Friday, January 30, 2009

The Super Bowl!!!

Alright kids, this is it.... The last tackle football game of the season. Gonna be a long long time before the next one.

As for my picks, what can I say.

I love the Cards, getting 7 points. Love it. If they fall behind early, that could be a problem. I think the Pittsburgh D can play very differently with a big lead, and if you can just play pass, that's tough on an opponent...

In a close game, or a shootout type game, I love the Cards chances to cover, if not win outright.

I keep remembering that in the 2nd week of December, the Cowboys had this Steeler team put away handily, and then imploded on themselves....

And, the Cards just faced an awfully tough Philly Defense that was no joke.... and they seemed to be okay.

I also wouldn't bet any money on Hines Ward being at all healthy. This is starting to feel like the "Oh yeah, he's gonna play" BS, when they know darn well he's out until next August...

I also love the over 46.5. Lots of Super Bowls historically have gone over. Airzona could put up 40 by themselves no problem.

One problem I see for the Cards could be officiating. That Pittsburgh Super Bowl a few years ago vs. Seattle was pretty much of a joke. This better be some straight officiating.

This could turn out to be a Pittsburgh "home game" too... They're kind of like the Packers, their fans are loyal to a fault, they have a rich tradition, and the weather sucks where they are, so their fans travel well. At Harpoon Harry's Bar in Port Charlotte, Packer fans and Steeler fans pack that place every Sunday to watch their home team on satellite. And so do other fans, but there's so many of these fans, they typically put Packers games and Steelers games on in side rooms, so the fans can congregate and go crazy without disrupting the entire establishment.

Who'd leave Arizona, anyway?? In the winter, no less?? Seriously, you're in Arizona. It's paradise in winter. Why fly to Tampa?? Exactly. Hey, there's been days in Tampa lately where it barely got above 60. And lemme tell ya somethin', to those Florida puppies, that is COLD. That is DANGEROUS COLD. Lock the doors and crank that furnace, and hope you survive.

Meanwhile here in wonderful southeast Wisconsin, it's been 30-some odd days since the temp got above 32. This morning, I get in my truck, it's 4 degrees outside. 4. Absurd. A few days ago, it was 17 or 18, and it felt good!

The other day, I was telling a co-worker "At least it stopped snowing every other day..." Which is sad. In Arizona and Florida, they don't have these absurd concerns about how many more feet of snow are going to fall.... They like, can't play golf today, but probably tomorrow it'll be okay....

Ahh, enough of that. Actually, I shouldn't complain. My old pals who still work outside are REALLY suffering... I'm in a heated office part of the day. I still have to drive over iced up snow covered roads in the middle of nowhere all night, but I don't have to stand outside for hours with a test set....

Well, enjoy the game. It's an intriguing matchup.

Note to Roger Goodell, while I'm at it: Since we have 2 weeks between, would it kill ya to have the Super Bowl on SATURDAY??? This game starts late Sunday.... Some of us have to go to work Monday morning. Some of us have to go to work Sunday at midnight.

So again, note to employers: don't get your hopes up for Monday. My goal is to make it in. Period. That's my goal. Make it in, and survive for 8 hours.

Enjoy the game!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Super Bowl is set...

Alrighty. Some great games.

Actually, if Arizona doesn't win, we're asking a lot of hard questions about that bizarre "Non-review" of that kickoff near the sidelines that clearly was not out of bounds, and clearly was recovered by Arizona.... But since they won, that controversy will cool quickly.

Same with the Steelers. That had to be a touchdown at the goal line, right?? If the knee isn't down, and you break the plane, that's it, TD. They won anyway, but what a bizarre call...

How about Larry Fitzgerald??? This guy is the REAL DEAL. In Terrell Owens strange mind, he THINKS He's as good as Larry Fitgerald. But he is NOT.



He is the man. Drew Rosenhaus should find some way to break it to TO that he's NOT as good as that guy....

Anyways, the Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. 60 years of nothing, coming to an end. Very unbelievable. Lions Fans, take some solace.

I've had mild arguments over this, but in my mind, Warner was a hall of famer before the season started. If you didn't believe me then, how about now??? Hall of Famer?? Has to be, in my mind.... (but then, my mind is a little strange sometimes)



Hall of Famer. If you disagree, hey, I'm sorry, but you're wrong.

(Okay, that was a little harsh, but seriously, email me your case for why he's NOT, and then I'll reply and tell you you're wrong...)

Pittsburgh also took care of business....

Let me say this: everyone I've seen the Ravens play has looked a little intimidated. The Steelers were not intimidated. The Steelers were not bothered at all by the Ravens patented late-hitting, trash talking, playing after the whistle cheap shot style... And it showed.

The picks. Well, I ws over .500

Cards +4 Win
Over Win

Ravens plus the points Loss.

Although without the late interception return, I would have gone 3-0.

As it is, my record stands at 9-8. Not that thrilling. I'm still kicking myself for going with the Giants... When I write my Epic Gambling Manifesto, there will DEFINITELY be a chapter about "Never hitching your wagon to Eli Manning or Norv Turner".

Until next time!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Championship Week

Well, I have a lot going on this week... Let's just get to the picks, shall we???

Cards +4 I love the Cards, getting points at home. Donovan McNabb is bound to remember to choke here pretty soon.

Over 48, I see an over in the desert. Could be a high scoring affair.

Ravens +5.5 I love the Ravens to cover. This game will be decided by a field goal, at the most. I see Pittsburgh straight up, but I love getting 5.5 (or 6 at some books).

Over/under 33, I am not sure. Leave that alone. I could see a 16-13 final here, and an under, but only if you're a true degenerate. The other day, I was convinced it's an over.

That's it. Good luck. I'm 7-7, let's see if I can get back above 500.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

On to the League Championship...

Well, I didn't see that coming, but I can't say that I'm disappointed... Vindicated, is more like it. The fraud that is Eli Manning, exposed. 15 of 29, for 169 yards, no TD's, 2 Picks. QB rating, 40.7. Yep.

(Nods to himself with smugness...)

And really, if I thought that Arizona could have won that game, obviously Philly winning was the dream scenario... Play for the NFC Championship at home, in Arizona. What could be better....

(vivid flashback occurs, of last year's NFC Championship in Green Bay, when I thought the stars were aligned.... Oooowwww, painful memory there....)

I have to say, Arizona is playing some D, and they are running the ball. Ken Whisenhunt is doing a nice job with this team in the postseason, I must say. Plus, he has the look of a salty sea captain, which doesn't hurt. Compare and contrast with Tom Coughlin or Wade Phillips.... Whisenhunt could be the hero of a Clive Cussler Novel... Or one of the Captains on "Deadliest Catch"... Can't you see him in the pilothouse of the Northwestern, with a Marlboro Red burnin'???


The question is, can the Cardinals Build on This??? We'll see...

(Quietly thinks to himself "The Cards are tough at home...")

Alright, New York, Carolina, and Tennessee, all losers, at home, coming off a bye... Unreal. I have to believe a lot of tough tough questions are being asked right now in those buildings... What a gut punch THAT must be.... Whooof! Oooohhh...

By the way, how is delay of game NOT reviewable??? What an absurdity that was, during the Tennessee game...

Anyways, lets get to how much money I printed for you:

Titans -3 Loss. Ouch. (Actually, by game time, some books had this as Ravens -1, huge move in the line...)
Under 34 Win (told ya you'd believe me later!)

Arizona +10 Win (If I had money-lined this, It would have made the whole week!)
Over 48 Loss, just missed.

Giants Loss. What the hell was I thinking, hitching my wagon to the Fraud that is Eli Manning??? Well, I said I might be real sorry later.... Okay, I'm real sorry. Ouch. (makes a mental note, NEVER do THAT again....)
Over Loss

San Diego Loss
Over 38 Win

So I went 3-5. Whaddaya want?? The picks are free. If you want my REAL picks, paypal $350 to... hehe heh, I can't do it.

Playoff record now stands at 7-7. Not great. If I hadn't fell under the spell of the Giants, and the evil mind meld they put on me, I'd be fine....

People, focus now: We only have 3 more Professional Tackle Football Games remaining. THREE!!! It's unbelievable...

Savor it... Soak it in.

Until next week!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Playoffs, Week 2

Okay, I went 4 and 2 for you last week (see previous post)...

And like Hermann Edwards says, "We Can BUILD ON This!!!!"

Yes we can!!!

Anyways, Game #1: Ravens at Titans
If anyone can out-physical Baltimore, it's the fundamentally sound Titans. And I don't think you're gonna outcoach Jeff Fischer, either. And, driving by The Stadium in Nashville after a game in December, a game that ended hours earlier, and seeing that they were still partying like rock stars in the parking lot, I HAVE to believe that fans are going to really be into it. Joe Flacco, rookie QB, in a VERY hostile environment... Ahh, no.
Cadillac Pick: Titans, minus the short 3. Although this could be low scoring, won by a late field goal.
The over under on this is 34. Which is crazy low, but this could be low scoring. I'd leave that alone. Unless there's some turnovers & cheap scores, this could go under... Here me now, and believe me later.

Game #2: Cardinals at Panthers
You didn't believe my pick of Arizona... I tried to tell you, they're tough at home. Did you listen?? Naaah. Matt Ryan, nice QB, has a bright future, but going against Warner, at home, a veteran who has won a Super Bowl?? No, you wouldn't listen.

Well, the bubble probably bursts this weekend. Now, I will say, there's a lotta talk about "Who is this year's giants?" You know, a team with no shot, on the road, that keeps winning. If there is such a team, it's the Cards. Sadly, there is no such team this year.

That being said, Carolina is laying a big ten points in this one.... That's a lotta lumber.

Cadillac Pick: Arizona Plus the Ten. I see Carolina winning the game, and Arizona covering the number.
Also, I love the Over 48.5. Arizona could rack up a lotta points playing catch-up late in a game that's already decided...

Game #3: Eagles at Giants
I think the Eagles will remember that they stink. McNabb will remember to choke, and possibly vomit at the line of scrimmage... again. The well rested Giants cruise in this spot. Plus, the Eagles need to crush their Philly Fans hearts completely by choking bad, just when it looks like there may be some hope. They barely moved the ball last week against Minnysoda. How are they gonna move the ball in Giants Stadium???
Cadillac Pick: Giants, laying the short 4. I know, you're befuddled. I'm hitching my wagon to the fraud known as Eli Manning? Yes I am. Just for a week. I might be real sorry later, but I'm doing it.
I also kinda like the Over 40 in this one...

Game #4: Chargers at Steelers
Forgive me, but I am totally stumped as to why the networks thought this was the #1 matchup of the weekend. All I can come up with is that the Steelers do have a national following, like the Packers or Cowboys. The game of the week is clearly Ravens at Titans. That's your AFC Championship game, right there. But, whatever. I'm still waiting for that call from the NFL, to be a high priced consultant.... I wonder what's taking so long???? (leans over, checks his phone for dial tone...)

The problem in this game is pretty straightforward. Big Ben has a concussion. This is his third of his career. Not counting his little motorcycle crash. Yeah. Ummm, that's not good. Plus, the Steelers have not pass protected all year. The Cowboys had this team BEATEN a month ago, and let 'em off the hook (thanks Dennis Green).

And San Diego last week beat a better Colts Team, and we all got to see the Peyton Manning "I have a lemon in my mouth" face, AND (my personal favorite) his "I'm sitting on the bench with my head in my hands because our defense is blowing it" pose... I looove that. Some leader. Yeah. And Tim Tebow has no future in the NFL. Or so I'm told.... Wake me up when some of this starts to make sense, okay???

Veering off the rails into things that make no sense, let's touch on this: Mike Shanahan, "coach for life" of the Denver Broncos (beware of that owner's endorsement, beware!) just got canned. Hermann Edwards still has a job.

Shanahan: 2 Super Bowl Rings (one at our expense, rotten bas***d..), 224-138 in Denver.
Edwards: 2 career playoff wins, 2-22 in his last 24 at KC.... Obviously, he feels he can build on this!!

If someone can explain that to me, feel free...

But anyways, it actually looked like Norv might have coached the team last week. They seemed to have a plan. And their punter!!! Good God, if you're gonna play field position in crappy Heinz Field, you may as well have a dude who will repeatedly bury the other team at the 3 yard line....
Cadillac Pick: San Diego Plus the 6 points. One of my little rules for playoff betting is as follows: Rule 24.4.5 clearly states that to take a road dog in the playoffs, you must feel they can actually win the game straight up. So, the Arizona pick is a clear violation. And this one might be too. I do think they can win. (or at least, I hope the can win, but I really see a cover here. If Pittsburgh wins, it's by a field goal, max.)
I do love the Over 38 in this one too.

There you go. I'm 4-2 right now... I'm doing what Jim Cramer purports to do, only better...

BTW, was anyone else as shocked as I was to see Matt Millen on Football NIght in America???

My first thought is, how many Valiums do you have to give Olbermann to keep him from snickering in the backround???

More to the point, when he starts breaking down games (For example he LOVED Atlanta, which, I confess, made me feel very smug and good about my pick), I, uhhh, I just can't help but think "Dude, you just painted your masterpiece with the Detroit Lions. You were the Architect and General Contractor for an 0-16 Season!!! Perfection!!! Uhhh, remind me again why your opinion means ANYTHING to me????"

Hey, enjoy the playoffs. The football is coming to an end. Before we know it, it's 30 weeks of nuthin. Ugh. I'm going to soak in it, like a luxurious warm bath.... Ahhhh! Foootballllll.... (sigh..)

Monday, January 5, 2009

Wild Card Week Results

Well, there you have it.

Let's see how I did for you....

Arizona - A straight up win.
Over - a win

INdy - missed on that

Baltimore - hit on that

Philly - hit on that

Over 41.5 - just missed.

4 out of 6 isn't bad, is it??

Naah...

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Playoffs, Wild Card week.

Alrighty. Happy new year to everyone! Hope you had a great one!

First off, I saved a few holiday cartoons... Usually, my picks provide plenty of comic relief, so without those, let's take a look:







Heh heh. Okay, this weeks action. If you have a little offshore situation, or some way to get to the window with these, you might be interested in these:

Atlanta at Arizona. Air-i-zona, getting 1 point at home, where they are typically real tough. Hard not to take Arizona plus the 1. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they won this one. But what I like better is OVER the 51. That's a lock. I see some kind of 37-34 type of result here, in a shootout in the desert.
Cadillac Pick: OVER 51. (and a small one on Arizona plus the one, but don't cry to me if it doesn't happen)

Indy at San Diego: I LOOVE Indy here, laying the very small 1 point. Love it.
Cadillac Pick: Indy minus 1

Baltimore at Miami: I like Baltimore, laying 3.5... They are playing tough, their D is solid, they will harrass Chad Pennington, and their offense actually has a pulse. I also like the over a little, over 38.
Cadillac pick: Nothing, unless you're a degenerate.

Philly at Minnesota: Philly, laying a short 3, to a team that's not as good as the Cowboys??? Uhhmm, yeah, I'm gonna need a second mortgage to lay on Philly in this spot... And while I'm at it, I think I like the OVER 41.5 here too.
Cadillac Pick: Philly Minus 3, and OVER 41.5

There you go. Come Monday, we'll see how much money I printed for you....

Best Wishes to you and your families for a great New Year!!!

Best Regards In Football
Cadillac Pat