notjustagame23@gmail.com

Another positive week almost guarantees an above .500 year picking against the spreads. Check around and you won’t see very many people that have done that this season. Week 17 is always tricky to handicap. Teams are sitting players and teams that are out of it are looking to their youth to see what they have for next year. Predictability hasn’t been a part of the 2010 season all year, so will move forward and expect another unpredictable weekend.

Overall Record: 124-113-4

Last Weeks Record: 9-6

Kansas City -3.5- The Chiefs are headed back to the playoffs because they dominated their division. They’ll tack on another win at home. A scary AFC team to face in the playoffs.

Miami +4.5- Besides their early season blowout home loss to New England, Miami has been in all their games. Traveling to New England is what Miami needs to end their year at .500. They’ve been a tale of two different teams and fare well on the road. They’ll hang around in this one and get the cover.

Indianapolis -10- The Colts are getting healthy at the right time. Manning will show on Sunday that they’re not going to be a quiet team entering the playoffs.

Houston -3- Both the Jags and Texans are banged up. Trent Edwards will get the start and try to fill in for David Garrard. With Andre Johnson out, expect a heavy load of Arian Foster.

Pittsburgh -5.5- A tough game to call here, but based on the Browns offensive woes lately, they’ll have a tough time scoring ten points. Pittsburgh should get in the mid 20’s and roll.

Cincinnati +9.5- Odd that the Bengals are performing better with Chad Johnson and TO sidelined. Hmmm.

Detroit -3.5- All it takes is one game tape on a new player to figure someone out. That’s how quick the NFL defensive coordinators can react. Detroit attacks with the best of them with their front four and will cause havoc for Joe Webb.

NY Giants -4- A loss here to end the year and the Coughlin speculations will surface to the top of coaches on the hot seat. His been down this road before and always digs himself out.

Green Bay -9.5- With the Bears likely resting their players this is a meaningless game for them. We all saw how their backup quarterbacks fared against the Giants and Panthers. They may have the worse backup quarterbacks in the NFL.

NY Jets -1- Buffalo has fell backwards and it’s been because of the quarterback play. Fitzpatrick did a solid job for the most of the year, but the lack of a true running game has caused him to become turnover prone. The Jets defense will step up in this one after being torched as of late.

Carolina +14- The trend of teams covering double digit spreads has been awful. As bad as Carolina has been will take the points here.

New Orleans -7.5- This team is gaining more momentum to the finish the season than anyone. They fought hard to pull out the victory and end Matt Ryan’s home streak. Now they’ll finish off Tampa Bay and end their playoff hopes.

St. Louis -3- Seattle has been one of the worst teams in the NFL the last eight weeks. St. Louis struggles to get touchdowns on their red zone drives, but they’ll do enough to win the division.

San Francisco -6- Everyone saw how poor the Cardinals offense was on Christmas Day. They survived because of their defense stepping up. San Francisco has the burden of Singletary in their ears constantly off their backs. They’ll respond in a positive way.

Denver +3.5- The Tim Tebow official 2011 starter continues with a finish and another win versus the disappointing Chargers.

Currently OTB

Dallas/Philly

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Two weeks left to pick from a wide selection of NFL games. Not only are games on Thursday, but Saturday games will occur as well. This is the part of the year where teams that are out of the playoff picture can be unpredictable. You have to be cautious when looking at those matchups. On the other hand young teams that are out of the playoffs tend to finish the season strong to build towards next year. We’ve got a couple of those teams that are underdogs as our picks this weekend.

Overall Record: 115-107-4

Last Week’s Record: 7-9

Arizona +7- One thing about Arizona is that they have been a decent team at home. Were not saying that translates to a win, but covering seven will be a possibility. Dallas hasn’t looked as strong as they did during Jason Garrett’s first few games as interim coach. Instead they’ve reverted back to poor defense and special teams miscues.

Detroit +3.5- Detroit is one of those teams that is an exciting young team building forward. If Stafford hadn’t been out with injuries this team could of easily won six or seven games. Miami has all types of issues. Quarterback, Chad Henne has struggled all year and the offense can’t muster points. 3.7 yards per carry combined between Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams isn’t going to cut it.

Philadelphia -14.5- We hate taking the bait of double digit points, but in this game we have too. Joe Webb will step back onto the field, and obviously isn’t ready for this type of situation. The defense just gave up over forty points to a Bears team that has been offensively challenged all year. We’ll bank on a Kevin Kolb appearance in this blowout.

Washington +7- Even with MJD being listed as out we still liked Washington in this game. Jacksonville’s been a team playing above their record for awhile. Sure they’ve managed to pull out some close wins, but they’re not a playoff caliber team. Too many holes defensively, and Garrard is a hot/cold quarterback.

San Francisco +2.5- The division will become interesting once the 49ers get this victory. Switching to Troy Smith this week was a smart move by Singletary. His legs and ability to extend the play will pose problems for the Rams defense. Over the last two to three games, Bradford seems to be entering a rookie slump period. The offense has had too many three and outs, and has lacked any spark via the pass.

Tampa Bay -6- Seattle just can’t slow down teams that have a top twenty rushing attack. Tampa Bay is borderline of that, but is coming of a devastating loss to the Lions. They won’t have two consecutive let downs. Raheem Morris is a well liked coach by the Bucs and his team will play to his standards this weekend.

New England -7.5- Buffalo covered a double digit spread earlier this year at New England. Home or away this Patriots team plays to the same beat. Their defense will respond after last week’s ripping by the Packers. The offense is never a question.

New York Jets +1- This is where the Rex Ryan defensive background will come to the fore front. All year the Bears have got away with the short route throws with no running game. That plays into the hands of the Jets. Jay Cutler is coming off a game where he actually threw some decent balls. If he gets pass happy this game could get ugly into the Jets favor.

Baltimore -3.5- You hate to lose that half point, but Baltimore has too repay this Browns team for what they did earlier in the season. Making a game of it when there shouldn’t have been a challenge. We believe this will be the game Baltimore clamps down defensively, after having a tough month.

Kansas City -5- Matt Cassel doesn’t throw the ball much every game, but when he does it’s usually a quality play. The team was out of sync the first quarter against the Rams, but started rolling off points with three consecutive drives for points. Tennessee’s beat down over the Texans was just a mirage. They’re a team embroiled with needs for change, while the Chiefs are looking at hosting a home playoff game.

Oakland +3- If you watched the Colts last week, once Collie exited with another concussion the offense lost all its rhythm. Manning just doesn’t have the chemistry with Blair White and others out there. Reggie Wayne is blanketed all day due to the fact that Dallas Clark is out. This will be a big upset as the Raiders will be able to run the football and put up points.

Denver +2.5- Yes, Tim Tebow will get his first win. Houston loves to try and dig themselves out of holes. Trailing big in more than a handful of games this year. This loss here could spell the end for Gary Kubiak.

Green Bay -3- The Packers are more than happy to have Rodgers back for this one, as they’ll have to air it out to win. This game won’t be a touchdown explosion affair that many would expect. It’ll have big plays but both defenses will be ready. Take the under in this one, and Green Bay pulling off a close win.

San Diego -7.5- Talk about another team that has decisions to make. Cincinnati has major ones. Quarterback Carson Palmer has had an awful season. At receiver they have an option for Chad Johnson, and likely have already parted ways with TO. It’s one of those games where the team steps onto the field and delivers a poor performance that symbolizes their entire year. Blowout city here.

Atlanta -2.5- This division is now Atlanta’s, and the NFC will have to figure out a way to end Matt Ryan’s phenomenal home streak in the playoffs. This team just wins at home, and they’ll get the season sweep over the Saints on Monday night.

notjustagame23@gmail.com　

Only three more regular season weeks of a full slate of NFL games. Last week was a battle where some backdoor covers cost us a few games. Still we finished at .500 grabbing big wins in the primetime Monday Night games. Check and see who we have before you go to your sports book.

Last Week’s Record: 8-8

Overall Record: 107-98-4

San Diego -9- Just when you want to discredit the 49ers they hammer out a win, and just when you want to ride with the Chargers they disappoint. In order for the 49ers to have a chance they’ll have to ride the arm of Alex Smith. That’s never a good sign. As slim as the 49ers playoff hopes are, they’ll have to win their last two to have a chance.

St. Louis -3 – No line yet on this game but it should be a fairly close line either way. St. Louis has dipped a tad in their play lately, as Bradford finally showed some rookie signs last week. Getting back home, after three straight on the road should do the trick.

Houston +1- Talent wise like Jon Gruden was stating on MNF, Houston is towards the top of the NFL. Yet they love to hover and finish around .500. They’ll show against their divisional rival that they’re prepared to finish off the year strong. Who would of thought that Arian Foster would be far ahead of Chris Johnson as a back this year?

Jacksonville +5- Something about the Jaguars against the Colts brings about solid match ups every time. Last time the Colts were playing far above the Jaguars as nine point favorites and lost. Jacksonville has too much going with their running game right now. Jennings and MJD are a lethal tandem.

Arizona +2.5- 20 Punts combined will happen in this game. It’ll look like a preseason matchup more than a late season game. Jon Skelton gets the start again, and looks like the Cardinals want to set themselves up for a high draft pick. One thing Skelton did last week that we hope happens again, is that he protected the football. That hasn’t been the case for Carolina this year.

Cincinnati -1.5- Turmoil abound with the Bengals. What else is new? The fortunate thing for them is they play a quarterback that loves to throw pick sixes, just as much as Carson Palmer. If they get one early maybe the Bengals can show a flashback game of a year ago and handle business.

Buffalo +5.5- Miami’s back at home which means they’re bound for a loss. This is the classic big win slow start next game pattern. Except they never did anything offensively last game.

Philadelphia +3- Before in their matchup the Giants laid out all the schemes they could possibly think of. That still didn’t work. This time the Eagles will mix in more of LeSean McCoy. He is growing by the week as a bigger and bigger threat.

Dallas -6- The Dallas team that started off the year with high hopes, hasn’t forgot about week one. They had a no time left touchdown pass to win the game, only to lose on a penalty. It set the tone for the whole year. This time they’ll jump out early and often in a dominating win.

Tampa Bay -5.5- Drew Stanton had a horrendous game last week in the Lions win. His throws were inaccurate constantly, and drives really never got going. Luckily Aaron Rodgers missed a large part of the game, and the defense hung in their. Now that teams have footage of Stanton he is having a rough go.

New Orleans- +1- The Saints know the Ravens can be thrown on. Houston validated that as well as many teams have this year. It should be a shootout here but the Saints will show they’re a Super Bowl worthy team yet again.

Atlanta -6.5- It’s been hard to bare watching the Seahawks performances lately. They’ve been blown out by the Giants, Chiefs, Saints, and 49ers in a span of six weeks, and yet they still have a chance to make the playoffs. After another whooping by the Falcons you can waive those wishes goodbye.

Pittsburgh -6- A defensive caliber player such as Troy Palamalu just salivates for matchups like this. The Jets are reeling and it all starts at quarterback. Mark Sanchez has lost the LT/Greene running game he had earlier in the year. He adjusted and won some games with his arm, but in close fashion. Defenses have geared up for the pass now and the Jets have struggled to move the ball. An odd line but don’t be fooled on taking the Jets.

Oakland -6.5- If you missed out on watching the Cardinals Broncos game last week you’re lucky. Denver has lost all identity in a span of eight weeks. They let a rookie fifth round pick blow them out last week. The interim coach looked lost, and Orton did as well without Josh McDaniels to call the plays.

New England -14

Chicago -8

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Thursday football not only means fantasy football lineup submissions. It means brainstorming on that first game versus the spread. We’ve got week fourteen penned better than an Oprah book club nominee. Take a look at who we have with analysis on each pick.

Last Week’s Record: 7-9

Overall Record: 99-90-4

Indianapolis -3- As much as people want to see Manning lose and bring his woes up another level, everyone knows he is going to battle for this victory. As bad as the Colts issues have been, Tennessee’s is likely worse. They can’t get Chris Johnson back on track, and have switched quarterbacks more than the Oakland Raiders.

Oakland +4- Jacksonville’s played above their talent level all season long. They stay in games by controlling the ball, and limiting their turnovers. Oakland is riding high after their upset victory over the Chargers. Look for them to come out strong and force Jacksonville to get out of their slow attack.

Pittsburgh -8.5- We’re expecting a few defensive touchdowns in this one. Cincinnati is going to come out for the first few drives. Once those attempts don’t work, look for this team to pack it in. They have no heart and it’s showed all season. Blow out city.

New England -3- Tom Brady won’t have the ease of racing up and down the field as he did against the Jets. It’ll be a better battle. New England’s defense has to continue to show it’s growth in order for the Patriots to pull this one out. Yet, were taking the Patriots as they’ll win the turnover battle and make that extra big play.

Cleveland +1- Cleveland’s outing against Miami didn’t deserve a win, but they let the opposing team make the mistakes. This game has another sloppy outing written all over it. It’s been snowing like crazy in New York this week. Will see how the weather is on Sunday, but expect a low scoring punt fest here.

New York Giants- The line isn’t officially set here but the Giants are a playoff bound team. They’ve feasted on opposing quarterbacks with major weaknesses all season. There’s no doubt Brett Favre will start at the expense of the Vikings. He has nothing left out there but his streak.

Detroit +6.5- The Packers are the type of team that like to play close games. A lot of their wins they pull away at a point in the second half, but it takes awhile for them to get going. Detroit’s been hanging in all season against opposing teams. They’re ready for a signature statement win for 2010, and we think they’ll get it here.

Atlanta -7.5- This team wants to play at home in the playoffs. They’re not going to let a letdown happen against the Panthers to jeopardize that.

Washington +1.5-A team respects a coach that makes bold decisions. Shanahan did that by ending the tirade with Albert Haynesworth for the rest of this season. Washington’s had a rough go this past month, but is not nearly as bad as the team that took a butt kicking last week. Tampa Bay is reeling and we think they’ll have an after taste of last week’s crushing loss derail them.

St. Louis +9.5- There are people that keep saying the NFC West shouldn’t have representation in the playoffs. They’re not on national television much but St. Louis has played solid ball this year. Sam Bradford just doesn’t make mistakes. They have a few good drives a game and their defense has been a force.

Seattle +5.5- 13-10.….Which team wins, doesn’t matter. Seattle covers.

Miami +5.5- You can’t bet against the Dolphins on the road. It’s been a mistake all year as they just play better as a team. We all remember how Mark Sanchez ended last year on a tailspin almost costing the Jets a playoff spot. It won’t get that bad but Jets fans will be nervous in this one.

Denver– The difference in this game is one team has made a change. That’s Denver. The Cardinals have been horrific trying to move the football for five straight games.

Kansas City +6.5- Bettors can get ahead of the Chargers wagon jumpers now. Everyone’s betting on the fact that San Diego closes out years. Not this one, their play has been inconsistent due to numerous issues. The fact is Kansas City has played better this year, and will show it Sunday.

Philadelphia -3.5- Jason Garrett’s done this and that….yadda yadda yadda. How will he plan on disguising and blanketing against Mike Vick? He won’t. Then the game plan of running the ball twenty times each with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice will shift to air the ball. Everyone has seen when the Cowboys have been forced to throw they’ve struggled. With Dez Bryant out that spells double trouble, as he has been the only one to step up.

Baltimore -3- If Baltimore can get back to rushing the football, maybe they’ll get rolling again. Last year the Ravens rediscovered rushing the ball right about this time, and stormed over playoff opponents. Their play call to pass with three minutes to go just was atrocious. Watch them run and Ray Rice have his best game of the season.

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.