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Tuesday, February 5th, 2008
| Time |
Event |
| 6:17a |
Dave's Dime Week 16
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO Just two more weeks left in this bizarre season... The playoffs are actually going to be pretty interesting, too. Assuming the Patriots do finish up the season undefeated, they will have to face two very good AFC teams, as well as Dallas, Green Bay, or Seattle (most likely) out of the NFC... 3 tough games for a team that was pushed to the limit by 2 sub par squads. Love them or hate them, seeing an undefeated team in this era would be really cool. Seeing a 16 - 0, 17 - 0, or 18 - 0 team lose in the playoffs? That might be even cooler. But before we can get to the Patriot Show 2007/08, we have to get through the last two weeks. Merry Christmas to all of you that celebrate it, and a belated Happy Hanukkah to the rest of you. If you don't celebrate anything, um, happy December. And if you celebrate Kwanzaa, please email me. I have oh-so-many questions! THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 8 - 8 - 0 (.500)
Without the spread: 10 - 6 - 0 (.625)
^^Zen Picks^^: 0 - 0 - 0 (N/A) **Outright Upsets**: 2 - 1 - 0 (.667) Season With the spread: 108 - 107 - 9 (.502)
Without the spread: 136 - 88 - 0 (.607)
^^Zen Picks^^: 12 - 5 - 2 (.706) **Outright Upsets**: 19 - 38 - 0 (.333) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick THURSDAY
Pittsburgh (-8.0) @ St. Louis (+8.0) After losing a tough one at home to Jacksonville, you knew Pittsburgh would come out and make a statement here. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh (WIN) PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh (WIN)
SATURDAY Dallas (-11.0) @ Carolina (+11.0)
Figured the Cowboys would also use this as a statement game after all of the media garbage this week; but they only just got by. Losing TO doesn't help. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas (LOSS) PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas (WIN) SUNDAY Cleveland (-3.0) @ Cincinnati (+3.0) I'm all for the hated rival thing, and generally try to go that route, but there is NOTHING about Cincinnati I can take seriously enough to give them the nod here. They lost to San Fran! PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cleveland PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cleveland
Green Bay (-8.0) @ Chicago (+8.0) Pretty much exactly the same story as the one right above it. Winning the turnover battle +3 against the Vikings and still losing? The Bears are awful, and Green Bay is tiers above them. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Green Bay PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Green Bay
Finally, a game I can go the other way on. With the 2nd seed wrapped up, Indy can sleepwalk and rest their way into their first round bye. The Texans, meanwhile, are a proud young team that would LOVE to pick up a win against the Colts. I think Indy will win this one, but barely. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Houston PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis Kansas City (+4.5) @ Detroit (-4.5)
Coming off of the most embarrassing game of the season, Kansas City at home is JUST what the doctor ordered for Detroit.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Detroit PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Detroit Miami (+22.0) @ New England (-22.0) After seeing TO go down Saturday night, even Belichick has to consider pulling his starters when he grabs a 2 TD lead. In the snow and playing with all of the confidence coming off of their first win, plus trying so desperately to defend their 1972 forefathers, the Dolphins have to keep this game close... Or maybe I've just forgotten how good the Patriots are. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Miami PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England
New York Giants (-2.5) @ Buffalo (+2.5)
Who knows what to expect here? New York is the better team, but Eli has been awfully Eli lately. Still, at only -2.5, I've gotta take the Giants.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New York Giants PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New York Giants Oakland (+13.5) @ Jacksonville (-13.5)
Jacksonville is the team with all of the pressure. A win clinches a playoff spot. They are coming off of a physically punishing game in Pittsburgh. This game just has letdown written all over it. On skill alone they will prevail; but fueled by their impressive effort against Indy last week, the Raiders give the Jags a good game this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Oakland PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
Philadelphia (+3.0) @ New Orleans (-3.0)
New Orleans has too much talent and gained too much confidence last year to let their playoff hopes end with a loss at home this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New Orleans PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New Orleans Washington (+6.5) @ Minnesota (-6.5)
I never know what to expect from Washington, but what to expect from Minnesota these days is quite clear; a WIN.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Minnesota PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota Atlanta (+10.0) @ Arizona (-10.0) Part of me thinks Atlanta is due for a big game, but it seems more likely that they are just trying to finish this season up at this point. I can't really warrant picking them as bad as they have been. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Arizona PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona Baltimore (+11.0) @ Seattle (-11.0)
Losing to Miami should be pretty good motivation to have a big game the following week, especially against a team that can rest its players having already clinched a playoff spot... but I got the chance to watch that Ravens game, and it is pretty clear to me that the team does not believe in their coach anymore. Seattle losing to Carolina last week also gives them a reason to play hard here; no sense in resting everyone and losing a home game and 2 of 3 heading into the playoffs. Seattle gets the nod here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle New York Jets (+9.0) @ Tennessee (-9.0)
I absolutely hate taking the Titans when they give up this many points, but if keeping your slim playoff hopes alive at home against an awful Jets team doesn't produce a 10+ point victory, what will? PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tennessee PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tennessee Tampa Bay (-6.0) @ San Francisco (+6.0)
Shhh... don't mind us. The Buccaneers have quietly clinched their division and are winning games the good old fashion way; tough defense. This is one of those teams that come playoff time, you know you are better then on paper but you do not want to face. Where does that leave San Francisco? Absolutely demolished.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay Denver (+8.5) @ San Diego (-8.5) San Diego is finally cruising again, and there is just no way that Denver is going to stop LT with their 29th ranked rushing defense. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego No straight up underdogs... hope this doesn't kill me. Have a great Sunday everyone! -------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
SEND ME FEEDBACK | | 6:35a |
Dave's Dime Week 17
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO Well the Patriots were down, but in the end they prevailed, and finished off a perfect regular season. I too, am down. Will I prevail? What I am going for is hardly perfect. After a damn nice run of 41 - 23 to get back in the mix, I've rattled off an 8 - 8 and a 6 - 10 week. This time last year, I was coming off a 5 - 10 week and was 117 - 114 - 9. I finished 9 - 7 to cap off a 51% winning percentage against the spread; my worst career year. Now, I find myself at 114 - 117 - 9. Oh what a difference 3 games makes. If I can somehow manage to get 10 wins in this confusing, who-is-resting-who-is-playing Week 17, I will cap off an improbable run to a personal goal of .500, in perhaps one of the most influential sports stories of the year (that no one has heard of or cares about besides maybe 4 of you). The odds are stacked against me. Two things are for sure. New Year's Eve, I'm going to be drinking, and I'm going to be crying myself to sleep. With 9 or less wins, I will be drinking away my sorrows, and the tears that flow will be of anguish, defeat, and failure. With 10 or more wins, I will be drinking to victory, and the tears that flow will be of joy, pride, and self-respect. Which will it be? Regardless, to whatever you are drinking and crying to this New Year's Eve, have a great one everybody; and thank you so much for reading and sticking with me all season long. THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 6 - 10 - 0 (.375)
Without the spread: 11 - 5 - 0 (.686)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 2 - 0 (.333) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 0 - 0 (N/A) Season With the spread: 114 - 117 - 9 (.494)
Without the spread: 147 - 93 - 0 (.613)
^^Zen Picks^^: 13 - 7 - 2 (.650) **Outright Upsets**: 19 - 38 - 0 (.333) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick New England (-14.0) @ New York Giants (+14.0)
About 2 months ago, I said this would be the game that would give the Patriots their closest call; I was right, as if it didn't top the Colts, Ravens and Eagles efforts, it certainly tied it. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New York Giants (WIN) PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England (WIN) SUNDAY Buffalo (+7.5) @ Philadelphia (-7.5) Hard to give this many points, but Buffalo has not looked good of late, and Philly is looking like the team they were supposed to be all year. They should send the home crowd out with a big win here. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Philadelphia PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia Carolina (-3.0) @ Tampa Bay (+3.0)
Hard to pick Carolina, but Coach Gruden has seen his fair share of injuries this year, and there is absolutely no reason to start anyone of value in this position. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Carolina PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina Cincinnati (-2.5) @ Miami (+2.5)
Cincinnati gave it everything they had last week, and with Miami feeling good about adding Parcells to the program AND having already clinched the number 1 pick in the draft, there is no reason they can't play their hearts out at home here and get one more win. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Miami PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Miami
Dallas (+9.0) @ Washington (-9.0)I'm taking Washington here simply because this spread says it all; clearly insiders know that Dallas will be resting EVERYONE here. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^Washington PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington Detroit (+5.5) @ Green Bay (-5.5) Hard to take Green Bay after the terrible performance they gave last week. Assuming the Packers rest their defensive starters (as they should), Detroit should be able to keep up; and maybe pull the "upset". PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Detroit PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Detroit Jacksonville (+6.5) @ Houston (-6.5) For the most physical team in the league and a very popular underdog pick heading into these playoffs, the Jags will gladly take the week off in preparation for San Diego or Pittsburgh next week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Houston PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Houston New Orleans (-1.0) @ Chicago (+1.0) Have to like Chicago here after the beating they gave to Green Bay last week. True, that is a division rival; but all the same, New Orleans is pretty darn beatable.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Chicago PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Chicago Pittsburgh (-3.0) @ Baltimore (+3.0) Pittsburgh has just taken too many injuries to too many valuable players. There is absolutely no way they can afford to start anyone still healthy enough to be useful in the playoffs. Its hard to concede a game to a division rival heading into the playoffs, but I really don't see them having much of a choice here. The question is; can pitiful Baltimore beat a team of backups?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Baltimore PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Baltimore Seattle (-1.0) @ Atlanta (+1.0) I don't mean to be mean, but I honestly believe that Seattle's B-team is strong enough to beat Atlanta. Seneca Wallace should have a full playbook to mess around with this week, and Seattle should win regardless of resting their starters.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle San Francisco (+11.5) @ Cleveland (-11.5) All Cleveland can do at this point is watch the scoreboard, because the only thing that matters to them is the Tennessee Titans game. After last week's loss to Cinci though you figure they will try to win this one big for pride's sake, don't you? If Shaun Hill weren't injured I'd consider SF here, but without their spark plug... PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cleveland PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cleveland Tennessee (-5.0) @ Indianapolis (+5.0) From what I have gathered, Indianapolis will start Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning. Factor in that the Titans as a favorite NEVER EVER seem to cover, I'll give the Colts a cover at home; but assume Tennessee finds a way to win with a late FG or something.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Indianapolis PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tennessee Minnesota (-3.0) @ Denver (+3.0) Despite an off week last week, I just can't see the Vikings not running all over Denver this week; namely Adrian Peterson.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Minnesota PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota San Diego (-8.5) @ Oakland (+8.5) San Diego is playing for their Wild Card week match-up; If they get the #3 seed, they play Tennessee or Cleveland. #4 seed gets them Jacksonville. You think that isn't motivation enough to play? Beating the rival Raiders and staying in groove might be. San Diego will start everyone and will make Jamarcus's first start a rough one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego St. Louis (+6.0) @ Arizona (-6.0) If Atlanta could push Arizona to the very edge, I think St. Louis is capable of pushing them off of it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *St. Louis PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *St. Louis Kansas City (+6.0) @ New York Jets (-6.0) Losers of 8 straight, the Chiefs will somehow find a way to get a win against the Jets; maybe using coach Herm Edwards as motivation?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Kansas City PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Kansas City Look like a 10 win week to you? -------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
SEND ME FEEDBACK For past issues of the Dime... | | 6:56a |
Dave's Dime Wild Card Week
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO And so the playoffs begin; and we have to get through this week to get to all of our top questions; Will the Pats run the table? Will the Colts repeat? Will Romo redeem himself from last year? Will Brett Favre make one last run? Of course, the teams that win this week are the ones that are going to help answer some of those questions. So without further ado, I present to you the (potential) winners of the Wild Card week. THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 10 - 6 - 0 (.686)
Without the spread: 10 - 6 - 0 (.686)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 0 - 0 (1.000) **Outright Upsets**: 1 - 4 - 0 (.200) Season (Final) With the spread: 124 - 123 - 9 (.502)
Without the spread: 157 - 99 - 0 (.613)
^^Zen Picks^^: 14 - 7 - 2 (.667) **Outright Upsets**: 20 - 42 - 0 (.323) Playoffs With the spread: 0 - 0 - 0 (.000)
Without the spread: 0 - 0 - 0 (.000) OVER/UNDER: 0 - 0 - 0 (.000)
^^Zen Picks^^: 0 - 0 - 0 (.000) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 0 - 0 (.000) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick
For those of you that don't know what the OVER/UNDER is, bookmakers decide a number that they think will be close to the two team's scores added together. If the bookmakers think the game will have a final score of 23 - 20, they will set the OVER/UNDER total at around 43. It is the bettor's job to predict whether the actual score will be OVER or UNDER the projected total.
#6 Washington Redskins 9 - 7 (+3.0) @ #3 Seattle Seahawks 10 - 6 (-3.0) Tough tough call. As much as I am on board with the Redskins' run, and as many flashes of brilliance as they have shown all season, Seattle is not only a better football team, but they are at home, where they have been unstoppable for years. This place will be rocking a bit too hard, and Washington will get bounced in the 1st round here despite being a popular pick by many to do some damage this postseason. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle
OVER/UNDER 40: OVER #5 Jacksonville Jaguars 11 - 5 (-3.0) @ #4 Pittsburgh Steelers 10 - 6 (+3.0) I was looking forward to cruising through the playoffs with Jacksonville, even maybe taking them against the Patriots; but to my dismay, the media has turned them into an absolute lock over the Steelers this week. I agreed, but this media tilt will affect the game. The Steelers are a very proud team, and they play extremely well at home; they are 7 - 1 (their only loss being to these Jaguars). Even without Willie Parker and with what I think is an inferior team, the playoff-tested Pittsburgh Steelers will respond in a big way to everyone circling Jacksonville as the lock of the week, and they will pull off the upset here. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^*Pittsburgh Steelers PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Pittsburgh Steelers
OVER/UNDER 40: UNDER SUNDAY
#5 New York Giants 10 - 6 (+3.0) @ #4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 - 7 (-3.0) While the Giants spent every last bit of their energy trying to beat the Patriots last week, the Buccaneers essentially slept in. They are extremely well rested and are an excellent home team. In totally unflashy fashion, the Buccaneers should trump the Giants this week. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay Buccaneers PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OVER/UNDER 39.5: UNDER #6 Tennessee Titans 10 - 6 (+10.0) @ #3 San Diego Chargers 11 - 5 (-10.0)
10 points seems like an awful lot, and I was considering Tennessee with the points here until I took a good look at their 10 wins; @Jax 11 - 5, @NO 7 - 9, Atl 4 - 12, @Hou 8 - 8, Oak 4 - 12, Car 7 - 9, Hou 8- 8, @KC 4 - 12, NYJ 4 - 12, @Ind 13 - 3. 6 of their 10 wins came against under .500 teams, including four 4 - 12 teams. Houston played one game without star WR Andre Johnson and the other without QB Matt Schaub. The win against Jacksonville is impressive but it was first week of the season... and the win against the Colts was simply the Colts resting all of their players. Tennessee is an average team that made the most of their weak schedule; and an average team heading into playoff-hungry San Diego just won't be enough. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego
OVER/UNDER 39: OVER -------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
SEND ME FEEDBACK | | 7:03a |
Dave's Dime Divisional Week
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO So as I just get back from drinking away my 22nd birthday with good friends, I now have to actually put into writing my 4 picks this week, and I've got to tell you, none of them are easy. Well, maybe one (Indy), but to give this many points in so many games so late in the season seems a little crazy to me. But alas, I've come a little to far to start complaining about spreads now. Lets see if I can keep last week's success going into this week. And, lets see if I'm actually sober enough to write coherent sentences. Hthtjeg. Llikds yhra hdjkkthu...tjAahthhjhjplp.
THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 3 - 1 - 0 (.750)
Without the spread: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 0 - 0 (1.000) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 1 - 0 (.000) Season (Final) With the spread: 124 - 123 - 9 (.502)
Without the spread: 157 - 99 - 0 (.613)
^^Zen Picks^^: 14 - 7 - 2 (.667) **Outright Upsets**: 20 - 42 - 0 (.323) Playoffs With the spread: 3 - 1 - 0 (.750)
Without the spread: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 0 - 0 (1.000)
**Outright Upsets**: 0 - 1 - 0 (.000) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick #3 Seattle Seahawks 11 - 6 (+7.5) @ #2 Green Bay Packers 13 - 3 (-7.5) While I like the Seahawks a lot on both sides of the ball, the sad truth (for Seahawks fans anyway) is that the Packers are just a bit better on both sides. Take into consideration that they also have had a week off and are playing at home, and there is just too much to like about Green Bay here to go the other way. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Green Bay PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Green Bay
OVER/UNDER 43.5: OVER #5 Jacksonville Jaguars 12 - 5 (+13.5) @ #1 New England Patriots 16 - 0 (-13.5) Everyone seems to be leaning Jacksonville's way with the spread, and not unjustly; they are an extremely physical team, they have earned tough wins, and they have a dynamic rushing duo. But as you know, I like to go against the grain. Yes, Jacksonville beat Pittsburgh twice on the road, but Pittsburgh is nowhere close to the talent level the Pats are. Despite the Jags defensive reputation, their secondary is quite ordinary. While the Jags may be the "cool" pick, the Patriots are the right pick. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: ^New England Patriots PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England Patriots OVER/UNDER 50: OVER
SUNDAY
#3 San Diego Chargers 12 - 5 (+9.5) @ #2 Indianapolis Colts 13 - 3 (-9.5) Easily the pick I like the most this week. On top of the revenge factor for Peyton's worst game in his professional career, the Colts are just too damn good on defense this year; they will make Phillip Rivers' life miserable, and Bob Sanders should be able to help limit LT. Add in Antonio Gates' injury and home field advantage for the Colts, and you have a comfortable victory on your hands. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis Colts PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis Colts
OVER/UNDER 45.5: UNDER #5 New York Giants 11 - 6 (+7.5) @ #3 Dallas Cowboys 13 - 3 (-7.5)
For some reason, I can very vividly seeing the game play out like this; Romo, still thinking about last year and feeling a ton of pressure at home, tries way too hard early and makes mistakes, leading to an early Giants lead. Can they hold on to it when Romo settles down, though? I'm not brave enough to say yes, but I will be taking the touchdown and change with the Giants here, who lose the game late, if at all. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New York Giants PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas Cowboys
OVER/UNDER 46.5: UNDER -------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
SEND ME FEEDBACK | | 7:13a |
Dave's Dime Conference Finals Week
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO So where will you be watching this weekend's action? At home? At a friends? In a bar? Snacks and drinks aplenty! Well, I'll be working. Yes, at Hollywood Park Casino, there are no days off. I worked Christmas Eve. I worked Christmas. I worked New Years Eve. I worked New Years. And now, I'll be working Championship Sunday. I won't, however, be missing the Super Bowl. I filled out one of those "Time-Off Requests", you know the ones that you fill out if there is an emergency or something? I told them I needed that day off to throw my Super Bowl party, as it is a tradition I have no intention of ending for them. If the request is denied, *cough* *cough*, looks like I'm coming down with something. "If you don't come in, you are fired"? Well, of all of my readers, someone has to know someone that can get me a job, right?
THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500)
Without the spread: 2 - 2 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 3 - 1 - 0 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 0 - 1 - 0 (1.000) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 0 - 0 (N/A) Season (Final) With the spread: 124 - 123 - 9 (.502)
Without the spread: 157 - 99 - 0 (.613)
^^Zen Picks^^: 14 - 7 - 2 (.667) **Outright Upsets**: 20 - 42 - 0 (.323) Playoffs With the spread: 5 - 3 - 0 (.625)
Without the spread: 4 - 4 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 5 - 3 - 0 (.625)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 1 - 0 (.500) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 1 - 0 (.000) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick
#3 San Diego Chargers 13 - 5 (+14.0) @ #1 New England Patriots 17 - 0 (-14.0) The Patriots haven't been covering the spread lately, but I still have an awful hard time picking against them here. Despite the Chargers impressive run, they are a very beat up football team that don't have many key players at 100%. The blistering cold will not suit them well. I just don't think the Chargers can do any better than the Jags did last week; maybe enough to sneak a cover, but certainly not enough to make it as close of a game as some people want to believe it will be. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England
OVER/UNDER 47: UNDER #5 New York Giants 12 - 6 (+7.5) @ #2 Green Bay Packers 14 - 3 (-7.5) Freezing cold shouldn't be an issue here, as the Giants are from New York, so they are hardly unaccustomed to cold weather. As for home field advantage for the Packers, this helps the Giants almost equally as they are an outstanding road team that seems to feed off the negative energy they receive; especially on defense. The Packers are the better team, and on a neutural warm weather field I'd likely give up the TD and change; but the Giants have shown me too much lately to assume they are just going to roll over in this game. It should be good, and it should be close. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New York Giants PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Green Bay Packers
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Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
SEND ME FEEDBACK | | 7:20a |
Dave's Dime Super Bowl
Dave's Dime
"Because Two Cents Just Isn't Enough"
THE INTRO So here we are. We could have had the Patriots' undefeated streak on the line against Brett Favre for one last hoorah. We could have had the streak on the line against the NFC's best, the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, we end up with the team that is being heralded as this year's "Team of Destiny", this year's "'06 Steelers". Do they really stand a chance today? The answer is a lot more obvious than people seem to realize. THE RECORD
Last Week With the spread: 1 - 1 - 0 (.500)
Without the spread: 1 - 1 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 1 - 1 - 0 (.500)
^^Zen Picks^^: 0 - 0 - 0 (N/A) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 0 - 0 (N/A) Season (Final) With the spread: 124 - 123 - 9 (.502)
Without the spread: 157 - 99 - 0 (.613)
^^Zen Picks^^: 14 - 7 - 2 (.667) **Outright Upsets**: 20 - 42 - 0 (.323) Playoffs With the spread: 6 - 4 - 0 (.600)
Without the spread: 5 - 5 - 0 (.500) OVER/UNDER: 6 - 4 - 0 (.600)
^^Zen Picks^^: 1 - 1 - 0 (.500) **Outright Upsets**: 0 - 1 - 0 (.000) THE PICKS
* - Indicates Upset Pick
^ - Indicates Zen Pick
#5 New York Giants 13 - 6 (+12.0) @ #1 New England Patriots 18 - 0 (-12.0) I hate to be the one to break it to you, but everyone is overanalyzing this game WAY too much. A couple of things I'd like to point out... "The Giants are the team of destiny! They have pulled off 3 great wins in a row to get here."
- Fascinating. Have we forgotten that the Patriots have won SEVENTEEN straight?? "The Giants came close to beating the Patriots in the last game of the season" - True, but did they? No. A few things to consider; that game was in New York. ALL of the pressure was on the Patriots. On top of stressing about keeping the undefeated season, many of them likely assumed that they would only need to play one half. They had to readjust mid-game to get pumped and win. Think they will have trouble getting pumped for the Super Bowl? Unlikely. - Has everyone forgotten about a little thing called experience? Most of the Patriots; especially their quarterback; have been to this game now 4 of the last 7 years. They know exactly what to expect, exactly how to handle the media, and everything else that goes with the big game. Think that won't count for something? And MOST importantly... - HAVE WE ALL FORGOTTEN HOW MUCH ELI MANNING SUCKS? I really don't get it. If you remember last year, all we heard about before the game, other than the Bear's stout defense, was how the QB battle was a complete mismatch, and throughout history the team with the much better QB has always come out on top. All we heard about was how much Rex Grossman completely sucked, and how great Peyton Manning was. The Peyton to Brady comparison isn't one that I need to make; we all know that they are the best two QBs in the league hands down. But why aren't people making the Eli to Rex comparison? (Maybe they are, but I haven't seen it). I dug up Rex's 2007 stats and it is pretty chilling. Touchdowns 2007 Eli: 23 2006 Rex: 23 Interceptions 2007 Eli: 20 2006 Rex: 20 QB Rating 2007 Eli: 73.9 2006 Rex: 73.9 Completion % 2007 Eli: 56.1 2006 Rex: 54.1 Passing Yards 2007 Eli: 3336 2006 Rex: 3193 Passing Yards Per Attempt 2006 Rex: 6.65 2007 Eli: 6.31 Don't get me wrong; Eli has played well the postseason. But he is not a good QB at all, and he will absolutely let his true colors show in the big game, just like Rex did. It may seem like I've just hopped on the Patriots bandwagon with all of my pro Patriots talk. I'll admit it, I think it is really cool that we are seeing an undefeated team in the making in our era. But trust me, I won't be heartbroken if they lose; I'd welcome it with open arms. But there is just one simple fact here; they aren't going to lose. They are going to roll over the Giants, and all of these "It's going to be a good game" people are going to be awfully embarrassed. PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England
OVER/UNDER 55: UNDER -------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Ideas? Love the Dime? Hate it? Should I cut it down to a nickel?
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