San Diego is in Oakland and not only motivated to win, but LaDainian Tomlinson has publicly stated he wants the rushing title. I'm looking forward to the trash talk battle between Warren Sapp and Phillip Rivers. Maybe we can get Jerry Springer in as a special guest referee. Pick: San Diego -8
Money Line Picks (spreadsheet)
I gotta put a big disclaimer on the Week of Shame money line picks. The formula does not take into account teams not playing their best. In fact, the money line formula is based on the assumption that teams will always play their best personnel with the intent of winning the game. So naturally, it sees all these great teams as underdogs and thinks it's an embarrassment of riches. Yikes. There are 11 money line bets and I'm currently sitting on about a $700 dollar cushion. I'm going to need some of these to come through. Then I am going to rethink the money line process and maybe eliminate the week 17 picks altogether.
Beyond that, the only notable thing is that for the first time this season the formula thinks the return on the Pats opponent is worth the risk. This is surely because the Pats last few performances have been merely great instead of herculean and weighted DVOA is taking this into account heavily. Yes, that's right. I have money on the Giants.
Pick Recap
Point Spread
Indianapolis +6.5
Dallas +9.5
Seattle +3
Pittsburgh -3.5
San Diego -8
Money Line
New York Giants $900
Buffalo $285
Tampa Bay $140
Cincinnati $66.67
Dallas $380
Green Bay $52.63
Jacksonville $250
Chicago $110
Seattle $140
Indianapolis $250
Denver $155
At 9-to-1, a Giants victory on any of the three networks would make my year. If I merely survive the Week of Shame I'll be happy. Next week: season wrap-up and playoff preview.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Since it's Week 17, and you're ahead, shouldn't you be resting your picks and just put in the backup?
2 - RJ Elliott
Vince Young has no guts.
3 - david mazzotta
Well, it could have been worse. Looks like I break even on the point spread and drop around half my cushion on the money line.
You're right Suss. I should have just taken the week off.
4 - david mazzotta
Yes RJ. Which QB was it that had to have his linemen carry him to the line of scrimage in a key game a few years back?(Was it McNabb?) Doubt we'll be seeing aything like that from Vince.
On the other hand, if Young can't run, he just guy in pads who throws like a girl.
Now I hate the Titans even more.