Time to bring back the blog. I've been in need of writing more, given the shit that's stressing me out this season. I think this time of year just is never good for my overall mood when compared to other seasons. The past few Decembers have had some tests for my emotional well-being, and I've come out better for it. This December has been void of it, but like everyone in this wide world, I keep facing these tests (albeit in lesser forms than previous times) and facing them as well as I can.
This weekend sucks as far as plans go. Usually I have college football to fall back on when all else fails in the plan department, but all we got Saturday is the Heisman presentation that'll go to Cam Newton. I suppose I'll go to school tomorrow and mesh up a video to this hilarious news clip that my classmate Paul did for a newscast to get some experience with Final Cut software. At least winter weekends always close with football.
Herein lies a mini-stressor. Out of my four money leagues, I qualifed for the playoffs in three and am playing first round games in all of them, including making the playoffs in my $250 league for the first time. Trying to micro-manage every move and what will lead to the optimal team is mind-numbing. I learned it's always best to go with your gut and go from there and live with the results.
Obviously, another aspect of football weekends is the bets. And I will have no shortage of bets for this weekend. Probably do 5 bets as I did earlier in the year, but I'll just type up stuff on the ones I know I'm betting and add picks as Sunday afternoon nears.
NFL record thru 13+ weeks: 29-24, +$49 (won $40 on the over yesterday. My condolences to those who took Indy -3 or 3.5- what a joke)....
Week 14 picks, bets likely to be $55 to win $50
NO (-9) over StL: NO hasn't been home since thumping Seattle in Week 11, squeaking out a couple of comeback victories over Dallas and Cincy. St. Louis is much improved, but just about to close out the last of a 3-game road trip. The trip has started well with victories over Denver and Arizona, but I don't see St Louis contending in this game. Brees will have all of his weapons healthy for once, and while Thomas will be rusty, I expect Ivory to continue to impress. Bush will break the plane in this one. NO 34-17.
Cle (+1) over Buff: This matchup is especially mouth-watering for Cleveland, who have been smart this year and focused their winning efforts into giving Peyton Hillis the ball. Buffalo has the worst rush defense in the league. Hillis could approach 150 yards, 2 TDs in this one. Fitzpatrick has been solid for Buffalo, but I think the Cle rushing vs. Buf rushing D is the deciding factor in this one, especially if the weather is as bad in the Northeast as it's supposed to be. Cle wins 24-14.
Dallas (+3.5) over Phil: Dallas continues to impress since letting go of the buffet-clearing Wade Phillips. Garrett has them focused and relishing the role of spoiler, beating potential playoff teams like the Giants and Colts as a road dog and nearly beating the Saints, all without their Playboy quarterback in the game. I say they continue to attempt to play their spoiler ways in a shoot-out. Both teams will come out firing offensively. I see Dallas winning this straight-up 34-31.
Those are the only two I know I'm betting right now. Others I am considering right now are Detroit (+6.5) vs. GB (gut feeling on Detroit, not sure if I wil bet it); TB at Wash (+2) - Washington has been Jekyll and Hyde this year, and with Haynseworthless out of the picture, I feel a Washington focus not unlike that of Minnesota and Dallas with their coaching changes (Minn and Dallas are 6-0 combined against the spread (5-1 overall) combined since they fired their coaches);
Peace out folks.
