I love the Denver Broncos to upset the Colts this week. Denver has too many weapons on offense and is healthy now. Dungy will be outcoached by Shanihan in this one and the Colt defense has been leaking more than a Mexican rubber of late and giving up lots of yards and points.

The Indy Defense will focus on stopping the run and guess what Denver will come out throwing the ball. An easy win for Denver here.

I live in the 'city of losers' Las Vegas, Nevada and all of the losers I work with are talking nonstop about Green Bay this week. You know what to do then bet Seattle. These guys haven't picked a winner since the Millard Filmore presidency.

I am taking Tennessee and Dallas today but these games are ugly tough to handicap so be careful of these either way. GO DENVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lancerwhomisseshisbrownskinnedlovelies

Here were my picks (currently it's half-time and Tennessee is losing 10-7, so you know I'm not cheating).

Tennessee -1.5
Tenn/Balt under 39.5
Carolina -3
Car/Dallas under 34
GB -6.5
GB/Seattle over 44
Denver +3
Denver/Indy under 49

An I really suck at pro football playoffs so this means Snapper should have a great week kind of guy,

Ootie

GB -6.5 ??????

I've looked all over at the casinos and online, GB is -7½ everywhere now. I guess I looked too late in the week.

I'll take a crack at Sunday's games...

Packers -6.5 (or -7 for that matter)
Packers/Seahawks OVER 44
Colts -3
Colts/Broncos OVER 49

Okay, so I have no way of actually proving this, but I would have been 3 for 4 on the Saturday games, missing only the Carolina/Dallas over/under.

Really, I would have.

I am no thankful I couldn't find the packers at -6½. I would have been all over that and lost by a ½ point.

How about them Colts?

They have a tough road through KC and NE but if they continue to play like they did today who can stop them?

A Would be happy for Peyton Manning if the Colts went all the way kind of guy,

Ootie

2 trends that repeat themselves most years in the NFL playoffs:

1) MOST of the time, all of the winners from this weekend quickly lose the next weekend.

2) The eventual Super Bowl winner is generally the team that has the easiest path in the playoffs.

So, I would guess that would be either St. Louis or Philadelphia in the NFC and the Chiefs in the AFC.

I'll give my 2 cents worth on the playoff games
I'm a stats kind of guy, so from a stats perspective-- 3 teams that should win the super bowl in order ; 1. Indy, 2. Tennesse, 3. New England.
The most overrated teams in order; 1. Pilly {could possibly make it to the big game because the NFC is so weak but no chance to win it.}
2. Kansas City { no chance to make it to Houston}
This weeks games; I call this my-- You can take it to the bank game.
Indy +4 { it's 3.5 at the Hilton so buy .5 a point} {12 units}
Indy - moneyline +150 {10 units}
2 team parlay- Indy +4 and over 49 {3 units}
2 team parlay- Indy-moneyline +150, over 49
{3 units}

So, you're liking the Colts? Let me remind you of one necessary component for most championship teams, its called defense. Bad for the Chiefm, too. I gotta believe that the winner of the Pats-Titans game will be the next world champion.

That's it, I'm putting another $100 on the Colts to win the SuperBowl

Yes, i know about defense winning championship games, their defense looked pretty good last week, but Indy is the only team that matches up with past super bowl winners stats wise. Most teams that win the super bowl have balance of good offense and good defense, look at the 49ers,the rams and dallas and denver all had great offense and good defenses maybe very good defenses but were more offensive oriented. Indy's defense can be a little shaky at times, but they remind me alot of denver when they won their first super bowl, both as a wild card team and both were 12-4, both offensive oriented with no great defense. Both had quarterbacks that were questioned in the media, Elway because he could't win the big game and Manning because he could't win a playoff game, what does that spell? Motivation to prove people wrong.

My money is on the winner of the Pats-Titans game-- With a majority chunk on the Pats. Any takers?

Fooledagain,

"Philly {could possibly make it to the big game because the NFC is so weak but no chance to win it.}"

"Kansas City { no chance to make it to Houston}"

No chance??? That is such an asinine comment!

You are probably the same guy who thought the Marlins had no shot at beating the Yankees in the World Series or the Patriots beating the Rams a couple of years ago in the Superbowl.

Mind you. Philly and KC are no cinderella story but are... one has won ten of their last twelve and the other was the last team to lose a game this year.

I actually like Greenbay in a mild upset this week (only because I see the magic in Farve's eyes again and Philly not having Westbrook is a huge blow) but to completely say a no1 seed has no shot is ignorant. Considering that you like to go by stats. Just check and see how many no1 seed from the NFC have advance and/or won the Superbowl in the past two decade?

"You can take it to the bank game.
Indy +4 { it's 3.5 at the Hilton so buy .5 a point}"

If it's such a lock... considering you like them to win outright and think KC has no shot at reaching the "Big Dance". why are you buying a half point? Just to play it safe? No fool who make a bold statement like that would revert to needing an extra .5 point.

But then again... given your handle. You have been fooled before

Take care, silver

Don Marco,

I'll take the field versus your Patriots.

The Patriots have been doing it with smoke and mirror all season long. I'm not saying the trend can't continue but to think they are such a solid choice is beyond me.

Take care, silver

Its gonna be about 10 degrees cum gametime for the Pats.

I will bet the moneyline on the Pats.
Does anyone have any money I can borrow ?
Eddie George ? Please Whats his yards per carry like 1.2 ? He runs the ball like 50 times a game thats why he has 1k yeards every year.

Yea he plays hurt pretty good but so does everyone else. Fuck the whole Pats team is replacements.

maybe they should make a movie called The Replacements

go Pats

Milky,

Remember the night I called and talked to you before the Oklahoma/Kansas State game? I told you that I love K-State in that game. Or that I told you that LSU is the real deal.

Maybe they should make a movie called "On any given Sunday".

Take care, silver

Maybe after the Pats win the Superbowl they can make a video called the Superbowl Shuffle
I think Brady would make a better singer than Mcman

Yes Silver you called that. I suck I can't win anything except a jelly of the month club

This week's picks:
Ravens +1½ LOSER
Ravens/Titans OVER 39 LOSER
Colts -3 WINNER


Record for the season & money W/L including vig($100 units):
Straight Bets 42-38 +$20
Moneyline 5-10 +$150

This week's picks:
Panthers/Rams OVER 45
Titans +6
Colts +3½

Future: (still in action from 12/21/03)
Colts to win the SuperBowl +500



(Message edited by snapper on January 07, 2004)

Silver-- Cute , real cute, you gave me a good chuckle on that handle thing. I quess your right they do have a chance, i would estimate it at less than 10%, and i know the record of no. 1 seeds, did you know this is the worst no.1 seed stats wise to come down the pike ? Teams like this win a super bowl once every 10 years and only when they are NOT a favorite but a underdog that has no expectations o0r pressure to win, like the patriots. I estimate Indy at 75% to win outright and 85% to cover the spread , when i said ,take it to the bank game i meant with the 4 points so that's why i bought the .5 a point. When all is said and done we will see how the chips fall and i hope you will be as anxouis to congratulate me as you were to flame my picks.

Snapper-- another way to play Indy to win the the super bowl is to bet them on the money line this week and let it ride on the moneyline next week , then let it ride on super bowl, the moneyline if a underdog or pointspread if a favorite. Of coarse assumming that the Pats win so they will be a underdog in the AFC championship game, you will get a better return, probally could get 12 to 1 or 15to 1 , at present i think it's 8 or 9 to 1. And it's more fun, you get to make more bets and collect more winning bets, i did this when baltimore won and got 36 to 1 return.

Fooledagain,

I apologize if it seemed like I was flaming your picks. I guess it's all in the way you worded your comments.

Tell me the difference between 3.5 and 4? If you're worried about a push. Then you shouldn't make a bold statement like "Take it to the Bank!"

I never say your picks are outlandished or horrible. You were the one not giving good team a shot in hell by saying they have no chance.

Indy got lucky to win at Houston two weeks ago. And to think that going to KC is a picnic is beyond me. How did I come to that conclusion?

By telling me that they have a 75% chance of winning at a place where the home team is undefeated this year. I also realized that Indy is 7-1 on the road this year.

Take care, silver

Looking handicapped I did some extensive handicapping today and i gotta tell you the Pats are a lock to win this game.

I am betting the house !!

Milky,

Since you share the one room with Franco. Where would Franco live if the Patriots happens to lose? Don't bet the house... just bet the rent money. I'm sure you guys can tuff it out for a week if the Patriots lose.

Take care, silver

Yea I can live on icecubes and handouts for a little while

The big news here in DC is Coach Joe coming out of retirement to coach the Skins. People were having a hard time getting cell phone connections this morning during the morning drive when the news was more-or-less officially announced, since everybody called everybody else all at the same time.

Indy has a 50% chance of winning. Either they win or they lose. nyuk-yuk

I like Indy because you can run against the Chiefs, and Edgerring James has really been on fire since week 7. Both on tuff and grass he's been solid.
Colt's "D" isn't too shaby either. They have allow 21 points per game, but have a +10 turnover differential. If they can get some turn overs and keep the Chief'ss "D" on the field they will start to ware down towards the middle of the third quarter. Turnovers are key.

Remember, funky stuff ALWAYS happens in post-season. Patriots won't make it past the Titans.

Here's my two cents (and that's about all it's worth).

Tennessee with 6 points seems like such a great bet. They are a SOLID football team.

I'm unsure about the KC/Indy game. It all depends which Indy team shows up: the team that trounced Denver last week AT HOME or the team that struggled at Houston ON THE ROAD and got blown out 41-0 last year ON THE ROAD. Who can say for sure which team it will be? But whoever is right will seem like a genius and the loser will seem like an idiot. I'll take Indy with the 3.5 points on the hunch that the game will be decided by a field goal.

I'll also take Carolina with the points on the theory that a good defense will stop a good offense (remember when the Rams were a 14 point favorite over Tampa Bay a few years ago?).

Finally, I'll take GB with the points (the "close game" theory).

For other expert advice, you'll have to dial 1-900-TJ-ootie.

A Loves playoff football especially when he's not betting and losing on it kind of guy,

Ootie

Steve Mcnair is a great QB no doubt !!!
But what have we learned over the years ?
Pitching and defense wins games.

Steve looked terrible last game out and looked hurt. Mr. run for 1.2 yards a carry is running around with 1 shoulder.

The Pats are killers on thier homefield !!
They have allowed like -1 point in their last 4 homegames.

I look for a score like 24 - 16
Titans will score 1 TD on defense and will have 3 field goals. NE's running game is real scarry
Probably more scarrier than Eddies running game so we can expect a total of 80 or so yard from, both teams

Interceptions will be key for NE and they will have 2 or 3 that will burry Stevie.

Good Luck
tuff guys
Milky

The only weakness NE has is their punting game.

Snapper

don't call me ever again

Chiefs over the Colts!

KC is 8-0 at home with the loudest stadium in the NFL. Manning is going to have a hard time barking out all of those audibles he is known to do. The Chief's defense even though ranked 29th in total yardage .....they are in the middle of the pack in scoring defense.....and ranked 9th in scoring defense at home.

Also, if the Chiefs can get on the board first their defense is a whole different team and Manning is a different player when the Colts are behind. If Dante Hall has a good game field position is so critical. Also coaching edge has to go to the Chiefs. And don't forget....Priest Holmes 27 touchdowns this year....so far!!!!!! Chiefs 34 - Colts 17

Hmmm... interesting game Rams/Panthers. I must say that I never got a feel anytime during the game as to who would finally win. It was all a big surprise to me.

I believe that if Green Bay beat Philly, the NFC title game would be played at Carolina, if that's the case, I could see Carolina as the home team winning the game, and representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. Wow.

What's funny is that I was "sure" that the Rams would win: 1) in the first drives, when they were easily handling the Panthers' offense; 2) in the fourth quarter when they started the comeback; and 3) multiple times during first OT.

Just as "sure" that the Panthers were going to when during the 2nd, 3rd, and most of the 4th quarters.

What a remarkable game.

Just an outstanding day (and night) of pro football for the sports fan! Two great games! But since the world will be coming to an end today (because I was 2 for 2 yesterday against the spread), we'll never know how the KC/Indy or Phil/GB games would have turned out.

BTW, I was 1 for 2 in the over/under (losing with the under on the Ram/Carolina game because of that on-sides kick; total playoff record = 7-5).

A Would have made a lot of money yesterday in Vegas or TJ because I LOVED Tennessee with the points kind of guy,

Ootie

Well so far I'm 2-2 and to those who laughed at my Patriots pick-- watch on.

Todays action:
Winners: Phili and Chiefs
Next week: Phili and Patriots
Superbowl: Patriots

Years ago, the NY Giants had a cornerback named Elvis Patterson, who had the nickname of 'Toast', since he got burned so often (although the Giants won a Super Bowl with Toast in a starting position). I nominate Jason Sehorn as the new Toast. The Giants got burned bad by the 49ers last year, getting to Toast a bunch of times, and now that he is with the Rams, well, he got burned again. He has a nice wife, though.

The tuffest guy on the board next to Maximus 743 told me about teasers. The only thing i know about teasing is all the girls that would tease me in grade school

So here is my teaser
New england -1/2 - covered
Colts plus 9 - covered
Packers plus 12 ??

Had a great time watching the Pats win at Caliente
near PA.

If you guys saw a table of tuff guys that was us !

Hopefully tonight I will be able to cash my big ticket

thanks Silver
Milktuff

Make that four great games this weekend. Has there ever been a better weekend for playoff football?

So let me be the first to toss out predictions for next week's games...

Colts/Patriots: This is potentially a great matchup. I'm a bit skeptical about the Colts' dominating performance against KC, though. The Chiefs' defense is like Swiss cheese and the Colts' defense and special teams weren't exactly flawless. It's hard to win two consecutive road games in the playoffs, and the weather in New England will probably be much less to the Colts' liking. I see the Pats keeping Manning and Co. just enough in check to squeeze out a win. Patriots 26, Colts 21.

Eagles/Panthers: The Eagles fan in me is worried about 1) a letdown after that emotionally draining win against the Packers and 2) the Eagles looking past the Panthers. One thing's for sure, if the Eagles go down 14-0 like they did against the Pack, they're in a heap of trouble with the Panthers' strong defense. But I see the Eagles using the disappointment of the past 2 years as a motivating factor. A close, low-scoring game at the half, with the Eagles making a big play of some kind in the second half to seal the deal. Eagles 24, Panthers 10.

Hey, not so fast! Before we get into next week's games, let's give credit where credit is due for this past weekend..........GUESS WHO WAS 4-FOR-4 (documented above) AGAINST THE SPREAD? - LOL.

To use an Explorer quote: "how does he do it"? That kind of performance may never again happen in my lifetime, so please bear with me while I take a moment to exult in a bit of greatness. - LOL

OK, now let's look at next week.

I believe that Belicheck's genius will once again come up with a way to limit a great offense (remember the Giants beating the Bills and the Patriots beating the Rams in those two Super Bowls). Plus the weather is supposed to be brutally cold again and the Pats are now used to that type of cold after last week (or at least they know what to expect).

Give me Carolina and the points. Carolina continues to be a very underrated Cinderella-type team and although the Eagles won yesterday (maybe the Packers lost it is more accurate) there were a lot of things I didn't like. If the Eagles do win, I can't see it being by more than a field goal. Maybe the Eagles biggest advantage is that they'll be more used to the very cold weather.

It may be destiny: two former Giant coaches in the Super Bowl (Belicheck vs Fox).

A Patting myself on the back (somebody has to) for being a genius kind of guy,

Ootie

What a crazy, but great weekend for football.

I dropped the last two games, but am confident my cash on the Pats is well placed. it should be a hellava game tho

Weather update on the East Coast!

Another arctic blast is scheduled to hit on Thursday and Friday, however by Sunday the temps should be seasonal again.

A Weather or not you care kind of guy,

Ootie

This Milkman is one tuff chico! He brought along his babe (a non-working chica). Despite being muy romantico and holding hands all night. That didn't deterred him from discussing other girls and the Zona.

And on top of that... he's a true fan rooting his Patriot with such vigor and passion.

Take care, silver

Milky

The Patriots pulled off their smoke and mirrors act again.
Your boys cost me a first half bet even though Tennessee outplayed NE.


Let's hook up next week and I'll buy you a beer to drown your sorrows after Peyton and Company put a permanent end to that act.

Although I am a tuff guy, I can be a compassionate tuff guy as well.



(Message edited by maximus743 on January 12, 2004)

Max,


I'm not sure how you figure the Titans outplayed em, they lost. From a statistical point of view:

Passing

pats 201 yards, 1 td
titans 210 yards, 1 td, 1 int
edge: pats:

rushing:
pats: 96 yards, 1 td
titans: 84 yards, 1 td
edge: pats

kicking:
pats 1-2
titans 0-1
edge: pats

stats were close just as the game was, but your point in one of diatribe.

The pats will put a wrap on Manning and pull off another win.

Smoke and mirrors doesn't win 13 close games, execution and discipline does.

Silver should I lay my winnings on NE ?
Remember that is all I have !

Don Marco your my new best friend

How kum peepull still doubt NE ?

WHen you when 13 games in a row its not luk

Don Marco,

You are as myopic as they come. Any real gambler or football aficionado know that stats for any given game are misleading and can be very deceptive.

And your picks of NE, KC and Philly against the spread last weekend are just as bad.

ie... anyone watching the KC/Indy game saw that Indy was unstoppable and could do whatever they wanted to. Yet when one's examine the stats. There weren't much that separated the two teams. The final score also seemed close. But it wasn't really that close at all.

The Patriots are good. "Luck" is the residue of hard work meeting opportunity and the Patriots have been in all the right spot this year. I'll give them credit for that.

But it does take more than just execution and discipline to win 13 in a row. Sometimes you'll have to admit that there's a horseshoe stuck up a certain team ass for that given year.

Take care, silver

How bout another 6 point teaser
right now New England is losing points which is good for me I should wate until sat to bet.

New england + 3
Carolina + 10.5

What do you tuff guys think ?

Maximus I was sad that you werent with us tuff guys saturday