This weekly wagering contest will reward the best football prognosticator with a $100 gift certificate from a meat/steak company. New guys can still join in any time and you don't have to make a pick every week. You can post your plays any time, but they must be posted before a game you are playing kicks off. You must make your picks in this thread and you must provide at least one reason for each pick.

The winner will the guy with the best record after the NFL regular season and college bowl games are concluded (last game is Natl. Championship game). You must have at least 50 picks by January 9 to win the prize. Please use and post the prevailing lines at the time of your picks from one of the two largest offshore casinos: thegreek.com or pinnaclesports.com.

Overall, the board came off its best week of the board in week 12 (62%) by reverting to a break-even week in week 13, going 56-56-2. The overall board record remains a whisker above the 50% mark at 446-428-29.

................................Last Week......................Season........................... %
Not in the Biz................0-0..............................8-3................................73
Nas.............................7-7..............................16-10..............................62
Mr. Belvidere................5-2..............................10-7...............................59
Hawkeye Vince.............4-2..............................34-25.............................58
donspiracy...................4-2..............................61-51-2...........................54
the gooch....................2-2..............................22-19-1...........................54
Chus..........................10-7...............................77-66-5..........................54
Coast..........................4-2..............................68-59-5...........................54
Doug..........................0-0...............................8-7-2.............................53
Matt Murton’s Beard.....2-0..............................20-18-1..........................53
Bud Dude...................3-8..............................48-48-5............................50
Mitch Cumstein...........3-2..............................27-28..............................49
Rocks and Blows.........1-2-1...........................24-25-3...........................49
Good dolphin..............5-4..............................35-38-1............................48
Woodridge Ryan.........1-1..............................4-5..................................44
reents.......................4-8-1...........................65-84-5...........................44
sabu.........................2-7..............................20-30-1...........................40
BD............................0-0.............................3-7.................................30

I pretty much have to bet on every game from here on out to be eligible which isn't the smartest way to play, but oh well - It's my fault.

Steelers -7.5
Yea, I think that's a lot of points, but the Browns are so damn inconsistent that I feel a big let down takes place here after playing the Chiefs so tough that they actually won. Steelers run wild 30-10.

Coast, I was 10-7, not 9-7.

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

It's looking like 58-60% wins this thing. There's still time....

Atlanta -3
I am going to continue to go against the Bucs, who I think have quit. There might even be a Tim Rattay sighting on Sunday. Atlanta had 300 rushing yards the last time these two met. Ron Mexico should have a good game against an aging defense.

Philadelphia -1
Make or break for the Eagles, who have 3 road division games coming up. I don't like Washington without Portis, and I think the Eagles have too many weapons for the Skins.

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

Coast, is there gonna be an official bowl game thread ?

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

yeah...I have to do the same Ryan.

_________________
@audioidkid

I believe I said before the contest began that anyone who did 60% would be a lock to win. I believe 57-58% will claim the prize.

For those of you feeling the need to throw a lot of picks up, just note there are 32 bowl games and 4 weeks of NFL left. With 32 sides and 32 totals in college and 4 weeks of NFL with 16 games each week (a total of 64 sides and 64 totals) there are still 194 betting opportunitis left in this contest.

And yes...college bowl game thread is up.

Wow, true. Thanks Coast. I can still be selective.

Browns +7 vs Steelers- There is talk of bad weather in this game, and the Browns have actually been playing better lately, the Browns know they should have beaten the Steelers earlier this season and come in with the intensity to make it a close game.

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh over 33
Pretty low number here, especially considering the struggles of both defenses. Throw in the bad weather, where the offenses are usually ahead of the defenses, and this should go over easily. Two weeks ago in a blizzard the Pack and Seahawks had no trouble moving the ball, scoring 58 points.

7 pt teaser for Sunday
NY Jets +3.5/New England +3.5
I like both teams to win straight up, and with the 7 point move, we cross over the key numbers.

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

There is plenty of time to get 50 picks in by Jan 9. Pick 6 each of the four weeks of NFL left, and all the bowl games. That should put anybody in the # of plays to qualify.

Swept the Turkey Day NFL games 6-0, do you guys know how hard it was to sit on that four days? I'm sure some of you do as I am now a degenerate gambler too. Let's get some lottery tickets at the OTB on our way to the riverboat...(which I can do ten minutes, tops)

_________________
CSFMB: Home of the small minded

Cleveland +7.5 against Steelers

Cleveland has been looking to give the Steelers payback for some time. Now that the Steeler D has been decimated by injuries, that time is now.

Saints +7 at Dallas
OVER 48

The Dallas hype is practically reaching fever pitch. However, the story of the year is the revitalization of the Saints. They have strenght and depth at all of the skill positions on O. I think the Dallas D is vastly overrated, especially in the secondary. The Saints will be able to exploit it. The over/under 48 seems to indicate that Vegas feels the same way. In fact I have now talked myself into the over here as well

Eagles -1.5 at Skins

Maybe this Eagle team has some juice left in it. The Eagle D was outstanding for a majority of the game last week. I think they were presented with a challenge with Mc Nabb being out and they are meeting it. Washington is horrible on D and is a test case on O. I think an inspired Eagle team is going to roll this week. Mark this one down as the play of the day.

Seahawks -3 at Cardinals
OVER 45

This line smells like a trap...and I am going to fall for it. There is no doubt this Hawk team is playing differently than the one last year. They are as not as opportunistic on D while still giving up lots of yards. The Cardinals are a team that can exploit that difficency. However the Seattle O is beginning to roll. Alexander has knocked the rust off from his injury and Seattle now finds itself with 4 capable WR a great RB and a good TE. This one is going to be a track meet in the Arizona sun.

Chargers -7.5 against Broncos

The Broncos are a dead team that does not know it yet. Shanahan should be strung up for switching to an incapable QB during a playoff push. Cutler showed no ability to handle the blitz last week and now he is faced with a Charger D that is amped up. I see the Bronco D getting fatigued the rest of the season as they are on the field all day because of Shanahan's little project.

Bears at St. Louis UNDER 41

Some people say the best defense is a good offense. Lately for the Bears the ONLY offense has been a good defense. The Bears will get a ton of pressure on against a battered Rams O line but Bulger does not throw that many picks. I think any yards in this game will be achieved on the ground which is a great spot for the under.

That's exactly what your bookie was thinking. He was sitting by the phone waiting for your calls all weekend.

Pittsburgh-Cleveland OVER 33
Bucket reported last week that overs have historically been a 53% play in December, and I believe the number is even higher when you strip out all the dome and warm weather games. The premise is that the public over-reacts to bad weather and over-bets unders. The 1 inch of snow in the Pitt today doesn't really bother me much, but the wind could be a factor. Cleveland also has a rookie QB, but the way Charlie Frye has been playing lately, that might be an improvement. Add it all up and UNDER is getting a good ride today. That leads me to see the value on the OVER side. Pitt has been an over team most of the year, particularly at home. I saw some charts of the Pitt offense and it seems they are much more aggressive in play calling at home than on the road. Pitt 27-14.

STEELERS -7.5

Ward is gone but that wont slow down even a Bad Big Ben, Browns secondary is awful and I believe Frye is out, I like the Steelers in a romp

Colts -1.5

Wow, what a gift! The Colts are going to win this game with help from the legs of Addai and the arm of Manning. However, it'll be the Colts defense that will take away the ball four times in the game with a fumble recover and return for a touchdown by Dwight Freeney. Colts win, 27-13.

Falcons -3 vs Buccanneers- I know this one screams Bucs all the way, but Vick and the Falcons turned it around last week and show a strong performance.

Vikings +1 vs Lions- The Vikings will be starting a backup running back and who knows who will be playing quarterback, but there's been games this season where the Lions should win and don't and the VIkings have decens running backs without Taylor to get this one.

Titans +1 vs Texans- Vince is getting better each and every week and he will show the Texans they should have drafted him instead of WIlliams.

COlts -1 vs Jaguars- Yea I think the COlts get this one and the division here as Peyton passes all over the field against the Jaguars D.

Saints +7.5 vs Cowboys- This could be a preveiw of the NFC Title Game and the Saints offense should score enough in this game to keep it close.

BENGALS -10.5

Bengals offense will explode after a good rest and have won big 2 of the last 3, Raiders road offense is the worst and I like that the spread dropped 3 points

PATS -3

Brown is gone for Miami and NE's D has been creating TO's and keeping it low scoring. NE dominat on the road at 5-0 SU and ATS

[/b]SEAHAWKS -3

Hassleback will have a big day against a weak Card's pass D and Cardnials are in for a letdown after a big win and Seattle will play better in 2nd straight on the road.

JAGS +1

Jags are 5-1 ATS at home and holding teams to 8 PPG. Jags good running attack will exploit a brutal Colts run D.

Saints +7 1/2

I love it. The media throws bouquets at the feet of the "mighty" Tony Romo and his 'superbowl bound' Cowboys. Remember when Rex Grossman was headed to the superbowl? How fickle. Romo will struggle in this game, we saw signs of it last week against the Giants. The fact of the matter is 5-6 games into the season people start to figure you out kid, design schemes to disrupt your tendencies just ask Denny Green. The Saints and Brees Crowns the Cowboys asses.


Titans +1
This team would be playoff bound if they started the season with Vince Young at QB. They are playing inspired ball and I don't see this run ending in Texas where I am certain Vince will put on a show for his conflicted fans. Houston won't stop the TT mo.

Bears -6.5 @ St. Louis- I still have faith in Rex to have a good bounce back game and Cedric Benson to get a majority of the carries against a mediocre Rams team.

Bears Vs. Rams over 40.5- The bears offense should explode and the Rams passing game should produce some points against a weak secondary.

New Orleans +7.5 @ Dallas- Reggie Bush is figuring out the NFL and teamed up with the best quarterback in the NFC, this saints offense should score big points and expose Dallas as a bad team.

Baltimore +2.5 @ Kansas City- I think that the Ravens are the scariest team in the NFL because their defense is incredible and their offense does not make mistakes. They should take care of business this week.

_________________
"Do work, son" -Big Black

try to get back


Vikings +2 @ Detroit- does anyone think that Detroit will win another game? Ill take the vikings


Titans +1 @ Houston- titans are hot, houston....sure you dont want that first draft pick over?

Colts -1' @ Jags- it depends on what jag team shows up the good one or the bad one....ill bet the bad one shows up here (note this logic also pertains to car)

49ers- GB Over 43- two teams that do not like to tackle.


skins +1' over eagles- ill take the home chalk here. monday hangover and all that good stuff.

seattle -3 @ Ariz - take the road chalk.....lose the cash, but ill give seattle a try here.

chargers - broncs over 41'- should be a road show up and down the field. Ill take the over

Pros aren't usually my game, but I need a fix.

Buffalo @ Jets OVER 37

Both teams have found a semblance of an offense of late and neither possessa shut down defense. I expect a 21-17 game or so.

New England @ Miami UNDER 37
Both teams are playing good ball and winning because of D. This will be a closer game than the records indicate.[/b]

Titans +1 Love this line. Everyone can call the praises of Vince Young, but its been their defense and running game that's been just as important, if not more, in their recent victories.

Colts -1.5 The Colts have had the Jags number pretty much since their inceotion with a hiccup along the way. These games tend to be close, but I'm confident the Colts will win by at least a field goal.

Saints +7 Anyone else sick of the Cowboys love? I just want to puke reading and hearing about it. Should be a close and I think Dallas probably does win, but it'll be within 7 points.

Titans +1 Love this line. Everyone can call the praises of Vince Young, but its been their defense and running game that's been just as important, if not more, in their recent victories.

Colts -1.5 The Colts have had the Jags number pretty much since their inception with a hiccup along the way. These games tend to be close, but I'm confident the Colts will win by at least a field goal.

Saints +7 Anyone else sick of the Cowboys love? I just want to puke reading and hearing about it. Should be a close and I think Dallas probably does win, but it'll be within 7 points.

Houston -1
This looks like a trap, and everyone is pounding the Titans. The Texans should be able to run the ball with all of their mediocre running backs and keep Young off of the field. I think the Titans luck runs out on the road.

Jacksonville +1
The Jags always are tough at home, and have had the Colts number in Jacksonville. As long as their receivers don't get a colossal case of the dropsies, I think they handle the Colts.
[/b]

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

Houston Texans Pick'em vs Tennessee Titans: Tennessee is receiving much deserved praise winning 3 straight games, and Houston is Houston with V.Young returning to Texas where he played so great in college, and where he was passed on in the NFL Draft. So, all looks great for the Titans today, and that's usually, in the NFL, where things turn. Houston is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games in December, Tennesee is 2-4 on the road this season (the last, being the win over Philly after McNabb got injured). The Titans has given up 140 yards per gameon the ground in the past 3 road games, while Houston has run well, averaging 128 on the ground in their last 3 home game, and Houston, in the past 3 games, has averaged 21 points per game at home, while the Titans, in their last 3, have given up 24 per game. With so many on the Titans today, I think this is the perfect spot to go the opposite way.

NE -3.5 at Miami: With Miami's loss last weekend to Jacksonville, their season is now over - Will they cash it in ? I think they will play a decent game, but the Patriots are an excellent road team, going 5-0 both SU/ATS this season. I'm expecting the real Joey Harrington to show up today and NE to confuse him today with their different blitz packages...Also, no Ronnie Brown today so where does Miami get their offense from today. Don't forget as well, the Patriots almost lost to the Lions last weekend - will they look indifferent in two straight weeks ?

KC -3 vs. Baltimore: I like to play teams where they HAVE to win, and that's the story today for the Chiefs - they win, they're 8-5, and still looking OK for a playoff spot. They lose, and 7-6 is going to be a lot tougher in the AFC playoff chase. KC is very tough at home, 5-1 this season (lost the season opener), and 4-2 ATS while Baltimore's offense is struggling of late and is now just 2-4 ATS. Look for Larry Johnson to get lots of carries today, and the only thing that concerns me here is turnovers, which the Ravens defense is quite capable of.

New Orleans +7.5
The Saints offense will easily score enough points to cover against the over-valued Cowboys and everyone's favorite QB, Tomy Romo. I think Dallas' D is a bit over-rated.

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

the greek 11:25

Oakland +10.5 over Cincy

Oakland was gettin the money as dogs but last week came up short as the fav. Cincy was jacked for their last game against Balt and they have the Colts on deck so cant see Cincy being totally focused against the Raiders. I think the Raiders O will be able to move the ball and if they can stay away from turnovers I think they stay under the spot. Lookin at Cincy 24-17.

New England -3.5 over Miami

Miami came back to reality last week and any thoughts of making the playoffs are gone. New England D should be able to handle Miamis' O. I think NE wins by 7.

Tampa +3.5 over Atlanta

Tampa has been much better at home this year and they get an Atlanta team coming off a big win in Wash last week. Tampa has beaten Cincy and Philly at home this year and I think they keep this one within a FG.

Tenn +1.5 over Houston

Went against Houston as a fav a few weeks ago and it paid off. Gonna do it again today. Tenn has been playing excellent the last few weeks and I see them winning this one today so getting any points only a bonus.

SF 49ers -4 vs. Green Bay
Not usually my style to lay points with a soft favorite, but GB defense seems to get worse every week. Looking for a big day from Frank Gore in the running game, setting up the passing game against the league's worst pass D.

Detroit-Minnesota UNDER 40-1/2
Two offenses that are really struggling and while neither defense is would be considered very good, they do enough to contain this opponent.

7 point Teaser:
Jacksonville +8/San Diego -2
Teasing two home teams across the key numbers. Jax always plays Indy tough and SD looks to tee off against Cutler. Broncos defense showing wear from being on the field so much.