2011-12 Picks - NFL - Week 17

And here we are. Week 17 of the NFL season. Playoff implications, pride on the line, and sometimes (in the case of the Colts) even draft picks are on the line. Who will come away the big winner heading into Wild Card weekend? Come Sunday, we'll find out.

Game of the Week - Sunday Jan 1, 2012
DAL @ NYG

For all the marbles. Reminds me of the Little Giants accept the Giants here are the favorites. Romo and the Cowboys are full of unrealized potential. They're always on the cusp of taking control of the division, but never can quite turn the corner. The Giants are the same, accept when the times get really tough, Eli turns into his own athletic, playmaking version of big-bro. Knowing this, I'm going with Romo and the Cowboys. Maybe I'm hoping against hope because I like the guy and Eli took away my boy Tom Brady's perfect season.

Sun, Jan 01
WAS @ PHI | Philadelphia - Vick and the Eagles should close the season with a victory against the lowly Redskins. Wonder if Andy Reid keeps his job, though.
PIT @ CLE | Pittsburgh - Colt McCoy doesn't want to see any part of James Harrison this week.
BAL @ CIN | Baltimore - The Bengals could wrap up a playoff birth with a win this week, but the Ravens are eyeing a first round bye.
NYJ @ MIA | New York - Rex Ryan can't be on the chopping block if he wins the last game of the season, right?...Right?
CAR @ NO | New Orleans - Breesus and the Saints look poised for another Superbowl run.
TB @ ATL | Atlanta - Not sure what happened Season-over-season but the Bucs are back to being the Bucs we're come to be familiar with.
DET @ GB | Green Bay - Pains me to say the Packers are going to be 15-1, but they are.
SF @ STL | San Francisco - Ya know, I'm still not sold on the 49ers as a contender...but they're pretty good. No denying that.
IND @ JAC | Jacksonville - And the Andrew Luck sweepstakes winner is...
BUF @ NE | New England - Superbowl bound.
TEN @ HOU | Houston - I think the Texans win this week, but not sure how they'll fare going into the playoffs.
CHI @ MIN | Chicago - Ending the season with a win is what the Bears deserve after an injury-riddled season.
KC @ DEN | Denver - Tebow looks to get the Mania-train back on track just in time for the playoffs.
SD @ OAK | San Diego - Everyone is really just wondering if Norv Turner will be back next season.
SEA @ ARI | Seattle - Couldn't have any week without the toss up of the week.


Thanks for reading guys.

The Sporacle versus "The Experts" in Week 16

Besides the Colts foolishly forfeiting their chances at winning the Andrew Luck sweepstakes (he has a great chance to be in a position like Aaron Rodgers was with the Packers) and beating the Texans, there weren't too many surprises this weekend.

Romo injured his hand - hence, the Cowboys lost.
Eli played big in a big game - Sanchez did not.
Kyle Orton and the Chiefs (a week after beating the Packers) couldn't keep their playoff hopes alive.
And Tim Tebow came a little closer back to earth.

Big games coming up next week to wrap up the NFL season.

Weekly Wrap-Up
Schefter and co. edged me out this week.

The Sporacle's Picks in Week 16 | 10-6 (.625)
The Experts average in Week 16 | 104-61 (.630)

Thanks for reading.

2011-12 Picks - NFL - Week 16

Happy Holidays Football Fans!

It's rare to get such a wonderful present as loads of football games on Christmas Eve.

Lots of playoff implications, placements, and pride games going on this weekend.

While you're spending time with you televisions, remember you have families that need attention, too.

Merry Christmas Eve and Happy Holidays to everyone.


Game of the Week - Saturday December, 24
NYG @ NYJ | New York Giants - Eli. Eli. Eli. When it matters, he always shows up. Should be a great game.

Thu, Dec 22
HOU @ IND | Houston - Houston is one of the few playoff teams going in with a third string QB. I'd say upset, but it's the 1-(ton-o-losses) Colts

Sat, Dec 24
MIA @ NE | New England - No spoiling Belichick's Christmas this year.
CLE @ BAL | Baltimore - Terrell Suggs graduated from Ball So Hard University, remember?
ARI @ CIN | Cincinnati - The Cardinals have 7 wins. The Bengals have 8. Toss up.
MIN @ WAS | Washington - I'm still on board the Christian Ponder train, but not this week. Redskins win.
DEN @ BUF | Denver - The Tebow train gets back on track this week.
STL @ PIT | Pittsburgh - Big Ben or not, the Rams are terrible.
TB @ CAR | Carolina - Cam and co. have looked "not so bad" lately. Keeping the picks to a minimum.
JAC @ TEN | Tennessee - I feel really weary picking the Titans, but, I'm doing it anyway.
OAK @ KC | Kansas City - Picking this anticipating
SD @ DET | Detroit - I went back and forth with this one, then I remembered Matt Stafford is healthy and he's still got Megatron to throw to.
PHI @ DAL | Dallas - Philly has caught fire, but Romo is thee hottest Qb in the league since Week 9. That includes, Brady, Rodgers and Brees.
SF @ SEA | San Francisco - Almost sold on the 49ers, but...not yet. Let's see them come playoff time.

Sun, Dec 25
CHI @ GB | Green Bay - I want so badly to pick McCown over the Packers, but, I'm just being a realist.

Mon, Dec 26
ATL @ NO | Atlanta - Upset special a week late. Atlanta is hot, and they have the perfect counter to New Orleans--an offense that can control the clock. Not to mention, they'll be playing in a dome, feeling right at home.

Thanks for reading guys.

The Sporacle versus "The Experts" in Week 15

The upset special couldn't have come at a better time.

Packers get their perfect season ended by the Chiefs who surprisingly have a lot to play for this late in the season. (Romeo Crennel's job, Kyle Orton's pride and a potential playoff spot).

San Diego, who has finally found their stride on the offensive side of the ball with Rivers cutting down his turnovers, took down the Ravens.

Dan Orlovsky lead the Colts to their first win of the season. Shocker.

The only non-shocker, shocker was that Tim Tebow and the Broncos couldn't pull off the upset versus the Pats. Then again, it's Tom Brady. What'd you expect?

Yucky week for picks on upset Sunday. The experts didn't fare too well, either.

Weekly Wrap-Up

The Sporacle's Picks in Week 15 | 7-9 (.437)
The Experts average in Week 15 | 81-78 (.509)

Thanks for reading.

2011-12 Picks - NFL - Week 15

There's only one game that America will be watching this week.


Game of the Week - Sunday December, 18
NE @ DEN

This week's Game of the Week isn't even up for debate. Tebow miracle's reached another level of unreal last week against the Bears. 6 minutes, down 10 points against the Bears defense and voila--overtime time. No big deal. Marion Barber "runs" out of bounds. Matt Prater makes a 59-yarder. Tebow throws something like 15/20 in the final 6 minutes and OT after throwing 3 for 14 (not sure on these numbers).

Then there's Brady. Future hall-of-famer. The Golden Boy. The only endorser of UGG boots to maintain his manliness.

Brady, Gronk, Welker and Worst defense in the NFL versus Tebow, Prater and the Broncos defense. (Von Miller has the club hand--it scares me).

Tebow has Magic, but Tom Brady is the best QB in the league (sorry A-Rodg), and very likely of all-time. Patriots win.

Thu, Dec 15
JAC @ ATL | Atlanta - Michael Turner and Jones-Drew are like little bowling balls. Turner is a bit bigger.

Sat, Dec 17
DAL @ TB | Dallas - I still believe in Romo. And I think they might make some noise come playoff time.

Sun, Dec 18
CIN @ STL | Cincinatti - I used to think Bradford was destined to be a star...
MIA @ BUF | Buffalo - Get it together this week Harvard
WAS @ NYG | New York - I listened to Wale's, Ambition earlier this week. I guess the Redskins aren't fans.
TEN @ IND | Tennessee - Not this week Indy. Still shooting for 0-16.
SEA @ CHI | Chicago - Here's hoping Hanie gets it together this week.
GB @ KC | Green Bay - No brainer.
CAR @ HOU | Houston - I still don't know how they're 10-3, but lets roll with it.
NO @ MIN | New Orleans - Breesus is a Saint.
DET @ OAK | Oakland - Da Raaaaiders. Trying their best to keep the Bears playoffs hopes alive.
CLE @ ARI | Arizona - Yucky game of the week.
NYJ @ PHI | New York - Jets quietly creeping back up on the Pats.
BAL @ SD | San Diego - Crazy upset pick of the week. Philip Rivers Fever.

Mon, Dec 19
PIT @ SF | Pittsburgh - This one comes down to Alex Smith versus Big Ben.

Thanks for reading guys.

The Sporacle versus "The Experts" in Week 14

I love Tim Tebow. I'd go as far as to say I'm one of his Top Ten Fans. (Exaggeration).

Last week, I received a phone call from a friend with 9 minutes left in the Bears v. Broncos. The Bears were leading 10-0. He boasted. He bragged. He gloated (prematurely) about the end of Tebow's reign of terror on the NFL late in games.

I simply warned, "don't do this to yourself".

Needless to say. He did it to himself, and the Tebow Magic proceeded to convert millions to Christianity--or turn millions of Bears fans to atheists.

Either way, while Tebow deserves much of the credit for keeping his team motivated, inspired and more than anything, believing they can win, my hat goes off to Matt Prater for nailing a 59-yard field goal to send the game into OT; followed by a 51-yarder to seal the deal. That kid is clutch.

Now on to the The Golden Boy.

13-3. Feeling like a playoff team. The Sporacle gets the win again.

Weekly Wrap-Up
The Sporacle's Picks in Week 14 | 13-3 (.812)
The Experts average in Week 14 | 113-45 (.715)

Thanks for reading.

2011-12 Picks - NFL - Week 14

Here are a few stats to get my Week 14 predictions kicked off.

There are 3 quarterbacks on pace to break Dan Marino's 1984 Single Season Pass yards Record. (Brees, Brady and Rodgers)

There are 2 teams (not named the Green Bay Packers ) with win streaks of 5 games or more. (Broncos and Texans)

There is 1 team that's still undefeated 13 weeks into the season. That team being the Green Bay Packers.

It's game time!


Game of the Week - Sunday December, 11
NYG @ DAL

After last weeks pretty embarassing turn of events for both the Cowboys and the Giants meet on sunday Night Football. The G-men allowed Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to get within field goal range in 55 seconds to keep their undefeated season alive. the Cowboys erased a game-winning field goal with an unintentional icing of their own kicker. I've got a pretty strong feeling that Romo and company will recover faster than the Giants. Cowboys in a tight one.

Thu, Dec 08
CLE @ PIT | Pittsburgh - This is a no-brainer! Ben and the Steelers are banged up, but trekking on.

Sun, Dec 11
TB @ JAC | Jacksonville - Even in a losing effort, the Jags looked pretty good last week.
NE @ WAS | New England - With the Packers at 12-0, the Pats are under sort of flying under the radar; just the way they like it.
HOU @ CIN | Houston - I'm with the "next man up" philosophy--at least this week.
KC @ NYJ | New York - Rex and the Jets still have a shot at the playoffs.
MIN @ DET | Detroit - Christian Ponder is still going to be a stud, just not today.
NO @ TEN | New Orleans -Who Dat say hot streak?
PHI @ MIA | Miami - Hard work beat talent when talent doesn't work hard. Seems the Eagles haven't been putting in the work.
OAK @ GB | Green Bay - Tough to pick against the Pack, but here's a thought: Packers reach the Superbowl at 18-0; versus New England...What happens next?
IND @ BAL | Baltimore - I keep saying this, but the road to the Superbowl in the AFC goes through the Baltimore Ravens.
ATL @ CAR | Atlanta - Matty Ice looks to cool down Cam and the Panthers after last weeks win.
CHI @ DEN | Denver - No Forte. No Cutler. Tough to pick against Tim on Sundays especially in a devensive matchup.
SF @ ARI | San Francisco - Should be closer than most expect, but the 49ers take the "W".
BUF @ SD | San Diego - The Chargers offense seemed to find their stride last week. Buffalo has fallen all the way off the wagon.

Mon, Dec 12
STL @ SEA | Seattle - How did this get scheduled for MNF?

Thanks for reading guys.

The Sporacle versus "The Experts" in Week 13

Jerry Jones is surprisingly not pissed after Jason Garret effectively "iced" his own kicker on what would have been the game-winning field goal.

Tebow and company gain more on followers on the bandwagon with more late game poise. Eyeing the playoffs.

3 points against Kansas City from the Chicago offense has the Windy City wondering if Cutler is ambidextrous.

And then there's the Packers...12-0.

Getting comparably better versus the experts week after week.

Weekly Wrap-Up
The Sporacle's Picks in Week 13 | 11-5 (.687)
The Experts average in Week 13 | 88-72 (.550)

Thanks for reading.

2011-12 Picks - NFL - Week 13

We're in the 4th quarter of the NFL season. Time for teams to either make their playoff push (Broncos, Bears, Lions, Cowboys, etc.), or fall all the way off the wagon altogether (Eagles, Jets, Bengals, Giants, etc.)

Who do you think has the best chance to squeeze in the playoffs?




Game of the Week - Sunday, December 4
DET @ NO

Suh is suspended. (Rightfully so). He's pretty much the driving force for the success of Detroit's defense which leaves them at a supreme disadvantage against a hot New Orleans team with a Drew Brees that's on pace to shatter some NFL passing records. Combine all that with Matty Stafford's thumb and I don't care if he's not wearing his "unlucky" gloves anymore. Saints roll.


Thu, Dec 01
PHI @ SEA | Philadelphia - It's just the Seahawks. C'mon, Philly.

Sun, Dec 04
OAK @ MIA | Miami - Oakland pulled out the "W" last, week, unlike Miami, but I feel Miami's been playing well as of late.
ATL @ HOU | Atlanta - I still don't think the Texans know who's starting at QB this week.
TEN @ BUF | Buffalo - After Stevie's dreadful choke job, I'm really hesitant to pick Buffalo, but I'm doing it anyways.
KC @ CHI | Chicago - Caleb Hanie looked strong in the 2nd half--and if Kyle "The Neckbeard" Orton is starting, I'm not really all that worried.
NYJ @ WAS | New York - I feel New York still may have a long shot at the playoffs.
CIN @ PIT | Pittsburgh - That AJ Green kid is really something, but James Harrison still scares me.
BAL @ CLE | Baltimore - Ravens looking more and more like favorites coming going into the playoffs.
CAR @ TB | Carolina - Hesitant to pick a guy who calls Haynesworth a mentor.
DEN @ MIN | Denver - Ponder is coming along nicely, but Tebow and Von Miller have the Broncos looking playoff worthy at the very least.
DAL @ ARI | Dallas - Romo is making detractors look silly.
GB @ NYG | Green Bay - Packers again. Somebody stop them, please.
STL @ SF | San Francisco - If the 49ers were playing a bigger threat, I'd say they lose this week.        
IND @ NE | New England - This isn't even fair.

Mon, Dec 05
SD @ JAC | San Diego - Jacksonville has been money for the Bad QB League this year.

Thanks for reading guys.

The Sporacle versus "The Experts" in Week 12

Thanksgiving was a great day for NFL football.

Romo and the Cowboys pulled out a close one versus the up 'n coming Dolphins. The Harbaugh brothers battled in the Ravens, 49ers game. Big bro came away with the win. (I'm curious to see how they bounce back next week.) Of course, the Packers won again--while Suh showed just how dirty he really is.

The playoff races are heating up, and I'm loving it. How 'bout you?

P.s. The Tebow train is still rolling.


Suh stomping the competition...literally.



Weekly Wrap-Up
Virtually identical versus the pro's this week. Good week.

The Sporacle's Picks in Week 12 | 12-4 (.750)
The Experts average in Week 12 | 118-39 (.751)

Thanks for reading.