks ago, I marveled at what I thought was an unusual occurrence. Two different quarterbacks both named Jason Campbell. Until Billy informed me that the Jason Campbell playing so capably for the Raiders was in fact the same Jason Campbell who used to play so poorly for the Redskins. Now, Jason Campbell's career renaissance has been delayed due to a broken collar bone. That's unfortunate for Campbell and for the Raiders. Backed into a corner with a solid running game and a good defense, they had no choice but to get a new quarterback. Unfortunately they had to drastically overpay, two first round picks, for Carson Palmer. But with Oakland at 4-2, they couldn't just trust their season to Kyle Boller.
Picture of the Week
Unsung hero and one of my favorite players in the league, Ovie Mughelli (Oh-vee Muh-hail-ee), celebrates after scoring a touchdown. Part of a dying breed of fullbacks, Mughelli has touched the ball only about 100 times in his 6-year career.
A Brief Rant About the Redskins
How quickly things change. On Saturday the Redskins were in first place with a surprising Rex Grossman enjoying a career revival. On Monday the Redskins are struggling and in the midst of a quarterback controversy. Despite the horrid start, the Redskins had several chances to get back in this game. The turning point should have come when OJ Atogwe picked off Michael Vick at the 1-yard line, preventing the Eagles from extending their 20-6 lead. Ok, so a 99-yard drive is too much to ask. But the Redskins got the ball back at the Eagles 18, and Grossman was intercepted. Then they stopped the Eagles on 4th down and Grossman was intercepted again. At that point Shanahan had no choice but to go to John Beck. But it was too late.
The question is: who should Shanahan start now? A tough stretch is coming up at Carolina, at Buffalo, San Francisco, three teams who are much better than we thought they would be. I think he should stick with Grossman. If the Redskins can keep games close, he likely won't make the mistakes he made against the Eagles when he was forcing the ball in order to lead a big comeback.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packers 35 New England Patriots 21
Am I ever going to be able to put a different team in one of these two slots for the rest of the season? Probably not. So I will keep playing around with the score. This week I use the score from when the Packers beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.
The biggest story from Week 6 didn't even happen during a game. Everyone is talking about the postgame fight between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz. The seeds of discontent may have been sown earlier in the game. Harbaugh got a 15-yard penalty for challenging an unchallengeable play. It was a scoring play, and new for this season, all scoring plays are automatically reviewed. Schwartz allegedly made a comment similar to "know the rules" in Harbaugh's general direction.
After a close, tense game, the two met and midfield for a postgame handshake. An excited Harbaugh overzealousy shook Schwartz's hand and emphatically clapped him on the back.
It seemed like Schwartz said something, Harbaugh fired back, Schwartz chased him down and a melee ensued.
In my opinion, Schwartz greatly overreacted to Harbaugh's display of enthusiasm. But in order for there to be something to overreact to, there had to be an initial act and that is where Harbaugh is to blame.
I think they both embarrassed themselves and failed to act as leaders of men should. But if I have to pick one, and I do, that's what the poll demands, I will say Harbaugh was more wrong.
Topsy-Turvy World
I've talked about this many times in the past, but it always pays to be reminded, especially when trying to pick games, the NFL is a roller coaster. Teams play like shit next week, and world beaters the next. This week's examples: The ExpensiveCornPrices who lost to San Francisco by 45, then beat the Saints the next week. And the Giants who lost at home to Seattle and then beat the Bills.
White Guys Can Run, Can't Jump, But Can Run
There are very few white wide receivers in the NFL, but two of them have exploded for the biggest plays this season. There was Wes Welker outrunning everyone for a 99-yard TD against the Dolphins. And this week Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a 93-yard TD against St. Louis.
Ain't That a Shame
A couple weeks ago, I marveled at what I thought was an unusual occurrence. Two different quarterbacks both named Jason Campbell. Until Billy informed me that the Jason Campbell playing so capably for the Raiders was in fact the same Jason Campbell who used to play so poorly for the Redskins. Now, Jason Campbell's career renaissance has been delayed due to a broken collar bone. That's unfortunate for Campbell and for the Raiders. Backed into a corner with a solid running game and a good defense, they had no choice but to get a new quarterback. Unfortunately they had to drastically overpay, two first round picks, for Carson Palmer. But with Oakland at 4-2, they couldn't just trust their season to Kyle Boller.
Picture of the Week
Unsung hero and one of my favorite players in the league, Ovie Mughelli (Oh-vee Muh-hail-ee), celebrates after scoring a touchdown. Part of a dying breed of fullbacks, Mughelli has touched the ball only about 100 times in his 6-year career.
A Brief Rant About the Redskins
How quickly things change. On Saturday the Redskins were in first place with a surprising Rex Grossman enjoying a career revival. On Monday the Redskins are struggling and in the midst of a quarterback controversy. Despite the horrid start, the Redskins had several chances to get back in this game. The turning point should have come when OJ Atogwe picked off Michael Vick at the 1-yard line, preventing the Eagles from extending their 20-6 lead. Ok, so a 99-yard drive is too much to ask. But the Redskins got the ball back at the Eagles 18, and Grossman was intercepted. Then they stopped the Eagles on 4th down and Grossman was intercepted again. At that point Shanahan had no choice but to go to John Beck. But it was too late.
The question is: who should Shanahan start now? A tough stretch is coming up at Carolina, at Buffalo, San Francisco, three teams who are much better than we thought they would be. I think he should stick with Grossman. If the Redskins can keep games close, he likely won't make the mistakes he made against the Eagles when he was forcing the ball in order to lead a big comeback.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Green Bay Packers 35 New England Patriots 21
Am I ever going to be able to put a different team in one of these two slots for the rest of the season? Probably not. So I will keep playing around with the score. This week I use the score from when the Packers beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.
Legal Sea Food Ads
My favorite seafood joint, Legal Sea Food is out with a series of cheeky new ads. They start as faux-environmental ads with messages like "Save the Trout" but they end with "save the trout so we can grill that baby up real nice."
As an environmentalist, an animal lover, a food lover, someone who believes the natural order of the universe allows even requires animals to eat other animals, and an avowed smartass, I love the ad campaign.
But of course the PETA wackos are up in arms over it.
As an environmentalist, an animal lover, a food lover, someone who believes the natural order of the universe allows even requires animals to eat other animals, and an avowed smartass, I love the ad campaign.
But of course the PETA wackos are up in arms over it.
Monday, October 17, 2011
It's Getting Ugly
Senator Scott Brown was elected two years ago in a special election after the death of Ted Kennedy. He has to run for re-election next year and already the Democrats are lining up against him. Elizabeth Warren, who was the TARP cop for the Obama Administration pulled out the dagger first.
When asked how she paid for college, Warren said "I didn't pose naked."
Brown did, in Cosmopolitan when he was 22.
When Brown was asked about Warren's comment that she didn't pose naked, he said "Thank God."
Now women's groups are calling him sexist. Even if his remark was a little bit petty and catty, I don't blame him, for two reasons. First of all, she started it. Second of all, she's ugly.
When asked how she paid for college, Warren said "I didn't pose naked."
Brown did, in Cosmopolitan when he was 22.
When Brown was asked about Warren's comment that she didn't pose naked, he said "Thank God."
Now women's groups are calling him sexist. Even if his remark was a little bit petty and catty, I don't blame him, for two reasons. First of all, she started it. Second of all, she's ugly.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Weekly Picks
Finally pieced together two good weeks in a row to get my total points on pace (need to average three per week to have a good season). I got kind of lucky because both New England and San Diego covered on late field goals. But it still counts and I hope to keep it going this week with a bunch of home favorites laying big lines.
NEW ENGLAND -6 1/2 dallas
I think I am pretty much going to pick New England every week. I think they are really great on offense and almost no team can keep up with them. I also like the half point I get if New England can win by a touchdown there's no push.
OAKLAND -7 cleveland
The Browns are really bad and it's being disguised because their early season schedule was weak. The Raiders are actually pretty good and their quarterback Jason Campbell (Bill confirms he is the same Jason Campbell who sucked for the Redskins) has been a great game manager, allowing the running game to dominate.
jacksonville -13 PITTSBURGH
I was looking for one underdog and this was the only one I liked. The Steelers got their big blowout last week. I don't think they're a great team that's gonna roll over everyone all the time. And I don't think the Jaguars are that bad.
DETROIT -4 1/2 san francisco
Last week's 48-3 win over the ExpensiveCornPrices was a total aberration. The 49ers are not that good. As long as Alex Smith is the QB, a team that can rush the passer like the Lions can, will pressure him and force turnovers.
BEST BET
NEW YORK JETS -7 1/2 miami
All this shit is swirling around the Jets this week, and I kind of like when that happens. The Dolphins are really bad and if the Jets don't turn it over (far from a given), they will win this game big.
Last week: 3-2 (4 point)
Season: 14-11 (15 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (3-2)
Home Favorites: 1-0 (6-2)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 1-1 (3-5)
Road Underdogs: 1-1 (5-4)
NEW ENGLAND -6 1/2 dallas
I think I am pretty much going to pick New England every week. I think they are really great on offense and almost no team can keep up with them. I also like the half point I get if New England can win by a touchdown there's no push.
OAKLAND -7 cleveland
The Browns are really bad and it's being disguised because their early season schedule was weak. The Raiders are actually pretty good and their quarterback Jason Campbell (Bill confirms he is the same Jason Campbell who sucked for the Redskins) has been a great game manager, allowing the running game to dominate.
jacksonville -13 PITTSBURGH
I was looking for one underdog and this was the only one I liked. The Steelers got their big blowout last week. I don't think they're a great team that's gonna roll over everyone all the time. And I don't think the Jaguars are that bad.
DETROIT -4 1/2 san francisco
Last week's 48-3 win over the ExpensiveCornPrices was a total aberration. The 49ers are not that good. As long as Alex Smith is the QB, a team that can rush the passer like the Lions can, will pressure him and force turnovers.
BEST BET
NEW YORK JETS -7 1/2 miami
All this shit is swirling around the Jets this week, and I kind of like when that happens. The Dolphins are really bad and if the Jets don't turn it over (far from a given), they will win this game big.
Last week: 3-2 (4 point)
Season: 14-11 (15 points)
Best Bets: 1-0 (3-2)
Home Favorites: 1-0 (6-2)
Home Underdogs: 0-0 (0-0)
Road Favorites: 1-1 (3-5)
Road Underdogs: 1-1 (5-4)