NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 6, 2012
NFL Picks (Preseason 2012): 6-9-1 (-$1,440)
NFL Picks (Week 1, 2012): 3-13 (-$2,250)
NFL Picks (Week 2, 2012): 8-7-1 (+$430)
NFL Picks (Week 3, 2012): 7-9 (+$70)
NFL Picks (Week 4, 2012): 7-8 (+$640)
NFL Picks (Week 5, 2012): 7-7 (-$340)
NFL Picks (2012): 38-53-2 (-$2,890)
NFL Picks (2011): 137-133-12 (-$1,925)
NFL Picks (2010): 144-131-8 (+$6,080)
NFL Picks (2009): 151-124-9 (+$3,370)
NFL Picks (2008): 136-125-6 (+$4,330)
If you don't quite understand the line, total or anything else, go to my Sports Betting FAQ.
NFL Picks (Week 1, 2012): 3-13 (-$2,250)
NFL Picks (Week 2, 2012): 8-7-1 (+$430)
NFL Picks (Week 3, 2012): 7-9 (+$70)
NFL Picks (Week 4, 2012): 7-8 (+$640)
NFL Picks (Week 5, 2012): 7-7 (-$340)
NFL Picks (2012): 38-53-2 (-$2,890)
NFL Picks (2011): 137-133-12 (-$1,925)
NFL Picks (2010): 144-131-8 (+$6,080)
NFL Picks (2009): 151-124-9 (+$3,370)
NFL Picks (2008): 136-125-6 (+$4,330)
If you don't quite understand the line, total or anything else, go to my Sports Betting FAQ.
Vegas betting action updated Oct. 15, 5:25 p.m. ET. Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Go to Week 6 NFL Picks - Late Games
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Line: Steelers by 6. Total: 43.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Steelers -4.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Steelers -3.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Steelers -3 (Locker) or Steelers -6 (Hasselbeck).
Thursday, Oct. 11, 8:20 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Steelers.
WEEK 5 RECAP: This past weekend was extremely frustrating. Even though I was in the red (7-7, -$340), I felt as though I had a very good week in terms of handicapping. No, really. When I'm wrong about a game, I'll admit it and try to figure out what I did incorrectly. I feel like I screwed up only one Week 5 selection. The other losses were the result of terrible luck. I'll explain:
Browns +8 over Giants (4 units): This one hurt. You all know what happened by now. The Browns were up 14-0 at one point. They held a 17-10 advantage a few minutes prior to halftime deep in New York territory. Instead of running the ball on a 3rd-and-1, Brandon Weeden tossed an ugly interception. The Giants scored a touchdown. Cleveland fumbled the ensuing kick return. The Giants found the end zone again. The Browns went three-and-out. Thanks to a bogus pass interference on an uncatchable ball, New York moved into field goal range and added three points just prior to intermission. Boom. Just like that, the Giants led 27-17 when the Browns could have been up at least 20-10 at the break.
A major part of the reason Cleveland had trouble stopping the Giants was an injury D'Qwell Jackson suffered during that miserable stretch. Jackson was the best Browns' defender with Joe Haden out, and not having him on the field was devastating. The Giants scored at will when he was gone. If you would have told me Cleveland would lose Jackson toward the end of the second quarter, I wouldn't have bet as much on the underdog in this matchup.
Why'd Jackson have to get hurt, and why did the Browns have to blow a colossal lead? WHY!?
Steelers -3.5 over Eagles (4 units): One of the reasons the Steelers were one of my three favorite plays of the week? Troy Polamalu and James Harrison were returning to the lineup. So, what happened? Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley (another rush linebacker) left the game with injuries in the first half. The Eagles, who could barely move the chains with those two Pittsburgh defenders on the field, suddenly found major success after intermission. Ugh.
Why do key players always seem to get injured when I pick their team to cover? WHY!?
Packers -6.5 over Colts (2 units): Green Bay held a 21-3 lead at halftime despite playing poorly prior to the break. Was Indianapolis' comeback divine intervention? Perhaps. Or maybe it was because B.J. Raji, Jermichael Finley and Cedric Benson all left the game with injuries.
Be warned, key players on teams I pick - you're probably getting injured.
Broncos +6 over Patriots (2 units): Demaryius Thomas fumbled in the red zone. Willis McGahee fumbled in the red zone. Eliminating the former would have given Denver an early lead. Taking away the latter would have allowed the Broncos to cover the spread. Ugh. All I wanted was for Denver to beat the number. Was that too much to ask?
Titans +5.5 over Vikings (2 units): This was the one game I got wrong. I was an idiot. I have something in my notes called a "Negative Absolute," which states, "Never bet on a very crappy team starting a crappy backup quarterback, no matter how good of a spot you think they're in."
I guess I just forgot because of name recognition, but I knew that Matt Hasselbeck was a crappy reserve signal-caller, and I was aware that the Titans were, in fact, a crappy squad. As soon as I saw Hasselbeck throw an unnecessary interception on a 3rd-and-19 when the game was just 7-0, I slapped my forehead in disgust. I screwed up, and I apologize.
Saints -3.5 over Chargers (3 units): I suppose I should discuss this as well because Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal whined about how the Chargers should have won because San Diego pick-sixed Drew Brees when it was 24-14 in the third quarter. I'd say the Chargers were lucky New Orleans had only 14 because Jimmy Graham suffered an in-game injury and was hobbling around. The Saints definitely would've had more than 14 points at that stage if Graham could actually, you know, move.
At any rate, fading the media did not work as well this week because of two aforementioned bad beats. This week, the media is overreacting to:
1. "The Cardinals are done." - Tony Kornheiser (though this is kind of nullified by Buffalo's ineptness).
2. The Cowboys are terrible (from two weeks ago).
3. The Lions are the Lions again (from two weeks ago).
4. "The 49ers are the best team in football." Almost every NFL analyst on TV said this Monday even though San Francisco has no wins over a team with a winning record.
5. "There's something wrong with the Packers." Green Bay should have won in Seattle and blew a 21-3 lead in the Colts for the reasons mentioned above. The team should be 4-1.
Let's see how these teams do. I'm thinking they go 3-2 at the very least. Oh, and I should note that I received some hate mail. I'll list those later.
I'll be posting these NFL Picks throughout the day. Follow me at @walterfootball for updates.
TENNESSEE OFFENSE: I mentioned the Polamalu and Woodley injuries above. Well, they've both been ruled out. Harrison is also questionable, but I'd expect him to play. Pittsburgh's defense is completely different when Polamalu is on the field, as the Eagles discovered Sunday. The Steelers will be weaker versus the run, while their pass rush will suffer without Woodley and perhaps Harrison.
Having said that, it's difficult to imagine the Titans scoring very much. Jake Locker is out again, meaning Hasselbeck will draw another start. Hasselbeck is terrible; he's lost all semblance of arm strength, and he's transformed a turnover machine. You'd expect a veteran signal-caller like him to make good decisions, but I have no idea what he was thinking trying to force a ball on 3rd-and-19 when last week's game was still just 7-0. Kenny Britt will be back, and that'll help, but Hasselbeck is just too limited to consistently engineer scoring drives in this contest.
It would help Hasselbeck's cause if he had a solid rushing attack by his side, but that's not the case. Chris Johnson proved that his Week 4 performance at Houston was a mirage, as he averaged 1.6 yards per carry against the Vikings. His offensive line isn't opening up any holes, and Johnson is doing a poor job of recognizing them when they do appear.
PITTSBURGH OFFENSE: The Steelers' offensive line has quietly done a good job since its disastrous performance in Week 1. The front has surrendered only one sack in the past two games. The Eagles seldom pressured Ben Roethlisberger, so I don't know how the Titans figure to do so. Kamerion Wimbley is a good pass-rusher, but Derrick Morgan has been invisible recently.
Considering the level of blocking Big Ben received Sunday, the Steelers should have scored way more than 16 points. The problem was that his supporting cast couldn't get out of its own way. Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace dropped a combined four passes, one of which was in the end zone. If they actually hang on to the football, they'll have success against a Tennessee secondary that is giving up an average of 286 passing yards per contest.
Brown and Wallace should consider themselves lucky that Rashard Mendenhall bailed them out. Mendenhall looked great, and there's no reason to think he can't pick up where he left off. The Vikings just rushed for 144 yards against Tennessee, so Mendenhall will pile up the yardage again.
RECAP: There are a few things going against the Steelers in this matchup. They're not very good as road favorites, and traveling on a short week can be pretty taxing. Teams seldom get blown out three times in a row, so that favors the host. There's also line value with Tennessee, as this spread has moved 1.5 points based on the Week 5 results.
However, I can't take Tennessee because of the Negative Absolute rule. The Negative Absolute doesn't mean I bet on the other team; it just says not to place money on a crappy squad starting a crappy backup quarterback. If anything, I like the under again.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change. I think the Titans are the right side, but they're unbettable because of Hasselbeck.
The Psychology. Edge: Titans.
The Steelers are coming off an emotional, last-second victory and could be flat.
The Vegas. Edge: Titans.
No one wants any part of the Titans. Percentage of money on Pittsburgh: 79% (62,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Titans.
Steelers are 30-17 ATS in October since 2000.
Steelers are 6-16 ATS as road favorites coming off a win under Mike Tomlin.
Opening Line: Steelers -6.
Opening Total: 44.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Steelers 19, Titans 16
Titans +6 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Under 43.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Titans 26, Steelers 23
Recap of this game
Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) at Cleveland Browns (0-5)
Line: Bengals by 2.5. Total: 42.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Bengals -2.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Bengals -2.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Bengals -1.5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Bengals.
VEGAS RECAP: The sportsbooks have now taken money from the public in four of the five weeks this season. They won four of the seven highly bet games this past weekend, cashing in with the Colts, Dolphins, Chiefs and Jets covering. Casual bettors won with the Falcons, Bears and 49ers. With Black Friday coming up in six weeks, Vegas will need to give some money back to the public - or there will be many more crying babies come Christmas. I'll be updating the Vegas betting action all week, as usual. I'll notify you of any updates @walterfootball.
CINCINNATI OFFENSE: The big news in this game is that Joe Haden will be back for the Browns. Haden is one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. He'll cover A.J. Green very effectively, which will limit Cincinnati's offense because Andy Dalton has only one dependable downfield receiver, right?
Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that. D'Qwell Jackson, who suffered a possible concussion, may not play. Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, the team's best pass-rusher, also could sit out, given that he left last week's contest in a walking boot. Jackson's absence will mean that the Browns will be soft in the middle of their defense, both in terms of stopping the run and putting the clamps on Jermaine Gresham, who figured to see tons of targets anyway with Haden draped all over Green. We all saw what Ahmad Bradshaw did to this Cleveland ground defense last week, so BenJarvus Green-Ellis figures to have a rebound performance.
If Rubin is out, the Browns won't have anyone to pressure Dalton, who could just sit back in the pocket all afternoon and pick apart Cleveland's secondary. The Browns still have liabilities in their defensive backfield even in the wake of Haden's return.
CLEVELAND OFFENSE: Coming off a dreadful four-interception performance against the Eagles, Brandon Weeden proved that he was functional at Cincinnati, going 26-of-37 for 322 yards and two touchdowns. However, I don't see Weeden having a repeat performance because the Bengals have a couple of players back from injury, most notably Nate Clements, who hobbled through that Week 2 affair with a calf injury. He's back and currently playing safety. Dre Kirkpatrick should also return this week and start over Terence Newman. Considering the lack of talent Cleveland has at receiver, this news has to be troubling for Weeden.
Carlos Dunlap is another Bengal who wasn't on the field back in Week 2. Dunlap is an extraordinary pass-rusher who figures to have his way against rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.
The Bengals should also do a decent job containing Trent Richardson. They were ranked dead last against the rush two weeks ago but have improved tremendously in that department because everyone has returned from injury. They've limited their previous two opponents, the Jaguars (Maurice Jones-Drew) and Dolphins (Reggie Bush) to 2.7 yards per carry, which is a very impressive feat.
RECAP: The public is all over the Bengals. While I normally go the other way, I actually agree with them. The Browns, currently at an injury disadvantage, are a terrible team that could be reeling from two brutal losses to the Ravens and Giants. There is also solid line value here, as the spread has moved 1.5 points in Cleveland's favor because the Bengals lost to an underrated Miami squad.
Speaking of that Dolphins' defeat, is it possible that Cincinnati was overlooking Miami and instead focusing on playing two consecutive divisional matchups? Teams coming off a loss as a favorite in a non-divisional tilt are 53-30 against the spread in road divisional battles the following week (excluding Weeks 1 and 17 for obvious reasons).
FINAL THOUGHTS: Nothing has changed for me. I still like the Bengals for a couple of units.
The Psychology. Edge: Browns.
The Bengals might look past the Browns because they have the Steelers in Week 7, but this is a divisional game.
The Vegas. Edge: Browns.
No surprise here. Percentage of money on Cincinnati: 70% (53,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Browns.
History: Bengals have won 13 of the last 16 meetings.
Bengals are 8-24 ATS as a favorite since 2007.
Browns are 16-7 ATS after allowing 30 or more points since 2005.
Opening Line: Bengals -3.
Opening Total: 45.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Bengals 24, Browns 17
Bengals -2 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220
Under 42 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Browns 34, Bengals 24
Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at New York Jets (2-3)
Line: Jets by 3.5. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Jets -4.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Jets -4.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Jets -3.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Colts.
HATE MAIL: Another week, another stack of hate mails (some from my power rankings page). Let's see what they have to say this time:
4 Units on the Steelers? When is the last time you won money? I noticed how you took the eagles off the overrated spot. Man you suck.
The last time I won money? Umm... Week 4?
Stop betting on Eagles games before you go broke. Your hate analysis is too biased and its costing you. "He just doesn't put as much stock into these non-conference tilts." Show me a head coach who doesn't put stock into every game and I show you a fired coach.
It's completely naive to think that coaches value every game equally. And the Eagles just covered their first game.
Haven't gone with Walter all year, figured even a blind dog finds a bone every once in awhile. He's us the epitome of bad luck. Bet against him the rest of the season.
Hey, I may not be able to see as a blind dog, but I did find three bones in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. Stop hating on physically disabled canines.
Wally isn't very happy tonight. He doesn't need the 49ers to make him look like a joke but they help him look like a pimple faced punk with copy of the Madden NFL computer game and a website.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. That's just wrong. I haven't played Madden in a long time.
you put the seahawks above bengals. get a new job outside of sports writing please.
This was posted prior to Week 5. Guess this guy needs a new job outside of posting on Web site message boards.
Cardinals or 4-0 and beat the Pats on the road so of course in makes since to have the Patriots in the top 5 ahead of them. Who have the Patriots beaten? The Bills and Titans.
I love the Team X beat Team Y, so Team X is better than Team Y argument. So, the Redskins swept the Giants last year. Were they the real Super Bowl champs?
do you actually hate the ravens? like i feel like you are always out trying to get them...i would really like an explanation. your credibility is quickly going down the drain...
Yes. I started watching football around 1991 when I was 9 years old. I learned quickly to hate the Ravens and have continued to despise them my entire life.
Please remove yourself from Timothy Tibowitz's scrotum you testicle lapping homosexual deviant.
No! I love Tebow's scrotum!
INDIANAPOLIS OFFENSE: The Colts were awesome in the second half of last week's game, as they showed so much heart in their attempt to win one for their head coach. Andrew Luck struggled early on, but he was razor sharp after intermission, while Reggie Wayne had the game of his life.
However, that was against a Packer defense missing B.J. Raji and dealing with issues in their secondary. The Jets are missing Darrelle Revis, but they still have Antonio Cromartie, who just shut down Andre Johnson. Cromartie is capable of limiting Wayne, meaning Luck will have to look elsewhere to move the chains. Fortunately for him, he won't have to deal with any sort of pass rush. He was knocked around last week prior to Raji's injury, but the Jets struggle tremendously to get to the quarterback.
The Colts figure to have an advantage in the running game, even with Donald Brown out of the lineup. Rookie Vick Ballard should have his way with a pathetic Jets' ground defense that has laughably surrendered an average of 195 rushing yards per game the past three weeks.
NEW YORK OFFENSE: The Jets can't really do anything offensively. They can't run the ball. Shonn Greene is one of the worst starting running backs in the league, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. That's Chris Johnson territory, but Greene actually has slightly better blockers up front. There's some hope for him the Colts are 25th versus the rush (4.7 YPC), but Indianapolis can just stack the line of scrimmage because...
The Jets can't pass. Mark Sanchez is very inconsistent, and when he's on it doesn't matter because besides Jeremy Kerley, an average slot receiver, no New York receiver can get open or catch the football.
The Jets can't pass protect either, which will obviously be an issue now that Dwight Freeney is healthy. Robert Mathis, however, is out for this game.
RECAP: This is a tough one to call because the Colts are coming off an emotional win, while the Jets will be suffering from the effects of a draining loss in which they threw the kitchen sink at the Texans. Expect a sluggish, low-scoring game. I'm taking the points, but I definitely don't plan on betting either side.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Colts have a ton of injuries, so I considered switching this to the Jets. But I just don't feel like laying points with Sanchez.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
You have to figure that both teams will be spent coming off emotional games.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Equal action. Percentage of money on Indianapolis: 50% (65,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None. Opening Line: Jets -3.5.
Opening Total: 42.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Jets 17, Colts 16
Colts +3.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Under 44 (0 Units) -- Push; $0
Jets 35, Colts 9
Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
Line: Buccaneers by 4. Total: 40.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Buccaneers -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Buccaneers -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Buccaneers -3.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Buccaneers.
The most illiterate sports bettor in the world is a man named the Real John Moss. He loves to e-mail me and talk to me on G-chat. He didn't update his Web site, https://sites.google.com/site/realjohnmossfootball/ this past week, but I did find an old conversation that we had in July:
The Real John Moss: waltar
Me: John Moss!
The Real John Moss: how r u my fiend
Me: I'm good, how about you my fiend?
The Real John Moss: i am not good
Me: Why not!?
The Real John Moss: i go to vegas lose money
Me: I'm sorry to hear that.
The Real John Moss: it okay many nice womans ;)
Me: Good!
The Real John Moss: u r still making websight?
Me: Yes.
The Real John Moss: if u need worker i am ur men as u kno i am greatestin footboll
Me: Yes I know that your football knowledge is legendary.
The Real John Moss: panther win super bowl john moss garantee i might make tv comercial
Me: Like Ryan Kalil.
The Real John Moss: who?
Me: Panthers' center.
The Real John Moss: im not i dont know he is player? cam newton i know he si good player good cookie u kno him?
Me: Yes I know him very well.
The Real John Moss: u r friend
Me: Yes we are best friends.
The Real John Moss: look is simple logik everyting newton good sciencetist - good cookie - god so football = ????? is good of course
Me: Yes, I understand completely.
The Real John Moss: u will learn
Me: Yes.
The Real John Moss: ok worst team - patrioats ur best player is tightend grokowsky he make sex with 16 yo gurl i make sex with 16 yo i go to jail 20 year so u loose best player
Me: Are you sure about that?
The Real John Moss: yes i look up many sixteens chase me i beat tehm away im cant go to jail
Me: That's a good idea.
The Real John Moss: is on internet police will caatch gronkosky
Me: I hope so!
The Real John Moss: u dont understand? u go kiss 16u go jail 1 month
Me: I know.
The Real John Moss: 1 boob 2 month
Me: Two boob?
The Real John Moss: 5 month its multyiply 10 minutes
Me: What about three boob?
The Real John Moss: it depend is it = size
Me: Ah, makes sense.
The Real John Moss: yes u c
Three boobs? You think I'm joking? Just take a look:
KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: Matt Cassel is unlikely to play in this game, but I still don't understand why Vegas took so long to post a spread. Eric Winston may not want to hear this, but there's not much of a dropoff between Cassel and Brady Quinn. In fact, Quinn is probably better; Cassel played well in 2010, but only because Charlie Weis was his coordinator. He's been turning the ball over too much this season, so Quinn, who looked much more confident in relief of Cassel versus Baltimore, figures to be an upgrade.
The Chiefs have the potential to play well offensively, but they're giving the ball away too frequently. Quinn will not solve their problems, even if he's more careful with the football. Cassel, after all, wasn't responsible for either of his interceptions Sunday, as they were both deflected off the overrated Dwayne Bowe. The fumble wasn't Cassel's fault either; center Rodney Hudson is out, which means natural guard Ryan Lilja has to play that position. This has forced ineffective guard Jeff Allen into the lineup, so Gerald McCoy, who's having a monstrous campaign, will easily win that matchup.
Tampa Bay has been pretty solid in terms of stoppiing the run, ranking seventh against it (3.6 YPC). However, the Chiefs pound the rock as well as anyone; they moved the ball freely on the ground against the Ravens, who are even better versus the rush (3.5 YPC).
TAMPA BAY OFFENSE: Speaking of running the ball, the Buccaneers have had extreme difficulty doing so this season, as Doug Martin is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. However, there are two things in Tampa's favor here. First, stud guard Carl Nicks, who was banged up with a foot problem prior to the bye, said that he's feeling much healthier. Second, the Chiefs struggle to stop the rush, ranking 23rd in that department (4.4 YPC). Dontari Poe was a bit better this past week, but he still hasn't been dominant yet.
An improved rushing attack will only help Josh Freeman, who will need all the help he can get against Kansas City's dynamic sack-artists. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are having monstrous campaigns, and they both have a clear advantage over Tampa Bay's solid, but unspectacular tackles.
Freeman, who is incredibly inconsistent, will also have to deal with Brandon Flowers, who will smother Vincent Jackson. Freeman will have to look elsewhere. Luckily for him, safety Eric Berry is having an awful season, so there will be some opportunities in his area.
RECAP: I'm going to take the Buccaneers for a couple of units. The Chiefs could be flat following that loss to Baltimore, while Tampa is in a favorable position, as teams laying points in non-divisional matchups coming off a bye usually cover the spread.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change.
The Psychology. Edge: Buccaneers.
The Chiefs are coming off an emotional loss in which they gave everything they had against Baltimore. However, they're underdogs, so it's not much a huge edge.
The Vegas. Edge: Chiefs.
Slight lean on the host. Percentage of money on Tampa Bay: 62% (51,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Chiefs.
Chiefs are 25-11 ATS in October since 2002.
Chiefs are 25-15 ATS as a road underdog since 2007.
Buccaneers are 6-18 ATS at home in the previous 24 instances.
Opening Line: Buccaneers -3.5.
Opening Total: 42.5.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Buccaneers 17, Chiefs 10
Buccaneers -4 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200
Under 40 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Buccaneers 38, Chiefs 10
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at Atlanta Falcons (5-0)
Line: Falcons by 9.5. Total: 48.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Falcons -9.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Falcons -10.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Falcons -10.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Falcons.
Some random NFL notes I can't put anywhere else:
1. I have to talk about Eric Winston's rant about the fans supposedly cheering Matt Cassel's concussion. Maybe Winston was just frustrated by that loss, but I don't think the fans were happy about Cassel's concussion. They were just thrilled that they wouldn't have to see Cassel under center anymore. Cassel's been an abomination ever since the Chiefs lost Charlie Weis, and the fans have every right to boo him. They're paying ridiculous prices for tickets, and all they get to see is Cassel commit multiple turnovers each week.
What Trent Dilfer said about this pissed me off. He said that the players don't give a damn about the fans, addressing them on SportsCenter Sunday night: "We don't do it for you. We do it for our teammates."
Oh, OK... except if it weren't for the fans, you wouldn't have been able to play football for a living. So f*** you, Dilfer. Us fans don't care about you either.
2. You know how QB Dog Killer has a fumbling problem? Well he doesn't think so. I loved this quote of his after the loss at Pittsburgh: "I don't have a fumbling problem. I don't normally fumble the ball. Everything happens for a reason. If it was meant to be, I wouldn't have fumbled on the goal line."
You know that Seven Psychopaths commercial where they list the signs of a psychopath? I'd say "No. 4 - Delusions of grandeur" applies here. And yes, QBDK is a psychopath. He is, after all, the quarterback of a dynasty.
3. I loved this Roger Goodell tweet in the wake of Drew Brees' record-breaking touchdown Sunday night: "Amazing accomplishment by great QB & leader. We're proud of you, Drew."
Unfortunately, Twitter has a 140-character limit. If Goodell could have added to that, the Tweet would have looked like: "Amazing accomplishment by great QB & leader. We're proud of you, Drew. But I still ruined your season with my penalties and I despise the city of New Orleans MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
ATLANTA OFFENSE: Matt Ryan has the matchup of a lifetime. The Raiders are missing their two starting cornerbacks and consequently cannot stop the pass whatsoever. They couldn't even prevent the Steelers from scoring on nearly possession, so imagine what Ryan and his three stud targets will be able to accomplish.
It doesn't help the Raiders that they can't get to the quarterback. They're tied for last in the NFL in sacks (3) with the Jaguars, as they clearly miss Kamerion Wimbley, who is playing well for the Titans. The Falcons have some holes on their offensive line, but Oakland can't take advantage of them.
Another thing the Raiders can't do is stop the run. They've surrendered at least 165 rushing yards in two of their four games this season. There are many to blame for this, but the main culprit is defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, who doesn't try very hard.
OAKLAND OFFENSE: This won't be a complete blowout if the Raiders take advantage of their one edge in this matchup - the running game. Darren McFadden, when healthy, is a top-five back in the NFL. He's fine now, and he has an easy opponent in Atlanta. The Falcons have surrendered at least 113 rushing yards to every opponent they've faced this season. The only team worse versus the run is Buffalo.
The Falcons are pretty good against the pass, so it's imperative that the Raiders run McFadden early and often in an attempt to control the clock and keep things close. If Oakland falls behind and has to abandon the rush, it won't have any chance to keep up. Even with Darrius Heyward-Bey due back in the lineup, it'll just be too much for Carson Palmer to handle.
Not only will a weak-armed Palmer have issues dealing with Mike Nolan's confusing coverages, he'll be pressured behind an offensive line featuring inept right tackle Willie Smith, who's filling in for an injured Khalif Barnes. Kroy Biermann has performed poorly for the most part this year, but he flashed against the Chargers, so maybe he'll do so against another AFC West foe. He should be able to beat Smith easily.
RECAP: This is a tough one to call. On one hand, the Falcons are at home and the Raiders are playing an early game on the East Coast, a situation in which they usually struggle. On the other hand, the Raiders are coming off a loss of 28-plus against a divisional foe and have had two weeks to hear about how bad they are. They'll play Atlanta tough, but I'm still going to side with the host.
SURVIVOR PICK: It's the Falcons, and it's not even close. My other top choices would be the Buccaneers and Dolphins.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change. I still don't have a good feel for this game.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
No psychological edge found.
The Vegas. Edge: Raiders.
This is a weird spread. The public is pounding the host. Percentage of money on Atlanta: 81% (78,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Falcons.
Early Game Alert: Raiders are 6-14 ATS in 1 p.m. East Coast games since 2003.
Raiders are 14-25 ATS in October since 2001.
Matt Ryan is 21-10 ATS at home.
Opening Line: Falcons -9.5.
Opening Total: 48.5.
Weather: Dome.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Falcons 34, Raiders 17
Falcons -9.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Over 48.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Survivor Pick (4-1)
Falcons 23, Raiders 20
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Line: Ravens by 3. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Ravens -4.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Ravens -5.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Ravens -5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Cowboys.
Some college football notes I can't put anywhere else:
1. I'll never understand how some people can become head coaches at high-profile programs despite being so stupid. Anyone who watched the end of the Boise State-BYU game a couple of weeks ago knows exactly what I'm talking about. If not, BYU had issues moving the chains all evening. It was 7-0 for most of the contest until the Cougars finally got on the scoreboard with three minutes remaining. Instead of kicking the extra point, BYU went for it and failed, and ultimately lost, 7-6.
This was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. I can get behind a team going for two at the very end of the contest, but BYU wasn't assuring itself of a victory even if it took an 8-7 lead. There were three minutes remaining for Boise State to score. And what's worse, BYU had no timeouts, so it wouldn't have much time to do anything even if it got the ball back - which it didn't.
This made me wonder, why do men who have horse names always do the stupidest things? BYU's coach is Bronco Mendenhall. Recall Colt Brennan, who was arrested a billion times. And then there's Colt McCoy, who thinks he can play in the NFL despite losing his job to a 40-year-old quarterback.
So, to sum this up, if you're a prospective mother reading this, please don't name your son after a horse.
2. Speaking of stupid coaching, I always thought it was silly that coaches hold clipboards up to their mouth so spies can't figure out what they're calling. It just seems kind of childish to me, but in the wake of Bill Belichick's Spygate, I suppose it's necessary.
Something that's not necessary is something that Florida State does. I saw it on TV and took a picture:
These two idiots are holding up towels in front of the coach so no one can read his lips. I guess hiding himself behind the clipboard was too difficult; he had to assign two pathetic losers to do the job for him. What a joke.
This got me thinking - what if one of those two a**holes was a spy for the other team? Seriously, they're poor college kids, so all it would take is $50 and a six-pack of beer. If I were a college football head coach playing Florida State, I'd bribe both of these guys so I could gain access to Florida State's entire playbook - and then victory would be fine! Muhahahahaha!
3. Some notes on the baseball playoffs:
- I have no idea who's going to win and why because I don't pay much attention to the sport outside of the Phillies, but I loved this new one-and-done wild-card rule. It's great. If this were a best-of-three or best-of-five series, I wouldn't have watched it, but one-and-dones are always fun. In fact, I haven't watched a baseball playoff game since. I just wanted to see one take-all game. This is why the NCAA Tournament is so immensely popular. I think there should be more of this. Why can't the NBA and NHL have the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds battle each other in one game?
- The call in the Braves-Cardinals game was a disgrace. Everyone knows that. Sam Holbrook, the umpire who made that call, should be fired - but not because of what he did at that instant. Everyone makes mistakes, and every official/referee/umpire will make a terrible call on occasion. But not admitting the mistake and failing to correct it is a billion times worse. The umpires all huddled afterward, and Holbrook should've said, "Look guys, I screwed up. Let's give the Braves the bases loaded with one out. Let's make this right." Instead, Holbrook stubbornly and homoclitcally did nothing to correct his error, which is why he should be axed.
- Speaking of that blown call, the people on Twitter (follow me @walterfootball) who said pretentious things like, "OMG I CANT BELIEVE THOSE BRAVES FANS ARE THROWING SUTFF ON THE FIELD LIKE OMG STAY CLASSY ATLANTA LOL!!!" are major a**holes. I'd like to praise the Atlanta fans for throwing stuff on the field, but I don't think they did enough damage. They should have completely covered the field with beer bottles and other junk. The umpires screwed up, and the fans had to take action.
And by the way, this is nothing compared to what happens in European soccer games. The lunatics in the stands at those games throw flares on the field. Flares! So, what are some beer bottles going to do?
BALTIMORE OFFENSE: A matchup against the Cowboys? That's easy. Their stop unit, after all, is in the bottom half in sacks and pass defense. The Ravens should be able to score easily, right?
Well, that's how it looks on paper. The reality is that stud nose tackle Jay Ratliff will be on the field for the first time. Anthony Spencer will also be returning from injury. Those are two key defenders who will bolster those two aforementioned weak areas. Dallas will suddenly excel at getting to the quarterback with Ratliff, Spencer and DeMarcus Ware storming the opposing backfield. This is trouble for the Ravens, who've had issues pass protecting the past couple of games.
The Cowboys were already good at containing the run (11th; 3.8 YPC), so Ratliff's return will boost that even further. Ray Rice won't find much running room in this contest, though it may not even matter because offensive coordinator Cam Cameron often forgets to give carries to his All-Pro back. Rice, instead, will act as a safety valve for Flacco, who will have to avoid pressure all while seeing his receivers covered excellently by a couple of talented cornerbacks in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.
DALLAS OFFENSE: The Cowboys will have a third key member of their team back from injury. Center Phil Costa will return to the lineup for the first time since the opening quarter of Week 1. Costa isn't the greatest blocker in the world, but he'll definitely help a line that has struggled to protect Tony Romo.
It's safe to say that Romo won't have any pass-protection issues in this contest, and not just because of Costa's health. The Ravens can't pressure the quarterback without Terrell Suggs. They have one sack in the past two games. As a consequence, they've surrendered at least 320 passing yards to three of their five opponents this year. One of those foes was Brandon Weeden. Think Romo and his receivers are licking their chops?
The Cowboys could also have success running the ball. Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs just rushed for 200 yards against the Ravens. The main culprit? None other than Ray Lewis. I've mentioned this a couple of times this week, but Lewis was dreadful in that contest. He looked done - and I've had a couple of Baltimore fans e-mail me and tell me that they agree with me. Now, could Lewis rebound and have a dominant performance against the underachieving DeMarco Murray? Absolutely. But it also wouldn't surprise me if Murray simply picked up where Charles left off.
RECAP: I like the Cowboys a good deal. They've been at home, stewing about that Monday night loss to the Bears and hearing how bad they are for two weeks. This is a statement game for them. They'll want to prove everyone wrong. Meanwhile, the Ravens have really struggled recently. They nearly lost to the Browns, and they would have suffered a double-digit defeat at Kansas City if the Chiefs hadn't killed themselves with unforced turnovers. They're not as good as the public makes them out to be, so they're due for a "surprising" loss.
There's also a trend that says to fade Baltimore: Bet against any home favorite in the first half of the season (Weeks 2-10) coming off a road victory of 1-3 points. Teams in that situation are just 25-44 against the spread since 2000.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This spread has dropped to three, eliminating any sort of line value we had with the Cowboys. I'm dropping this to two units.
The Psychology. Edge: Cowboys.
Major statement game for the Cowboys. They've been told how bad they are for two weeks. They're pissed.
The Vegas. Edge: Cowboys.
A slight lean on the host. Percentage of money on Baltimore: 62% (77,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None. Opening Line: Ravens -4.
Opening Total: 44.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Cowboys 27, Ravens 24
Cowboys +3 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200
Over 44 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Ravens 31, Cowboys 29
Detroit Lions (1-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Line: Eagles by 3.5. Total: 47.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Eagles -6.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Eagles -5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Eagles -6.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: None.
If you've followed this site for a while, you may know that I like to respond to my spam mails. I'm continuing last week's, which was from a woman named Mulyana:
Yes, I'm Steve Urkel. The biggest nerd in television history. If you're not familiar with him, just watch this.
Sure enough, the person pretending to be this Mulyana chick e-mailed me back, as he's a dumb spammer from somewhere in Asia and has no clue who Urkel is. Her message to me said that she loves me but she needs someone to transfer her funds to an American bank. She also sent a picture:
Here was my reply:
By the way, that address that I listed is the actual Winslow residence from Family Matters. It's currently preserved as a historical property. I really hope they get some sort of mail from "Mulyana."
Her next e-mail gave me her bank e-mail and that the depositor was a Dr Dreamad tuazama. I replied:
After this, Mulyana gave me a sample e-mail to send to the bank. I did so here:
The phone number's legit, by the way. I looked it up on WhitePages.com, and there's a Steve Urkel who lives in Houston. I wish I could hear that phone call. Sorry, I'm evil.
Here's Waldo Geraldo Faldo's e-mail to Mr. Anthony Makati (from my other e-mail address):
*** OK, so that's what happened up until last week. Here was Mulyana's latest response: ***
The bank contacted only Steve Urkel - they apparently didn't like Waldo Geraldo Faldo's offer - and told me they needed some stuff, including Dr. Dreamad Tuazama's death certificate, so I e-mailed the lovely Mulyana:
As soon as I receive Dr. Tuazama's death certificate, I will post it and send it over to the bank.
PHILADELPHIA OFFENSE: QB Dog Killer's hubris is awesome. It makes it so fun to bet against him. I love how he told the media that he doesn't have a fumbling problem, yet he leads all active players in fumbles. It's like he doesn't realize how mediocre of a quarterback he's become. He's a turnover machine, and he's bound to commit several give-aways in this contest.
At least QBDK has a good matchup aerially, right? I mean, the Lions' secondary is notorious for giving up big plays. However, that's not really the case here because stud safety Louis Delmas will finally return to the lineup. He'll make a big impact, so throwing the ball will be much more difficult for QBDK, who will have Ndamukong Suh breathing down his neck the entire afternoon. Suh has an easy mismatch against Dallas Reynolds, the Eagles' inept backup center.
Running the ball should work against Detroit, as the Lions have surrendered at least 122 rushing yards in two of their four games this season. LeSean McCoy is a great player who will undoubtedly take advantage of that. However, will Andy Reid remember to give McCoy enough carries? Reid is favored to win this game, and as we've seen over the years, Reid's play-calling becomes infinitely dumber with each point his team is laying.
DETROIT OFFENSE: Remember how everyone was excited about Philadelphia's super-awesome secondary following the Nnamdi Asomugha signing? Well, that's been a bust. The safeties have been pretty mediocre, at best, while Asomugha himself has struggled. In fact, quarterbacks have been targeting Asomugha exclusively. He's been torched quite often through five weeks.
Matthew Stafford simply has too much firepower for Philadelphia's defensive backfield to handle, so the Eagles need to pressure him early and often. While they have the names up front like Trent Cole and Jason Babin, they have just two sacks in the past three weeks. Teams have seemed to figure out Philadelphia's wide-nine formation. The Lions run the scheme themselves, so they should have no problem diagnosing it.
The Eagles couldn't stop Rashard Mendenhall on Sunday, but I don't expect the Lions to run the ball nearly as well. They just don't open up the same lanes that Pittsburgh does, though Mikel Leshoure's presence will at least make Philadelphia stay honest against the rush.
RECAP: I'd take the Lions if I had to. This is a must-win for them because dropping to 1-4 would be disastrous. The Eagles, meanwhile, haven't been very good going into the bye under Reid. However, I hate the value we're getting with Philadelphia. This spread was -6 a week ago.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Lions are healthy and I think they may win this game, but I wanted a better number.
The Psychology. Edge: Lions.
This is almost a must-win for Detroit.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Slight lean on the Lions. Percentage of money on Detroit: 55% (52,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: None. Eagles are 75-56 ATS vs. NFC opponents since 2001.
Eagles are 5-8 ATS going into a bye under Andy Reid.
Opening Line: Eagles -6.5.
Opening Total: 48.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Eagles 22, Lions 21
Lions +3.5 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Under 47.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Lions 26, Eagles 23
St. Louis Rams (3-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Line: Dolphins by 5. Total: 37.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Dolphins -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Dolphins -3.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Dolphins -3.5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Dolphins.
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM BRADY'S HAIRCUTS
Remember when Tom Brady used to be the most clutch quarterback in the NFL? He had that epic drive against the Rams in the Super Bowl. He then engineered numerous other fourth-quarter comebacks, including one to defeat the Panthers two years later to claim his second Lombardi trophy. After he earned his third, there was a wide-spread belief that he would pass both Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw and eventually earn five or more total rings.
Well, Brady's been stuck on three. He's no longer clutch; in fact, he often melts down in the fourth quarters of big matchups. He seems to really care about some games - especially those involving Tim Tebow - but then he's so lackadaisical in others.
So, what happened? The obvious answer is his wife. But more specifically, it's the haircuts that his wife forces him into getting. It's unknown to the media, but Brady's haircuts are much more than just silly fashion statements; each haircut gives Brady a new persona.
For instance, the following phone conversation took place yesterday, just as Tom Brady got off the plane in Seattle.
Gisele Bundchen: Hello, eez plane drop een Seattle?
Tom Brady: Hey sweetie pie! Yes, I've arrived safely in Seattle. I'm so glad you tied my hair in a pony tail and gave me this ear piece so I can talk to you at all times.
Gisele Bundchen: Yes, eez ponee tails eez very chic!
Tom Brady: I know, all of my guy friends on the team are jealous.
Gisele Bundchen: And vis eear piece oont your eear eez good becooz vee can talking!
Tom Brady: Yes, I love talking to you, sweetie pie. Talking is what holds our marriage together. That, and the awesome haircuts you give me. But yes, talking. We have so much in common.
Gisele Bundchen: Yes vee like chic hair style. Vis your hair, vee make very chic hair style every veek!
Tom Brady: Oh my God, so many people are so jealous of my pony tail. Like, hey, Aaron Hernandez, you love my pony tail, don't you?
Aaron Hernandez: Get the f*** away from me, creep!
Tom Brady: See? Everyone loves it. And I'm going to keep my ear piece in so we can talk all day and all night. We have so many great conversations. Let's have one right now.
Gisele Bundchen: OK, eez good.
Tom Brady: Yeah.
Gisele Bundchen: ...
Tom Brady: ...
Gisele Bundchen: ...
Tom Brady: You're hot.
Gisele Bundchen: You eez tres chic.
Tom Brady: Oh, what great conversations we're going to have all week, all while people fawn over my beautiful pony tail!
ST. LOUIS OFFENSE: The Rams' scoring attack is in shambles. If it wasn't bad enough that three of their offensive linemen were injured, Sam Bradford's favorite target, Danny Amendola, is out for about six weeks. We all saw what happened to Bradford last year when Amendola wasn't in the lineup. I mean, we all saw it on Thursday night. Bradford completed just two passes after Amendola got hurt in the second quarter.
Bradford at least was able to lean on Steven Jackson on Thursday night. Jackson had success against the Cardinals, whose defense was downgraded because stud defensive end Darnell Dockett was laboring through an injury. The Dolphins won't have any of that; they rank first against the run, giving up just 2.6 yards per carry this season. They've shut down the likes of Arian Foster and Darren McFadden, so they won't have a problem with Jackson.
With no semblance of a ground attack, St. Louis will find it extremely taxing to move the chains. Bradford will have to convert a plethora of long-yardage situations, which will be difficult considering that Cameron Wake and Randy Starks are on the opposite side of the ball. Those two put immense pressure on the quarterback, and they won't have any issues getting by the scrubs that the Rams have blocking up front.
MIAMI OFFENSE: St. Louis has a couple of dynamic pass-rushers of its own. Robert Quinn and Chris Long created havoc for Kevin Kolb last Thursday night, so they'll aim to rattle another young quarterback who happens to be turnover-prone. I'll be surprised if Quinn does anything against Jake Long, but Chris Long should have a field day against rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin.
Unlike Bradford, however, Tannehill will have some support from his ground attack. The Rams don't stop the run very well. They clamped down on Ryan Williams this past Thursday, but anyone can contain Arizona's running backs. Overall, St. Louis surrenders 4.3 yards per carry to the opposition.
Tannehill also has the advantage of having his No. 1 receiver at his disposal. Brian Hartline has been a pleasant surprise for Miami this season. However, he faces a tough challenge against Cortland Finnegan, who has a knack for frustrating opposing wideouts. Tannehill may have to look elsewhere this afternoon, perhaps to Davone Bess or Anthony Fasano.
RECAP: I'm going to take the Dolphins for a couple of units. I don't think this line has adjusted enough for Amendola's injury. Plus, St. Louis doesn't play well outdoors, and it's supposed to be 85 degrees and sunny, which means the Rams will melt in the Miami sun in their navy-blue jerseys.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Remember how I said this spread hasn't adjusted for Amendola? Well, it has now. I like the Dolphins for a couple of units at -3.5, but only for one at -4.5.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
No psychological edge found.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Equal action. Percentage of money on St. Louis: 59% (56,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Rams.
Rams are 20-35 ATS on grass since 2001.
Dolphins are 6-11 ATS vs. NFC teams since Tony Sparano.
Dolphins are 0-9 ATS as favorites of 3.5 or more since 2008.
Dolphins are 1-7 ATS as a favorite coming off a SU win as an underdog since 2007.
Opening Line: Dolphins -3.
Opening Total: 38.
Weather: .
Week 6 NFL Pick: Dolphins 20, Rams 9
Dolphins -5 (1 Unit) -- Incorrect; -$110
Under 38 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Dolphins 17, Rams 14
Week 6 NFL Picks - Late Games
Bills at Cardinals, Patriots at Seahawks, Vikings at Redskins, Giants at 49ers, Packers at Texans, Broncos at Chargers
Prop/Teaser/Parlay Picks
A list of some of my favorite team/player prop picks this week
(Offense & defensive ROY picks to be counted whenver winners are announced.) Picks carried over on a week-to-week basis will be in black.
Prop/teaser/parlay picks posted in Week 6 NFL Picks - Late Games
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
SUB MENU Go to Week 6 NFL Picks - Late Games
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Line: Steelers by 6. Total: 43.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Steelers -4.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Steelers -3.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Steelers -3 (Locker) or Steelers -6 (Hasselbeck).
Thursday, Oct. 11, 8:20 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Steelers.
WEEK 5 RECAP: This past weekend was extremely frustrating. Even though I was in the red (7-7, -$340), I felt as though I had a very good week in terms of handicapping. No, really. When I'm wrong about a game, I'll admit it and try to figure out what I did incorrectly. I feel like I screwed up only one Week 5 selection. The other losses were the result of terrible luck. I'll explain:
Browns +8 over Giants (4 units): This one hurt. You all know what happened by now. The Browns were up 14-0 at one point. They held a 17-10 advantage a few minutes prior to halftime deep in New York territory. Instead of running the ball on a 3rd-and-1, Brandon Weeden tossed an ugly interception. The Giants scored a touchdown. Cleveland fumbled the ensuing kick return. The Giants found the end zone again. The Browns went three-and-out. Thanks to a bogus pass interference on an uncatchable ball, New York moved into field goal range and added three points just prior to intermission. Boom. Just like that, the Giants led 27-17 when the Browns could have been up at least 20-10 at the break.
A major part of the reason Cleveland had trouble stopping the Giants was an injury D'Qwell Jackson suffered during that miserable stretch. Jackson was the best Browns' defender with Joe Haden out, and not having him on the field was devastating. The Giants scored at will when he was gone. If you would have told me Cleveland would lose Jackson toward the end of the second quarter, I wouldn't have bet as much on the underdog in this matchup.
Why'd Jackson have to get hurt, and why did the Browns have to blow a colossal lead? WHY!?
Steelers -3.5 over Eagles (4 units): One of the reasons the Steelers were one of my three favorite plays of the week? Troy Polamalu and James Harrison were returning to the lineup. So, what happened? Polamalu and LaMarr Woodley (another rush linebacker) left the game with injuries in the first half. The Eagles, who could barely move the chains with those two Pittsburgh defenders on the field, suddenly found major success after intermission. Ugh.
Why do key players always seem to get injured when I pick their team to cover? WHY!?
Packers -6.5 over Colts (2 units): Green Bay held a 21-3 lead at halftime despite playing poorly prior to the break. Was Indianapolis' comeback divine intervention? Perhaps. Or maybe it was because B.J. Raji, Jermichael Finley and Cedric Benson all left the game with injuries.
Be warned, key players on teams I pick - you're probably getting injured.
Broncos +6 over Patriots (2 units): Demaryius Thomas fumbled in the red zone. Willis McGahee fumbled in the red zone. Eliminating the former would have given Denver an early lead. Taking away the latter would have allowed the Broncos to cover the spread. Ugh. All I wanted was for Denver to beat the number. Was that too much to ask?
Titans +5.5 over Vikings (2 units): This was the one game I got wrong. I was an idiot. I have something in my notes called a "Negative Absolute," which states, "Never bet on a very crappy team starting a crappy backup quarterback, no matter how good of a spot you think they're in."
I guess I just forgot because of name recognition, but I knew that Matt Hasselbeck was a crappy reserve signal-caller, and I was aware that the Titans were, in fact, a crappy squad. As soon as I saw Hasselbeck throw an unnecessary interception on a 3rd-and-19 when the game was just 7-0, I slapped my forehead in disgust. I screwed up, and I apologize.
Saints -3.5 over Chargers (3 units): I suppose I should discuss this as well because Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal whined about how the Chargers should have won because San Diego pick-sixed Drew Brees when it was 24-14 in the third quarter. I'd say the Chargers were lucky New Orleans had only 14 because Jimmy Graham suffered an in-game injury and was hobbling around. The Saints definitely would've had more than 14 points at that stage if Graham could actually, you know, move.
At any rate, fading the media did not work as well this week because of two aforementioned bad beats. This week, the media is overreacting to:
1. "The Cardinals are done." - Tony Kornheiser (though this is kind of nullified by Buffalo's ineptness).
2. The Cowboys are terrible (from two weeks ago).
3. The Lions are the Lions again (from two weeks ago).
4. "The 49ers are the best team in football." Almost every NFL analyst on TV said this Monday even though San Francisco has no wins over a team with a winning record.
5. "There's something wrong with the Packers." Green Bay should have won in Seattle and blew a 21-3 lead in the Colts for the reasons mentioned above. The team should be 4-1.
Let's see how these teams do. I'm thinking they go 3-2 at the very least. Oh, and I should note that I received some hate mail. I'll list those later.
I'll be posting these NFL Picks throughout the day. Follow me at @walterfootball for updates.
TENNESSEE OFFENSE: I mentioned the Polamalu and Woodley injuries above. Well, they've both been ruled out. Harrison is also questionable, but I'd expect him to play. Pittsburgh's defense is completely different when Polamalu is on the field, as the Eagles discovered Sunday. The Steelers will be weaker versus the run, while their pass rush will suffer without Woodley and perhaps Harrison.
Having said that, it's difficult to imagine the Titans scoring very much. Jake Locker is out again, meaning Hasselbeck will draw another start. Hasselbeck is terrible; he's lost all semblance of arm strength, and he's transformed a turnover machine. You'd expect a veteran signal-caller like him to make good decisions, but I have no idea what he was thinking trying to force a ball on 3rd-and-19 when last week's game was still just 7-0. Kenny Britt will be back, and that'll help, but Hasselbeck is just too limited to consistently engineer scoring drives in this contest.
It would help Hasselbeck's cause if he had a solid rushing attack by his side, but that's not the case. Chris Johnson proved that his Week 4 performance at Houston was a mirage, as he averaged 1.6 yards per carry against the Vikings. His offensive line isn't opening up any holes, and Johnson is doing a poor job of recognizing them when they do appear.
PITTSBURGH OFFENSE: The Steelers' offensive line has quietly done a good job since its disastrous performance in Week 1. The front has surrendered only one sack in the past two games. The Eagles seldom pressured Ben Roethlisberger, so I don't know how the Titans figure to do so. Kamerion Wimbley is a good pass-rusher, but Derrick Morgan has been invisible recently.
Considering the level of blocking Big Ben received Sunday, the Steelers should have scored way more than 16 points. The problem was that his supporting cast couldn't get out of its own way. Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace dropped a combined four passes, one of which was in the end zone. If they actually hang on to the football, they'll have success against a Tennessee secondary that is giving up an average of 286 passing yards per contest.
Brown and Wallace should consider themselves lucky that Rashard Mendenhall bailed them out. Mendenhall looked great, and there's no reason to think he can't pick up where he left off. The Vikings just rushed for 144 yards against Tennessee, so Mendenhall will pile up the yardage again.
RECAP: There are a few things going against the Steelers in this matchup. They're not very good as road favorites, and traveling on a short week can be pretty taxing. Teams seldom get blown out three times in a row, so that favors the host. There's also line value with Tennessee, as this spread has moved 1.5 points based on the Week 5 results.
However, I can't take Tennessee because of the Negative Absolute rule. The Negative Absolute doesn't mean I bet on the other team; it just says not to place money on a crappy squad starting a crappy backup quarterback. If anything, I like the under again.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change. I think the Titans are the right side, but they're unbettable because of Hasselbeck.
The Psychology. Edge: Titans.
The Steelers are coming off an emotional, last-second victory and could be flat.
The Vegas. Edge: Titans.
No one wants any part of the Titans.
The Trends. Edge: Titans.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Steelers 19, Titans 16
Titans +6 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Under 43.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Titans 26, Steelers 23
Recap of this game
Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) at Cleveland Browns (0-5)
Line: Bengals by 2.5. Total: 42.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Bengals -2.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Bengals -2.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Bengals -1.5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Bengals.
VEGAS RECAP: The sportsbooks have now taken money from the public in four of the five weeks this season. They won four of the seven highly bet games this past weekend, cashing in with the Colts, Dolphins, Chiefs and Jets covering. Casual bettors won with the Falcons, Bears and 49ers. With Black Friday coming up in six weeks, Vegas will need to give some money back to the public - or there will be many more crying babies come Christmas. I'll be updating the Vegas betting action all week, as usual. I'll notify you of any updates @walterfootball.
CINCINNATI OFFENSE: The big news in this game is that Joe Haden will be back for the Browns. Haden is one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. He'll cover A.J. Green very effectively, which will limit Cincinnati's offense because Andy Dalton has only one dependable downfield receiver, right?
Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that. D'Qwell Jackson, who suffered a possible concussion, may not play. Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, the team's best pass-rusher, also could sit out, given that he left last week's contest in a walking boot. Jackson's absence will mean that the Browns will be soft in the middle of their defense, both in terms of stopping the run and putting the clamps on Jermaine Gresham, who figured to see tons of targets anyway with Haden draped all over Green. We all saw what Ahmad Bradshaw did to this Cleveland ground defense last week, so BenJarvus Green-Ellis figures to have a rebound performance.
If Rubin is out, the Browns won't have anyone to pressure Dalton, who could just sit back in the pocket all afternoon and pick apart Cleveland's secondary. The Browns still have liabilities in their defensive backfield even in the wake of Haden's return.
CLEVELAND OFFENSE: Coming off a dreadful four-interception performance against the Eagles, Brandon Weeden proved that he was functional at Cincinnati, going 26-of-37 for 322 yards and two touchdowns. However, I don't see Weeden having a repeat performance because the Bengals have a couple of players back from injury, most notably Nate Clements, who hobbled through that Week 2 affair with a calf injury. He's back and currently playing safety. Dre Kirkpatrick should also return this week and start over Terence Newman. Considering the lack of talent Cleveland has at receiver, this news has to be troubling for Weeden.
Carlos Dunlap is another Bengal who wasn't on the field back in Week 2. Dunlap is an extraordinary pass-rusher who figures to have his way against rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz.
The Bengals should also do a decent job containing Trent Richardson. They were ranked dead last against the rush two weeks ago but have improved tremendously in that department because everyone has returned from injury. They've limited their previous two opponents, the Jaguars (Maurice Jones-Drew) and Dolphins (Reggie Bush) to 2.7 yards per carry, which is a very impressive feat.
RECAP: The public is all over the Bengals. While I normally go the other way, I actually agree with them. The Browns, currently at an injury disadvantage, are a terrible team that could be reeling from two brutal losses to the Ravens and Giants. There is also solid line value here, as the spread has moved 1.5 points in Cleveland's favor because the Bengals lost to an underrated Miami squad.
Speaking of that Dolphins' defeat, is it possible that Cincinnati was overlooking Miami and instead focusing on playing two consecutive divisional matchups? Teams coming off a loss as a favorite in a non-divisional tilt are 53-30 against the spread in road divisional battles the following week (excluding Weeks 1 and 17 for obvious reasons).
FINAL THOUGHTS: Nothing has changed for me. I still like the Bengals for a couple of units.
The Psychology. Edge: Browns.
The Bengals might look past the Browns because they have the Steelers in Week 7, but this is a divisional game.
The Vegas. Edge: Browns.
No surprise here.
The Trends. Edge: Browns.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Bengals 24, Browns 17
Bengals -2 (2 Units) -- Incorrect; -$220
Under 42 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Browns 34, Bengals 24
Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at New York Jets (2-3)
Line: Jets by 3.5. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Jets -4.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Jets -4.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Jets -3.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Colts.
HATE MAIL: Another week, another stack of hate mails (some from my power rankings page). Let's see what they have to say this time:
4 Units on the Steelers? When is the last time you won money? I noticed how you took the eagles off the overrated spot. Man you suck.
The last time I won money? Umm... Week 4?
Stop betting on Eagles games before you go broke. Your hate analysis is too biased and its costing you. "He just doesn't put as much stock into these non-conference tilts." Show me a head coach who doesn't put stock into every game and I show you a fired coach.
It's completely naive to think that coaches value every game equally. And the Eagles just covered their first game.
Haven't gone with Walter all year, figured even a blind dog finds a bone every once in awhile. He's us the epitome of bad luck. Bet against him the rest of the season.
Hey, I may not be able to see as a blind dog, but I did find three bones in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. Stop hating on physically disabled canines.
Wally isn't very happy tonight. He doesn't need the 49ers to make him look like a joke but they help him look like a pimple faced punk with copy of the Madden NFL computer game and a website.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. That's just wrong. I haven't played Madden in a long time.
you put the seahawks above bengals. get a new job outside of sports writing please.
This was posted prior to Week 5. Guess this guy needs a new job outside of posting on Web site message boards.
Cardinals or 4-0 and beat the Pats on the road so of course in makes since to have the Patriots in the top 5 ahead of them. Who have the Patriots beaten? The Bills and Titans.
I love the Team X beat Team Y, so Team X is better than Team Y argument. So, the Redskins swept the Giants last year. Were they the real Super Bowl champs?
do you actually hate the ravens? like i feel like you are always out trying to get them...i would really like an explanation. your credibility is quickly going down the drain...
Yes. I started watching football around 1991 when I was 9 years old. I learned quickly to hate the Ravens and have continued to despise them my entire life.
Please remove yourself from Timothy Tibowitz's scrotum you testicle lapping homosexual deviant.
No! I love Tebow's scrotum!
INDIANAPOLIS OFFENSE: The Colts were awesome in the second half of last week's game, as they showed so much heart in their attempt to win one for their head coach. Andrew Luck struggled early on, but he was razor sharp after intermission, while Reggie Wayne had the game of his life.
However, that was against a Packer defense missing B.J. Raji and dealing with issues in their secondary. The Jets are missing Darrelle Revis, but they still have Antonio Cromartie, who just shut down Andre Johnson. Cromartie is capable of limiting Wayne, meaning Luck will have to look elsewhere to move the chains. Fortunately for him, he won't have to deal with any sort of pass rush. He was knocked around last week prior to Raji's injury, but the Jets struggle tremendously to get to the quarterback.
The Colts figure to have an advantage in the running game, even with Donald Brown out of the lineup. Rookie Vick Ballard should have his way with a pathetic Jets' ground defense that has laughably surrendered an average of 195 rushing yards per game the past three weeks.
NEW YORK OFFENSE: The Jets can't really do anything offensively. They can't run the ball. Shonn Greene is one of the worst starting running backs in the league, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. That's Chris Johnson territory, but Greene actually has slightly better blockers up front. There's some hope for him the Colts are 25th versus the rush (4.7 YPC), but Indianapolis can just stack the line of scrimmage because...
The Jets can't pass. Mark Sanchez is very inconsistent, and when he's on it doesn't matter because besides Jeremy Kerley, an average slot receiver, no New York receiver can get open or catch the football.
The Jets can't pass protect either, which will obviously be an issue now that Dwight Freeney is healthy. Robert Mathis, however, is out for this game.
RECAP: This is a tough one to call because the Colts are coming off an emotional win, while the Jets will be suffering from the effects of a draining loss in which they threw the kitchen sink at the Texans. Expect a sluggish, low-scoring game. I'm taking the points, but I definitely don't plan on betting either side.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Colts have a ton of injuries, so I considered switching this to the Jets. But I just don't feel like laying points with Sanchez.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
You have to figure that both teams will be spent coming off emotional games.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Equal action.
The Trends. Edge: None.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Jets 17, Colts 16
Colts +3.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Under 44 (0 Units) -- Push; $0
Jets 35, Colts 9
Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
Line: Buccaneers by 4. Total: 40.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Buccaneers -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Buccaneers -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Buccaneers -3.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Buccaneers.
The most illiterate sports bettor in the world is a man named the Real John Moss. He loves to e-mail me and talk to me on G-chat. He didn't update his Web site, https://sites.google.com/site/realjohnmossfootball/ this past week, but I did find an old conversation that we had in July:
The Real John Moss: waltar
Me: John Moss!
The Real John Moss: how r u my fiend
Me: I'm good, how about you my fiend?
The Real John Moss: i am not good
Me: Why not!?
The Real John Moss: i go to vegas lose money
Me: I'm sorry to hear that.
The Real John Moss: it okay many nice womans ;)
Me: Good!
The Real John Moss: u r still making websight?
Me: Yes.
The Real John Moss: if u need worker i am ur men as u kno i am greatestin footboll
Me: Yes I know that your football knowledge is legendary.
The Real John Moss: panther win super bowl john moss garantee i might make tv comercial
Me: Like Ryan Kalil.
The Real John Moss: who?
Me: Panthers' center.
The Real John Moss: im not i dont know he is player? cam newton i know he si good player good cookie u kno him?
Me: Yes I know him very well.
The Real John Moss: u r friend
Me: Yes we are best friends.
The Real John Moss: look is simple logik everyting newton good sciencetist - good cookie - god so football = ????? is good of course
Me: Yes, I understand completely.
The Real John Moss: u will learn
Me: Yes.
The Real John Moss: ok worst team - patrioats ur best player is tightend grokowsky he make sex with 16 yo gurl i make sex with 16 yo i go to jail 20 year so u loose best player
Me: Are you sure about that?
The Real John Moss: yes i look up many sixteens chase me i beat tehm away im cant go to jail
Me: That's a good idea.
The Real John Moss: is on internet police will caatch gronkosky
Me: I hope so!
The Real John Moss: u dont understand? u go kiss 16u go jail 1 month
Me: I know.
The Real John Moss: 1 boob 2 month
Me: Two boob?
The Real John Moss: 5 month its multyiply 10 minutes
Me: What about three boob?
The Real John Moss: it depend is it = size
Me: Ah, makes sense.
The Real John Moss: yes u c
Three boobs? You think I'm joking? Just take a look:
KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: Matt Cassel is unlikely to play in this game, but I still don't understand why Vegas took so long to post a spread. Eric Winston may not want to hear this, but there's not much of a dropoff between Cassel and Brady Quinn. In fact, Quinn is probably better; Cassel played well in 2010, but only because Charlie Weis was his coordinator. He's been turning the ball over too much this season, so Quinn, who looked much more confident in relief of Cassel versus Baltimore, figures to be an upgrade.
The Chiefs have the potential to play well offensively, but they're giving the ball away too frequently. Quinn will not solve their problems, even if he's more careful with the football. Cassel, after all, wasn't responsible for either of his interceptions Sunday, as they were both deflected off the overrated Dwayne Bowe. The fumble wasn't Cassel's fault either; center Rodney Hudson is out, which means natural guard Ryan Lilja has to play that position. This has forced ineffective guard Jeff Allen into the lineup, so Gerald McCoy, who's having a monstrous campaign, will easily win that matchup.
Tampa Bay has been pretty solid in terms of stoppiing the run, ranking seventh against it (3.6 YPC). However, the Chiefs pound the rock as well as anyone; they moved the ball freely on the ground against the Ravens, who are even better versus the rush (3.5 YPC).
TAMPA BAY OFFENSE: Speaking of running the ball, the Buccaneers have had extreme difficulty doing so this season, as Doug Martin is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. However, there are two things in Tampa's favor here. First, stud guard Carl Nicks, who was banged up with a foot problem prior to the bye, said that he's feeling much healthier. Second, the Chiefs struggle to stop the rush, ranking 23rd in that department (4.4 YPC). Dontari Poe was a bit better this past week, but he still hasn't been dominant yet.
An improved rushing attack will only help Josh Freeman, who will need all the help he can get against Kansas City's dynamic sack-artists. Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are having monstrous campaigns, and they both have a clear advantage over Tampa Bay's solid, but unspectacular tackles.
Freeman, who is incredibly inconsistent, will also have to deal with Brandon Flowers, who will smother Vincent Jackson. Freeman will have to look elsewhere. Luckily for him, safety Eric Berry is having an awful season, so there will be some opportunities in his area.
RECAP: I'm going to take the Buccaneers for a couple of units. The Chiefs could be flat following that loss to Baltimore, while Tampa is in a favorable position, as teams laying points in non-divisional matchups coming off a bye usually cover the spread.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change.
The Psychology. Edge: Buccaneers.
The Chiefs are coming off an emotional loss in which they gave everything they had against Baltimore. However, they're underdogs, so it's not much a huge edge.
The Vegas. Edge: Chiefs.
Slight lean on the host.
The Trends. Edge: Chiefs.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Buccaneers 17, Chiefs 10
Buccaneers -4 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200
Under 40 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Buccaneers 38, Chiefs 10
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at Atlanta Falcons (5-0)
Line: Falcons by 9.5. Total: 48.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Falcons -9.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Falcons -10.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Falcons -10.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Falcons.
Some random NFL notes I can't put anywhere else:
1. I have to talk about Eric Winston's rant about the fans supposedly cheering Matt Cassel's concussion. Maybe Winston was just frustrated by that loss, but I don't think the fans were happy about Cassel's concussion. They were just thrilled that they wouldn't have to see Cassel under center anymore. Cassel's been an abomination ever since the Chiefs lost Charlie Weis, and the fans have every right to boo him. They're paying ridiculous prices for tickets, and all they get to see is Cassel commit multiple turnovers each week.
What Trent Dilfer said about this pissed me off. He said that the players don't give a damn about the fans, addressing them on SportsCenter Sunday night: "We don't do it for you. We do it for our teammates."
Oh, OK... except if it weren't for the fans, you wouldn't have been able to play football for a living. So f*** you, Dilfer. Us fans don't care about you either.
2. You know how QB Dog Killer has a fumbling problem? Well he doesn't think so. I loved this quote of his after the loss at Pittsburgh: "I don't have a fumbling problem. I don't normally fumble the ball. Everything happens for a reason. If it was meant to be, I wouldn't have fumbled on the goal line."
You know that Seven Psychopaths commercial where they list the signs of a psychopath? I'd say "No. 4 - Delusions of grandeur" applies here. And yes, QBDK is a psychopath. He is, after all, the quarterback of a dynasty.
3. I loved this Roger Goodell tweet in the wake of Drew Brees' record-breaking touchdown Sunday night: "Amazing accomplishment by great QB & leader. We're proud of you, Drew."
Unfortunately, Twitter has a 140-character limit. If Goodell could have added to that, the Tweet would have looked like: "Amazing accomplishment by great QB & leader. We're proud of you, Drew. But I still ruined your season with my penalties and I despise the city of New Orleans MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
ATLANTA OFFENSE: Matt Ryan has the matchup of a lifetime. The Raiders are missing their two starting cornerbacks and consequently cannot stop the pass whatsoever. They couldn't even prevent the Steelers from scoring on nearly possession, so imagine what Ryan and his three stud targets will be able to accomplish.
It doesn't help the Raiders that they can't get to the quarterback. They're tied for last in the NFL in sacks (3) with the Jaguars, as they clearly miss Kamerion Wimbley, who is playing well for the Titans. The Falcons have some holes on their offensive line, but Oakland can't take advantage of them.
Another thing the Raiders can't do is stop the run. They've surrendered at least 165 rushing yards in two of their four games this season. There are many to blame for this, but the main culprit is defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, who doesn't try very hard.
OAKLAND OFFENSE: This won't be a complete blowout if the Raiders take advantage of their one edge in this matchup - the running game. Darren McFadden, when healthy, is a top-five back in the NFL. He's fine now, and he has an easy opponent in Atlanta. The Falcons have surrendered at least 113 rushing yards to every opponent they've faced this season. The only team worse versus the run is Buffalo.
The Falcons are pretty good against the pass, so it's imperative that the Raiders run McFadden early and often in an attempt to control the clock and keep things close. If Oakland falls behind and has to abandon the rush, it won't have any chance to keep up. Even with Darrius Heyward-Bey due back in the lineup, it'll just be too much for Carson Palmer to handle.
Not only will a weak-armed Palmer have issues dealing with Mike Nolan's confusing coverages, he'll be pressured behind an offensive line featuring inept right tackle Willie Smith, who's filling in for an injured Khalif Barnes. Kroy Biermann has performed poorly for the most part this year, but he flashed against the Chargers, so maybe he'll do so against another AFC West foe. He should be able to beat Smith easily.
RECAP: This is a tough one to call. On one hand, the Falcons are at home and the Raiders are playing an early game on the East Coast, a situation in which they usually struggle. On the other hand, the Raiders are coming off a loss of 28-plus against a divisional foe and have had two weeks to hear about how bad they are. They'll play Atlanta tough, but I'm still going to side with the host.
SURVIVOR PICK: It's the Falcons, and it's not even close. My other top choices would be the Buccaneers and Dolphins.
FINAL THOUGHTS: No change. I still don't have a good feel for this game.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
No psychological edge found.
The Vegas. Edge: Raiders.
This is a weird spread. The public is pounding the host.
The Trends. Edge: Falcons.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Falcons 34, Raiders 17
Falcons -9.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Over 48.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Survivor Pick (4-1)
Falcons 23, Raiders 20
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Line: Ravens by 3. Total: 44.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Ravens -4.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Ravens -5.5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Ravens -5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Cowboys.
Some college football notes I can't put anywhere else:
1. I'll never understand how some people can become head coaches at high-profile programs despite being so stupid. Anyone who watched the end of the Boise State-BYU game a couple of weeks ago knows exactly what I'm talking about. If not, BYU had issues moving the chains all evening. It was 7-0 for most of the contest until the Cougars finally got on the scoreboard with three minutes remaining. Instead of kicking the extra point, BYU went for it and failed, and ultimately lost, 7-6.
This was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. I can get behind a team going for two at the very end of the contest, but BYU wasn't assuring itself of a victory even if it took an 8-7 lead. There were three minutes remaining for Boise State to score. And what's worse, BYU had no timeouts, so it wouldn't have much time to do anything even if it got the ball back - which it didn't.
This made me wonder, why do men who have horse names always do the stupidest things? BYU's coach is Bronco Mendenhall. Recall Colt Brennan, who was arrested a billion times. And then there's Colt McCoy, who thinks he can play in the NFL despite losing his job to a 40-year-old quarterback.
So, to sum this up, if you're a prospective mother reading this, please don't name your son after a horse.
2. Speaking of stupid coaching, I always thought it was silly that coaches hold clipboards up to their mouth so spies can't figure out what they're calling. It just seems kind of childish to me, but in the wake of Bill Belichick's Spygate, I suppose it's necessary.
Something that's not necessary is something that Florida State does. I saw it on TV and took a picture:
These two idiots are holding up towels in front of the coach so no one can read his lips. I guess hiding himself behind the clipboard was too difficult; he had to assign two pathetic losers to do the job for him. What a joke.
This got me thinking - what if one of those two a**holes was a spy for the other team? Seriously, they're poor college kids, so all it would take is $50 and a six-pack of beer. If I were a college football head coach playing Florida State, I'd bribe both of these guys so I could gain access to Florida State's entire playbook - and then victory would be fine! Muhahahahaha!
3. Some notes on the baseball playoffs:
- I have no idea who's going to win and why because I don't pay much attention to the sport outside of the Phillies, but I loved this new one-and-done wild-card rule. It's great. If this were a best-of-three or best-of-five series, I wouldn't have watched it, but one-and-dones are always fun. In fact, I haven't watched a baseball playoff game since. I just wanted to see one take-all game. This is why the NCAA Tournament is so immensely popular. I think there should be more of this. Why can't the NBA and NHL have the Nos. 8 and 9 seeds battle each other in one game?
- The call in the Braves-Cardinals game was a disgrace. Everyone knows that. Sam Holbrook, the umpire who made that call, should be fired - but not because of what he did at that instant. Everyone makes mistakes, and every official/referee/umpire will make a terrible call on occasion. But not admitting the mistake and failing to correct it is a billion times worse. The umpires all huddled afterward, and Holbrook should've said, "Look guys, I screwed up. Let's give the Braves the bases loaded with one out. Let's make this right." Instead, Holbrook stubbornly and homoclitcally did nothing to correct his error, which is why he should be axed.
- Speaking of that blown call, the people on Twitter (follow me @walterfootball) who said pretentious things like, "OMG I CANT BELIEVE THOSE BRAVES FANS ARE THROWING SUTFF ON THE FIELD LIKE OMG STAY CLASSY ATLANTA LOL!!!" are major a**holes. I'd like to praise the Atlanta fans for throwing stuff on the field, but I don't think they did enough damage. They should have completely covered the field with beer bottles and other junk. The umpires screwed up, and the fans had to take action.
And by the way, this is nothing compared to what happens in European soccer games. The lunatics in the stands at those games throw flares on the field. Flares! So, what are some beer bottles going to do?
BALTIMORE OFFENSE: A matchup against the Cowboys? That's easy. Their stop unit, after all, is in the bottom half in sacks and pass defense. The Ravens should be able to score easily, right?
Well, that's how it looks on paper. The reality is that stud nose tackle Jay Ratliff will be on the field for the first time. Anthony Spencer will also be returning from injury. Those are two key defenders who will bolster those two aforementioned weak areas. Dallas will suddenly excel at getting to the quarterback with Ratliff, Spencer and DeMarcus Ware storming the opposing backfield. This is trouble for the Ravens, who've had issues pass protecting the past couple of games.
The Cowboys were already good at containing the run (11th; 3.8 YPC), so Ratliff's return will boost that even further. Ray Rice won't find much running room in this contest, though it may not even matter because offensive coordinator Cam Cameron often forgets to give carries to his All-Pro back. Rice, instead, will act as a safety valve for Flacco, who will have to avoid pressure all while seeing his receivers covered excellently by a couple of talented cornerbacks in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.
DALLAS OFFENSE: The Cowboys will have a third key member of their team back from injury. Center Phil Costa will return to the lineup for the first time since the opening quarter of Week 1. Costa isn't the greatest blocker in the world, but he'll definitely help a line that has struggled to protect Tony Romo.
It's safe to say that Romo won't have any pass-protection issues in this contest, and not just because of Costa's health. The Ravens can't pressure the quarterback without Terrell Suggs. They have one sack in the past two games. As a consequence, they've surrendered at least 320 passing yards to three of their five opponents this year. One of those foes was Brandon Weeden. Think Romo and his receivers are licking their chops?
The Cowboys could also have success running the ball. Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs just rushed for 200 yards against the Ravens. The main culprit? None other than Ray Lewis. I've mentioned this a couple of times this week, but Lewis was dreadful in that contest. He looked done - and I've had a couple of Baltimore fans e-mail me and tell me that they agree with me. Now, could Lewis rebound and have a dominant performance against the underachieving DeMarco Murray? Absolutely. But it also wouldn't surprise me if Murray simply picked up where Charles left off.
RECAP: I like the Cowboys a good deal. They've been at home, stewing about that Monday night loss to the Bears and hearing how bad they are for two weeks. This is a statement game for them. They'll want to prove everyone wrong. Meanwhile, the Ravens have really struggled recently. They nearly lost to the Browns, and they would have suffered a double-digit defeat at Kansas City if the Chiefs hadn't killed themselves with unforced turnovers. They're not as good as the public makes them out to be, so they're due for a "surprising" loss.
There's also a trend that says to fade Baltimore: Bet against any home favorite in the first half of the season (Weeks 2-10) coming off a road victory of 1-3 points. Teams in that situation are just 25-44 against the spread since 2000.
FINAL THOUGHTS: This spread has dropped to three, eliminating any sort of line value we had with the Cowboys. I'm dropping this to two units.
The Psychology. Edge: Cowboys.
Major statement game for the Cowboys. They've been told how bad they are for two weeks. They're pissed.
The Vegas. Edge: Cowboys.
A slight lean on the host.
The Trends. Edge: None.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Cowboys 27, Ravens 24
Cowboys +3 (2 Units) -- Correct; +$200
Over 44 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Ravens 31, Cowboys 29
Detroit Lions (1-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Line: Eagles by 3.5. Total: 47.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Eagles -6.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Eagles -5.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Eagles -6.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: None.
If you've followed this site for a while, you may know that I like to respond to my spam mails. I'm continuing last week's, which was from a woman named Mulyana:
Yes, I'm Steve Urkel. The biggest nerd in television history. If you're not familiar with him, just watch this.
Sure enough, the person pretending to be this Mulyana chick e-mailed me back, as he's a dumb spammer from somewhere in Asia and has no clue who Urkel is. Her message to me said that she loves me but she needs someone to transfer her funds to an American bank. She also sent a picture:
Here was my reply:
By the way, that address that I listed is the actual Winslow residence from Family Matters. It's currently preserved as a historical property. I really hope they get some sort of mail from "Mulyana."
Her next e-mail gave me her bank e-mail and that the depositor was a Dr Dreamad tuazama. I replied:
After this, Mulyana gave me a sample e-mail to send to the bank. I did so here:
The phone number's legit, by the way. I looked it up on WhitePages.com, and there's a Steve Urkel who lives in Houston. I wish I could hear that phone call. Sorry, I'm evil.
Here's Waldo Geraldo Faldo's e-mail to Mr. Anthony Makati (from my other e-mail address):
*** OK, so that's what happened up until last week. Here was Mulyana's latest response: ***
The bank contacted only Steve Urkel - they apparently didn't like Waldo Geraldo Faldo's offer - and told me they needed some stuff, including Dr. Dreamad Tuazama's death certificate, so I e-mailed the lovely Mulyana:
As soon as I receive Dr. Tuazama's death certificate, I will post it and send it over to the bank.
PHILADELPHIA OFFENSE: QB Dog Killer's hubris is awesome. It makes it so fun to bet against him. I love how he told the media that he doesn't have a fumbling problem, yet he leads all active players in fumbles. It's like he doesn't realize how mediocre of a quarterback he's become. He's a turnover machine, and he's bound to commit several give-aways in this contest.
At least QBDK has a good matchup aerially, right? I mean, the Lions' secondary is notorious for giving up big plays. However, that's not really the case here because stud safety Louis Delmas will finally return to the lineup. He'll make a big impact, so throwing the ball will be much more difficult for QBDK, who will have Ndamukong Suh breathing down his neck the entire afternoon. Suh has an easy mismatch against Dallas Reynolds, the Eagles' inept backup center.
Running the ball should work against Detroit, as the Lions have surrendered at least 122 rushing yards in two of their four games this season. LeSean McCoy is a great player who will undoubtedly take advantage of that. However, will Andy Reid remember to give McCoy enough carries? Reid is favored to win this game, and as we've seen over the years, Reid's play-calling becomes infinitely dumber with each point his team is laying.
DETROIT OFFENSE: Remember how everyone was excited about Philadelphia's super-awesome secondary following the Nnamdi Asomugha signing? Well, that's been a bust. The safeties have been pretty mediocre, at best, while Asomugha himself has struggled. In fact, quarterbacks have been targeting Asomugha exclusively. He's been torched quite often through five weeks.
Matthew Stafford simply has too much firepower for Philadelphia's defensive backfield to handle, so the Eagles need to pressure him early and often. While they have the names up front like Trent Cole and Jason Babin, they have just two sacks in the past three weeks. Teams have seemed to figure out Philadelphia's wide-nine formation. The Lions run the scheme themselves, so they should have no problem diagnosing it.
The Eagles couldn't stop Rashard Mendenhall on Sunday, but I don't expect the Lions to run the ball nearly as well. They just don't open up the same lanes that Pittsburgh does, though Mikel Leshoure's presence will at least make Philadelphia stay honest against the rush.
RECAP: I'd take the Lions if I had to. This is a must-win for them because dropping to 1-4 would be disastrous. The Eagles, meanwhile, haven't been very good going into the bye under Reid. However, I hate the value we're getting with Philadelphia. This spread was -6 a week ago.
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Lions are healthy and I think they may win this game, but I wanted a better number.
The Psychology. Edge: Lions.
This is almost a must-win for Detroit.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Slight lean on the Lions.
The Trends. Edge: None.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Eagles 22, Lions 21
Lions +3.5 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Under 47.5 (0 Units) -- Incorrect; $0
Lions 26, Eagles 23
St. Louis Rams (3-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Line: Dolphins by 5. Total: 37.5.
Las Vegas Hilton Advance Point Spread: Dolphins -3.5.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Week 5): Dolphins -3.
Walt's Projected Line (After Week 5): Dolphins -3.5.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 1:00 ET
Discuss Week 6 Games, Talk Trash
The Game. Edge: Dolphins.
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM BRADY'S HAIRCUTS
Remember when Tom Brady used to be the most clutch quarterback in the NFL? He had that epic drive against the Rams in the Super Bowl. He then engineered numerous other fourth-quarter comebacks, including one to defeat the Panthers two years later to claim his second Lombardi trophy. After he earned his third, there was a wide-spread belief that he would pass both Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw and eventually earn five or more total rings.
Well, Brady's been stuck on three. He's no longer clutch; in fact, he often melts down in the fourth quarters of big matchups. He seems to really care about some games - especially those involving Tim Tebow - but then he's so lackadaisical in others.
So, what happened? The obvious answer is his wife. But more specifically, it's the haircuts that his wife forces him into getting. It's unknown to the media, but Brady's haircuts are much more than just silly fashion statements; each haircut gives Brady a new persona.
For instance, the following phone conversation took place yesterday, just as Tom Brady got off the plane in Seattle.
Gisele Bundchen: Hello, eez plane drop een Seattle?
Tom Brady: Hey sweetie pie! Yes, I've arrived safely in Seattle. I'm so glad you tied my hair in a pony tail and gave me this ear piece so I can talk to you at all times.
Gisele Bundchen: Yes, eez ponee tails eez very chic!
Tom Brady: I know, all of my guy friends on the team are jealous.
Gisele Bundchen: And vis eear piece oont your eear eez good becooz vee can talking!
Tom Brady: Yes, I love talking to you, sweetie pie. Talking is what holds our marriage together. That, and the awesome haircuts you give me. But yes, talking. We have so much in common.
Gisele Bundchen: Yes vee like chic hair style. Vis your hair, vee make very chic hair style every veek!
Tom Brady: Oh my God, so many people are so jealous of my pony tail. Like, hey, Aaron Hernandez, you love my pony tail, don't you?
Aaron Hernandez: Get the f*** away from me, creep!
Tom Brady: See? Everyone loves it. And I'm going to keep my ear piece in so we can talk all day and all night. We have so many great conversations. Let's have one right now.
Gisele Bundchen: OK, eez good.
Tom Brady: Yeah.
Gisele Bundchen: ...
Tom Brady: ...
Gisele Bundchen: ...
Tom Brady: You're hot.
Gisele Bundchen: You eez tres chic.
Tom Brady: Oh, what great conversations we're going to have all week, all while people fawn over my beautiful pony tail!
ST. LOUIS OFFENSE: The Rams' scoring attack is in shambles. If it wasn't bad enough that three of their offensive linemen were injured, Sam Bradford's favorite target, Danny Amendola, is out for about six weeks. We all saw what happened to Bradford last year when Amendola wasn't in the lineup. I mean, we all saw it on Thursday night. Bradford completed just two passes after Amendola got hurt in the second quarter.
Bradford at least was able to lean on Steven Jackson on Thursday night. Jackson had success against the Cardinals, whose defense was downgraded because stud defensive end Darnell Dockett was laboring through an injury. The Dolphins won't have any of that; they rank first against the run, giving up just 2.6 yards per carry this season. They've shut down the likes of Arian Foster and Darren McFadden, so they won't have a problem with Jackson.
With no semblance of a ground attack, St. Louis will find it extremely taxing to move the chains. Bradford will have to convert a plethora of long-yardage situations, which will be difficult considering that Cameron Wake and Randy Starks are on the opposite side of the ball. Those two put immense pressure on the quarterback, and they won't have any issues getting by the scrubs that the Rams have blocking up front.
MIAMI OFFENSE: St. Louis has a couple of dynamic pass-rushers of its own. Robert Quinn and Chris Long created havoc for Kevin Kolb last Thursday night, so they'll aim to rattle another young quarterback who happens to be turnover-prone. I'll be surprised if Quinn does anything against Jake Long, but Chris Long should have a field day against rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin.
Unlike Bradford, however, Tannehill will have some support from his ground attack. The Rams don't stop the run very well. They clamped down on Ryan Williams this past Thursday, but anyone can contain Arizona's running backs. Overall, St. Louis surrenders 4.3 yards per carry to the opposition.
Tannehill also has the advantage of having his No. 1 receiver at his disposal. Brian Hartline has been a pleasant surprise for Miami this season. However, he faces a tough challenge against Cortland Finnegan, who has a knack for frustrating opposing wideouts. Tannehill may have to look elsewhere this afternoon, perhaps to Davone Bess or Anthony Fasano.
RECAP: I'm going to take the Dolphins for a couple of units. I don't think this line has adjusted enough for Amendola's injury. Plus, St. Louis doesn't play well outdoors, and it's supposed to be 85 degrees and sunny, which means the Rams will melt in the Miami sun in their navy-blue jerseys.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Remember how I said this spread hasn't adjusted for Amendola? Well, it has now. I like the Dolphins for a couple of units at -3.5, but only for one at -4.5.
The Psychology. Edge: None.
No psychological edge found.
The Vegas. Edge: None.
Equal action.
The Trends. Edge: Rams.
Week 6 NFL Pick: Dolphins 20, Rams 9
Dolphins -5 (1 Unit) -- Incorrect; -$110
Under 38 (0 Units) -- Correct; $0
Dolphins 17, Rams 14
Week 6 NFL Picks - Late Games
Bills at Cardinals, Patriots at Seahawks, Vikings at Redskins, Giants at 49ers, Packers at Texans, Broncos at Chargers
|
@callmethan
02-23-2013
02:41 am
xxx.xxx.xxx3.86
(total posts: 59)
 4
 2
REEEEEALLY wish you would post some races on Bovada
BHPicks
02-23-2013
02:26 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.126
(total posts: 26)
2
4
We are on a GREAT run here! We have gone 11-3 the past 6 days and that included 3 CLEAN SWEEPS of those 6 nights! We're on a 6 day streak and were ready to keep it rollin tonight. If you haven't been joining us on this amazing run, then tonight is the night!
March Madness Contest: It's that time of year again for our annual March Madness Tourney Pick'Em Contest! The winner of our Tourney Pick'Em Contest will receive a FREE 7 Day Premium Pick Pass. Go to: http://y.ahoo.it/z06bcyRa to sign up NOW!
callmethan
02-23-2013
12:45 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.205
(total posts: 13)
9
2
Basically "GOLDSTORM" Hit and O really hope someone was with me
callmethan
02-23-2013
12:41 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.205
(total posts: 13)
4
2
Okay... I know I have posted BIG TIPS but I have also posted small bets.
So anyone of you following my posta know when to go BIG. I re assured anyone following that IF I GO BIG AND HAVE A BIGGG TIP, I will let you know. LETS MAKE SOME DOE
Speedy
02-22-2013
11:29 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx8.55
(total posts: 3)
2
2
Prop bet for the laker blazers game....Kobe over 7.5 assists...little price at -135 but Kobe HAS changed his game to facilitator...could cover by the end of the 3rd qtr.
Over 202 lakers blazers...KObe is passing the ball when double teamed and howard is lookng to post up...the blazers defense hasn't been great and they have the legs to run on the lakers... gl playas
BigDaddyVladdy
02-22-2013
08:32 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx24.6
(total posts: 55)
3
2
What's going on everyone!
Haven't posted here in a few weeks, was traveling for work, and did a little mini vacation in vegas. Glad to see big time bro still fingering his friends on a friday :) I am rolling hard with butler today, they are a quality team, and shoudln't have any letdowns. There is a game in college bball that i like tomorrow - and that's creighton +pts. They'll probably be a 4 point dog, and i will def be taking + pts, if not a ML wager. They have some good road victories this year against wisconsin, asu, Missouri, S. Illinois, while St Mary's hasn't really beat anyone of quality. That's all i got! Good luck everyone, BDV
BIG TIME BRO!!!
02-22-2013
05:45 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.153
(total posts: 3)
6
2
FINGER-A-FRIEND FRIDAY
1. BUTLER BULLDOGS -3 (the DOGS have been here before and need this game agaibst STL for 1st place in conference. They got handled rather easily the 1st go around by STL. I expect a different result as they get revenge at HOME tonight in a BIG TIME matchup 64-57 BUTLER) 2. BLAZERS/LA LAKERS OVER 203 (if the LAKERS can drop 113 on BOSTON, they should be able to flirt with 120 against PORTLAND. I am not prepared to give more than -9.5 until they prove themselves. Obviously PORTLAND can score But their D has benn awful. 7 of last 8 BLAZER games have went OVER And 4 of last 5 against the LAKERS) 3. RAPTORS +2 (they just handled NY at MSG before the break and despite a minor setback against the GRIZZ, the RAPS are playing solid. Going 5-1 SU in their last 6. NY is strugglin going 1-4 in thier last 5. 0-5 ATS in last 5 Overall. And 1-4 ATS in last 5 ROAD games. Also 1-4 ATS against TOR in their last 5 meetings) 4. BULLS -6.5 (gonna but the hook to get this at -6. THE BULLS have been very mediocre lately but they are one of the best teams in the NBA on the ROAD and are covering machines for whatever reason on the ROAD on FRIDAY nights. Like 8-1 or something like that. Stopped keeping track and i am strapped for time today. Oh btw.....the BOBCATS suck) 5. PREDS/CANUCKS UNDER 5 (2 defesnsive minded squads keep this UNDER 4. 2-1 PREDS) Thats all tonight. A 5-FINGER-FOR-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT. Use them all wisely fellas. Other games i like that didnt make the cut. RAPS/KNICKS. UNDER 194 WIZ +3 CELTICS -2 GL tonight and enjoy the wkd with some inappropriate behavior in appropriate places, with inappropriate people!!!
chuckster
02-22-2013
04:12 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx8.76
(total posts: 44)
3
2
Hey folks, well the two teams that I wanted in my teaser today, were just to Damn high on the line for me, (Thunder and Grizzlies). So, going with a three team par with: Pacers -9.5, Spurs -3, one open spot. Another three team par with: Bulls/Bobcats Under 185, Spurs -3, one open spot. Congrats to winners and GLTA.
callmethan
02-22-2013
02:12 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.205
(total posts: 13)
2
2
Strong word for 'Goldstorm'
19:30 Wolverhampton (uk racing) I will be putting in a nice bet good luck!
BIG TIME BRO!!!
02-22-2013
01:32 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx0.67
(total posts: 105)
2
2
Early mornin LEANS for you DIRTY D,CKED FEENS on this lovely FINGER-A-FRIEND FRIDAY
NBA PACERS -9.5 BULLS -6.5 WIZ +3 RAPTORS +2 LAKERS/BLAZERS OVER 202 CELTICS -2 NCAA BUTLER -3 NHL SHARKS/BLAKHAWKS UNDER 5.5 Lets get 2nd KNUCKLE deep on a friend today fellas. GL today and i will clean this yp to prob 4-5 plays and have a final card this afternnon. Time permitting
Kurt
02-22-2013
12:04 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.225
(total posts: 1)
2
2
@ callmethan
What web site do you bet On these races. I'm on bovada And they do not offer these. @ every one else Where is guru 66 at Have not seen him posting Hope he did not give up!!!
callmethan
02-22-2013
07:40 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.205
(total posts: 13)
4
2
a few small bets today (uk racing)
Beranger 13:45 Win Henry king 16:00 E/w Taradrewe 17:20 Win good luck!
BIG TIME BRO!!!
02-22-2013
02:52 am
xxx.xxx.xxx0.67
(total posts: 105)
2
2
T!T MILK THURSDAY recap
WIN - CAL +6 (loved this game as my BIG TIME PLAY OF THE NIGHT. CAL owns the QUACKS. They win outright 48-46 to make it 11 straight victories against OREGON) LOSS - PSU/ILLINI OVER 130 (this was frustrating as the ILLINI really struggled out of the gate it was 11-5 PSU with 11:30 left in the 1st HALF, but PSU failed to score much (9 PTS???) for the remainder of the half trailing 29-20. ILLINI picked it up but their first 9 mins and PSU's last 12 mins in the 1st half killed the total. Didnt miss by much, but a loss is a loss 64-59 ILLINI. Horrible 3-pt shooting by ILLI and poor FT shooting by PSU didnt help either) WIN - SA/LAC OVER 200 (WOW! SA with a statement win as they beat the freckles off of BLAKE and "LOB $H!TTY tonight. Luckily SA was scoring at its normal high volume, because LAC struggled offensively all night and looked frustrated throughout the contest. 116-90) LOSS -NY RANGERS ML -130 (this game really sucked. NY had nothing going as they trailed 1-0 early in the 1st. It stayed that way till the 3rd where they struck for 2 goals and a 2-1 advantage. They gave up the lead quickly as OTTAWA tied it at 2. It goes to a SO and woukdnt you know after about 10 rounds or so OTTAWA wins it. SOB, tough break. 3-2 OTTAWA) WIN - JETS ML +140 (this was a wild one as these teams went back and forth all night, but WPG kept getting out in front by 1 goal everytime they got deadlocked and that proved to be the difference as the JETS win 4-3) LOSS - SABERS ML + 110 (ahhhh another tough one, but the LEAFS are proving themselves at HOME now. BUFF had the early 1-0 lead after the 1st, but they surrendered 2 goals to TOR in the 2nd and 1 more in the 3rd. And thats the game 3-1 LEAFS) 3-3 tonight so not too bad considering i hit my big play and won some +$$ on the JETS. Now a 9-6-1 record for the week with 2morrow's "FINGER-A-FRIEND FRIDAY" on deck. Hope all did well tonight
Pharma245
02-21-2013
11:22 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.148
(total posts: 1)
2
2
Very nice site!
Pharmg53
02-21-2013
11:22 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.133
(total posts: 1)
2
2
Very nice site! cheap cialis http://yieapxo.com/qoqvtv/4.html
|
Prop/Teaser/Parlay Picks
A list of some of my favorite team/player prop picks this week
(Offense & defensive ROY picks to be counted whenver winners are announced.) Picks carried over on a week-to-week basis will be in black.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
Note: For legality purposes, this Web site does not promote or advocate gambling. This is solely for entertainment purposes only.
Last Week's NFL Picks Against The Spread (Week 21, 2012): 1-0 (+$100)
Last Week's 2-3 Unit NFL Picks (Week 21, 2012): 0-0 ($0)
Last Week's 4-5 Unit NFL Picks (Week 21, 2012): 0-0 ($0)
Last Week Over-Under (Week 21, 2012): 0-1 ($0)
Last Week's Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks (Week 21, 2012): -$400
2012 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-2, 60.0% (+$560)
2012 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 130-145-8, 47.3% (-$5,760)
2012 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 45-50-2, 47.4% (-$2,130)
2012 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 14-21, 40.0% (-$3,650)
2012 Season Over-Under: 125-121-5, 50.8% (+$30)
2012 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: -$1,685
1999 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 27-41-3 (39.7%)
2000 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 128-123-8 (51.0%)
2001 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 127-122-7 (51.0%)
2002 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 123-136-7 (47.5%)
2003 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 146-126-8 (53.7%)
2004 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 157-123-8 (56.1%)
2005 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 156-126-11 (55.3%)
2006 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 151-135-9 (52.8%)
2007 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 162-135-10, 54.5% (+$2,550)
2008 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 148-140-7, 51.4% (+$2,620)
2009 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 151-124-9, 54.9% (+$3,370)
2010 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 144-131-8, 52.4% (+$6,080)
2011 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 137-133-12, 50.7% (-$1,925)
2002 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 41-49-2 (45.6%)
2003 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 52-51-2 (50.5%)
2004 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 65-44-3 (59.6%)
2005 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 77-61-1 (55.8%)
2006 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 65-61-4 (51.6%)
2007 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 83-59-5, 58.5% (+$4,110)
2008 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 44-57-3, 43.6% (-$3,510)
2009 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 49-35-3, 58.3% (+$2,260)
2010 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 51-38-4, 57.3% (+$3,180)
2011 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 44-51-3, 46.3% (-$2,715)
2002 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 11-12 (47.8%)
2003 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 16-13-1 (55.2%)
2004 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 18-11 (62.1%)
2005 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 25-22-1 (53.2%)
2006 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 21-29-1 (42.0%)
2007 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 35-30-2, 53.8% (+$420)
2008 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 39-26-2, 60.0% (+$4,055)
2009 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 29-26, 52.7% (+$330)
2010 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 32-22, 59.3% (+$4,790)
2011 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 14-14, 50.0% (-$1,260)
2001 Season Over-Under: 3-2 (60.0%)
2002 Season Over-Under: 121-91-3 (57.1%)
2003 Season Over-Under: 126-132-2 (48.8%)
2004 Season Over-Under: 139-124-4 (52.9%)
2005 Season Over-Under: 117-145-4 (44.7%)
2006 Season Over-Under: 129-132-5 (49.4%)
2007 Season Over-Under: 136-145-3, 48.4% (-$1,900)
2008 Season Over-Under: 137-125-6, 52.3% (+$860)
2009 Season Over-Under: 128-135-4, 48.7% (-$3,195)
2010 Season Over-Under: 128-135-5, 48.7% (-$5)
2011 Season Over-Under: 131-131-5, 50.0% (+$135)
2007 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$1,035
2008 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$1,775
2009 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$865
2010 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: -$200
2011 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$590
2006 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-3 (50%)
2007 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-3, 50.0% (-$400)
2008 NFL Picks of the Month: 6-1, 85.7% (+$3,720)
2009 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-2, 60.0% (+$640)
2010 NFL Picks of the Month: 2-4, 33.3% (-$1,810)
2011 NFL Picks of the Month: 5-2, 71.4% (+$1,870)
Career NFL Picks Against The Spread: 1,876-1,720-106, 52.2% (+$6,915)
Career 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 611-545-31 (52.9%)
Career 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 253-225-7 (52.9%)
Career Over-Under: 1409-1408-42 (50.0%)
Career Second-Half NFL Picks: 22-14-1 (61.1%)
Career NFL Picks of the Month: 24-16 (60.0%)
Last Week's 2-3 Unit NFL Picks (Week 21, 2012): 0-0 ($0)
Last Week's 4-5 Unit NFL Picks (Week 21, 2012): 0-0 ($0)
Last Week Over-Under (Week 21, 2012): 0-1 ($0)
Last Week's Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks (Week 21, 2012): -$400
2012 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-2, 60.0% (+$560)
2012 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 130-145-8, 47.3% (-$5,760)
2012 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 45-50-2, 47.4% (-$2,130)
2012 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 14-21, 40.0% (-$3,650)
2012 Season Over-Under: 125-121-5, 50.8% (+$30)
2012 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: -$1,685
1999 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 27-41-3 (39.7%)
2000 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 128-123-8 (51.0%)
2001 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 127-122-7 (51.0%)
2002 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 123-136-7 (47.5%)
2003 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 146-126-8 (53.7%)
2004 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 157-123-8 (56.1%)
2005 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 156-126-11 (55.3%)
2006 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 151-135-9 (52.8%)
2007 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 162-135-10, 54.5% (+$2,550)
2008 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 148-140-7, 51.4% (+$2,620)
2009 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 151-124-9, 54.9% (+$3,370)
2010 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 144-131-8, 52.4% (+$6,080)
2011 Season NFL Picks Against The Spread: 137-133-12, 50.7% (-$1,925)
2002 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 41-49-2 (45.6%)
2003 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 52-51-2 (50.5%)
2004 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 65-44-3 (59.6%)
2005 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 77-61-1 (55.8%)
2006 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 65-61-4 (51.6%)
2007 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 83-59-5, 58.5% (+$4,110)
2008 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 44-57-3, 43.6% (-$3,510)
2009 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 49-35-3, 58.3% (+$2,260)
2010 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 51-38-4, 57.3% (+$3,180)
2011 Season 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 44-51-3, 46.3% (-$2,715)
2002 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 11-12 (47.8%)
2003 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 16-13-1 (55.2%)
2004 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 18-11 (62.1%)
2005 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 25-22-1 (53.2%)
2006 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 21-29-1 (42.0%)
2007 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 35-30-2, 53.8% (+$420)
2008 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 39-26-2, 60.0% (+$4,055)
2009 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 29-26, 52.7% (+$330)
2010 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 32-22, 59.3% (+$4,790)
2011 Season 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 14-14, 50.0% (-$1,260)
2001 Season Over-Under: 3-2 (60.0%)
2002 Season Over-Under: 121-91-3 (57.1%)
2003 Season Over-Under: 126-132-2 (48.8%)
2004 Season Over-Under: 139-124-4 (52.9%)
2005 Season Over-Under: 117-145-4 (44.7%)
2006 Season Over-Under: 129-132-5 (49.4%)
2007 Season Over-Under: 136-145-3, 48.4% (-$1,900)
2008 Season Over-Under: 137-125-6, 52.3% (+$860)
2009 Season Over-Under: 128-135-4, 48.7% (-$3,195)
2010 Season Over-Under: 128-135-5, 48.7% (-$5)
2011 Season Over-Under: 131-131-5, 50.0% (+$135)
2007 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$1,035
2008 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$1,775
2009 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$865
2010 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: -$200
2011 Season Prop/ML/Teaser/Parlay Picks: +$590
2006 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-3 (50%)
2007 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-3, 50.0% (-$400)
2008 NFL Picks of the Month: 6-1, 85.7% (+$3,720)
2009 NFL Picks of the Month: 3-2, 60.0% (+$640)
2010 NFL Picks of the Month: 2-4, 33.3% (-$1,810)
2011 NFL Picks of the Month: 5-2, 71.4% (+$1,870)
Career NFL Picks Against The Spread: 1,876-1,720-106, 52.2% (+$6,915)
Career 2-3 Unit NFL Picks: 611-545-31 (52.9%)
Career 4-5 Unit NFL Picks: 253-225-7 (52.9%)
Career Over-Under: 1409-1408-42 (50.0%)
Career Second-Half NFL Picks: 22-14-1 (61.1%)
Career NFL Picks of the Month: 24-16 (60.0%)
My Team-by-Team ATS Record
This section shows how well I do when picking each team this year. The purpose is to see how well I read each team. Pushes are not displayed. Winning/losing streak in parentheses.
| Cowboys: 8-8 (W2) |
Bears: 6-10 (L1) |
Bucs: 8-7 (L1) |
49ers: 8-10 (W1) |
| Eagles: 8-8 (L1) |
Lions: 8-7 (L2) |
Falcons: 4-12 (L4) |
Cardinals: 11-5 (W3) |
| Giants: 6-9 (L6) |
Packers: 7-11 (L1) |
Panthers: 9-7 (W4) |
Rams: 9-7 (L1) |
| Redskins: 9-8 (L1) |
Vikings: 6-10 (W1) |
Saints: 7-9 (W2) |
Seahawks: 9-9 (L3) |
| |
|
||
| Bills: 6-10 (L3) |
Bengals: 8-8 (W1) |
Colts: 9-8 (L2) |
Broncos: 4-13 (L1) |
| Dolphins: 9-6 (W1) |
Browns: 7-8 (W1) |
Jaguars: 7-9 (L1) |
Chargers: 7-9 (L1) |
| Jets: 8-8 (L1) |
Ravens: 12-8 (W2) |
Texans: 9-7 (W1) |
Chiefs: 8-8 (W2) |
| Patriots: 10-7 (W1) |
Steelers: 7-8 (W1) |
Titans: 8-8 (L1) |
Raiders: 6-10 (L1) |
| |
|
||
| Divisional: 42-50 (2011: 48-43) |
2x Game Edge: 20-18 (2011: 21-22) |
2x Psych Edge: 28-31 (2011: 29-23) |
2x Vegas Edge: 40-49 (2011: 49-55) |
| 2x Trend Edge: 28-31 (2011: 20-24) |
Double Edge: 6-17 (2011: 11-6) |
Triple Edge: 0-1 (2011: 1-0) |
Quad Edge: 0-0 (2011: 0-0) |
2003 Preseason: 3 | 4 | 5
2003 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | XXXVIII
2004 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2004 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XXXIX
2005 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2005 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XL
2006 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2006 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLI
2007 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
2007 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLII |
2008 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
2008 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLIII |
2009 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLIV |
2010 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
2010 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLV |
2011 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
2011 Season: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | XLVI |
2012 Preseason: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
2012 Season:
Week 1 NFL Picks
Week 2 NFL Picks
Week 3 NFL Picks
Week 4 NFL Picks
Week 5 NFL Picks
Week 6 NFL Picks
Week 7 NFL Picks
Week 8 NFL Picks
Week 9 NFL Picks
Week 10 NFL Picks
Week 11 NFL Picks
Week 12 NFL Picks
Week 13 NFL Picks
Week 14 NFL Picks
Week 15 NFL Picks
Week 16 NFL Picks
Week 17 NFL Picks
Week 18 NFL Picks
Week 19 NFL Picks
Week 20 NFL Picks
Super Bowl XLVII NFL Pick
2013 Season:
Week 1 NFL Picks
Week 2 NFL Picks
Week 3 NFL Picks
Week 4 NFL Picks
Week 5 NFL Picks
Week 6 NFL Picks
Week 7 NFL Picks
Week 8 NFL Picks
Week 9 NFL Picks
Week 10 NFL Picks
Week 11 NFL Picks
Week 12 NFL Picks
Week 13 NFL Picks
Week 14 NFL Picks
Week 15 NFL Picks
Week 16 NFL Picks
Week 17 NFL Picks
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Leave a comment