By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Turkey day did us well, and hopefully for the majority of you as well. The month of December is upon us. Bowl games, playoff pictures shaping up, and fantasy playoffs. It’s one of the best months of the year for football fans. Don’t free fall the bankroll you’ve built up all season. Let us guide you to some solid bets and stay away from games.

Last Week’s Record: 8-8

Overall Record: 92-81-4

Houston +8.5- Vick’s made it look easy all season long, now he’ll have to bounce back from a loss. We anticipate him having a rougher go at it to start this one off. Houston’s defensive line can pose some issues for Vick. In the end though it’ll be the air attack that from Vick that gets this win.

Buffalo +5.5- The Bills are underrated every week by Vegas. They’ve got great team chemistry but just can’t get a win. Until they fail miserably we will keep taking the points with them.

Miami -4.5- When you tick off a quarterback you like to see them respond the way Henne did last week. After being benched and wrote off, he came out and got it done without Brandon Marshall as a weapon. All Miami has to do is shut down Peyton Hillis and this will be a blowout.

Jacksonville- Regardless if it’s Kerry Collins at quarterback, there is no saving this Titans team. Remember Collins orchestrated to their 0-6 start last season.

Kansas City -9- McDaniels lost control of this team and likely will lose his job at the end of the season. The dink and dump looked so great early on in the year. What it does though is create a liability to rush their defense back on the field. They have no running game after making the bone headed trade of shipping Peyton Hillis.

Washington +7- Just when you’re ready to count out the Redskins they pull off a win out of no where. They’re a .500 team at best but hang tough in most games. Only against Philadelphia were they truly blown out.

Detroit – Do we trust Jay Cutler……no? We’d like to see Shaun Hill out there for this game, but if not Drew Stanton has experience and will likely have ten points to spare with.

Green bay -9.5- For whatever reason the Cardinals made the 49ers look like the NFL’s best. Reality comes back this week as the Packers will show them what a true contender looks like. Brian Westbrook becomes a feature back for the first time in a year and a half. Troy Smith’s inaccurate throws won’t just hit the ground versus the Packers.

New Orleans -7- It’s a game of turnovers in the NFL. Carson Palmer and the Bengals are good for an average of two to three a game. New Orleans will capitalize off of those and will predict they’re all from Carson Palmer’s arm.

Atlanta -3- They played Tampa Bay just a few weeks ago and won the game handily. They seem to be even better over the last three to four weeks. Pulling off major wins that has them destined for a home field advantage. Tampa is free falling fast. Another loss and their chances at making the playoffs is pretty much done.

San Diego -13- Oakland looked like they had a shot at something special when they ran all over Denver. Then the woes at quarterback began. No matter if it’s Campbell or Gradkowski they can’t find the rhythm that was there early on. This game goes back to a good old fashioned Chargers whooping over the Raiders.

Seattle -6- Seattle needs this to keep pace with the Rams. It’s a perfect matchup for them but they must stop the run. The Panthers have a good duel backfield with Stewart and Goodson. Last week the Seahawks were exposed by Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.

Dallas +5- Peyton Manning usually responds to criticism better than 90 percent of the NFL. It’s hard to do that when your team is in such poor shape with injuries. Dallas has too much talent to let Manning rip them apart by himself.

St. Louis -3- You’ve got to slate the Rams as the favorites to win the division. Their defense has rose up to the occasion, and Sam Bradford is playing better than any rookie has in a long time. Remember he stepped in and started from week one.

Baltimore -3- You can guarantee this spread will likely be dead on. All fares against the Ravens and Steelers have been close. Coming down to the last minute and decided by a field goal. There is no real advantage from a bettors standpoint. Keep the money in your pocket and try to win a prop bet on the game.

New York Jets +3.5- The Jets aren’t going to let Danny Woodhead beat them. They’ll take the Cleveland Browns philosophy and pound the ball down their throats. Expect heavy dosages from Shonn Greene and LT.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

We delivered with yet another .500 week. Making it ten of eleven weeks where we have delivered for our readers. There’s nothing like the last week of November. Getting your NFL wins early on Thanksgiving. Trending the last handful of turkey days, there have been quite a few blowouts. We believe we’ve got the green light on a 3-0 start, as well as a great lineup of week twelve selections.

Last Week’s Record: 8-8

Overall Record: 84-73-4

New England -6.5- Over the years the Lions have been abysmal on Thanksgiving. They could make this one a tad bit interesting than past blowouts. Once halftime concludes and the second half begins we believe the Patriots will pull away for an easy victory.

Dallas +3.5- This team is believing more and more with Jason Garrett. Talent has never been a question in Dallas. Accountability has. Garrett seems to be doing that.

Cincinnati +8.5- As bad as the Bengals have been playing, the Jets have failed to cover the last three weeks against subpar teams. Houston, Cleveland, and Detroit. Heading to overtime in two of the three. If Carson Palmer could ever go a game without throwing multiple interceptions this team would easily be .500. Maybe this will be the game he tones his picks down.

Washington -1.5- The Redskins are still in contention by the slimmest of chances. This will be a battle of quarterbacks that have faced their share of adversity inside and outside the locker room. Part of McNabb’s tenure as a quarterback is he finds a way to get his team to the playoffs. It’ll be a tough feat with his surrounding talent but he may just get them there.

Buffalo +6.5- It should be blistering cold and a grind it out battle in Buffalo. Running the football is going to be the main factor. Don’t look at last week’s blowout of Oakland as an automatic indicator of back to back easy blowouts for Pitt. Buffalo has played everyone tough this year. Ryan Fitzpatrick deserves some praise for stepping in and rallying this team.

Houston- With the embroiled on and off again battle between Vince Young and Jeff Fisher, the rest of the season looks to be dreadful for Tennessee. Chris Johnson’s been overworked and hasn’t came close to living up to expectations. Rusty Smith will get a start and be a top target for Houston to resurface in the AFC South.

New York Giants -7- Jacksonville’s staved off Jack Del Rio’s firing, and David Garrard’s seat on the bench with their November ride. This is the time where reality sets in. Jacksonville has holes galore surrounding their team, and happened to catch a few breaks to gather some wins. New York’s coming off a mistake ridden game that cost them a divisional victory. Were thinking Garrard’s three interception performance last week, won’t conclude a victory this time around.

Cleveland – How fast things have declined in Carolina. A few seasons ago they were hosting a divisional round playoff game against the Cardinals. Since Jake Delhomme’s epic meltdown this team has lost its identity all together. Now they’ll be ripped apart by an emerging Browns team.

Tampa Bay +7.5- This line has a lot more to do with non Tampa believers than it does with actuality. Baltimore has been hyped up too much in our books. Besides Anquan Boldin they’ve had a tough time finding a reliable receiver. Ahem, TJ Houshmanzadeh…Donte Stallworth. Derrick Mason’s made some big catches here and there but he is not a second receiver anymore. Thus, Joe Flacco has struggled to put together a complete game. Tampa hangs around in games and will get some big plays through the passing game with Mike Williams.

Philadelphia -3- All we have to say is Jay Cutler. This will be a game where Martz will have to do more than call a few quick slants to Jonny Knox and Devin Hester. Philadelphia will be ready for the Martz dink and dump approach. Their lack of talented receivers is going to make this an easy fare for the Eagles. Blowout city.

Green Bay +2- The Packers came into the year in a lot of minds as favorites in the NFC. They went through a tough stretch of losses mainly due to injuries. Somehow they’ve managed to piece their team together and look like contenders again. Atlanta may have that infamous one loss at home with Matt Ryan starting, but it’s headed for two this weekend.

Oakland- Miami doesn’t want to run the football for some reason and would rather drop back and throw without Brandon Marshall in the lineup. The play calling against Chicago may have ruined their season. Oakland on the other hand is going to go back to their bread and butter. Running the football. They should do it well, as Miami has had a tough time stopping the run lately.

Seattle +1.5- Probably one of the tougher games to call this week. You really can’t get a firm grasp of what these two teams are capable of. They’ve both had their struggles but have also had great weeks as well. Will rate this one in the hands of the home team, Seattle. It’s getting closer to December and this latest cold front has caused some snow and poor weather up in the Northwest.

Denver -4- This games a test of whether of not Josh McDaniels has his team aboard or not. They’ve taken a few drubbings and whispers are circulating on whether McDaniels has control of this team. A home game against the Rams is a good way to find out.

San Diego +3- The way Philip Rivers is playing he is willing his team to victories. His been down this road so many times that he knows what it takes to revitalize a team. With Vincent Jackson back it’s just what the doctor ordered for Philip Rivers. He is a surgeon right now the way he is slicing and dicing up secondaries. After this game he’ll be the clear front runner for MVP.

San Francisco -1- Monday night ratings have to be plummeting with these horrific matchups. No one cares to watch this one but they’ll be plenty of money riding on it. Frank Gore has some of his biggest games against the Cardinals. It’ll be another breakout game for him and Ken Whisenhunt’s name will have to surface on the hot seat.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

It was only a matter of time before a string of games caught us late. We took some bad losses with Cleveland giving up a touchdown instead of a field goal. Buffalo squeezing out only a two point victory and the flipside of a couple of blowouts. Staying above .500 on a weekly basis was almost done but last week’s 6-8 record put a halt to that. Were poised for a ten win week to bounce back.

Overall Record: 76-65-4

Last Week’s Record: 6-8

Miami -1- Miami is poised to start their first home win streak of the season. Even with Tyler Thigpen starting, Miami’s style of play doesn’t change. They’re a game managing team each week. As long as Thigpen gets protection and doesn’t turn the ball over, they will come out of this short week with another win.

Oakland +7.5- Pittsburgh seems to be having issues sticking to the run game since Roethlisberger has came back. In fact, they’ve been fortunate to win games against Miami and Cincinnati as of late. Oakland is playing some great football right now that just hasn’t been seen on a national level. Will take the points and this might be one of the better money line plays of the week.

New York Jets -7- We think Schaub will be out there, if not this line may get up to the double digit range. Either way we are anticipating a blowout. The Texans have struggled versus solid defenses all season. Rex Ryan’s been waiting for this type of matchup where his defense can win the game outright.

Baltimore -10- The Ravens have been awful in double digit favorite games, losing against the spread versus Buffalo and Cleveland. With Clausen in the game, you figure that the Panthers probably won’t score more than ten points. This could be one of the uglier games of the season as the Panthers have nothing to play for. With key injuries to star players that lessens the effort emphasis.

Washington +7- The Redskins have to overlook last week’s Monday Night nightmare. They’re still a .500 team and have a shot just like numerous teams at getting into the playoff picture. A loss here will crush those chances. Tennessee has been one of the more erratic teams this year. One week you think they can be an AFC favorite contender and the next they look like a bubble team. We like this to be one of the closer games of the week decided by a kicker with no time left.

Dallas -6.5- Now they’ll start rolling off some wins to cause a stir on whether Garrett should be named permanent head coach.

Green Bay -3- As much as we don’t want to root against Brett Favre, his year and career is done Blame it on Childress or whomever, but the Vikings lone wins have come by dramatic fashion against the Cowboys, Cardinals, and Lions. Green Bay’s played fabulous all season and is coming off a bye week.

Cincinnati -5.5- Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick might combine for six or seven interceptions this game, but Palmer will neutralize his turnovers a tad bit better.

Jacksonville -1- As we said last week, over the last six to seven weeks, David Garrard is playing at a top ten quarterback level. He has had these type of spurts throughout his career, and then fades into slumps like an NBA shooting guard. We think he’ll keep his magic rolling another week.

Arizona +8- Kansas City’s record all season has been better than their talent on the field. With their defense finally exposed it’s only going to show the glaring weaknesses of Matt Cassel. A big slide to end the year is forthcoming.

Seattle +12- Until New Orleans shows us a game where they play four quarters of football than will keep taking the points.

Atlanta -3- The way Matt Ryan and Roddy White are connecting the lines makers must be wanting to give this game to sports bettors. They exposed the vaunted Ravens defense by scoring in forty seconds. There may be strikes and drives quicker than that in this game.

Tampa Bay +3- The miracle talks of Mike Singletary and the 49ers winning the division at 7-9, or whatever other imaginary scenario will come to a screeching halt this week.

New England -3.5- For the first time in the matchups between the two, Peyton Manning may be overwhelmed. The Colts are to banged up to compete with one of the elite teams in the NFL. Maybe by playoff time this can be a good matchup. Manning’s even struggled in his last few wins due to lack of weapons.

Philadelphia -3- Let the Mike Vick all world MVP season continue.

Denver +10- The dink and dump offense gets stopped by no one. It’s frustrated opposing defenses so much that Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney are now catching deep balls for touchdowns.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

It’s a short NFL week as Thursday’s game makes us have to get our picks and lineups in a day early. Get use to it as the NFL has slated this for the next eight weeks. We’ve got your Thursday winner and another winning week ahead.

Overall Record: 70-57-4

Last Week’s Record: 7-5-1

Baltimore +1- Roddy White is expected to play not near full strength. He has been the catalyst to this offense. There other receivers our average at best and will force Matt Ryan into a few mistakes.

Cincinnati +7.5- Lots of points given to the Bengals here. The Colts have been fortunate to grab as many wins as they have, but in most games they play to the level of their competition. Cincinnati is going to play spoiler in a lot of games the rest of the season.

Jacksonville +1.5- One of the hottest quarterbacks in the league not being discussed is David Garrard. Buried on fantasy quarterback rankings he has outdone projections immensely. Houston’s bottom ranked defense is going to be in for a long day.

Tennessee +1.5- Miami is trying to rev up some mistake free football by inserting Chad Pennington. That’s a bad move to make when trying to move forward in years 2011 and 2012. Tennessee is going to embarrass Miami on their home turf.

Minnesota- -1- A season without Brett Favre not having mayhem surrounded by him and his team is just not possible. Minnesota’s ready to start rolling and get back in playoff position.

Buffalo -3- Win one…we think so.

Cleveland +3- The meltdown in the last four minutes that gave the Jets a win against Detroit, will not happen against the Browns. They’re playing fantastic football led by their defense. They’ve bought into Eric Mangini’s system and are going to be a team to reckon with next year.

Tampa Bay -6.5- Talk about a team that’s shut it down. Carolina appears ready to cut lose their long time coach, John Fox, after giving him no leverage the past few seasons. We all have witnessed Jimmy Clausen’s performances, this is a no brainer.

Kansas City -1- The last time Denver faced a double threat rushing attack, they were torched all game. The barrage of long runs might only happen in spurts this game but it’ll be enough for an ugly final score.

St. Louis +6- This will be a game that comes down to the last drive. The under is looking lovely in this one.

Arizona -3- Arizona is once again the favorite to take this division. This is a pivotal game but Derek Anderson should give the offense enough balance to pull off a few big pass plays. Arizona is also one of the better teams at home. Surprised this line isn’t more in the 4.5-5 range.

Dallas +13.5- Just when Wade Phillips gets axed watch the Cowboys step up and play to their talent level.

New England +4.5- Are the Patriots set for two straight losses to pull back to 6-3? It’s probable but they’ll cover this spread.

Washington +3- His whole career McNabb’s answered critics. The rest of this season he is showcasing himself for a handful of potent ional suitors, as he’ll be bolting from this toxic situation.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Talk about a week with Sunday Vegas action going up and down. Games looked well intact and then evaporated in the fourth quarter. Still we went 7-7 and have kept our winning ways moving forward. The worst week we’ve had was 6-7-1. All this season we’ve primarily favored underdogs on our slate more than favorites. This week though were bending that trend just a tad. We like the favorites in seven of the twelve games. Take a look at who we have penned.

Overall Record: 63-52-3

Last Week’s Record: 7-7

Buffalo +3- They’ve been so close to capturing that first victory. They’re due and the way Jay Cutler’s playing it won’t have to come down to overtime.

San Diego -2.5- Houston’s hitting their typical downward slide. Andre Johnson’s ankle isn’t 100 percent, and San Diego’s revved up to get back in the playoff picture.

New Orleans -6.5- No matter what the Panthers tried last Sunday against the Rams, nothing could be mustered offensively. The Panthers typically give the Saints a tough matchup, but not this time.

Arizona +9.5- This line is way out of control. Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will free up Larry Fitzgerald and get open against the Vikings horrible pass defense. Minnesota’s struggled to get just two wins versus Dallas and Detroit. They’ll get their third but not in a rout.

Atlanta -8.5- Vegas isn’t fooled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their 5-2 but could easily be well below .500. They’ve been fortunate in fourth quarters, but will be exposed early by the Falcons.

Detroit -+4- Last year when Mark Sanchez struggled he never bounced back well. We anticipate that being the case again. People want to hype him up as a second year veteran. Not so fast.

Miami +5- The last time these two played the Dolphins were bounced out of the playoffs at home. Dolphins players still remember that and will be out to seek a little redemption. They’re hanging around in every game. This is the test if they’re real or not.

New England -4.5- A shockingly mid level line here. Vegas has learned after giving the Browns a galore of points versus the Saints and Ravens. This is the time it should of hovered at 7 or 8.

NY Giants -6.5- Time to get off Seattle’s band wagon. Matt Hasselbeck is going to free fall the rest of the year and may not even play this weekend. It’ll be Charlie Whitehurst time within three to four weeks.

Oakland -2- The Raiders are turning into one of the most opportunistic teams in the league. They’re making plays in all phases of the game. Now that they’re winning the team is starting to believe.

Philadelphia -3- Probably the toughest game to call this week. Vick gets the start but which Vick will we see? He toyed with us all in minimal starts earlier this year. We think the Eagles as a whole believe in Vick and respond better overall with him on the field.

Green Bay -8.5- When a team gives up it’s evident. The Cowboys have, and need a new regime to uplift the saddest year from a franchise in a long time.

Cincinnati +4.5- This is the AFC North rivalry that stays competitive no matter what. Cedric Benson has went the entire year dragging his feet. Watch him break off a 100 yard game and provide balance to Palmer’s 300 yard game.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

We are now officially past the half way point this year. Kiss your fantasy football playoff hopes good bye if you’re not at least a game out from .500. Owners looking to keep stock piling depth for injury purposes or needing a spark; we have your waiver wire pickups for the week.

Quarterbacks

David Garrard- Quietly over the last month, Garrard has emerged as a solid fantasy option. After struggling mightily his first month, Garrard has a total of eleven touchdowns his last four games. The offense seems to be running a bit smoother but will have to see how he performs not playing a bottom rated defense. Give him credit for bouncing back as many thought he was on his way to the bench for good.

Chad Henne- More and more Henne is looking comfortable running the Dolphins offense. The problem isn’t the Dolphins moving the football, it’s scoring within the red zone. Dan Carpenter has made fantasy owners very happy by booting eighteen field goals already this season. We think over the second half of the season Henne will figure out how to get the ball to Brandon Marshall inside the red zone.

Derek Anderson- The Max Hall era seems to have come to a quick halt. Hall never looked like a viable starting quarterback, but Whisenhunt tried to sell him the best he could. Two quick pick six’s to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found Hall sitting on the bench. Anderson has had accuracy issues but should remain the Cardinals starter the rest of this season. Fitzgerald’s healthy now, and Steve Breaston returned this past week in a big way.

Troy Smith- It appears that San Francisco will let their next few games ride on Troy Smith’s shoulders. After having a hard time moving the ball during the first half, Smith got things going and saved Mike Singletary. The throws he made for big plays could have easily been intercepted. What makes Smith entertaining is what he can do with his feet. He’ll extend the plays and should benefit greatly by having one of the better backs in the league.

Mike Vick- He should be announced starter again as he is apparently back to full health. The Eagles have a solid chance at making a run for a wild card birth. We think the Vick that everyone will see won’t be as potent as the one we saw earlier this year. He’ll provide enough statistically to warrant being a rated quarterback in the ten to fourteen range.

Running Backs

LaRod Stephens-Howling- Patience is growing thin with running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Both have struggled with fumbling woes. Hightower drew just one carry Sunday, while Howling was a tremendous spark for the Cardinals. He broke a thirty yard touchdown and has been dynamite on special teams. He is the type of guy that needs more time on the field with his game breaking abilities.

Mike Tolbert- San Diego actually implemented a balanced attack against the Titans. There questionable play calling all season shifted to a rush attack against the Titans. Tolbert carried the ball eleven times, Sproles four, and Matthews fifteen. Look for the Chargers to keep to this offensive game plan for the rest of the season.

LeGarrette Blount- We’ve profiled him for the past month, hopefully you listened. He’s still available in a wide array of leagues. That won’t last much longer after his breakout game against the Cardinals. The game plan Sunday featured Blount as the main back, with Cadillac Williams/Earnest Graham as third down backs. Scramble to the waiver wire.

Wide Receivers

Steve Breaston- Not often a player returns and provides a tremendous spark like Breaston did Sunday. He stepped in as if he had been playing all season. For the first time this year, Fitzgerald was able to get open because of an opposite legitimate threat.

Nate Washington- With Kenny Britt out for an extended time, the ideal replacement to emerge will be Washington. He actually has four touchdowns this season and should see obvious more targets now.

Robert Meachem- When Drew Brees officially gets out of his two month rut, the Saints will once again have officially three fantasy wide receivers that you can start. Most owners have Lance Moore and Marques Colston. Meachem can be picked up and provide a spark as your third receiver or flex option. Brees doesn’t seem to have a favorite target but Meachem has been getting solid looks the past few weeks.

Brandon LaFell- Carolina’s running game with Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams figured to be one of the top rushing attacks in the league. They haven’t had it going. With Matt Moore in the lineup the past few weeks, the passing attack has been somewhat formidable.