NFL Game of the Week, Patriots at Steelers

This is a clash of the titans… Battle for first place in the AFC and what might ultimately be the breaking point for home filed throughout the playoffs.  It seems like it was just yesterday when the Steelers were getting their asses handed to them by the Ravens in the home opener.  Well, fast forward to today and the Steelers have gone 4-1.  Sure their wins have come against Seattle, Indy, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Arizona, but a win’s a win.  This week against the Pats will be the real test.  The Steelers aren’t the same team they used to be.  Their defense is banged up and the only test they’ve had this year was against Baltimore in week 1.  Luckily for them,  the Patriots defense is just as shitty, especially their secondary.  But you can never count out the dynamic duo of Tom Brady and Wes Welker.  Throw in the Hernandez and Gronkowski tight end combo and you have a passing offense that’s #1 in the league.  If I had to bet on the game, I’d take the Steelers and the points.  That’s right, the Steelers are dogs in their own house.  But I’m taking them only because they’re at home. If this game was in Foxborough, the Pats would be favored by at least a TD.

$53 Million Later….

The Titans finally reached a  deal with holdout superstar running back Chris mutha truckin Johnson. Let me preface this by saying that I like Johnson.  He plays hard and deserves every penny he got. As for the Titans, you got the guy for 2 more years.  Chances are the next two are gonna be his peak and then it’s downhill.  There’s no way he sits out for more than a couple of games.  The Titans were the worst team in their division before the holdout and I still think they’re the worst now.  Maybe a close call with the Jags but still.  They don’t have a quarterback.  They don’t have any wide receivers.  They’re defense isn’t the same since the end of the Vandenbosh-Haynesworth era.  Take a look at the last few Superbowl teams and winners: Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots… What do these teams have in common other than elite quarterbacks, defenses, and no diva wide receivers… NO BIG NAME RUNNING BACKS… I don’t think the Titans led by Matt Hasselbeck are gonna buck the trend. If I’m a Titans fan, I wouldn’t mind seeing a little more of Jake Locker on the field…

SUPERBOWL SHUFFLE

Superbowl XLV is 1 day away, and it’s time to place your bets. With the NFL playoffs winding down, you’re gonna want to enjoy this Sunday.  Now if your a Packers’ or Steelers’ fans, you might wanna stick with the just the prop bets. But if you’re a gambler, the Superbowl is the mecca of spots betting. And Doc Sports is the site to get your fix: they got spreads, odds,  prop bets, the works. Now the question is, who’s going to win?  Oddsmakers have Pittsburgh as 3 point underdogs.  The same Steelers who are making their 3rd appearance in 6 years. The same Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Troy Palomalu and that nasty defensive unit. The same Green Bay Packers who got shut down by the Chicago Bears in the 2nd half. The same Packers who have a whole 2 players with Superbowl experience. I think you know where this is headed.  I picked the Steelers when they were 2.5 point dogs, and I’m stickin’ to my guns.  Not only will the Steelers cover, but they’ll win this game too. Trust me. Now go to DocSport and make some money!!!

STEELERS v. PACKERS, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!

Pittsburgh Steelers against the Green Bay Packers, WOW!  The two best teams facing off in Big D on February 6, 2011.  This might be the first time in a long time that people will be watching the game for the the sport itself as opposed to those million-dollar commercials.  I’ll get right to the point here, how the heck are the Steelers underdogs in this game?  This is their 3rd trip to the show in the last 6 years (winning the last two).  The only difference between those Steeler teams and this one is the running game which has improved for the Steelers.  They went from Jerome Bettis, to Willie Parker, to Rashard Mendenhall.  Big Ben is still the clutchest quarterback in the game right now.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Aaron Rodgers, but look at the teams they’ve beaten in the playoffs.  The Atlanta Falcons who we all agree are overrated and the Cutler-less Chicago Bears.  And let me tell you something, Green Bay looked good in the 1st quarter against the Bears but disappeared the rest of the game. If it wasn’t for that Baji pick 6, we might be talking about the Bears and the Steelers.  I’ll give the Pack credit though for winning both games on the road. The Steelers on the other hand, beat the Ravens and the Jets. Their offense, while also a dirty grindy team, can definitely put up points with the best of them.  They still have Hines Ward, Heath Miller and a pair of rookie WRs that are turning heads.  Don’t forget about that vaunted D led by all-pro Troy Polamalu. So I think you know which way I’m leaning, take the Steelers, take the win.  Forget about the 2.5  Big Ben always has a way to pull it out.  He might not put up Peyton Manning or Tom Brady numbers but at the end of the day, who would you rather have to lead your 2:00 minute drill in the fourth quarter?

I HATE THE NEW YORK JETS THIS MUCH!!!

Please, oh please, let someone beat the Jets. I can’t stand the New York Jets.  And it’s not the all of the players.  It’s what the team stands for… arrogance, swagger, and unsportsmanlike conduct.  I hate Ladanian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie.  I can’t stand Braylon Edwards.  And Shonn Greene is getting on my nerves. I hate the way they flew around the field flying around lake airplanes.  But I have no beef with Mark Sanchez, Darrelle Revis, Santonio Holmes and the rest of the gang.  I’m even beginning to like their coach Rex Ryan.  I mean after watching him these two past playoff games, he just wants to win, and like having fun doing it.  Sure he’s classless but you can tell that he’s the kind of coach players wanna go to battle with.  That, plus every other word that comes out of his mouth is a profanity. With all that said, I still hate the NY Jets, and I think the clock is about to strike 12:00 on them this coming Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The rule is if you beat a team in the regular season, it’s a lock to lose to them in the playoffs. For all  of you who remember, the Jets barely beat the Steelers on December 19.  Now, next Sunday will be the game of the year.  A showdown between a team that punches people in the mouths (Steelers) and a team that needs to be punched in the mouth (Jets).  If you’re in the area, grab some tickets, as the game’s not sold out yet. In the meanwhile, for all you Jets’ fans and players, don’t forget, you still have 2 more games to win.

Lock of the Week

It’s been a while since the last lock.  I know many of you are lost without my picks. But I had to do it…for you of course.  I wasn’t seeing straight.  I couldn’t eat.  I couldn’t work.  But after taking a few weeks out and tinkering around with my delivery, I’m back, just in time for the AFC/NFC Championship with not just 1, but 2 locks of the week. Go ahead, parlay it. Let’s start with the Eagles -3.5 at the Cardinals, battle of the birds.  Now you tell me, if an Eagle and a Cardinal duked it out, who would win?  That’s why I’m taking the Eagles (just kidding). No, I’m really taking the Eagles, but for a different reason.  This team is on a mission.  Plus they have one thing that the Cards don’t, a little thing called DEFENSE. Game two is a good old fashion battle in the Baltimore Ravens at the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the home team favored by 6.  Now I do think that the Steelers are going to win, but 6 is too much for Ray Lewis and company.  This game is going to end on a last minute field goal…

LOCK of the Week

8-7 on the year isn’t spectacular, but it’s over .500.  This week’s lock of the week comes a little early, but then again, it is a Saturday game.  That’ll give you more time jump to place your bets.  Vegas has the Baltimore Ravens @ the Dallas Cowboys -4.5.  Take the Cowboys and the points. Both these teams are battling for playoff spots.  The Ravens are coming off a tough/controversial loss against the rival Steelers.  The Cowboys, well they just took down the mighty NY Giants.  Their offense is coming together after T.O.’s latest rant and their defense, well, they shut down Eli. The Ravens just can’t put up enough points to hang with that potent offense.  I know you’ve heard this before, but this is a no-branier.  When my back is against the wall, I have and will step up.  Vegas has them at 4.5 right now.  You better move before everyone else figures out this one and the spread goes up. Happy Holidays!!!

LOCK of the Week

I got greedy last week, but I couldn’t help it, I was in the spirit of giving, “Thanksgiving” that is.  Nailed the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day then f-ed it all up by taking the sorry-ass Bills. Them damn Bills have killed me so many times this season.  I’m done with them. Sadly, I’m back at 7-6 on the year, which I’m beginning to think is not too good, especially for a sports genius like myself.  Maybe I’m outthinking myself.  Fortunately for you guys, for the rest of the season, you’re getting my “A” game.  Without further adue, the game of the week, the Dallas Cowboys @ the Pittsburgh Steelers -2. The Steelers are favored by 2.  They’re at home.  It’s cold.  I’m not sold on the Cowboys just yet and that Steelers’ defense is sick. I do think the Cowboys are gonna make the playoffs but I don’t think that they’re going to Pittsburgh and take down the Steelers, NO FREAKIN WAY!!! It’ll be a good game but 2 points is too easy. Enjoy the pick and let’s finish off the last quarter of the season with a bang…

Steelers Still In the Spirit of Giving

The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed the Jacksonville Jaguars into their house on Saturday. They showered the Jaguars with gifts all evening, to make them feel welcome of course. A fumble, three interceptions, and eventually the game, 31-29. Luckily, I picked the Steelers and the points (+2.5) so technically I am a genius.  As for the Steelers, is Big Ben still the man?  Did they lose because of the absence of William Parker? I don’t know.  What I do know is that coach Mike Tomlin has some work to do in the off-season.  The Jags’ season, on the other hand, will come to an end next week when they play the unbeaten New England Patriots.  Until then, enjoy the victory fellas, because in about 7 days, you will not only be on your way to Tahiti (or wherever) but you will have a worse draft pick than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now who’s the real loser, huh?!, huh?!

NFL FOOTBALL PICKS: WILDCARD WEEKEND

OK, so my regular season didn’t go so well. But the post-season is where I step up. I’m a clutch players, everyone around me knows that, or at least I’m sure they’re thinking it. But without any further delay, here are my picks for this upcoming playoff weekend. I’m feeling good about these.

Saturday’s Games:

Redskins @ Seahawks -3.5: Seattle is one of the toughest places to play. The Seahawks have been flying under the radar the whole season. Their passing game is solid and can put up some major points. I can’t see the ‘skins hanging offensively with the ‘hawks. Take the home team.

Jaguars -2.5 @ Steelers: The only home team to be an underdog. Call me crazy, but I like the Steelers. There’s no way that they get beat at home twice in the same season. The cold weather will have an effect on those guys from the south. Look for Ben and Co. to surprise all…

Sunday’s Games:

Giants @ Buccaneers -3: NY is playing well. They are a good team. Their offensive is clicking even without Shockey. As long as Manning doesn’t throw the game away, they have a chance to win. Bucs have a hard time putting up points. Take the Giants with the points, don’t get crazy and go for the money line.

Titans @ Chargers -9: Chargers beat the Titans in Tennessee during the regular season. Vince’s quad is hurting and will affect his mobility. Norv Turner has finally learned that L.T.=win. Look for the Chargers to pound and give the Titans a big dose of L.T. Take San Diego with the points.