Results For NFL Week 17 2013

16-0

Strong Finish!
That is like hitting a perfect drive on hole 18. It makes you want to come back and do this again lol

My first week ever to pick 100% winners. That is something to be excited about   :)

Season total is 165-90-1 which is 64.45%

According to Pickwatch, that puts me tied with 6 experts with 165 wins
Ryan Wilson, Tom Jackson, Joel Beall, John Breech, Kevin Patra, Cris Carter
who rank 29-34 out of 94 experts.

Not to bad all things considered.

Playoffs start this weekend so no time to dwell on the regular season.

Happy New Year!

Predictions For NFL Week 17 2013

The last week of the regular season

All the games will be played on Sunday

I love it!

Cle – Pit                      Pit

Was – NYG                NYG

Bal – Cin                     Cin

Hou – Ten                   Ten

Jac – Ind                      Ind

NYJ – Mia                  NYJ

Det – Min                   Min

Car – Atl                     Car

TB – NO                     NO

Buf – NE                     NE

Stl – Sea                      Sea

GB – Chi                     GB

SF – Ari                      SF

Den – Oak                   Den

KC – SD                     SD

Phi – Dal                     Phi

a lot of playoff implications on the line.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh - Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs and will do their part on Sunday by beating the Browns. But that won't be enough to get them in the playoffs.

Baltimore at Cincinnati - Ravens have can make the playoffs if they win and get a little help. Bengals will get a first round bye if they win and NE loses. Cincy does their part by winning at home but they end up with #3 seed and have to play the wild card game.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis - Colts can get a first round bye if they win AND NE loses AND Cincinnati loses and/or ties. Indy will do their part to win at home against the improved Jags.

New York Jets at Miami - Dolphins can make the playoffs if they win and they get some help. Unfortunately they don't win against the improbable Jets.

Carolina at Atlanta - Carolina gets a first round bye with a win over the Falcons.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans - New Orleans gets into the playoffs with a win over the Buccaneers. They are not able to get the first round bye though.

Buffalo at New England - Patriots secure the first round by with a victory at home.

St Louis at Seattle - Seahawks lock in home field advantage and a first round by with a close win at home.

Green Bay at Chicago - Chicago doesn't have to win to move on; they just can't lose. But lose is what is going to happen with Mr Rodgers leading the Packers to victory on the road.

San Francisco at Arizona - Cardinals still have a chance to make the playoffs with a win and a little help. They get neither. San Francisco can win the division and obtain a first round bye & even home field advantage with a win and some help. They win but do not get any help.

Denver at Oakland - Denver secures home field advantage with a win over the Raiders.

Kansas City at San Diego - Chargers can make the playoffs as long as they don't lose and both Miami and Baltimore lose. Hmmm, by default, I am picking the Chargers to make the playoffs because I think they beat the Chiefs at home and both the Dolphins and Ravens lose.

Philadelphia at Dallas - Eagles are the Division winners with a win or tie. Why make it close. Eagles win big.

Results For NFL Week 16 2013

I ended up 8-8 this week
Which brings my season to 149-90-1 which is 62.08%
Not good but not just horrible either.

I don't like to lose and I do get defensive and self justify a lot ...

I had both NE and Phi on my written sheet during the week but changed both before posting the official picks.
I sure would like to have those picks back
10-6 62.50% is so much better lol

that added to the 2 picks in week 1 that I mis-posted would give this an entirely different feel
153-86-1 which is 63.75%

But I can't so my record is what it is.

I have 1 last regular season week to go.
The last week of the season is always the most difficult.
You don't always know who is going to play their starters and who is going to rest them. Which teams will give it all they have and which teams will mail it in.

Still plenty on the line this week and I am looking forward to trying to catch all the games. :)

Predictions For NFL Week 16 2013

Here we go Week 16 Playoff hopes on line Jobs for next season on the line Who will come out with a win this week Let’s get to it Mia – Buf Mia NO – Car Car Min – Cin Cin Den – Hou Den Ten – Jac Ten Ind – KC KC Dal – Was Dal Cle – NYJ Cle TB – Stl TB Ari – Sea Sea NYG – Det Det NE – Bal Bal Oak – SD SD Pit – GB Pit Chi – Phi Chi Atl – SF SF

Results For NFL Week 15 2013

A few surprises and a couple of exciting games from week 15.
It shows how difficult it is to consistently win week to week and year to year.

This week I went 10-6 for a 62.50%

For the season on this blog I am 141-82-1 which is 62.94%

If I win out the next 2 weeks that puts me at 173-82-1 or 67.57%

It is unlikely that will happen
Almost as improbable is to only lose 1 pick in the next 2 weeks, which is what I need to do in order to reach my basic goal of 67% winners.

171 wins puts me at 66.79%

167 wins (26 over the next 2 weeks) = 65.23%
166 wins = 64.84%
165 wins = 64.45%
164 wins = 64.06%
163 wins = 63.67%
162 wins = 63.28%
161 wins (20 over the next 2 weeks) = 62.89%

I'm going to have to do pretty well just to make 63% this year.

No Thursday night football

have to wait until later to get the picks for this week.

Predictions For NFL Week 15 2013

Every game is important as we draw closer to the end of the regular season. The pressure to make the right picks is mounting. I need another good week but they aren't getting any easier.

Did you realize the home team won 14 of 16 last week? Wow!

Here are my picks:

SD – Den                    Den

Was – Atl                    Atl

SF – TB                       SF

Sea – NYG                  Sea

Phi – Min                    Phi

NE – Mia                    Mia

Buf – Jac                     Jac

Hou – Ind                    Ind

Chi – Cle                     Chi

KC – Oak                    KC

NYJ – Car                   Car

GB – Dal                     GB

Ari – Ten                    Ari

NO – Stl                      NO

Cin – Pit                      Cin

Bal – Det                     Det


Philadelphia at Minnesota - Can the Vikings pound the ball and keep the Eagles offense on the sidelines? Can the Eagles jump out to a quick lead and keep the pressure on the Vikings to score more points? I like the Eagles to win this match up on the road.

New England at Miami - The Patriots should win this game as the favorite. But I am going with the upset and taking the Dolphins at home in an unexplainable win.

Buffalo at Jacksonville - Jacksonville as been the weakest team in the league for most of the season but they are showing their character and playing hard every week. The Jaguars are on a roll and beat the slumping Bills at home.

Arizona at Tennessee - The Cardinals have been inconsistent this year as they struggle to create their new identity. Tennessee just struggles period.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - I expect this one to be a high impact and high intensity game. Division rivals who will play physical football. The Steelers could easily win this game because you never know which Andy Dalton is going to show up. I think he rises to the occasion and the Bengals win a crucial late season division game preparing them for the playoffs.

Baltimore at Detroit - The general consensus of the Lions is they are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. If they could keep from beating themselves, they would be a real threat to make it to the Super Bowl. But they don't do that every week which leaves the door open for the Ravens to come out of this game with a victory. If Reggie Bush is healthy, Detroit puts up to many points for Baltimore to keep up. Detroit wins at home.

Results For NFL Week 14 2013

What an amazing weekend of football.

I thought it was awesome that a touchdown dance involved making a a snow angel (or at least an attempt because his teammates where standing over him) and a guy that got tackled was lost from view because he was buried in snow.

I must confess though, I love to watch those games being played in the cold and snow from the comforts of my living room lol

Of course, I always enjoy the games more when my picks are winning lol

for the week I was 12-4   75%

for the season I am now 131-76-1   62.98%

According to Pickwatch - John Halpin of Fox is 68.59% for the year
I'm not sure how they did their percentage and haven't taken the time to look through all their data. But they have a lot of experts on their site and some are doing pretty well.

Nate Davis of USA Today is at 66.49% for the year.
A friend of mine said he looked up the stats for Mr. Davis for previous years.
From 2005-2012 (according to my friend) he is
1360-686-2 which is 66.40% by my calculations.

I will try to find some time to do some research on these guys soon and give you an update.

Predictions For NFL Week 14 2013

Here we go with another week of the National Football League.
Playoff spots are at stake. The intensity is mounting.
Can I stop the downward trend of my picks the last few weeks?
Let's find out

Hou – Jac                    Jac

Min – Bal                    Bal

Ind – Cin                     Cin

Atl – GB                     GB

Cle – NE                     NE

Oak – NYJ                  NYJ

Det – Phi                     Det

Mia – Pit                     Pit

Buf – TB                     TB

KC – Was                   KC

Ten – Den                   Den

Stl – Ari                      Ari

NYG – SD                   SD

Sea – SF                      Sea

Car – NO                     NO

Dal – Chi                    Dal

Houston at Jacksonville - Talk about a turn of events. Crazy year for the Texans.

Atlanta at Green Bay - Atlanta is another team with a weird year. Green Bay without Aaron Rodgers is not the same. This is not the match up we expected when the schedule came out.

Oakland at New York Jets - I seem to be killing the Jets by picking them lately. Just when you think they are dead, they will do something to surprise you.

Detroit at Philadelphia - Which Detroit team will show up? Nick Foles has been playing very well. Tempting to take the Eagles over the Jekyll & Hyde Lions. Stafford to Johnson wins the day.

Seattle at San Francisco - I almost picked the Niners but have to take the Seahawks on the road.

Carolina at New Orleans - Panthers have been playing well and the Saints routine is thrown off a bit by the delay in returning home. But I think the Saints bounce back in the dome.

Results For NFL Week 13 2013

My predictions did not turn out very well. AGAIN!
9-7 for the week 56.25%

Season Totals:
119-72-1  61.97%

We are now 75% of the way through the regular season. Let's take a look at the playoffs.

AFCE - New England Patriots have a 3 game lead
AFCN - Cincinnati Bengals have a 2 game lead
AFCS - Indianapolis Colts have a 3 game lead
AFCW - Denver Broncos have a 1 game lead but have swept the Kansas City Chiefs

Wild card -
5) Kansas City Chiefs (9-3)
6) Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
7) Miami Dolphins (6-6)
8) Tennessee Titans (5-7)
9) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-7)
10) San Diego Chargers (5-7)

NFC E - Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are tied but Dallas is 1-0 over Philadelphia right now
NFCN - Detroit Lions have a 1 game lead
NFCS - New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers are tied
NFCW - Seattle Seahawks have a 3 game lead

Wild card -
5) Carolina Panthers (9-3)
6) San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
7) Philadelphia Eagles (7-5)
8) Arizona Cardinals (7-5)
9) Chicago Bears (6-6)
10) Green Bay Packers (5-6-1)

Each week is crucial to the playoff hopes of the teams in the "hunt" for a wild card spot. There are several divisional games that will have a direct affect on who keeps playing and whose season comes to an end.

Predictions For NFL Week 13 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

The bye weeks are over.
Full slate of games this week including 3 today.
Most of them should be close. Everybody can win this week. I don't think I will be surprised by any of the winners. I may be surprised by the score or something like that. But I truly believe any team can win their match up.

With that said let's get to my picks:

GB – Det                     Det

Oak – Dal                    Dal

Pit – Bal                       Pit

TB – Car                      Car

Jac – Cle                      Jac

NE – Hou                    NE

Ten – Ind                     Ten

Chi – Min                     Chi

Mia – NYJ                   NYJ

Ari – Phi                       Ari

Atl – Buf                      Buf

Stl – SF                        SF

Den – KC                    KC

Cin – SD                      Cin

NYG – Was                 NYG

NO – Sea                    Sea

 

Green Bay at Detroit - Packers coming off a tie and the Lions trying to rebound from a loss; a loss where they were going to at least send it to overtime or win it if Megatron catches that last pass from Matthew Stafford. Overall I think Detroit breaks their Thanksgiving Day losing trend.

 

Oakland at Dallas - Both organizations have a rich history and tradition. Both teams have been struggling for some time now. Which Raiders team and which Cowboys team show up is anybody's guess. But I think the Cowboys have better talent overall and will play well today.

 

Pittsburgh at Baltimore - I love it when these two teams play. They play hard and aggressive football. I just wonder if a flag should be thrown during the coin toss for unsportsman like staring. I think the Steelers have found a little bit of their identity lately and seem to be improving. The Ravens are still inconsistent.

 

Time to get ready for the days events and watching the games.

Blessings to you

Results For NFL Week 12 2013

What a disastrous week of picks
There is nothing to say but it stinks

6-7-1
42.85%

which plummets my season record to 110-65-1 - 62.50%
That is not acceptable.

Something else that is not acceptable is a TIE!

This is a professional sports competition.
There is a winner.
There is a loser.

The argument I have heard for ending the game after 1 over time session is player safety followed by how often does it happen? As infrequent as it is, a tie is acceptable.

NO IT IS NOT!

If the thought is it doesn't happen very often so a tie is ok -
My response is, no more than it happens, play till there is a winner. It is not that much of a risk to player safety.

This is not peewee football where the goal is to teach fundamentals, sportsmanship, & promote physical fitness.
We are not worried about making sure everyone feels good about themselves.
This is not High School football
This is not College football.
We are not dealing with student athletes.
We are not talking about a family game of touch football after thanksgiving dinner;
We are not talking about a pickup game in the park;
We are talking about a multi-billion dollar industry;
with jobs on the line;
fans paying significant dollars to attend the game;
advertisers spending huge money for market share;
to watch 2 professional teams COMPETE!
One team should win.
The other team doesn't.

Try this to settle the outcome if you prefer:
At the end of the 1st overtime ask both teams if they want to concede the win to the other team.
If one team says yes - we concede - then fine; they get the loss.
Otherwise, play again;

Offer a coin toss and the winner of the coin toss wins the game
That is better than a tie.
Unfair? Play again.

Whether you make it a whole quarter or a shortened quarter I don't care.  But keep playing.

They should keep the kickoffs & punts and all the elements of the game intact. But keep playing until you have a winner.

In the immortal words of Herman Edwards:
"This is what is great about sports, this is what the greatest thing about sports is
you play to win the game
HELLO
YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME
you don't play it to just play it
that's the great thing about sports
you play to win
and I don't care if you don't have any wins
you go play to win
when you start telling me it doesn't matter,
Then we tie. Get Out!
'cuz it matters!"

Predictions For NFL Week 12 2013

My how quickly the season is passing. It's time for Week 12

NO – Atl                     NO

NYJ – Bal                   Bal

Pit – Cle                      Pit

TB – Det                     Det

Min – GB                    GB

Jac – Hou                    Hou

SD – KC                      KC

Car – Mia                    Car

Chi – Stl                      Chi

Ind – Ari                     Ari

Ten – Oak                   Oak

Dal – NYG                  NYG

Den – NE                    Den

SF – Was                    SF

Byes

Buf, Cin, Phi, Sea

Minnesota at Green Bay - Both teams have been struggling. If Adrian Peterson was completely healthy I would probably pick the Vikings. But he doesn't quite have the same burst right now. Packers QB will not throw 3 picks and therefore, they will get the win.

Jacksonville at Houston - The Texans have fallen so far down this year I considered taking the Jaguars in an upset. But I just can't. Houston has too much talent to lose this game at home.

Chicago at St Louis - Many Rams fans actually think they have a shot to beat the Bears without starting QB Jay Cutler. McCown has played well. Plus, St Louis has had a way of rejuvenating the oppositions running game this year. Unless things fall into place like they did a few weeks ago against Indianapolis, St Louis loses another game.

Indianapolis at Arizona - The Colts haven't been playing as well lately. The Cardinals are on the upswing. I'm taking the Cardinals at home as the Colts try to give the division away.

Tennessee at Oakland - The Titans have a chance to win the division this year if they could put it all together. But the trip to Oakland will cause them to forget what they are supposed to be doing and they lose this game to the Raiders. The NFL is just better when the Raiders are relevant.

Dallas at New York Giants - This is a game the Cowboys should win. They have more talent than the Giants. The Giants are just more consistent. When they are bad, they are bad. But once they start playing well, no one wants to play the Giants.

Denver at New England - A great Sunday night match up of 2 of the best QB's in the game. But the team whose defense makes the most plays will win this game. I am not expecting a lot of offensive fireworks. You won't want to miss any of the action though because it could be any play by any player.

San Francisco at Washington - The game puts two of last years rising QB stars on display. Again, I think defense makes a difference. I choose the forty-niners in this one.

Results For NFL Week 11 2013

I seem to be losing some steam. Ugh!
I went 9-6 this week.
60%
That brings my season totals to:
104-58 which is 64.19%

There were some close games this week.
It's easy to forget that every team is a professional team and capable of playing good enough football to win against any other team in the league.

After 11 weeks lets compare to the last 2 years

in 2013
162 games have been played
Visiting Teams have won 61   -   37.65%
Home Teams have won 101   -   62.34%

In 2012
160 games had been played
Visiting Teams had won 66   -   41.25%
Home Teams had won 93   -   58.12%
1 tie

I was 103-56-1 which is 64.37%

In 2011
160 games had been played
Visiting Teams had won 68   -   42.5%
Home Teams had won 92   -   57.5%

I was 109-51 which is 68.12%

I always want to know more details than I could ever possibly analyze or make sense out of. The more info I get the more muddled and confused it all becomes. I think it all comes back to intuition.

I don't know if that makes me happy or not. Part of me wants it to be all about logic and pure numbers. But there is a whole other part that wants it to be about an intangible; a gut feeling; something that is picked up between the numbers not visible to anyone else; But then, I want to be excellent at being able to pick that up. Obviously I'm not that good at it. But I love the challenge and rush of this every week.

Predictions for NFL Week 11 2013

I am excited to see how the games play out this week.

There are many interesting match ups.

I think some will be well played, hard fought games.

A couple will be high scoring and fast paced.

Others will be not so well played but very close slug fests.

I had a difficult time choosing the winners on several games.

Unfortunately I don't see a double digit win this week

So here are my picks:

Ind – Ten                     Ind

NYJ – Buf                   NYJ

Bal – Chi                     Chi

Cle – Cin                     Cin

Oak – Hou                   Hou

Ari – Jac                     Ari

Was – Phi                   Phi

Det – Pit                      Det

Atl – TB                      Atl

SD – Mia                    SD

SF – NO                      NO

GB – NYG                  NYG

Min – Sea                   Sea

KC – Den                    Den

NE – Car                     NE

Byes:

Dal, Stl

Indianapolis at Tennessee - Indy looked horrible last week. Without Reggie Wayne they will struggle on offense. But I think they squeak out a victory on the road.

Baltimore at Chicago - My Baltimore picks speak for themselves.

Washington at Philadelphia - I am expecting a lot of highlight reel plays from both offenses. Ultimately, I think Philadelphia has a better chance of slowing down the Redskins

Green Bay at New York Giants - This should be a close game but not of the same caliber of recent years. Packers aren't the same without Aaron "discount double-check" Rodgers

Kansas City at Denver - I am expecting a very close lower scoring game. The Chiefs defense could make it a very long, miserable night for Peyton. In the end, I'm choosing the home team but would not be surprised if KC wins.

Results For NFL Week 10 2013

I went 7-7 this week.

That is pretty bad.
50% UGH!

brings my season totals to:
95-52 which is 64.62%
a little lower than where I want to be. I have been on a downward trend lately. I need to turn it around.

Here is some interesting data
in 11 match ups, one team had both the Line & Power
of those only 4 won

6 times the home team had the Line & Power
of those only 2 won

The home team won 7 and the visiting team won 7
50%

I picked the visiting team 7 times and the home team 7 times
50%

of my 7 wins, 3 were visitors & 4 were home

3 had Line & Power but 2 of those were on the road

There were a few blowouts but there were several games that were very close.
I was highly interested and involved in them too lol

I'm still astounded at how Cincinnati completes the extremely low percentage hail mary pass play to put the game into overtime and then lose with a poor coaching decision ...

Why the Chicago coaching staff didn't make a change in quarterback earlier in the game;

and I'm glad that Jacksonville and Tampa Bay both won a game (even if it did cost me 2 picks)

predictions for week 11 to follow

Changed 1 game NFL Week 10 2013

All set for another week of NFL games?
You never know what is going to happen. That is why they play the games.
And it adds to the fun of watching them.

Was – Min                  Was

Sea – Atl                     Sea

Cin – Bal                     Cin

Det – Chi                    Chi

Phi – GB                     GB

Phi
I had forgotten that Aaron Rodgers was injured.

Stl – Ind                      Ind

Oak – NYG               NYG

Buf – Pit                     Pit

Jac – Ten                    Ten

Car – SF                     SF

Hou – Ari                    Ari

Den – SD                    Den

Dal – NO                    NO

Mia – TB                    Mia

Byes

Cle, KC, NE, NYJ

Washington at Minnesota - Washington seems to be playing a little better and ready to make a run at the division title. Adrian Peterson seems ready to run All Day. A lot of hum drum plays but a huge play could happen on the next snap. Washington prevails.

Seattle at Atlanta - Before the season started, I thought this would be the conference championship game. Seattle is holding up their end; Atlanta is just trying to get this year over with.

Cincinnati at Baltimore - It feels like I have been on the wrong side of Baltimore all year long.

Detroit at Chicago - These teams have come a long way from the old black & blue division days. This should be a high scoring fun to watch game. Cutler plays well enough to pull out a victory at home.

Carolina at San Francisco - Carolina seems to have found their offense over the last few weeks. However, they are playing a good defense this time. 49ers in a tough one.

Denver at San Diego - Usually a tough divisional game. I expect nothing less this time around. Denver has too much talent for San Diego to over come.

Dallas at New Orleans - I think the Saints have something to prove and will come out fired up. Dallas could play well and keep it close but it's time for one of those "valley" games that come out of no where. New Orleans wins big.

Predictions For NFL Week 10 2013

All set for another week of NFL games?
You never know what is going to happen. That is why they play the games.
And it adds to the fun of watching them.

Was – Min                  Was

Sea – Atl                     Sea

Cin – Bal                     Cin

Det – Chi                    Chi

Phi – GB                     GB

Stl – Ind                      Ind

Oak – NYG               NYG

Buf – Pit                     Pit

Jac – Ten                    Ten

Car – SF                     SF

Hou – Ari                    Ari

Den – SD                    Den

Dal – NO                    NO

Mia – TB                    Mia

Byes

Cle, KC, NE, NYJ

Washington at Minnesota - Washington seems to be playing a little better and ready to make a run at the division title. Adrian Peterson seems ready to run All Day. A lot of hum drum plays but a huge play could happen on the next snap. Washington prevails.

Seattle at Atlanta - Before the season started, I thought this would be the conference championship game. Seattle is holding up their end; Atlanta is just trying to get this year over with.

Cincinnati at Baltimore - It feels like I have been on the wrong side of Baltimore all year long.

Detroit at Chicago - These teams have come a long way from the old black & blue division days. This should be a high scoring fun to watch game. Cutler plays well enough to pull out a victory at home.

Carolina at San Francisco - Carolina seems to have found their offense over the last few weeks. However, they are playing a good defense this time. 49ers in a tough one.

Denver at San Diego - Usually a tough divisional game. I expect nothing less this time around. Denver has too much talent for San Diego to over come.

Dallas at New Orleans - I think the Saints have something to prove and will come out fired up. Dallas could play well and keep it close but it's time for one of those "valley" games that come out of no where. New Orleans wins big.

Results For NFL Week 9 2013

My worst week yet 7-6 for a lousy 53.84%
for the season that puts me at 88-45 which is 66.16%

I have to give credit to the NYJ for another win. They are in position to make the playoffs.

Washington & Philadelphia aren't conceding anything yet.

Baltimore continues to baffle me.

Tough loss for Green Bay - and I'm not referring to their record. Losing Aaron Rodgers with a fractured collarbone changes everything for them.

I hope to bounce back next weekend with a strong performance.

Predictions For NFL Week 9

Are you ready for some more football?

Cin – Mia                    Cin

KC – Buf                     KC

Atl – Car                     Car

Min – Dal                   Dal

NO – NYJ                   NO

Ten – Stl                     Ten

SD – Was                    SD

Phi – Oak                    Oak

TB – Sea                     Sea

Bal – Cle                     Bal

Pit – NE                      NE

Ind – Hou                    Ind

Chi – GB                     GB

Byes:

Ari, Den, Det, Jac, NYG, SF

Cincinnati at Miami - The Bengals are trending upward and the Dolphins are on a losing streak. I have no reason to think it will be any different this week.

Kansas City at Buffalo - The Chiefs haven't been playing great football but they have been winning. The Bills could pull off an upset but I can't pick them. Chiefs in a tough one.

Atlanta at Carolina - This has just been a bad year for the Falcons.

San Diego at Washington - The Chargers are traveling east again. They come out with another victory over the inconsistent Redskins. Am I still allowed to say that???

In my opinion there aren't any "I just have to watch this game" match ups this week. There are several that will be interesting to track and see how they turn out. It's character time for some teams because of injuries. For other teams the season has gone differently than anticipated.

I hope you enjoy the weekend of football

Results For NFL Week 8 2013

11-2

84.61%

That is the kind of percentage I want every week lol

Making these picks feels like luck or coincidence so much of the time.
For example, I had originally written down NYG over Phi. The more I thought about it, I felt like Michael Vick would make enough of a difference in the game for me to switch the pick to Phi.
From that perspective I could have been an amazing 12-1.
THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!

On the other hand, with a little under 2 minutes to play in the Dallas - Detroit game, I marked Dallas as the winner. They had just held Detroit. They had the ball and the lead. All Dallas had to do was run the clock out and the game was over. Next thing I know Dallas is kicking a field goal. Then Detroit has the chance to score a td and win. Which they did.
From that perspective, I really should be 10-3
Which is still a very good week.
But the point is, for every game that was a loss that easily could have been a win, there is another game that counts as a win which very easily could have been a loss.

I enjoy watching the games, making the picks, and then comparing my results.

For the year my record is 81-39 which is 67.50%
I am content with that.
A few more weeks like this and I will be very happy though :)

How have you been doing?

Predictions For NFL Week 8

The weeks are going by so fast. It is week eight already.

So let's get to the picks ...

Car – TB                     Car

Dal – Det                    Det

SF – Jac                      SF

Cle – KC                     KC

Mia – NE                    NE

Buf – NO                    NO

NYG – Phi                  Phi

NYJ – Cin                   Cin

Pit – Oak                     Pit

Atl – Ari                     Ari

Was – Den                  Den

GB – Min                    GB

Sea – Stl                      Sea

Byes

Bal, Chi, Hou, Ind, SD, Ten

This is a week I will not be surprised if a clear underdog wins a game they should not even come close 

i.e. Jacksonville, Cleveland, Minnesota 

so beware San Francisco, Kansas City, & Green Bay

Dallas at Detroit - Both of these teams have a ton of talent. You never know which version of their team is going to show up on game day. Detroit has been a little more consistent, is healthier and is playing at home.

New York Giants at Philadelphia - This one is all about the starting QB for Philadelphia. If Michael Vick can start, I am taking the Eagles. If Vick is unable to play and Barkley is the QB, then I choose the Giants.

New York Jets at Cincinnati - This will be a hard fought contest that could go either way. If they were playing in New York (jersey) I would take the Jets. But they are playing in Cincinnati so I am taking the Bengals.

Atlanta at Arizona - Atlanta has so many injuries and is struggling to play the whole game with all 3 phases doing well. This is another home team pick.

Results for NFL Week 7

I went 9-6 for the week which is 60%

A little lower than I wanted but that is how it goes sometimes.
You take a chance or two and then the unexpected/unexplainable or an injury and that is what you get.

For the year on this blog I am 70-37 which is 65.42%

For the year the visitors have won 41 times; the home team has won 66 times;
The home team is winning 61.68% so far

Did anyone pick Kansas City to be the last unbeaten team in the league?

The New York Giants post their first win.
That leaves Jacksonville and Tampa Bay as the only winless teams.

I will post my predictions a little later today

Predictions for NFL Week 7 2013

It's Thursday and that means it's time to pick NFL games again.

Sea – Ari                     Sea

TB – Atl                      Atl

Stl – Car                      Car

Cin – Det                    Cin

SD – Jac                      SD

Buf – Mia                   Mia

NE – NYJ                    NE

Dal – Phi                     Dal

Chi – Was                   Chi

SF – Ten                     SF

Cle – GB                     Cle

Hou – KC                    KC

Bal – Pit                      Bal

Den – Ind                    Den

Min – NYG                 NYG

There are some interesting match ups this week. I look forward to seeing how they play out

St Louis at Carolina - Which team will play more consistently and not give the game away? I think the Panthers will be able to overcome their mistakes more than the young Rams.

Dallas at Philadelphia - History says it is time for the Cowboys to play a bad game and make everyone wonder how they can continue to lose with all that talent. But I think they hold out for at least one more week before imploding.

Cleveland at Green Bay - This is my upset game of the week. The Packers have too many injuries and the Browns are trying to prove they are a winning franchise.

Minnesota at New York Giants - I just don't know what to make of the Vikings right now; too many questions and the Giants are due for a victory

Results for NFL Week 6 2013

10-5 for this week.

66.666%

Overall I have to be happy with the result.

Of course, I always want to do better :)

Did anybody predict a blow out by St Louis and Carolina?
A win? maybe. I will concede some may have picked those 2 teams to win but not by their respective margin of victory.

If you tell me New Orleans has the lead AND the ball with 2:46 left in the game I feel very good about my chances of winning. But not this week. Tom Brady and his rag tag offense still come out with a victory. Amazing.

Before the season started it would not have been an upset to say Pittsburgh beats the New York Jets on the road. But in week 6 of 2013 it was a total upset. Good for them.

The AFC West is a division to be noticed. Denver & Kansas City are both undefeated. San Diego can play with most teams and Oakland is the joker who can ruin your day.


So after 6 weeks of football and 92 games I am 61-31 which is 66.30%

Last season after 6 weeks and 91 games I was 56-35 which is 61.54%

The 2011 season I was looking much better after 90 games I was 66-24 which is 73.33%

Are you making picks? If so, how are YOU doing?

Predictions For NFL Week 6 2013

Are you ready for week 6?

I am ready to get it started.

NYG – Chi                  Chi

GB – Bal                     GB

Cin – Buf                    Cin

Det – Cle                     Det

Stl – Hou                     Hou

Oak – KC                    KC

Car – Min                   Min

Pit – NYJ                    NYJ

Phi – TB                      Phi

Jac – Den                    Den

Ten – Sea                    Sea

NO – NE                     NO

Ari – SF                      SF

Was – Dal                   Dal

Ind – SD                      Ind

Byes – Atl, Mia

Each week presents its own set of challenges. But I love it.

Green Bay at Baltimore - This is a difficult one for me to pick. I think GB is the better team and playing more consistently on offense. Right now I don't know what to do with Baltimore. I have to have a reason to pick against Mr. Rogers and I don't have one today.

Detroit at Cleveland - What is going on in Cleveland? They have been playing good football since trading Trent Richardson. Matthew Stafford hasn't been putting up great numbers the last couple of weeks. I just can't get on the Browns band wagon again. Detroit finds a way to score enough points on this very tough Cleveland defense.

Pittsburgh at New York Jets - Is this Bizarro World? Did someone switch the numbers for the wins and losses of these two franchises? The Jets have been finding ways to win instead of finding ways to lose lately. Until the Steelers show me something different, I see no reason to pick them.

Indianapolis at San Diego - Andrew Luck is proving he is a top tier QB in the league. I thought he would take a slight step back this year and the Colts chances of getting to the playoffs along with it. Indy is showing they can play good football week in and week out. The front office made some unpopular choices but so far they look like the right ones. Luck is on their side.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the games.

Results For NFL Week 5 2013

I was 10-1 going into the Sunday night games. I was on track for a great week.

I knew the Houston pick was against better judgement. Several times over the weekend I wondered what I was thinking. lol
Sometimes you just have a feeling and need to go with it - there is no other explanation.
Bad pick in retrospect.

However, I still thought San Diego and Atlanta should win and I would be 12-2

Instead, I lost all 3 for a 10-4 record - 71.42%

In the end, a pretty good week.

Most people I know would be happy with that winning percentage.

For the season that brings my total to 51-26    66.23%

Every year there is one team that seems to be a problem for me.
They win when I pick them to lose; lose when I pick them to win.
This year that team seems to be the Baltimore Ravens.

I just can't seem to get a feel for when they are going to play well and when they are going to struggle.

Another reason why I enjoy making the picks. It's a challenge.

btw, I am not a fan of 2 Sunday night games. That late game is way past this old fogey's bedtime :)

My surprises so far this year center around the teams that are struggling
New York Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers
Atlanta Falcons
Houston Texans

to a lesser degree, I expected the St Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play better. Maybe not have significantly better records but I did expect them to be more competitive.

I will be back on Thursday for next week's predictions.

Predictions For NFL Week 5 2013

Buf – Cle                     Cle

NO – Chi                    NO

NE – Cin                     Cin

Det – GB                     GB

Sea – Ind                     Ind

Bal – Mia                    Mia

Phi – NYG                  Phi

Jac – Stl                      Stl

KC – Ten                    KC

Car – Ari                     Ari

Den – Dal                    Den

Hou – SF                     Hou

SD – Oak                    SD

NYJ – Atl                    Atl

Byes:

Min, Pit, TB, Was

This has been the toughest week to make picks so far this season. Many games could go either way. But that is part of the fun and enjoyment of making the picks every week.

Will NO, NE, Sea, KC, & Den continue their winning ways?

Can NYG or Jac get their first win this week?

NO - Chi: The reignited defense of New Orleans under Mr. Ryan with the brilliant offensive play calling of Mr. Payton keeps the Saints unbeaten this week.

NE - Cin: The Patriots just keep finding ways to win and overcome the odds. But not this week. I have to take the Bengals at home.

Det - GB: This will be an exciting, high scoring inter-divisional game. You would think the team that can get a crucial stop is the one that will win. But GB at home won't make a costly mistake like the volatile Lions will and that will be the difference.

Sea - Ind: Seattle escaped with a win last week in Houston. Seattle is the better team. But the better team doesn't always win. In an upset the Colts find a way to beat the Seahawks.

Almost every game has some sort of intrigue. It will be fun to watch and see how they play out.

Thursday NFL Pick

This week is an example of why I don't like the NFL scheduling Thursday night games from the beginning of the year.

I just haven't had time to record last weeks results and get ready for the upcoming week.

I would prefer the NFL not have Thursday until Thanksgiving. Once we reach the annual Thanksgiving Day games with Dallas & Detroit they can continue with Thursday night games until the last week of the season.

That gives me a chance to stay caught up on football; actually do some work; and try to have balance in the rest of my life.

But they didn't ask me.

So ....

tonight there is a game between Buffalo and Cleveland

After they traded Trent Richardson and Brandon Weedon hurt his thumb, I didn't give Cleveland much of a chance this year. But they have hung together and played tough defense. Hoyer has played surprisingly well and McGahee & company have provided enough running game to win.

Cleveland wins at home.

Results for NFL Week 4 2013

I went 10-5 for the week which is 66.6666%

That is my basic minimum goal. I want to be at 70% and hope to be at 75%.
However, 75% has been very, very difficult to achieve.

For the season I am at 41-22 (counting for the 2 typos in week 1 picks) which puts me at 65%

A quarter of the season is complete. Let's do a quick evaluation

NE is in the lead for AFC East - my prediction is on track so far

Bal, Cle, Cin are tied at 2-2 in the AFC North but my prediction of Cin is listed as 3rd. Still can be division winner

Ind is atop the AFC South - my prediction of Hou is in 3rd place. doesn't look good right now but still has a shot

Den & KC are tied at 4-0 in the AFC West - Den looks very, very good and is still the front runner

My wildcard pick of KC is looking very solid; but Pit is terrible.

Dal has a 2 game lead in the NFC East - so far, so good

Det & Chi are tied for the NFC North - my prediction of GB is in serious jeopardy 2 games back

NO is way out front in the NFC South - my division winner of Atl, at 2 games back, also looks like they are in trouble

Sea is in control in the NFC West - Sea has been impressive the last couple of weeks

My 2 wildcard picks (NO & Det) are actually looking like division winners.
NO and Sea are the 2 hottest NFC teams right now. On a neutral site I would pick NO but otherwise would pick the home team.

My top team is still Denver. Some of the picks are looking good; some are looking very bad; some still have a shot to get it going.

There are a lot of football games left to be played. Let's just enjoy them and see what happens.

Predictions For NFL Week 4 2013

It's hard to believe we are already on week 4 of the season.
I am looking to rebound from last weeks 8-8 results.
Here are my picks :)

SF – Stl                                   SF

Bal – Buf                                Bal

Cin – Cle                                 Cin

Chi – Det                                Chi

Sea – Hou                               Hou

Ind – Jac                                  Ind

NYG – KC                              KC

Pit – Min                                 Min

Ari – TB                                  Ari

NYJ – Ten                               Ten

Phi – Den                                Den

Was – Oak                              Was

Dal – SD                                 SD

NE – Atl                                  Atl

Mia – NO                                NO

Byes this week:

Car, GB

Seattle at Houston - I am going against the grain in picking Houston. I know Seattle has looked very impressive the last couple of weeks and the Texans didn't show up last week against Baltimore. However, they are a good football team and I expect them to bounce back with a strong performance at home.

NYJ at Tennessee - They are both playing better than expected so far this year. I still don't think either team is a strong contender for the playoffs. This one comes down to home field advantage.

Dallas at San Diego - Inconsistent Dallas looked very good against a very bad looking Rams team last week. It's time for them to put up a bad game themselves. San Diego still needs to get a win and this is their week.

Results From NFL Week 3 2013

This week is what I love about the NFL and doing these picks.
It's also what gives me so much frustration lol.

I went 8-8 for the week.
A lousy 50% which brought my overall season winning percentage down to 68.75%

Through 3 weeks, the home team is winning 66.67% of the time. So you could just pick the home team every game and do just about as well.

Or could you?

Let's take a look at the 2 previous years and compare:

After 3 weeks in 2012 the home team had only won 50% of the time. By the end of the 2012 season, the home team had won 57.03%  - 146 out of 256 games.

After 3 weeks in 2011 the home team had won 64.583% of the time. By the end of the 2011 season, the home team had only won 56.64% - 145 out of 256 games.

It seems like it should be easy enough to pick the winner at least 2/3 of the time. But it's not that easy.

A few surprises this week:
Houston only scoring 9 points and Baltimore scoring 30.
Carolina shutting out NYG while putting up an amazing 38.
Cleveland scoring 31 points after all the distractions last week.
NYJ scoring 27 points.
Indianapolis 27 - SF 7.

Tomorrow I will make my predictions for week 4

Predictions For NFL Week 3 2013

KC – Phi                     Phi

Hou – Bal                    Hou

NYG – Car                  NYG

GB – Cin                     GB

Stl – Dal                      Dal

Cle – Min                    Min

TB – NE                      NE

Ari – NO                     NO

SD – Ten                     Ten

Det – Was                   Det

Atl – Mia                    Atl

Buf – NYJ                   Buf

Jac – Sea                     Sea

Ind – SF                      SF

Chi – Pit                      Chi

Oak – Den                   Den

Kansas City at Philadelphia - Should be an entertaining game. I am going with the Eagles at home in a close but high scoring game.

St. Louis at Dallas - Both teams are inconsistent and mistake prone. The young Rams make more mistakes and won't be able to overcome them on the road.

Cleveland at Minnesota - Browns are rebuilding again. I thought they were heading in a positive direction and had somethings to build on. I guess Mike Lombardi and Rob Chudzinski think otherwise. Minnesota in a very low scoring, very long & boring game.

San Diego at Tennessee - This is a much better game than I anticipated it would be at the beginning of the season. Both have unexpected wins this year. Both have played better in their losses than I thought too. I just can't get away from how difficult it is to travel east and win on the road. Tennessee at home.

Results From NFL Week 2 2013

I went 13-3 this week

I am very happy with the result.

If it wasn't for EJ Manuel's 9 play drive culminating in a last second touchdown pass to pull out an amazing win over the Carolina Panther's, I would have been an outstanding 14-2.

I will take the 81.125% lol

I have to give credit to San Diego traveling all the way across the continent and upsetting Philadelphia.

Congratulations to Arizona for winning at home against Detroit. Arizona will have a much better record this year. To say they are a better "team" this year is not fair to last year's team, including Ken Whisenhunt and the rest of the coaching staff.

They had some major injuries that seriously hurt their ability to win. Plus they did not have a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. Now THAT, may be on the coaching staff. I don't know. I'm not an "insider" enough to know where the responsibility lies and I haven't taken the time to search it out for myself.

The bottom line is the Cardinals will win more games this year than they did last year.

According to the posted picks I am 23-9 for the year or 71.87%

I will post week 3 on Thursday.

Predictions for NFL Week 2 2013

9/12/13

Here we go with week 2 picks.

NYJ - NE      NE
Stl - Atl          Atl
Cle - Bal        Bal
Car - Buf       Car
Min - Chi       Chi
Was - GB      GB
Ten - Hou      Hou
Mia - Ind       Mia
Dal - KC       KC
SD - Phi        Phi
Det - Ari        Det
NO - TB        NO
Den - NYG     Den
Jac - Oak       Oak
SF - Sea        Sea
Pit - Cin         Cin

There are a couple of tough picks this week.

Carolina at Buffalo - Neither team is all that good but both are capable of winning. Normally I would default to the home team but I am going with the experience of Cam over the rookie EJ.

Miami at Indianapolis - Miami is on the rise and many people are picking Ind to make it to the playoffs. I am not though. I think Indy has a slight drop off and this is an example where I think they don't win a game a playoff team should win at home. Miami will be just enough better on both sides of the ball to squeak out a win on the road.

Dallas at KC - Dallas has the talent to win and be a playoff caliber team. But they seem to end up losing games they shouldn't. With all the turnovers the Cowboys got last week there is no way the Giants should have been in the game. Alex Smith won't turn the ball over and will have success moving up and down the field but still have trouble scoring against the new Kiffin led Dallas defense. However, the inconsistent Dallas offense won't score enough points without the short field and turnovers to win this game in a very difficult Arrowhead stadium.

Denver at NYG - It is always tough for teams near the west coast to go east and play well enough to win. I know Denver isn't exactly west coast but it's still a long trip east. The Giants will play better than they did last week. I guarantee they won't have as many turnovers. However, Peyton is still the sheriff running the high octane, high powered Bronco offense and this is their year.

Jacksonville at Oakland - Who really cares outside of their organizations and a few die hard fans. Oakland at home.

SF at Seattle - Looks like it will be a great game. Seattle defense will be much tougher on SF and
Kaepernick than GB last week. Seattle at home in a close, low scoring game.

It's Been 12 Years

Take time today to evaluate who you are and where you are

If you were to die today, what would your family, friends, acquaintances, & coworkers say about you?
No, I mean when they are being really honest and blunt - not being politically correct; what would they be thinking about you?

Is that how you want to be remembered?
Have you made the opportunities to create positive memories with the most important people in your life?
Are you adding value to those around you or do you drain them emotionally?

Thinking back to the events of 12 years ago did you set any goals or vow to make changes in your life? Are you where you thought you would be (or where you wanted to be)?
If not, are you at least headed in that direction or did you fall back into the same old routines as before?

Time keeps moving. Each day is a precious gift. Be intentional with it. Make a decision to move toward the goal(s) you have established; to be the person you want to be; to create the cherished memories.

If you do not, another day will pass; then another; and another; then another week; and another week; and then a month; 2 months; 4 months; a year ... IF you are still alive in a year or 12 years, will you be any different? Will those around you think anything different about you? Will you be able to say you made a difference in someones life?

More importantly than what you think, or those around you think, is what will God think?

Today is a day of evaluation. What are your life goals? What are you doing with your life and are you cooperating with God in the process?

Whatever you are going through today, may you have peace and joy today in the midst of life's chaos.