NFL Week 4 Picks

Treaded water last week.  7-6-3 on sides and 9-6-1 on totals.  Season total:  48-41-7.  So we’re about dead even for the year, factoring in juice.  Of course the golden lock hit.  Have I mentioned I love Vince Young? 

Alas, he’s got the week off.  Rest up, Vince.  I’m putting the pink slip on you next week.

To the picks…

Baltimore at Cleveland +4.5 (40) - Under

I really like the under here.  The side, not so much.  Tough call.  Cleveland’s been playing people close - got screwed in Oakland last week, but still covered.  This one’s gonna move when everyone loads up on Baltimore.  Let ‘em hear you, Dawg Pound.

Chicago -3 at Detroit (45) - Under

 Again, I like the total a lot.  I’ve gotta think the defense + Griese makes the difference.  Grossman has yet to cover this year.  I think the Bears might make a run with a C+ at quarterback instead of an F-.

Green Bay -2 at Minnesota (3 - Under

I refuse to believe in Green Bay.  But the Vikings are thunder stinky.  This might move to more than a field goal.  Beware.  It’ll be tight.  Green Bay’s D and special teams, not Favre, will make the difference.

Houston -2.5 at Atlanta (39.5) - Under

 Look away, this game’s hideous.  The Texans are playing smart, tight football.  Gave Indy all they wanted.  Atlanta, well, they smell funny.  This one’s ugly.  Can’t believe I’m giving points with the Texans on the road.

Jets at Buffalo +3.5 (37) - Over

Yet again, I’m stronger on the total.  I really don’t know about the side.  The Bills have been getting rolled and the Jets look relatively spunky.  I don’t know.  Give me the  points.

Oakland +4 at Miami (41.5) - Under

Love the Raiders here.  Might want to load up on ‘em - or throw ‘em on the moneyline.  This is also a lot of points for two crappy offenses.  I’m big both ways here.  Though not quite golden lock material.

St. Louis at Dallas -13.5 (46.5) - Over

White running back alert.  White running back alert.  Rams are in big trouble - no Pace and no Steven Jackson.  Cowboys can stay light in the box and drop some guys back into coverage, if they’re smart.  By kickoff this will be 16.  Not to worry.  I say play the over in the Cowboys games from here on out.  You’ll win more than you’ll lose.

Seattle at San Francisco +1.5 (41) - Over

I’m not impressed with Seattle.  This one’s a little skewed because of the beating Pittsburgh gave the Niners, but that game was closer than the final score.  This one goes way over.

Tampa Bay at Carolina -3 (39.5) - Over

This is assuming Delhomme plays.  Well, I have to assume that, seeing as I’m making my picks on Friday.  Either way, it goes over.  I refuse to sell myself on Tampa.

Denver at Indy -10 (47.5) - Under

Pretty simple.  Indy’s D is good, Denver’s O is bad.  Especially if Javon Walker is out.  This one will be ugly.  Denver won’t score much.

 KC +13 at San Diego (40) - Under

Another week, another cover for Herm.  To quote Costanza, Let’s get nuts!

 

Stupid like a fox.  Don’t let ‘em wear you down, Herm. 

Pittsburgh at Arizona +6 (42.5) - Under

Pittsburgh, Green Bay, and Tampa have been burning me.  Not anymore.  I refuse to believe Pittsburgh is that good.  And it’s costing me every week.  Arizona is scrappy.  They stick around.  Nice backdoor cover last week against the Ravens.  Plus, this one should be over a touchdown by kick off.  Too many points.  Under.

Philly at Giants +3 (4 - Under

New York is about to turn it around.  Mark my words.  This total is astronomical.  Even with iffy defenses.  Giants win outright, in a rumble.

New England +7.5  at Cincy (54) - Under

Yet again Coach gives you the golden lock of the week on Monday night.  Nothing better.  Ride the Patriots til they don’t cover.  I’m scared to play the under here, but my mother taught me to never play over 53 on Monday night games.

Kevin Durant is 1st Rookie to Endorse Gatorade

I’ve always been a big Kevin Durant fan. I watched every game he played at Texas last year, and attended the majority of his home games. The guy just has that “thing” where you know he’s going to be a star.

When Portland drafted Greg Oden #1, I thought immediately that they’ll regret passing on Durant. Although, I do understand why the Trailblazers took Oden, as he looks like a great talent. But I just feel that Durant has more upside…and no, my name is not Bill Simmons. And now that Oden is out for the entire year, I really think the people of Portland are going to agonize over how great Durant is. But we’ll see.

This week came word that Durant signed a multi-year deal to endorse Gatorade. Durant is the first rookie ever to be signed by Gatorade to endorse their sports drinks. And Durant is only the 3rd NBA player, along with Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade, who will endorse Gatorade. So obviously Gatorade sees something very special in KD to sign him this early.

Durant also has endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports and Upper Deck.

Here is a nice, little article from the Seattle Times about Durant. Humble? Yep. Motivated? Yep. Charismatic? Yep. I think he’s a NBA star in the making.

Now my favorite player (Kevin Durant) will be endorsing my favorite drink (Fierce Grape Gatorade).

What’s your favorite Gatorade flavor?

Ronaldinho Playing for Chelsea?

According to the London Telegraph, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho’s brother has been talking to Chelsea FC. The report says that there have been two meetings between Chelsea’s owner, Roman Abramovich, and Ronaldinho’s people. The conversations are about Ronahldinho moving over to play for the English Premiere League giant.

It’s reported that Abramovich made an offer to make Ronaldinho the highest paid soccer player in Europe. And the offer would have to be considerable as Ronaldinho’s current contract with Barcelona has an $171 Million dollar buyout. And the contract to Ronaldinho would need to exceed the $260K per week that Chelsea is already paying defender John Terry.

Wow, that’s some serious money. Hard to see a deal coming together when the numbers are so high. You could get a nosebleed just thinking about the amount of money that would change hands. But Abramovich is a billionaire, and has always spent lavishly to attract the best soccer talent to Chelsea. So I guess anything is possible.

My prediction: This is all just smoke and mirrors, and Ronaldinho stays with Barca. The EPL transfer deadline is Friday, and I can’t see a deal this large going down in the next 48 hours, even if they have already met twice.

Why is this man smiling?
You would be too if you already earned $32 Million dollars per year…and might be about to get an even BIGGER contract.

Coors Light Replaces Bud as Official Beer of Nascar

I’m shocked, shocked I tell you. I thought Nascar was supposed to be some kind of macho, redneck sport. And now today they announce that watered down Coors Light is replacing The King of Beers (aka: Budweiser) as the Official Beer of Nascar. The deal is a 5 year deal valued at $20 Million dollars ($4 MM per year). It’s the second large sponsorship deal that Coors Light has done in recent years, they also have a $100 Million dollar deal with the NFL.

I’m a Miller Lite man myself. But if I’m not drinking that I typically go with a Bud product. Coors Light? Let’s just say they are way down on my list after Keystone, Nattie Light and Zima. I’ve never been a beer snob, so pretty much any light, cold, free beer makes me happy. But Coors Light doesn’t do it for me, it’s just not that great a beer. I think I could mix water, hops and barley together and make a more potent beer.

So I’m shocked today when Nascar decided to replace The King of Beers with the King of Watered Down Beers (aka: Coors Light). What’s next for Nascar? Sponsorships by Playtex, Victoria’s Secret or Pottery Barn? If Nascar isn’t careful it’s going to lose it’s redneck image. And yes, I know they are working very hard to lose that image. But that’s a move that still doesn’t make any sense to me, because rednecks are the one’s who support Nascar.

What’s your beer of choice?

My top 5 beers:
1) Pacifico
2) Miller Lite
3) Carib
4) Dos Equis Green
5) Red Stripe

NFL Picks - Week 3

Old Coach made a little comeback last week:  9-6-1 on the sides, 11-5 on the totals.  And the golden lock hit.  That puts us back to 32-29-3 on the season.  Just about even, when you factor in the juice.  The practice rounds are over.  Let’s pad the account…

Picks in bold.

Arizona +7.5 at Baltimore (35) - Over

Does any team consistently win uglier than Baltimore?  If they ever had a mediocre offense, they’d win a Superbowl.  Oh, wait, they won one without a mediocre offense.  Anyway, they’ll beat the Cards - who have been spunky so far this year, but it’ll be surprisngly tight.  And just squeak over.

Buffalo +16.5 at New England (42) - Over

Everything’s pointing to a New England blow out.  I learned a long time ago, the hard way, when everyone’s loaded up on one side, Vegas makes money.  And the whole world is already hopping on the Pats.  It moved 1.5 points in about an hour.  Classic letdown game.  It might even be close.  But with 16.5, it doesn’t have to be.  Buffalo will score three touchdowns.  Mark my words.

Detroit +7 at Philly (43.5) - Under

I don’t care if Kitna is playing.  This line is ridiculous.  If Philly is less than perfect at home, their fans turn on them - just like Monday night.  They might have a better chance at Detroit.

Indy -6 at Houston (47.5) - Under

Sucker bet written all over it.  Houston’s been sparky.  Indy struggled against Vince and the Titans.  I don’t care.  This is the Texans vs. the Colts.  Read that sentence again.  It won’t be close.  Houston won’t score much.

Miami at the Jets -3 (35.5) - Over

Yuck.  Gotta take a home team sooner or later, right?  Over.  Why not.

Minnesota at KC -2.5 (34) - Over

Only two men warrant a picture this week.  Don’t be afraid.  It worked last week.  Hop on the crazy train.  Several open seats.

San Diego +4 at Green Bay (43.5) - Under

Coach has LT in two fantasy leagues.  Coach isn’t doing so well in two fantasy leagues.  Norv Turner has somehow turned one of the most potent offenses in the league into an ungreased wheel.  That’s impressive in itself.  Green Bay is living on borrowed time.  Borrowed time = Brett Favre is due to throw three behind the back picks inside his own ten yard line.  This could be sloppy, thanks to a good Packers D and Norv Turner, but the Chargers should separate by the 4th quarter.

San Francisco +9 at Pittsburgh (3 - Over

All right, all right, let’s everyone take it easy on the Steelers.  This line is way, way too big.  They’re not going to blow everyone out.  And the Niners are better than the Bills and the Browns.  Pittsburgh will give up some points this week.

St. Louis +4 at Tampa Bay (38.5) - Over

Go figure on the Bucs.  Beats me.  Can’t give up on the Rams.  Even without Pace.  This one’s a shootout.

Cincy +3 at Seattle (50.5) - Under

Giving up 50+ to the Browns has to be a fluke.  Right?  Right?  Cincy is a mystery wrapped in handcuffs.  I’m not sold on this Seattle team.  That’s a high total.  Flip flop.

Cleveland at Oakland -3 (39) - Under

Oakland got it in the tail last weekend.  Crushing loss.  That Cleveland-Cincy game is why the NFL is so spooky.  Nobody in a million years would have guessed they’d hang 51 on the Bengals.  Or win (though I warned everyone Cincy was a sucker bet).  Anyway, Cleveland comes back to earth.  Look away, this game will be hideous.

Jacksonville +3 at Denver (35.5) - Over

Yuck.  Broncos are on borrowed time.   Turn away from this one too.   I don’t recall an NFL season with so many low totals.  Maybe they need to let the boys start roiding again.

Carolina -4 at Atlanta (36) - Over

It’s gonna be a long year for Atlanta.  No Cinderella story.  Carolina will bounce back.  Might score 36 on their own ball.

Giants +4 at Washington (41) - Over

Are the Giants that bad?  Will Coach bet ‘em every week just to find out the hard way?

Cowboys +3 at Bears (42) - Under

Interesting game.  The best offense in the NFC against the best defense in the NFC.  Rex Grossman is just awful.  I can’t bet on him, even at home.  Bears have yet to cover, thanks to him.  This is a good matchup for Dallas.  Yes, Newman is out, but Rex Grossman is the quarterback for the Bears.  Cowboys win outright.  Bears only score on D.

Vince and the Titans +4.5  at New Orleans (45.5) - Under

I don’t know if New Orleans should be giving anyone points after those first two games.  I love Vince Young.  Very deeply.  Not only is he the most entertaining player in the league, he’s one of its biggest competitors.  He won’t let his team lose - very nearly pulled off a huge upset last week against Indy.  Plus, I bet on him every week.  And every week I win.  That’s why Vince and the Titans get the golden lock this week.  Load up all your Sunday winnings Monday night and watch Vince dance.

Yep, Vince gets the other picture this week.

Which Pop Star Would You Pick?

All of these women below are now seemingly over-the-hill Pop Stars. But back in 1999, each of these ladies had a top 20 hit on the Billboard’s Top 100 charts.

Now ask yourself two questions:
1) Which would I rather “have” now?
2) Which would I rather have “had” in her prime? (I think Britney & Christina were legal back then)

A) Britney Spears

B) Christina Aguilera

C) Jennifer Lopez

D) Madonna

E) Shania Twain

In-case you can’t recall their ‘99 hits, they were:
#2) “…Baby One More Time” - Britney Spears
#5) “Genie In A Bottle” - Christina Aguilera
#9) “That Don’t Impress Me Much” - Shania Twain
#10) “If You Had My Love” - Jennifer Lopez
#11) “Beautiful Stranger” - Madonna

I think I’ve got go with Britney back in the day. Now, she’s full blown crazy. So I’d probably take Shania. Christina is too short, Madonna has never been attractive to me and I’m afraid JLo is the World’s Biggest Bitch. So I take Shania (today) by default. I hope she still looks as hot as she did back in her early years.

And remember, Britney used to look like this:

Week 2 NFL Picks

Well, Coach let us all down last week.  6-8-2 on sides, 6-10 on totals.  12-18-2 is no way to start the season.  Lots of low scoring games.  It’s time for a bounce back.  Already.  I even lost my golden lock of the week.  Never again.  It’s time to stack some cheese.  

Picks in bold.

Atlanta +11 at Jacksonville (10.5) - Under

I know, I know.  Atlanta got blown out by lowly Minnesota.  But 11 is a lot of points, especially after the Jags lost at home to Vince and the Titans (sounds like a band name, to me).  This one is gonna be ugly, but I have faith in Atlanta’s D.  They only gave up one offensive touchdown last week.

Buffalo +10 at Pittsburgh (37.5) - Over

Buffalo gave Denver all they wanted last week.    Pittsburgh beat up on a crappy Cleveland team.  The theme this week is big lines and low totals.  In this case, if Buffalo can manage 17 points, it’s gonna be tough to lose both sides, if you play the over.  That’s my logic.  I’m sticking to it.  Plus, Buffalo might be extra motivated after last week’s tragedy.

Cinncinati at Cleveland +7 (41.5) - Under

Third dog in a row.  This is the definition of a sucker bet.  The whole world is gonna jump on Cincy.  Not me.  This will be scrappy from the beginning.  Cincy wins, but not by much.

Why am I posting a picture of this Bronco cheerleader?  Because she popped up when searching for Dawg Pound pictures.  I don’t hear any complaining.

Green Bay at New York Giants -2 (37.5) - Over

This one could move, depending on young Eli, who looked great against Dallas last week.  I’m not sold on Green Bay, even though they cost me my first golden lock of the season last week.  Giants roll, regardless of their quarterback, and this one goes way over.

Houston at Carolina -7 (39) - Under

Let’s not get overly excited about the Texans just yet.  I underestimated just how bad the Chiefs are, despite watching Hard Knocks regularly.  More on Herm later.  Carolina looked dominant on the road in St. Louis last week, especially on the defensive side.  This has blow out written all over it.  Texans might not score.

Indy at Vince and The Titans +8 (46) - Under Vince, for the second straight week, is more than a touchdown underdog.  I know Indy looked great against the Saints, but remember (all together now), Vince wins football games.  And in the rare instance he doesn’t, he has a chance.  If the Titans have a chance in the 4th quarter, they cover.  This total is way too high.  Both defenses looked strong last week. 

New Orleans -3 vs. Tampa Bay (41.5) - Over

Bounce back.  Brees goes crazy in this one and the Saints take it over on their own ball.  Tampa hung around Seattle for a while, but it was smoke and mirrors.  This could be ugly.  Which is good for me and you.

San Francisco +3 at St. Louis (44) - Under

One of the toughest games to call.  St. Louis could be in big trouble without Pace.  Neither offense looked particularly good last week, so I’m more sure of the under.  When in doubt, take the points.

Dallas -3 at Miami (41) - Over

I’m not afraid of a home dog.  Dallas looked unstoppable on offense and awful on defense.  Luckily, the Dolphin offense is horrible.  I mean horrible.  Dallas should walk - and get over 30 on their own ball.

Minnesota at Detroit -3 (42.5) - Under

Another tough one to call.  I’m not sold on Tavaris just yet.  Especially on the road.  The Lions D looked shaky early last week, but the Vikings offense is as bad as Miami’s - they only scored one offensive TD.  Detroit won’t score 36 every week.  Starting this week.  Under.

Seattle -2.5 at Arizona (42.5) - Under

Wasn’t impressed by either team, but if Seattle’s giving up less than a field goal against the Cards, you have to go with ‘em on principle alone.  Both offenses sputtered last week against not so great defenses.  Under.

KC +13 at Chicago (35.5) - Under Go ahead, I know you’re thinking it.  Just say it.  I’m as crazy as Herm Edwards. 

New York Jets +11 at Baltimore (33.5) - Over

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a double digit dog with a sub-34 total.  Is Baltimore that good?  Are the Jets that bad?  Both teams starting back up QBs. 

Gimme the points. Oakland +10 at Denver (37.5) - Over

Let’s see how many bad teams I can bet on this week.  This one goes way over.  Lock of the week alert.  Lock of the week alert.

San Diego +3.5 at New England (46.5) - Under

So much controversy.  The video camera.  The “disrespectful” celebration after last year’s playoff win (according to LT).  Belichick is turning into a villain right before our eyes.  I can’t imagine the Pats giving fewer points at home to anyone other than Indy.  I think it’ll be tight.  Gimme the points.  That’s a lot of points.  Under. 

Washington +7 at Philly (39) - Under Philly, last week’s golden lock, looked like crap.  Washington was spunky enough, if not entirely awful.  Both offenses sputtered.  This is crummy Monday night game.

Random Quote from Isiah

I saw this quote today in the NY Post from the Isiah Thomas & Anucha Browne Sanders sexual harassment trial. Brown quoted Thomas as saying, “Bitch, I don’t give a fuck about the sponsors. Bitch, I don’t give a fuck about ticket sales. That’s your job.”

I think that’s funny to me because I could really picture Isiah saying that. In-fact, I’m nearly sure he probably did. And recall, Isiah is the Head Coach and GM of the New York Knicks. One of the legendary franchises of the NBA, that has fallen on hard times under his watch. So you would think he would care about those things.

Isiah is a moron. He’ll get off on this sexual harrassment charges, but he’s still a putz.

Did you watch the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) the other night?

Britney bombed. She looked chubby, slow, uncoordinated, and possibly(hopefully) drunk. Back to the drawing to board as far as trying to salvage her career.

Chris Brown gave the best dance performance since Michael Jackson at the Grammys. It was awesome, and I wouldn’t normally say that about any guy dancing on stage. Definitely check it out here. (Link)

Who looked good? Rihanna for sure. But Ashlee Simpson and Jennifer Garner looked the best.

Britney’s butt

Ashlee Simpson - I love the dark eyes. Definitely holds her own vs. Jess these days.

Beyonce - She’s looked better. Very uninspired. She needed to look better on a night that Rihanna was going to get a ton of air time. You just know Jay-Z was like “Damn girl! Why can’t you look more like Rihanna?”

Rosario Dawson - Gorgeous. Who knew? She had never really done much for me.

Megan Fox - Sexy, but seems seems like a contrived, packaged commodity. Nothing real special about her. I think someone just tries to dress her up like Angelina and they tell her how to act sexy.

Jennifer Garner - Sultry! Beautiful eyes and dimples. She seems kind of goofy, and I like that. Not at all full of herself.

Hayden Panetierre - She looks 18, and that’s not a compliment. Though it was funny that they had her in a suite becasue she was too young to be in the casino.

Alicia Keys - Doesn’t do much for me.  Great performance though.

Nelly Furtado - The new hair color has to go, she looks 40 years old

Paris - Looks like my grandma.

Rihanna - Very sexy, love her accent.

Top 5 Richest Female Models

No, today we’re not just focused on looks. We’re talking money. Who are the models that bring in the most dough. Thanks to Forbes for the research. All based on 2006 earnings. So let’s compare the “assets” of the top ladies of the modeling world.

Top 5 Richest Female Models
1) Gisele (estimated $33 Million)

2) Kate Moss (estimated $9 Million)

3) Heidi Klum (estimated $6 Million)

4) Adriana Lima (estimated $6 Million)

5) Allesandra Ambrosio (estimated $6 Million)