When Scarborough put the Tide up 14-0 I was getting ready to roll my winnings into next year Vegas stash That will teach me. For purely pecuniary purposes I picked, and more egregiously, rooted for Bama. Sorry Big Guy.
And, of course, it cost me. With a strange taste of vomit all night, I was muttering Roll Tide.
When they started out with a 14-0 lead thoughts of, finally, after being so close in my pool, this would be the year I would finish in the money. I was already thinking about rolling the winnings into some Mega Bets next year.
But, greed is an evil mistress. So tempting, always this close until, at the last second, literally the last second, it all came crashing down. Clemson scores a TD to win.
Sports bars across this fruited plain erupted in joy. The Death Star of college football was blown apart! Darth Saban was defeated at last. You could almost hear Christmas carols in the background. Hark the herald angels sing…
And, of course, it cost me. With a strange taste of vomit all night, I was muttering Roll Tide.
When they started out with a 14-0 lead thoughts of, finally, after being so close in my pool, this would be the year I would finish in the money. I was already thinking about rolling the winnings into some Mega Bets next year.
But, greed is an evil mistress. So tempting, always this close until, at the last second, literally the last second, it all came crashing down. Clemson scores a TD to win.
Sports bars across this fruited plain erupted in joy. The Death Star of college football was blown apart! Darth Saban was defeated at last. You could almost hear Christmas carols in the background. Hark the herald angels sing…
But Clemson's fantastic comeback ended those dreams And there I was, relegated to a dark corner with the other Bama fans, stunned and silenced. Company I never intended to make and certainly not keep. No sympathy was asked for nor forthcoming. I vowed to never be in that corner again. Never again shall I let my wallet be my lodestar.
Unless it’s a sure thing.
That last second TD epitomized my year. 2016 sucked. Spartan football sucked, Spartan basketball did a one and done, my Vegas picks sucked and in my pool, where the top 6 win, I place 9th.
My own fault really. I should have checked my picks. Somehow, in my heart picks I entered Michigan. Never in a million years would I have made that pick and yet there it was. I looked back at the BBofG, sure enough I said I was going with FSU (and Clemson over Ohio State too). If I had actually entered those picks, either one, I would have won the pool. Next year, I’m triple checking my picks.
There’s still a chance to make some money this year though. In the NFL, I have Dallas winning the NFC and the Pats winning the Super Bowl.
After last weeks great start, here are the Divisional Round picks.
Unless it’s a sure thing.
That last second TD epitomized my year. 2016 sucked. Spartan football sucked, Spartan basketball did a one and done, my Vegas picks sucked and in my pool, where the top 6 win, I place 9th.
My own fault really. I should have checked my picks. Somehow, in my heart picks I entered Michigan. Never in a million years would I have made that pick and yet there it was. I looked back at the BBofG, sure enough I said I was going with FSU (and Clemson over Ohio State too). If I had actually entered those picks, either one, I would have won the pool. Next year, I’m triple checking my picks.
There’s still a chance to make some money this year though. In the NFL, I have Dallas winning the NFC and the Pats winning the Super Bowl.
After last weeks great start, here are the Divisional Round picks.
Bruce is still pissing and moaning about this non-call Atlanta -5.0 vs Seattle – Bruce is still chirping about the previous meeting. Back in week 6 the Falcons travelled to the great Pacific Northwest. They had blown a 24-17 lead and trailed 26-24 at the 2 minute warning. On 4th down, Matty Ice heaved a deep ball to Julio and…. Richard Sherman gets away with pass interference. A bad, really bad, missed call.
Atlanta went on to be the number one scoring offense. By a lot. They averaged 33.8 points per game easily outdistancing the next best, New Orleans, by a full 4.5 points.
The Falcons figure to do even better this time against Seattle since the Seahawks are missing all pro safety Earl Thomas. But it kind of even outs that Kam Chancellor was not playing in the previous contest. In what should be the best one on one matchup of the weekend, Sherman vs Jones should be about a wash.
Atlanta went on to be the number one scoring offense. By a lot. They averaged 33.8 points per game easily outdistancing the next best, New Orleans, by a full 4.5 points.
The Falcons figure to do even better this time against Seattle since the Seahawks are missing all pro safety Earl Thomas. But it kind of even outs that Kam Chancellor was not playing in the previous contest. In what should be the best one on one matchup of the weekend, Sherman vs Jones should be about a wash.
Rawls made a laughing stock of the Lions last week That leaves Ryan looking for his other favorite target Devonta Freeman. But Seattle is solid in the run defense. Freeman was limited to just 40 yards on 12 carries in the first meeting. And Seattle's linebackers also did a great job on Freeman as a receiver out of the backfield allowing just three catches went for just 10 yards - a season low for him in yards per reception.
Atlanta is also down a CB. No one has fully exploited the Falcon secondary missing CB Desmond Trufant. Russell Wilson should be able to find TEs Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham.
Last week, Wilson was a perfect 11-11 for 104 yards when targeting Baldwin. That connection may not be perfect again this week but it will be fruitful.
A healthy Thomas Rawls demolished the Lions last week for 162 yards on 27 carries. Granted, that was against the Lions, whose run defense is pathetic and tackle like one armed midgets when the playoffs roll around. But the Falcons run defense is not much better. Rawls won’t be dominant, but will get enough yards to set up the passing game.
I’m going to put a smile on Bruce’s face and Mega Bet the Seahawks. This time, Julio will get that last minute call (then again, maybe not, the reffing crew called the fewest PI calls by a wide margin) It will set up the winning FG but Seattle still covers the 5 points.
I’ll take the over 51.5 too. Atlanta was 13-2-1 on the overs, including 8-0 at home. The late FG gets the score to 54.
Atlanta is also down a CB. No one has fully exploited the Falcon secondary missing CB Desmond Trufant. Russell Wilson should be able to find TEs Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham.
Last week, Wilson was a perfect 11-11 for 104 yards when targeting Baldwin. That connection may not be perfect again this week but it will be fruitful.
A healthy Thomas Rawls demolished the Lions last week for 162 yards on 27 carries. Granted, that was against the Lions, whose run defense is pathetic and tackle like one armed midgets when the playoffs roll around. But the Falcons run defense is not much better. Rawls won’t be dominant, but will get enough yards to set up the passing game.
I’m going to put a smile on Bruce’s face and Mega Bet the Seahawks. This time, Julio will get that last minute call (then again, maybe not, the reffing crew called the fewest PI calls by a wide margin) It will set up the winning FG but Seattle still covers the 5 points.
I’ll take the over 51.5 too. Atlanta was 13-2-1 on the overs, including 8-0 at home. The late FG gets the score to 54.
Jacoby Brissett beat the Texans - what chance do they have against Brady New England -15.5 vs Houston - I can’t recall the last time there was such a big spread in the playoffs, I had to be in some Super Bowl back in the early 90’s when the NFC was trouncing the AFC. And bettors still aren’t shying away from laying the points. 60% of the money is backing the Pats despite having to lay all those points.
The reasons are simple really. New England destroyed Houston back in week 3 27-0 without Tom Brady. They didn’t even have back up Jimmy Garoppolo. They were using 3rd string QB Jacoby Brissett. The so called #1 defense couldn’t hold off New England’s 3rd string QB.
The Patriots didn’t need the passing game to beat the Texans, RB LaGarrette Blount had over 100 yards and 2 TDs while Brissett ran for 48 and another TD.
Now they get back Brady who has been unstoppable this year. He has 28 TDs against only 2 picks while averaging just under 300 yards per game.
And while the Texans have the best defense based on yards, New England has the best defense based on points allowed. Yeah, it helps to play the Fins, Bills and Jets twice a year but they did shut out the Texans.
It’s tough to get points when your QB is Osweiller but that is who the Texans are forced to play. The hooded one will come up with a scheme that will easily confuse Brock again. I'm not sure that Houston will even reach double digits on Saturday.
All the trends say take the Pats. They were not only had the best record in the NFL at 14-2 they were the best ATS too going 13-3. Houston has never won in Foxboro and are 1-7 against the NE since joining the league.
Usually I like to go against the public and I love taking that many points but I’ll still take Brady and lay the 2TDs and a FG. Belichick and Brady are A Holes and love to run up the score. They’ll do it once again.
And with the win, New England will be the first team ever to reach 6 straight conference championship games since the merger.
The reasons are simple really. New England destroyed Houston back in week 3 27-0 without Tom Brady. They didn’t even have back up Jimmy Garoppolo. They were using 3rd string QB Jacoby Brissett. The so called #1 defense couldn’t hold off New England’s 3rd string QB.
The Patriots didn’t need the passing game to beat the Texans, RB LaGarrette Blount had over 100 yards and 2 TDs while Brissett ran for 48 and another TD.
Now they get back Brady who has been unstoppable this year. He has 28 TDs against only 2 picks while averaging just under 300 yards per game.
And while the Texans have the best defense based on yards, New England has the best defense based on points allowed. Yeah, it helps to play the Fins, Bills and Jets twice a year but they did shut out the Texans.
It’s tough to get points when your QB is Osweiller but that is who the Texans are forced to play. The hooded one will come up with a scheme that will easily confuse Brock again. I'm not sure that Houston will even reach double digits on Saturday.
All the trends say take the Pats. They were not only had the best record in the NFL at 14-2 they were the best ATS too going 13-3. Houston has never won in Foxboro and are 1-7 against the NE since joining the league.
Usually I like to go against the public and I love taking that many points but I’ll still take Brady and lay the 2TDs and a FG. Belichick and Brady are A Holes and love to run up the score. They’ll do it once again.
And with the win, New England will be the first team ever to reach 6 straight conference championship games since the merger.
Roethlisberger may feeling the effects of an injured ankle - or is it his shoulder Kansas City -1.0 vs Pittsburgh – These teams met back in week 4 when the Steelers hammered the Chiefs 43-14. Kansas City has been on a tear ever since winning 10 of their last twelve games. Now they look for revenge, this time at home, in what should be miserable, cold and rainy conditions.
Not only will KC have the revenge factor going but they have had a week off to rest up and soothe all things dings and bruises. Andy Reid is the master of using a week off. He is 19-2 coming off the bye including 3-0 in the playoffs.
Kansas City’s turnaround started in the secondary. KC led the league in takeaways (33) picks (16) and turnover margin (+16). All Pro DBs Marcus Peters and Eric Berry combined for 10 interceptions. Peters was torched in the previous meeting by Antonio Brown and will look to avenge that embarrassment.
He might not get a chance though. LeVeon Bell plowed through the Chiefs in week 4 for 144 yards and should figure to do even better this week. KC had one of the worst rush defenses this year ending up 26th.
The KC offense is what it is. Alex Smith will dink and dunk his was down the field hoping to keep the three Bs off the field and get an explosive play out of Tyreek Hill every once and awhile. Hill is the only player to ever score 3 TDs rushing, reviewing and on returns in one season. Then look to the defense to set up a short field.
This game will likely come down to the health of Big Ben. Last week, late in the game and the Steelers up 30-12, the Steelers called for a pass play. Roethlisberger took a big hit clutching his shoulder. In the post game press conference he was wearing a walking boot. Not sure how a walking boot helps the shoulder but maybe that’s the way his body operates. He is listed as probable but if he is still feeling the effects of that hit it could affect the game.
I’ll go with Ben and the other 2 Bs to be just fine thank you and pull out a late win.
Not only will KC have the revenge factor going but they have had a week off to rest up and soothe all things dings and bruises. Andy Reid is the master of using a week off. He is 19-2 coming off the bye including 3-0 in the playoffs.
Kansas City’s turnaround started in the secondary. KC led the league in takeaways (33) picks (16) and turnover margin (+16). All Pro DBs Marcus Peters and Eric Berry combined for 10 interceptions. Peters was torched in the previous meeting by Antonio Brown and will look to avenge that embarrassment.
He might not get a chance though. LeVeon Bell plowed through the Chiefs in week 4 for 144 yards and should figure to do even better this week. KC had one of the worst rush defenses this year ending up 26th.
The KC offense is what it is. Alex Smith will dink and dunk his was down the field hoping to keep the three Bs off the field and get an explosive play out of Tyreek Hill every once and awhile. Hill is the only player to ever score 3 TDs rushing, reviewing and on returns in one season. Then look to the defense to set up a short field.
This game will likely come down to the health of Big Ben. Last week, late in the game and the Steelers up 30-12, the Steelers called for a pass play. Roethlisberger took a big hit clutching his shoulder. In the post game press conference he was wearing a walking boot. Not sure how a walking boot helps the shoulder but maybe that’s the way his body operates. He is listed as probable but if he is still feeling the effects of that hit it could affect the game.
I’ll go with Ben and the other 2 Bs to be just fine thank you and pull out a late win.
The Dallas OL is the best in the business Dallas -5.0 vs Green Bay – The NFL was going to save the best game for last again this weekend but Mother Nature intervened. An ice storm is expected to rip through Missouri so the Pittsburgh - Chiefs game has been moved to 8:20 pm Sunday.
The NFC’s best team will be playing the NFC’s hottest team in the Jerry Dome. Like every other game this weekend it’s a rematch. Dallas beat the Pack back in week six which kicked off a mid season slide by Green Bay, losing four of five.
They recovered, going 7-0 ever since, bulldozing everyone in their path. Rodgers has tossed 18 TDs with no picks during the winning streak. And they have scored at least 30 points over the last five games.
Rodgers ripped apart a Giants defense last week for nearly 400 yards and four TDs (including a patented Hail Mary to close out the first half). The Giants defense is better than the one the Cowboys will trot out. The Boys will have CB Morris Claiborne back but he may be at less than full strength.
Rodgers had all day to throw (or at least 8.2 seconds) against a GMen DL that is superior to Dallas’. Imagine how much time he will get on Sunday.
The NFC’s best team will be playing the NFC’s hottest team in the Jerry Dome. Like every other game this weekend it’s a rematch. Dallas beat the Pack back in week six which kicked off a mid season slide by Green Bay, losing four of five.
They recovered, going 7-0 ever since, bulldozing everyone in their path. Rodgers has tossed 18 TDs with no picks during the winning streak. And they have scored at least 30 points over the last five games.
Rodgers ripped apart a Giants defense last week for nearly 400 yards and four TDs (including a patented Hail Mary to close out the first half). The Giants defense is better than the one the Cowboys will trot out. The Boys will have CB Morris Claiborne back but he may be at less than full strength.
Rodgers had all day to throw (or at least 8.2 seconds) against a GMen DL that is superior to Dallas’. Imagine how much time he will get on Sunday.
And should be able to spring Ezekiel for some big gainers The bad news for the Green and Gold is that Jordy Nelson will be out after taking a hit to the helmet last week. It may not matter. Rodgers just went to Randall Cobb. He had 3 TDs last week and Davante Adams grabbed another.
It’s just not a good matchup for the Dallas D. They are built to stop the run which Green Bay doesn’t try to do.
On the other side of the ball, Dallas will try to keep Rodgers off the field by running Ezekiel Elliott over and over behind the best OL in the league. It took a half in the last meeting but they eventually succeeded in wearing down the Pack as Elliott ended up with 157 yards.
Prescott will have some success too as the Packer secondary is average. Once they start sneaking up to slow down Elliott, the Boys will go over the top for some big plays.
This should be a back and forth game with the last team having the ball winning. I’ll pick against my betting slip and take a hall of fame QB set to nuclear, getting points no less, over a rookie.
The last time that HOF QB played in the Palace in Dallas he was winning a ring versus the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Win this game and he should be favored to play in another SB.
And to make sure my betting slip survives the weekend – I’ll make it a Mega Bet.
It’s just not a good matchup for the Dallas D. They are built to stop the run which Green Bay doesn’t try to do.
On the other side of the ball, Dallas will try to keep Rodgers off the field by running Ezekiel Elliott over and over behind the best OL in the league. It took a half in the last meeting but they eventually succeeded in wearing down the Pack as Elliott ended up with 157 yards.
Prescott will have some success too as the Packer secondary is average. Once they start sneaking up to slow down Elliott, the Boys will go over the top for some big plays.
This should be a back and forth game with the last team having the ball winning. I’ll pick against my betting slip and take a hall of fame QB set to nuclear, getting points no less, over a rookie.
The last time that HOF QB played in the Palace in Dallas he was winning a ring versus the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Win this game and he should be favored to play in another SB.
And to make sure my betting slip survives the weekend – I’ll make it a Mega Bet.
