NFL Picks

It's pretty apparent that the darlings of the NFL are completely useless. After reading my previous posts the NFL is running scared and allowing this game to be determined by ability. That being said, the Steelers are completely destroying the Jets. And they're making it look easy.

Okay, now that I've posted this the officials will step in and start calling (or not calling) relevant penalties but it's pretty clear they can't influence the out come. Clearly Mark Sanchez is on display as a completely mediocre quarterback and the vastly superior team is beating them like a mule. At half-time this game is over, too. Ouch! Sanchez is hurt and may not continue...so what?

It's 24 to 3 at the half and New York is looking like the exact team they are...inept, helpless, and inferior. The Steelers are romping all over them. No way in hell they can stage a comeback in an honest world. It's over for them as well it should be. I have to say, I admire the restraint of the NFL to attempt to make this game look close.

The Packers will obviously decimate the Steelers in the Super Bowl. I can only wonder at the line. Clearly it should be Green Bay -7 but who knows? It's all up to the betting public. In any case, seven points won't be much of an obstacle for the Packers to overcome. I really want to be able to analyze these games based on the displayed abilities of the teams playing but I know full well I have to take in to account the NF L's intentions.

As the Jets fall in to the oblivion they deserve I have a bit of pity for the hapless Steelers who think they can win the Super Bowl. Obviously they have no chance., It'll be a one sided affair but who cares if you bet the obvious winners.

Labels: NFL Playoffs

I posted a half-time observation of the Packers-Bears game and obviously the NFL took notice. The game was “close” but ended exactly as I predicted. The packers are going to the Super Bowl and I'm anxious to see how blatant the manipulation of the game will be.

By the way, let's not dismiss the fact that I was 100% accurate in my observation that Chicago was late to the game in establishing their running game. A totally stupid move. They were very successful when they had no choice. Imagine what they could have accomplished if the idiot coach had given it the sightliest bit of thought.

If Green Bay were facing a potential threat in the Super Bowl I'd be a bit reluctant to declare them the victors now but since their potential rival is either Pittsburgh or New York it's an easy call. Since bigger ratings are assured by the Jets making the Super Bowl there's no doubt who the refs will be favoring. The only question is...will that be good enough?

Here's a fun game to play while watching this sham: Every time the officials fail to make a holding call against the Jets offense, take a drink. It's not as hard as you think since unless a flag is thrown during any pass play, you're drinking. Probably on the runs too, but that's a little tougher.

The Jets will cover the spread and that will be overtly obvious as you watch the game. I hate fixed football.

Labels: NFL Playoffs

It's half time for the Chicago-Green Bay playoff game and there's really no need to play the remaining 30 minutes. Lovie (is that really his name?) Smith decided to go all out and put the game in the hands of Jay Cutler. While I admit he's done a great job of handling the talented and volatile quarterback, he made a major mistake by not establishing a running game in the first half. It's all over now. Green Bay's offense is much too precise for the Bears defense to control and having a 14 point cushion has placed Green Bay squarely in control. Game over.

The Jets will be beating the Steelers later and the Super Bowl will be set for a major blow out as the Packers will romp. Even if the referees can't bring the game home for New York whoever the Packers get to play will be humiliated. It's a lousy year for the NFL as the “fix” is clearly in during the long playoff stretch. The New York Jets in the Super Bowl? Really?

With all eyes on the Big Game it'll come down to talent and ability and it'll be an easy win for the Packers.

I'm looking forward to see how blatantly the officials try and aid New York and whether or not with their help the Jets can put up a decent (believable) effort. In any case, the victor in that debacle will be mauled in the biggest game of the year.

Labels: NFL Playoffs

It's only 11 seconds in to the game and already the clowns calling it are starting to ruin it. After the Steelers decided to throw the game by winning the coin toss and making the unbelievable decision to defer the Ravens took the opening kick off and returned it for excellent field position. There was a challenge on spotting the return and Gumbel decided to put a damper on the game as quickly as possible by moaning that the game “had come to a screeching halt”. A dynamic kick off return, a challenge, and now the remaining 59 minutes and 49 seconds are bound to be dull because of the challenge, which the Steelers won.

Of course Gumbel's partner in crime, Dan Dierdorf can be counted on to add his share of stupidity. The game is “dragging” on despite the challenge and it's becoming abundantly clear that the officials are the 12th man on the Pittsburgh side of the ball. Even though there have been at least two blatant calls in favor of the Steelers, the guys calling the game barely notice and only mention the obvious in passing. Maybe they just want to keep the game close and it's obvious the Steelers will need all the help they can get.

Besides the overt fix in this one, Dierdorf is supplying entertainment by his usual array of idiotic comments. “So-and-so is the most under rated (put position here) in the game”. “You see that all the time (put unique event here)”, and “That was a big time (put play here)”.

Gumbel, as usual is almost being accurate on his play-by-play but, as usual, it's better to just watch the game for yourself to know what's happening.

Anyway, half way through the first quarter it's pretty obvious the Ravens are the better team. But, even though they have the Steelers all figured out and can out play them there's not much they can do about the officiating. The only thing in their favor is that the referees have to make the obvious calls.

Labels: NFL Playoffs

Last year's Super Bowl champs were humiliated by a team with a losing record.

Peyton “The Greatest Quarterback That Ever Lived” Manning lost to one of the most over rated teams ever to play the game.

Baltimore scored over 21 points.

And Micheal “I'm the League's MVP” Vick threw an interception in the closing seconds to lose a very winnable game.

It's clear the NFL is either fixed or these wild card poofs were all over rated. Next week will supply the proof either way:

Baltimore will be playing Pittsburgh and that should be a real game. The Steelers can easily win this one but I guess that depends on the line and what their bosses tell them.

The Jets will face New England in a blatant “no contest” match. There's no reason whatsoever to believe the Jets have a chance but I don't know what the powers-that-be want.

Seattle's playing Chicago and if the NFL decides to leave this one alone it's anybody's guess if Cutler will meltdown or not. They should just leave this one alone since nobody can tell what might happen. Hopefully there won't be a fix here.

Green Bay and Atlanta is a true contest and there's no reason to manipulate this one either. After their (the Packers) performance against the Eagles it would be crazy to bet against them.


Clearly the playoffs are being fixed. All the “non-calls” in the Seattle/New Orleans debacle makes that obvious. I suppose the refs can use the extra bucks. It's a major question if the NFL wants the Seahawks to advance or not. A great “Cinderella Story” for sure. In any event, you have to deal with the betting line. I don't know what it is at the moment but the Bears should win this. That being the case, the line will obviously be taking that in to consideration. Clearly, take the Seahawks here. The number doesn't matter.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be a real game and it'll be a close call. Anything like 2 ½ for the the Steelers is reasonable and honest. Any other line makes this game unplayable.

Likewise with Green Bay and Atlanta. The Packers are the better team and should win by more then three. I can't see the line being otherwise, though.

Here's the big question: Just how much can New England beat the Jets by? A line bigger then or equal to seven points makes the Jets the bet. Otherwise, the game can't be manipulated and New England will cover whatever the spread is.

Obviously the playoffs are being manipulated. Some teams concede to the fact, others are more resistant. It certainly appears that the NFL would love a Seattle/Patriot match up. They won't need to screw with the game. People will tune in for the “underdog” story and money will be made. The line will be 10 or 12 points and the books won't get hurt. But, clearly, the Seahawks don't have a chance against the Bears. A line bigger then 3 points demonstrates they know that and provides an excellent betting opportunity. This game will be close. Take the Seahawks and the points (assuming a reasonable 3 or more).

For the Packers and Atlanta, it's an even game so whoever gets points, that's the play.

Pass on the Steelers and Ravens unless Baltimore gets more then three.

New England and New York is the only doubt. Anything less then 7 points makes the game suspect. A 10 point line is the most reasonable but I don't know who is paying off who. Less then 10, take the Pats.

Labels: NFL Picks, NFL Playoffs

For some reason New Orleans is only giving 10 points to the Seahawks. Really? Last year's Super Bowl champs are playing the 7-9 Seahawks and should scrape by on a field goal and a touchdown. Really? This game has “blow-out” written all over it. If this line is even close then the NFL is truly “fixed”.

Indianapolis is giving 3 to the Jets and that looks good on paper. But in reality the Colts are a vastly superior team if Manning is on his game. And even if Sanchez plays at his best it wouldn't be good enough and three points just doesn't cut it. From a betting perspective you have to assume Peyton will be at least decent (for him) and Sanchez will be mediocre at best. I really like the Colts.

Sunday's games present exactly the same situation. Baltimore is only giving up 3 points to the Chiefs? Huh? The Ravens aren't exactly a scoring machine but nobody ever accused Kansas City of running up the score. If, as they should, Baltimore wins this, it'll be by more then three.

Philadelphia gives Green Bay 2 ½ points and why not? On paper it looks to be an even game and Micheal “Dog Killer” Vick has been getting a lot of great press lately. A real “feel good” story, especially for cat lovers. But what about Aaron Rodgers? Barring another concussion, Rodgers is actually a better quarterback and even ESPN knows how to contain Vick. With no stupid coaching moves the Packers should be able to win this one. This is a tough call for me and even though I'm not a big Packer's fan and actually like Vick I would have to take the points. But I don't trust most coaches, especially in big games, I'd pass on this one.

Labels: NFL Picks, NFL Playoffs