Week 9

Ok so we have had a decent week last week. I wouldn't say I atoned for the week before, but I definitely made some of you think I have a clue. This is an important week for my picks. One reason for that is because I would love to think I have a huge following and I wouldn't want to let anyone down, but the second and most important reason is because I leave for Vegas tomorrow, where we all know gambling on sports is legal. I guess I should have mentioned before, that these picks I dole out every Thursday are under the pretense of "if gambling where legal". So I will study up and hope that the ol' "two legged's" treat me right while I visit Vegas, baby.

OVERALL RECORDS
29-34-1 ATS, 36-29 SU

College

Ohio State (-15.5) vs. Wisconsin

I have said that Wisconsin might have been one of the most overrated teams ever to start the season ranked in the Top 10. With that being said, I think Ohio State is the worst number one team that I can think of in recent years. The Big 10 is just an average conference, where one team has separated itself from the rest. That doesn't really mean that Ohio State is a national powerhouse, it just means they are siting pretty in a year where no one wants to hang on to the number one spot. It seems like a team like Wisconsin, overrated to start the year, will hit its stride late in the year, only to ruin something for someone else. I don't think they will win this one outright because it is in Columbus, but I think they make it interesting. I take Wisconsin and the points against a slightly above average team. Ohio State 17 Wisconsin 10 LOSER

Kansas (-19.5) vs. Nebraska

This is a basketball spread right? I mean the Jayhawks at Phog Allen minus nineteen, I like it. They will get out in front, press, run the basketball, and the Huskers can't stay in the gym with em. Right? Not so fast my friends. We are talking football and do you think the Huskers aren't noticing being nearly a three touchdown dog to Kansas? Kansas? I know that Nebraska is down, but the Jayhawks just don't cover 19 on Nebraska in football. I doesn't happen. I love this game. Take the Huskers and the points and smile the whole game, because you will never not be covering this spread. Nebraska 28 Kansas 17 LOSER

NFL

Washington (-3) at NY Jets

If Washington can put behind them what happened in Foxboro, they will be ok. I could actually see them making a deep playoff run. I think they will be a little angry when they take the field after giving up 52 to start the game against the Patriots. I see Portis early and often. Remember we have a new starting QB for the Jets as well. Washington is a smart choice here. Washington 31 NY Jets 13 PUSH

Kansas City (-2.5) vs. Green Bay

I hate Kansas City, but I am really not that impressed with Green Bay. Not to take anything away from the Packers, but I think Monday Night was more because of how bad the Broncos are than that the Packers are a good team. They can however shut down the running game. I guess I will have to go with Favre, in a game between two teams I would rather not have to put money on right now. Green Bay by default. Green Bay 19 Kansas City 18 WINNER

Tampa Bay (-3.5) vs. Arizona

Arizona is not out of it, and I think that Tampa might slip up a bit. They are no doubt keeping an eye on the Saints, and I think the Saints still have a chance in that division. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are not out of anything yet in a very week NFC West. I can see the Cardinals playing well off their bye week. Give me Arizona here in another close lose at home for the Bucs. Arizona 24 Tampa Bay 21 LOSER

Tennessee (-4) vs. Carolina

Can the Titans keep winning in spite of VY? They are winning solely on a solid running game, defense and Rod "Freaking" Bironas. If Vince has a good game, they will blow someone out. I see it happening this week, mainly because I dropped VY from my fantasy team, and when that happens you know that person will haunt you the rest of the year. Tennessee big. Tennessee 28 Carolina 13 WINNER

Detroit (-3) vs. Denver

When teams underachieve, you always think hey they are going to break out of it and come along. Then they get hit with that knockout blow that they can't come back from. I think that happened last Monday to Denver. I don't think they are a bad team, I just bet they fold the rest of this season, get a good draft pick, and come back strong next season, and without Shanahan. Take Detroit in a game that Denver gives away. Detroit 30 Denver 21 WINNER

Buffalo (-1) vs. Cincinnati

When I first saw this game, I though "whoa this is a nice play here if you go with Cincinnati". Then I found out that JP Losman was going to play and not Trent Edwards. I hate that this game is in Cincinnati. I could see the Bungals laying down the rest of the year, especially with the character of that team. But I think this is one they are going to get. Palmer will have a big day, as will Ocho-Cinco. Cincinnati wins it late. Cincinnati 27 Buffalo 23 LOSER

San Diego (-7) at Minnesota

It's tough to find a hotter team than the Chargers. Minnesota is so bad offensively that it is starting to show on Peterson. The Chargers have a really stout defense, and they should be able to shut down Minnesota and put up big numbers offensively. I like San Diego again. San Diego 34 Minnesota 7 LOSER

Cleveland (-1) vs. Seattle

Why is Cleveland only favored by one over Seattle. Seattle is not a good ball club. They are a decent team in the NFC, but if Cleveland were in the NFC they would be talking about the Super Bowl. Cleveland will have a field day on this team. Cleveland 37 Seattle 21 WINNER

New England (-5) at Indianapolis in The Game of the Century II

I'm not as excited about this game as I thought I would be. The only thing here is that it seems like Belichek is trying to take out his mad frustration on the whole league. The Colts are everything that is to like about an NFL franchise. I can see this game going the way of the Patriots, but I am going to throw you guys a curve ball. I have a theory about the NFL. There is no doubt that this game will be the most gambled on game of the year. More people might throw down money on this than the Super Bowl. The casual fan knows that both of these teams have high powered offenses, and offense outshines defense any day. If you are a little more knowledgeable you will know that they have stout defenses as well. In big game defense always plays a little better than offense. If you are nervous it affects the offense more. So instead of picking a team, I will pick the UNDER because most people will put their money on the over, thinking these two teams score so much. The over/under is 57. New England 28 Indianapolis 24 WINNER

Oakland (-3) vs. Houston

This is a game that I am going to play while in Vegas. Houston is really on the ropes, and Oakland's pass defense is really good, against a quarterback named Sage. I love the Raiders in this one. Oakland 23 Houston 13 LOSER

Dallas (-3) at Philadelphia

This is rivalry game, so it is so hard to pick. I hate these NFC East games. It seems like even the worst team has a chance every week. Dallas is pretty good, but McNabb seems to kind of own them. I think McNabb will make enough plays to lead Philadelphia to an upset of the Cows in their first real test on the road. Philadelphia 23 Dallas 20 LOSER

Pittsburgh (-9) vs. Baltimore

I don't think Baltimore is really great or anything, but I don't think that a team with that good of a defense loses by 9 to Pittsburgh. This is a tough one, because you could have that really close, hard fought game, where a late field goals puts it out of reach and a ten point game for the Steelers. I will stick with my gut feeling here though and take Baltimore and the points. Pittsburgh 13 Baltimore 6 WINNER

6-7-1 ATS, 7-7 SU

Alright that is what I got for ya. I really really hope that I made good picks this week, because if they were good enough, I might never make a blog again. That would be of course because I hit it big and am living in the Bahamas. Good luck!!!!!