Saturday, November 30, 2019

NFL Picks Week #13

So let's update the scoreboard including Thanksgiving games

Points: Bills, Bengals, Titans, Cowboys, Ravens, Bears (TH), Bills (TH), Saints (TH)

8-7 for a total of 84-76

Victories: Browns, Bills, Steelers, Bears, Saints, Titans, Pats, Ravens. Bears (TH), Saints (TH)

10-6 for a total of 114-64

So coming down the home stretch:

Packers (-6) @ Giants: Packers should be playing angry after getting blown out by the Niners. The Giants are in deep trouble in this one

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

Redskins @ Panthers (-10): This spread scares me a bit but Kyle Allen's renaissance against the Saints makes me more comfortable in taking the Panthers

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Niners @ Ravens (-5): The clear game of the week. Both teams like to run the ball so it should be a quick game relatively speaking. I want this to be close but I remember the Raiders coming east last week. And that spread is perfectly placed. Give me the Ravens

Points: Ravens
Victory: Ravens

Titans @ Colts (-1.5): PICK'EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Titans control their own destiny as they have 3 games left with the Colts and Texans. The Colts have been up and down and banged up all year. I like Tennessee because I just see more explosiveness from them right now

Victory: Titans

Eagles (-10) @ Dolphins: Should the Eagles be trusted with this sort of a spread on the road? I don't really know. I'm going to take the Dolphins with the points but not be happy about it

Points: Dolphins
Victory: Eagles

Buccaneers (-2.5) @ Jaguars: The Buccaneers have been this middling team that you hear about from time to time. Their defense is bad but I don't think the Jaguars can take advantage of that.

Points: Bucs
Victory: Bucs

Jets (-3) @ Bengals: UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!!!
This is the Bengals Super Bowl and they know it. Because of Washington winning last week, even if the Bengals get a win, their top pick is safe. They've brought back Andy Dalton specifically for the purpose of winning this game. Their defense has been hanging in tough.And I think they will go all in for this one.

Points: Bengals
Victory: Bengals

Browns (-2) @ Steelers: PICK'EM #2!!!!!!
The rematch of the Helmetgate incident. I think the Steelers will play tough, but the Browns seem to have found something in recent weeks. Give me the Browns to sweep

Victory: Browns

Rams (-3) @ Cardinals: Cardinals have been tricky this year but the Rams, like the Packers, would like to avenge an embarrassment the previous week.

Points: Rams
Victory: Rams

Raiders @ Chiefs (-11): Chiefs will win this game but in the tone of the previous contest, Raiders will show up and play hard after an embarrassment the previous week. Spread's a little big for me.

Points: Raiders
Victory: Chiefs

Chargers (-3) @ Broncos: Two teams who have cornered the market on heartbreaking losses. In this case I just think the Chargers are just more talented and they will win.

Points: Chargers
Victory: Chargers

Patriots (-3) @ Texans: This Pats defense is so tuned in right now that no QB is safe. And that counts for Deshaun Watson too.

Points: Pats
Victory: Pats

Vikings @ Seahawks (-3): Seahawks have the homefield so I like them to win, but the Vikings will keep this very close and I wouldn't be surprised to see them win. I will take the points in this case.

Points: Vikings
Victory: Seahawks








Wednesday, November 27, 2019

NFL Picks Thanksgiving Edition

My usual picks will come later in the week as usual, but because there are 3 games on the docket for tomorrow, I decided to make a seperate post.

And here we go.

Bears (-3.5) @ Lions: Evidently Jeff Driskel could not beat the Washington Redskins as I claimed. This is an ugly matchup to start the day. I will take the Bears begrudgingly.

Points: Bears
Victory: Bears

Bills @ Cowboys (-6.5): I hate that spread. The Bills are playing well enough to keep the game within 7 points. But Dallas at home on Thanksgiving is traditionally tough to beat.

Points: Bills
Victory: Cowboys

Saints (-7) @ Falcons: This is a big spread and the Falcons have been competitive lately. I think this game will be close on a short week but the Saints will win.

Points: Falcons
Victory: Saints


Friday, November 22, 2019

NFL Picks Week #12

So let's see if I had a better week:

Points: Cowboys, Saints, Colts, Jets, Cardinals, Pats, Chiefs, Colts (TNF)

8-6 for a total of 76-69

Victory: Ravens, Cowboys, Saints, Colts, Vikings, Jets, Bills, Niners, Pats, Raiders, Rams, Chiefs, Texans (TNF).

13-1 (damn Panthers) for a total of 104-58

ONTO TO WEEK 12

Dolphins @ Browns (-10.5): I'm still not ready to trust the Browns with this huge spread. They will win but it will be under 10 points

Points: Dolphins
Victory: Browns

Broncos @ Bills (-4): This game is a must win for the Bills because their upcoming schedule is a killer. I think they know that and will get it done.

Points: Bills
Victory: Bills

Steelers (-6.5) @ Bengals: Bengals showed some life last week defensively against Oakland. I don't know if they can keep it up though. This one is tough, but I will take the points

Points: Bengals
Victory: Steelers

Giants @ Bears (-6): Chicago's defense may have to do the scoring in this one but the Giants have been prone to turnovers, so they should get their chance.

Points: Bears
Victory: Bears

Raiders (-3) @ Jets: A very sneaky game. Raiders might be caught napping on the East Coast, but I think their struggles against the Bengals woke them up a bit. Jets keep it competitive for about 3 quarters.

Points: Raiders
Victory: Raiders

Panthers @ Saints (-9.5): Kyle Allen has crashed back to Earth and so have the Panthers. The Saints will feast on the remains

Points: Saints
Victory: Saints

Buccaneers @ Falcons (-3.5): Falcons have done a 180 on their season and now get a blah Bucs team in. I have a blowout feeling with this game.

Points: Falcons
Victory: Falcons

Lions (-3.5) @ Redskins: I could probably QB a team and beat the Washington Redskins right now. Certainly Detroit can, even if they are weak.

Points: Lions
Victory: Lions

Seahawks @ Eagles (-1): PICK'EM!!!!!!!!!!
A lot of disappointment in Eagles land and they need this game, while Seattle is somewhat safe in a WC spot. I've seen the Eagles play great with their backs against the wall (ie Bills) and I think they do it again

Victory: Eagles

Jaguars @ Titans (-3.5): The boring game of the weekend.I like the way Tennessee has trended recently so I will go with them, barely over the spread

Points: Titans
Victory: Titans

Cowboys @ Patriots (-6.5): The "America's Team" battle. Pats will shut down the Cowboys to the best of their ability but their offense has been pedestrian (ask Tom). That spread is a bit big for me.

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Patriots

Packers @ Niners (-3): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not been impressed with the Niners defense of late. They have given up a lot of points and now they get an Aaron Rodgers led offense, that is rested and raring to go. Niners meanwhile have played a few tight ones. Give me the Packers to get the road win

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

Ravens (-3) @ Rams: Ravens are the best team in the NFL right now, easily. This will be tough for them but I think they will get it done again.

Points: Ravens
Victory: Ravens

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Rutbreakers: The Xuxa Conundrum

Sometimes memories can play morph things that you think you saw a long time ago when actually they weren't true at all. And other times, things are real and they are much deeper than you initially think when you look into them. This is one of those.

In the early 90s, my love of game shows was apparent, even at a young age. There were the grownup games (J!, WoF, TPiR, Supermarket Sweep etc.) and there were the games for kids my age (DD, Legends.., Guts etc.). But one fleeting memory stayed with me.

It was of a show that I saw on cable featuring a female host with a weird name having kids playing Double Dare-esque challenges for fun. It was very fleeting and yet it was so out there at it stuck in my mind.

Well the reason it was so clear was because this show did exist. It (and the host) was called Xuxa (pronounced Shoo-sha). It only lasted one season in 1993 and it featured exactly what I said along with special guests and songs.

Usually that would be the end of the story, but instead reading up on it uncovered a much bigger story.

While the girl and the show were not successful in the United States; in her native land of Brazil it was a much different story. This lady is/was, for lack of a better word, a goddess of children.Her epithet was "Queen of The Short Ones". This show was a major hit and her merchandising of it and her persona made her one of the richest people in the country. And she was treated with Beatles-like status. She had guards protecting her in public. In an interview, she even said that young fans would sleep outside her house.

In 1991 she became the first Brazilian to appear on the Forbes Richest People list at #37. And she started to spread her empire to Argentina and even to Europe to tape shows for Portuguese and Spanish audiences. She had a known relationship with Pele, John F. Kennedy Jr., and even Michael Jackson was rumored to want to marry her.

Now usually child stars or idols don't usually age well or make a lasting impact outside of that shot. Xuxa has defied that. She is still touring at age 56 wearing wacky costumes and she is worth an estimated 400 million dollars. I have always believed that being an idol to children is one of the best kinds of fame because the power of nostalgia can keep you in fond memories of fans for years to come. Not only does she have that in spades, but she profits from it very nicely.

To wrap this up, I want to show you her show from Brazil. She is essentially a cross between Madonna and Pee-Wee Herman and her show is part Double Dare, part American Bandstand with a set reminiscent of a Sid and Marty Krofft show. But the children who appear on her show are infectious with her energy, and even not being able to understand what the heck she is saying, you can see the hold she has over them. It just goes to show how  many stories are laid in deep when you dig enough. 



Friday, November 15, 2019

NFL Picks Week 11

Updated standings: (Had a bad week)

Points: Titans, Bills (tie to me), Cardinals, Bears, Packers, Seahawks

6-7 for a total of 68-63

Victories: Buccaneers, Ravens, Bears, Packers, Niners,

5-8 for a total of 91-57

Onto better things and Week 11

Texans @ Ravens (-4.5):  I keep waiting for the Ravens to have a let down, but it doesn't happen. I don't think it will happen this week, but I think this game will be close

Points: Texans
Victory: Ravens

Cowboys (-7.5) @ Lions: Looks like Matthew Stafford will not play which leans this game in the Cowboys direction. The Cowboys have a tendency to play down (cough Jets cough), but after losing a heartbreaker to the Vikings, I think they go for broke.

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Cowboys

Saints (-5.5) @ Buccaneers: I would be shocked if this was nothing but a blowout or high scoring game. Saints should be angry after getting trapped by the Falcons. Give me New Orleans

Points: Saints
Victory: Saints

Falcons @ Panthers (-4.5): After a tough loss to Green Bay, I expect Carolina to be ready for Atlanta. I can see a let down from the Falcons

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Jaguars @ Colts (-3): It looks like Jacoby Brissett will play against Jacksonville coming off their bye. Colts were embarrassed by Miami and will look to bounce back. The Colts by 4-5 points seems fair

Points: Colts
Victory: Colts

Broncos @ Vikings (-10): The Vikings are on a roll and now get a Broncos team with a rookie QB at home. Its a big spread, but give me the Vikings

Points: Vikings
Victory: Vikings

Jets @ Redskins (-2.5): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an upset pick partially by necessity but Dwayne Haskins starting means that the Redskins would like to be balanced in order to not put it on his shoulders. Jets run defense is very good so Haskins will have to win it for them. He is not as good as Daniel Jones, so I think the Jets win a close game, partially by default.

Points: Jets
Victory: Jets

Bills (-6.5) @ Dolphins: Ryan Fitzpatrick has gone on his classic good streak and the Bills are teetering a bit. If the Bills had beaten the Browns (dammit) this may have been my upset pick. As it is, I think it's a close game.

Points: Dolphins
Victory: Bills

Cardinals @ Niners (-10): This spread is a little high for me. The Cardinals did well against the Niners defense the last time they played. And they have been competitive. Niners will win, but it will be close

Points: Cardinals
Victory: Niners

Patriots (-3.5) @ Eagles: Eagles are now on a bit of a roll themselves, but I just don't see them doing much against a stout NE defense, especially with a week to prepare. The hook is fascinating, but I can't take it

Points: Pats
Victory: Pats

Bengals @ Raiders (-11): Raiders are having a sneaky solid season and it will continue.

Points: Raiders
Victory: Raiders

Bears @ Rams (-6.5): Both McVay and Nagy are under fire for their poor offenses of late, I think Goff is the better QB so I think he gets it done, but this game will also be close

Points: Bears
Victory: Rams

Chiefs (-4) @ Chargers: Chargers have been the master of losing heartbreakers recently and I think this situation will continue. But the spread is too small to take those points.

Points: Chiefs
Victory: Chiefs

Friday, November 8, 2019

NFL Picks Week #10

So the Raiders were a 2 point favorite last night and won so I get the victory credit but no points.

So through 9.1 weeks

Points: Panthers, Eagles, Dolphins, Seahawks, Broncos

5-4 for an overall record of 62-56

Victory: Texans, Bills, Panthers, Eagles, Dolphins, Raiders, Seahawks, Cowboys, Raiders (TNF)

9-5 for an overall record of 86-49

So onto Week 10:

Chiefs (-6) @ Titans: The big key to this game is that Mahomes will start against Tennessee. That gives the edge to KC, but I have an inkling that he will be rusty and this game will be closer than 6. Titans offense has been okay in recent weeks

Points: Titans
Victory: Chiefs

Bills @ Browns (-3): UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!
I had to double take when I saw the line. Vegas might know something, but I don't buy it. Key item: Cleveland is at the bottom at the league in rushing defense. The Bills will exploit that and defense travels on the road. Give me the Bills

Points: Bills
Victory: Bills

Cardinals @ Buccaneers (-5): The Buccaneers offense is the one thing that is preventing me from pulling another upset of the week. Cause I love what the Cardinals have done. I think the Bucs will win, but that spread is too big.

Points: Cardinals
Victory: Buccaneers

Giants (-3) @ Jets: The "New York Crap Fest". I think the Giants, while bad, still seem to compete and Adam Gase is about to go out the door,

Points: Giants
Victory: Giants

Falcons @ Saints (-13.5): Normally, this spread would be too big, but Matt Ryan just coming back from injury going into the dome? Eeek.

Points: Saints
Victory: Saints

Ravens (-10.5) @ Bengals: I have a letdown feeling about this one. Ravens coming off knocking the Pats down; facing the lowly Bengals on the road. Ravens will win, but it will be closer than the spread

Points: Bengals
Victory: Ravens

Lions @ Bears (-2.5): I have no real feel about either of these teams. I will go with the Bears at home, but I don't feel great about it.

Points: Bears
Victory: Bears

Dolphins @ Colts (-11): Back to reality for Miami

Points: Colts
Victory: Colts

Panthers @ Packers (-5.5): The Packers laying an egg against the Chargers might have set the Panthers up for failure. I think the Packers will dominate this weekend. Just an inkling.

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

Rams (-3.5) @ Steelers: Mason Rudolph has done just enough to win but I think the Rams will be too tough for him and the Steelers. The spread is just close enough for me to take the Rams

Points: Rams
Victory: Rams

Vikings @ Cowboys (-3): An old fashioned game methinks. The loss of Adam Thielen will hurt the Vikings and they are in Jerry World. Cowboys in a great game

Points: Cowboys
Victory: Cowboys

Seahawks @ Niners (-6): Niners, it looks like, will be without George Kittle, but the Seahawks defense has not been great. I will take the Niners but that spread is a bit too big

Points: Seahawks
Victory: Niners

Friday, November 1, 2019

NFL Picks Week #9

Last week (plus 1):

Points: Giants, Titans, Chargers, Jaguars, Rams, Saints, Packers,

7-6 for a grand total of 57-52

Victory: Lions, Titans, Seahawks, Jaguars, Eagles, Rams, Saints, Colts, Texans, Packers, Steelers, Niners (TNF)

12-2 for a total of  77-42

So to Week 9

Jaguars @ Texans (-1.5): ENGLISH PICK'EM! This can go either way IMO. Watt being done for the year (again) hurts the Texans defense. But the Jags defense, despite 3 INTs, did not play great against the Jets so I will go with the Texans.

Victory: Texans

Redskins @ Bills (-9.5): This spread scares me only because the Bills offense is not a high scoring one. But that Bills defense is very good. I will hesitatingly take the Skins and the points

Points: Redskins
Victory: Bills

Titans @ Panthers (-3.5): After getting killed by the Niners, I expect the Panthers to bounce back at home against a Titans team that can compete but their offense is a bit meh.

Points: Panthers
Victory: Panthers

Bears @ Eagles (-4.5): The Eagles dominated Buffalo last week in a must win game and now host a Bears team that is lost offensively. The Bears defense will keep it close but not close enough in that spread.

Points: Eagles
Victory: Eagles

Vikings @ Chiefs (-2): PICK'EM #2!
I just don't like the Chiefs defense against a Vikings offense that has found itself in recent weeks. Dalvin Cook will be the big recipient. Gimme the Vikings

Victory: Vikings

Jets (-3) @ Dolphins: UPSET PICK OF THE WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's happening folks. The poetry is set up. Ryan Fitzpatrick QB'ing the Dolphins. Adam Gase facing his former team. The Jets are in disarray. It seems set up for this. And if it happens, Gase is done in NY.

Points: Dolphins
Victory: Dolphins

Colts (-1) @ Steelers: PICK'EM #3!
Steelers have shown resolve with Rudolph, but I think Frank Reich will have the Colts ready to go. I'm going to go with Reich over Tomlin and Brissett over Rudolph

Victory: Colts

Lions @ Raiders (-2): PICK'EM #4!
Daniel Jones did a number on the Lions defense and I expect Derek Carr to follow in that. The Raiders defense is meh but the lack of a good running game will hurt the Lions

Victory: Raiders

Buccaneers @ Seahawks (-4.5): Tampa has had a resurgent offense, but their defense is god awful. I expect Seattle to control the game on the ground and Seattle will grind them out

Points: Seahawks
Victory: Seahawks

Browns (-4) @ Broncos: The Browns have also gone through their own personal drama. However, the Broncos being on their backup QB will cost them the victory IMO. But it will be close

Points: Broncos
Victory: Browns

Packers (-3.5) @ Chargers: LA has not been a homefield for the Chargers and I think the same will happen with a Packers team that likes to travel. Give me the Packers.

Points: Packers
Victory: Packers

Patriots (-3) @ Ravens: This will be the first really tough opponent that the Pats will face. I think this game will be close but not close enough to impact that spread. Reminds me of the 2007 game between the undefeated Pats and Ravens. Close but Pats win.

Points: Pats
Victory: Pats

Cowboys (-7.5) @ Giants: The Cowboys were unable to get pressure on Sam Darnold several weeks ago. They will need to get pressure on Daniel Jones. At the moment, I think the Cowboys will win, but that spread is way too close for me.

Points: Giants
Victory: Cowboys