NFL 2010 - Week 17 picks.....

The final week of the NFL season has arrived and we still have division titles up for grabs, three NFC teams fighting for the final Wildcard spot and much of the playoff seeding still in play. There are a few games with absolutely no meaning this week, but overall a good final Sunday of games on the slate.

As for the picks, I was 11-5 both against the spread and straight up win/loss. Picked up two games on Mike and come into the last week two games behind for bragging rights.

Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and my wife, Morgan.

NFL Week 17 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

FALCONS (-14 1/2) over Panthers
BROWNS (+6) over Steelers
LIONS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
CHIEFS (-4) over Raiders
Dolphins (+2 1/2) over Patriots
Buccaneers (+8) over SAINTS
JETS (no line) over Bills
Bengals (+9 1/2) over RAVENS
Chargers (-3 1/2) over BRONCOS
PACKERS (-10) over Bears
COLTS (-8 1/2) over Titans
EAGLES (no line) over Cowboys
Cardinals (+6 1/2) over 49ERS
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
TEXANS (-2 1/2) over Jaguars
Rams (-3) over SEAHAWKS

Week 16 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 127-100-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 17: my wife, Morgan

Week 16 results: Mike (9-7) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (8-8)
2010 season: Mike (152-88) / Sal (150-90) / Guest (135-105)

Week 17 picks:
--- Panthers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Steelers at Browns ---
Mike --- Vikings at Lions --- Sal / Morgan
Morgan --- Raiders at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Patriots --- Mike / Morgan
--- Buccaneers at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Bills at Jets ---Sal / Mike
--- Bengals at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Chargers at Broncos ---
--- Bears at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Titans at Colts --- Sal / Mike
--- Cowboys at Eagles ---Sal / Mike / Morgan
--- Cardinals at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Giants at Redskins ---
Morgan --- Jaguars at Texans --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Rams at Seahawks ---

NFL 2010 - Week 16 picks.....

We are down to the next to last week of the NFL season and one can only hope that the games are as good as what we saw in week 15. Will the Giants bounce back after their tough loss to the Eagles? Are the Jets back on the right track?

As for the picks, another positive week going against the spread, which keeps me over 20 games on the "plus side". For the straight win/loss picks, Mike again won the week and has a four game lead heading into these final two weeks.

Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Tim.

NFL Week 16 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

STEELERS (-13) over Panthers
CARDINALS (+6 1/2) over Cowboys
BILLS (+8) over Patriots
BEARS (-2) over Jets
Ravens (-3) over BROWNS
Titans (-4 1/2) over CHIEFS
RAMS (-2) over 49ers
Lions (+4) over DOLPHINS
JAGUARS (-6 1/2) over Redskins
Chargers (-7) over BENGALS
BRONCOS (+3) over Texans
Colts (-2 1/2) over RAIDERS
PACKERS (-3) over Giants
BUCCANEERS (-6 1/2) over Seahawks
EAGLES (-14) over Vikings
Saints (+2) over FALCONS

Week 15 picks: 9-7
2010 season: 116-95-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 16: podcast listener, Tim

Week 15 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (9-7) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (143-81) / Sal (139-85) / Guest (127-97)

Week 16 picks:
--- Panthers at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Cowboys at Cardinals ---
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Patriots at Bills ---
--- Jets at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Ravens at Browns ---
--- Titans at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- 49ers at Rams --- Sal / Mike / Tim 
--- Lions at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Redskins at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Chargers at Bengals ---
Mike / Tim --- Texans at Broncos --- Sal
Sal / Tim --- Colts at Raiders --- Mike
Tim --- Giants at Packers --- Sal / Mike
--- Seahawks at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Vikings at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike --- Saints at Falcons --- Tim

Fantastic Finishes - The SFB Podcast (12/21/2010).....

On Sunday, four NFL games were determined on the last play of the game (led by the Eagles comback over the Giants), while a few others were still up for grabs with a minute or so to go and all had some playoff implication attached to them. We'll look back at last week's games and discuss those great endings. Also a preview of the next to final week of the NFL season's schedule and a look at the playoff picture as it starts to get into better focus. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 15 picks.....

For the first time since 1992, I won't have to factor Brett Favre into the week's picks. Three games left on everyone's schedules and and only the Patriots have clinched a playoff spot. Quite a few nice match-ups this week and plenty of games with playoff and seeding implications. Who thought in week 15 the Colts could actually be knocked out of the playoffs?

As for the picks, the Redskins' holder and kicker helped Mike move ahead of me for the week and overall for the year. On the "spread" side, three "pushes" made the record nice, but I am getting tired of all these betting ties. Guess it is better than losses.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Len.

NFL Week 15 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

CHARGERS (-9) over 49ers
Browns (+1) over BENGALS
COWBOYS (-6) over Redskins
Texans (+1)over TITANS
COLTS (-5) over Jaguars
Chiefs (NL) over RAMS
Bills (+6) over DOLPHINS
Lions (+5) over BUCCANEERS
Cardinals (+2) over PANTHERS
Saints (+2 1/2) over RAVENS
GIANTS (-3)over Eagles
SEAHAWKS (+6 1/2) over Falcons
Jets (+6) over STEELERS
RAIDERS (-6) over Broncos
PATRIOTS (NL) over Packers
Bears (NL) over VIKINGS

Week 14 picks: 9-4-3
2010 season: 107-88-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Len

Week 14 results: Mike (12-4) / Sal (10-6) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (132-76) / Sal (130-78) / Guest (117-91)

Week 15 picks:
--- 49ers at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Browns at Bengals --- Mike
--- Redskins at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Texans at Titans ---
--- Jaguars at Colts --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Chiefs at Rams --- Mike
--- Bills at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Lions at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Cardinals at Panthers ---
Sal / Len --- Saints at Ravens --- Mike
Mike / Len --- Eagles at Giants --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Len --- Falcons at Seahawks ---
--- Jets at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Broncos at Raiders --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Packers at Patriots --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Bears at Vikings ---

Now that's a Curveball! - The SFB Podcast (12/15/2010).....

As the baseball world was waiting for Cliff Lee to decide between the Yankees or Rangers, Lee threw the best curveball of his career and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Just a big "Wow!". Meanwhile, up in Boston they have a new leftfielder in Carl Crawford and a great looking lineup. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss the Lee signing and all the latest moves around the majors and we take a look at this year's Hall of Fame ballot. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: December 15, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Streak Stalled - The SFB Podcast (12/14/2010).....

After 297 straight starts in the regular season, Brett Favre was finally forced to miss a game. It has been a great run, one that started in 1992, and when we see all the players missing time each and every season, it just makes it even more amazing. As for the games on the field, the Patriots didn't suffer a letdown, but it looks like the Jets did. The Chiefs and Packers show they really need their starting QBs and it looks for sure like a team with a losing record will win the NFC West. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Weekend Happenings - The SFB Podcast (12/13/2010).....

While the NFL is king this time of the year, there are other sports and news from those sports going on at this same time. The Heisman Trophy was awarded to Cam Newton while the college football fans wonder if he will keep it. Urban Meyer leaves the Florida Gators and this time means it. The NBA and NHL are both over past the quarter-pole of their regular seasons and we are starting to see a few trends developing. We'll look at those stories, the upcoming NHL Winter Classic and a few pieces around the NFL as week 14 finishes up tonight. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 13, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 14 picks.....

We are down to the last quarter of the NFL season and there is still a large amount of good football and important football remaining. In the NFC it is starting to look like a very ggod team will miss the playoffs, while in the AFC we might be seeing the end of the Colts playoff run, but I for one will not bet against Peyton Manning until they are officially gone. As for the slate of games, it is good, but the game of the week will be the clash between the Patriots and Bears in Soldier Field.

As for the picks, Mike had a great week and we are tied going into these last four weeks. Should be fun on who gets bragging rights. For my picks against the spread, an even week is ok with me and keeps the record 14 games above the balance line for the season.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Cody.

NFL Week 14 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Colts (-2) over TITANS
Browns (+1 1/2) over BILLS
Packers (-6 1/2) over LIONS
Giants (+1) over VIKINGS
STEELERS (-9) over Bengals
REDSKINS (+1) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-7) over PANTHERS
JAGUARS (-4 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-9 1/2) over Rams
Seahawks (+4) over 49ERS
Patriots (-3) over BEARS
Dolphins (+6) over JETS
Broncos (+5 1/2) over CARDINALS
CHARGERS (-7) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (+3) over Eagles
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS

Week 13 picks: 8-8
2010 season: 98-84-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Cody

Week 13 results: Mike (13-3) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (120-72) / Sal (120-72) / Guest (105-87)

Week 14 picks:
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Colts at Titans ---
Sal / Cody --- Browns at Bills --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Packers at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Giants at Vikings ---
--- Bengals at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Buccaneers at Redskins --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Falcons at Panthers ---
--- Raiders at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Cody
--- Rams at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Sal --- Seahawks at 49ers --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Cody --- Patriots at Bears --- Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Jets --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Broncos at Cardinals ---
--- Chiefs at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Eagles at Cowboys --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Ravens at Texans ---

Baseball "Hot Stove" -The SFB Podcast (12/8/2010).....

How much money did Jason Werth get? Yikes. Guess the agents for Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford are happy, while the teams pursuing them need to find some more cash. Plus, we have had a few nice trades, including the movement of Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego to Boston. Also, the Dodger ownership possibly got messier. Paul Lebowitz will join me to discuss all of this and more as we look around the major leagues. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: December 8, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Patriot Pounding - The SFB Podcast (12/7/2010).....

I have been down on the Jets this year, despite their 9-3 record, but no way did I see a 42 point beating happening. Question is, how did the Jets let this happen? I'll look back at the action from week 13 and look at the playoff possibilities as teams play their final four games, many of which are match-ups between many of these playoff contenders. Also, while all the attention was on the AFC early in the year, the NFC has moved up to the NFL big boys' table. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 7, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Homecoming King - The SFB Podcast (12/3/2010).....

LeBron James' return to Cleveland did not play out anything like Cavalier and Cleveland sport fans wanted it to and was probably the worst scenario possible. Blowout Heat win, James scoring 38 and seeing his former teammates joking with him has to feel like a punch in the gut to Cavs' fans. I'll give my impressions of "The Return" and the spotlight around it. Also last night, the Eagles and Michael Vick needed a 4th quarter comeback to beat the Houston Texans, and the NCAA says Cam Newton won't be punished for his dad, Cecil Newton's mistakes. Think Reggie Bush and USC raised an eyebrow? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 3, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

College Football 2010 (Championship Week).....

College football has finally arrived at its final week with a few rivalry match-ups and the conference championship games. Auburn and Oregon are sitting with the BCS championship in front of them, but they can't trip up looking forward to January 10, 2011 and forget about this week's opponents. By Sunday night we will know the match-ups for the BCS games and all the other postseason bowl games.

Week 14 games:

ARIZONA (#23) over Arizona State
Auburn (#2) over South Carolina (#19) --- SEC Championship
Virginia Tech (#15) over Florida State (#21) --- ACC Championship
Oklahoma (#9) over Nebraska (#13) --- Big 12 Championship
Oregon (#1) over OREGON STATE
USC over UCLA

Week 13: 2-4
2010 season: 49-25

NFL 2010 - Week 13 picks.....

More good match-ups this week, especially in the Sunday and Monday night games as four of the best five AFC teams will be meeting to see who jumps into the division leads and top two seeds for the AFC after the week is completed. Last week gave us a very good Green Bay / Atlanta match-up and we can only help the two AFC offereings are as good.

As for the picks, good weeks against the spread and just straight winners (jumping ahead of Mike for the season), but I will not hurt my arm patting my back as it can change very quickly to negative side.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Travis.

NFL Week 13 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Texans (+7) over EAGLES
Saints (-6 1/2) over BENGALS
Bears (-3 1/2) over LIONS
PACKERS (-9 1/2) over 49ers
TITANS (NL) over Jaguars
Broncos (+6 1/2) over CHIEFS
Browns (+5 1/2) over DOLPHINS
Bills (+6 1/2) over VIKINGS
Redskins (+8) over GIANTS
CHARGERS (-12 1/2) over Raiders
SEAHAWKS (-6 1/2) over Panthers
Falcons (-2 1/2) over BUCCANEERS
Rams (+3) over CARDINALS
COLTS (-5) over Cowboys
RAVENS (-2 1/2) over Steelers
PATRIOTS (-3) over Jets

Week 12 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 90-76-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 13: podcast listener, Travis

Week 12 results: Mike (10-6) / Sal (13-3) / Guest (11-5)
2010 season: Mike (107-69) / Sal (109-67) / Guest (93-83)

Week 13 picks:
--- Texans at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Saints at Bengals ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Bears at Lions ---
--- 49ers at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Mike / Travis --- Jaguars at Titans --- Sal
--- Broncos at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Browns at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Bills at Vikings --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Redskins at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Raiders at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Panthers at Seahawks --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Falcons at Buccaneers ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Rams at Cardinals ---
Mike --- Cowboys at Colts --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Steelers at Ravens --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Travis

Hot in Cleveland - The SFB Podcast (12/1/2010).....

It may be around 32 degrees in Cleveland tomorrow, but the return of LeBron James will make it the hottest day in Cleveland history. NBA Security and the Cleveland police are working together to try and keep the peace and the NBA is expecting huge TV numbers. Will Cleveland "stay classy" or will we have a "black eye" event?

Plus, I'll look back at some of the big games from week 12 and look ahead to the two primetime clashes set for week 13. Also, some other NFL news and what is going on around the baseball off-season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 1, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.