American Football

[BonnieShels]

Close one RaM.

Crosby, is there any reason we always seem to play NE in Boston?

[Crosby87]

just looked it up, the last 3 reg season games have been in Boston which does seem kind of odd.

[BonnieShels]

Do they flip the scheduling; that we would have been due to play them in Mile High this regular season but as we played them in the Play-offs last year in Mile High it reverts to Foxboro at the next game ie. this Reg season?

[Crosby87]

Nah. Like for example the Jets played in Oakland like 6 times in a row recently I think. There's a lot that goes into scheduling, its just the way it works out.

[BonnieShels]

That's what I find so bizarre. Given the complexities of the scheduling and how much effort they put into it it's just mental that this match-up continues to be played in Boston.

[Crosby87]

Its funny, there is a married couple that has been making the schedules for like 20 years. They spread everything out on their living room floor. Ive seen a tv spot about it.

[Real ale Madrid]

Close one RaM.

Crosby, is there any reason we always seem to play NE in Boston?


just looked it up, the last 3 reg season games have been in Boston which does seem kind of odd.

It is odd and is explained here:

http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-graymatter/Gray-Matter-Mailbag-Scheduling-Formula/be9426d0-e8b1-4474-b2df-082f17e96e7f

[BonnieShels]

Explained away more like. :P

[Crosby87]

OK. Who is betting? Me. The Giants are awful. Going all the way to SEA. SEA not playing like last year when they were champs.
None the less? SEA hurting and looking for a vamp.
Giants perfect slap. Giants not playing well and hurting....easy money lads..

Other than that? Hey Mark Sanchez is going to be so great for Philly? My Spidey sense is tingling guys!

[Real ale Madrid]

Mark Sanchez who threw 2 picks last week? Dunno about that!

Opinions on my 4 team accum for week 10.

Steelers (-3.5) 10/11 @ Jets
Ravens (-10.0) Evs v Titans
Lions (-2.5) 10/13 v Dolphins
Cardinals (-7) 10/11 v Rams

The Jets apart from a good performance in New England have been poor lately - hard to see them turning it around against heavy scoring Steelers.
Ravens spread is high but they will be desperate for a home win after 2 narrow losses to divison rivals
Lions / Fins is a close call and is probably going to scupper me, but Lions are just winning at the moment so they have the edge I hope.
Rams are on the road for 3rd straight week - so I don't think they are good enough to follow up after last weeks sensational win in the Bay area. Cardinals are scoring pretty heavily and were impressive last week I thought.

10 euro accum brings home a few cent shy of 140 euros with PP.

[Crosby87]

Steelers look terrible. Bad bet for you. Don't discount home underdogs vs team in the same conf.

[Crosby87]

Giants are shocking me right now. Sea really took a step back this off season.

[BonnieShels]

Last year was their one year. They clicked at the right time. Similar to Liverpool in the EPL last season. They needed to win when presented with the chance.

Broncos will win the SB this year. No one else impressing me. Well, maybe the Rams,but that will end in tears. No harm losing in Foxborough against NFL's team.

[Crosby87]

Peyton can have another clunker though. You don't think the cards are for real?
The Giants need a new coach. Nick Saban? He used to work there under Parcells.

[BonnieShels]

I did forget about the Cardinals and I had intended to come back and rectify it but I got waylaid by the hockey.

3-3 in the second!

Funny how the Rams **** the bed there tonight just as I opened my gob.

[Real ale Madrid]

Steelers look terrible. Bad bet for you. Don't discount home underdogs vs team in the same conf.

You are supposed to critique bets before the events not after. Easy to be wise after the event.

Anyhow 3 / 4 was not bad and Steelers beat themselves rather than anything extra-ordinary the Jets did. Will have a go at this every week for the rest of the season if anyone is interested.

I'd be very slow to write off the Seahawks at this this stage - not playing great and they are 6-3. Although they are not nearly as intimidating as they were last year.

I felt sorry for the Rams late on - they have had a tough schedule lately. Kept it together last week - couldn't do it last night.

[Crosby87]

Rams are the only div with 4 good teams, some dont have any good teams.

[Real ale Madrid]

Rams are the only div with 4 good teams, some dont have any good teams.

I'd throw the AFC North into that; 4 teams split by 1 game!

[Crosby87]

Sunday has some interesting games:

I need to see Mark Sanchez, the new hero of Philadelphia, go into Lambeau and win. Until them I'm taking the Pack.
Think the Vikings are a good pick right now. Bears are awful.

Lions might take it to Arizona. Stanton is not a high % QB. That's a problem vs Suh and Co.

Colts Pats is a toss up. I would be tempted to take Indy if it was a pick em but i don't want to lay any points to Tom Brady.

I think my best bet is the Broncos. Rams going back to Hill at QB....he is not good. Only problem with spreads like that on the raod is if the Rams score a TD first you are kind of chasing it all day, unless its going to be one of those times PM throws for 6 TDs and it won't matter.

Giants stink but that start time coupled with another x country trip for SF and the injuries they have, plus how cold its going to be here....be careful betting SF....Have a feeling Giants will grind one out. Kapernack kind of sucks too.

Thank God for Miss State and Alabama tmrw. Takes the sting out of me taking time off again to watch Ireland lose 1-0. I'm not doing that anymore. Sorry to bitch and moan. But it's not fun enough to justify using my comp time!!! They need to put these games on saturday.

What are your thoughts on week 11 lads? Texans need a win. Atl needs a win.

[Crosby87]

These packers unis are hideous!

[Real ale Madrid]

These packers unis are hideous!

Are you blind ? They are fantastic - 90% of NFL uniforms are hideous - that is something you could actually wear on the street.

Delighted with the Patriots last night - they hold the tie-breaker over each of the teams winning the other 3 AFC divisions - Bengals / Broncos and now Colts. Still have to visit Green Bay and San Diego over the next 3 weeks though so plenty of work still to do.


I know its not the NFL but the CFL season is reaching its conclusion - I find this form of the game pretty entertaining even though your average NFL fan would scoff at the very idea. Next Sunday sees the conference Finals with the Alouettes from Montreal travelling to divison winners the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at 6.00pm irish time. After that it is the West Final as the Edminton Eskimos travel to the 15-3 Calgary Stampeders at 9.30pm. The Alouettes hammered the BC Lions last evening to secure the East Final berth while the Eskimos won a hard fought semi final against the best named team in Pro sports - The Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Overall it was a great weekend of football - except for Bama winning of course - nobody wants that.

[BonnieShels]

Well, that was an abysmal showing from Denver. The injuries didn't help. But some of Manning's decision making was completely off-kilter. Terrible game. :(

[Crosby87]

CFL is only 3 downs right? God the Giants would have even more 3 and outs.
Those packers unis looked like cat vomit!

Bonnie I was looking at the standings today at work...with KC getting an automatic win this thurs vs Oakland, and the Steelers winning mon night....if Denver were to slip up vs a decent Mia team that had the extra days to prepare....you might be on the outside looking at the playoffs this time next week. Hard to imagine, but denver could win 10 games and miss out....

[BonnieShels]

Yeah CFL is only 3 downs.

I remember when I first watched it back in the day on NASN (about 10-15 years ago) wondering why they kept punting at 3rd. I figured they didn't have confidence or ability to play another down and kick. Oops.

I think we'll still make the playoffs but not as easy as I would have hoped. Roll on Thursday and the Crunch.

What year was it when the winner of some division had a terrible record that was worse than some 3rdplace teams in other divisions?

[WexCar]

2010 Seattle won the NFCW with 7-9 record. They went on to beat the Saints(the defending champs) in wildcard round, the breakout game for beastmode.

[BonnieShels]

Cheers.

Wahey to Oakland!

Need the Chiefs to lose that one. Phew. Back on track.

[Crosby87]

Yeah that surprised me to say the least. Old friend justin tuck calls a time out that may have saved the day for oak.
So any thoughts lads?
Colts plus 15 vs Jags?
Jets and Buff playing in Detroit?
Arizona. Seattle needs it so much more.
Can the Fins stay in the game vs Denver? Don't forget Bons, next week is in KC. Mia has the players to man up vs Peyton. (One on one I mean). Then again...
REAL I thought you were going to give picks every week? What happened?
Come on lads, some NFL talk please.

[Crosby87]

Jeez I meant Colts MINUS 15. Sorry.

[Real ale Madrid]

Ach I had the Falcons tonight so that bet went south quickly - I don't like putting up picks without putting reasons for same and just didn't get a chance the last two Sundays. FWIW - i did Falcons, Chicago, Denver and SF all to beat the handicap. I had Washington last week at home to the Buccs - another disaster!

The Broncos are laying another egg tonight at home against the Dolphins. Time to recover yet mind. Pats did a number on the No.1 DEF in the NFL earlier.
Patriots @ Green Bay next Sunday at 9.25 - CLEAR THE SCHEDULE!

Suffering from a bit of disapointment as well today as a BIG BC Eagles fan - huge chance went by the wayside last night against FSU - big opportunity missed. Great season overall from BC - beat USC and Va Tech and hopefully get past 'Cuse next week to secure a 7 win year.

As for the rest of the NFL tonight - the Sky Scheduler should be shot showing Den/Mia over the Cards@Seahawks, Cards struggling to get something going on offense. Thank the lord for Gamepass.

Colts got past the handicap but but by all accounts they were muck.

Keeping an eye on the CFL - the Tiger Cats are into thier second straight Grey Cup after an entertaining win against Montreal - had it on the laptop but was struggling with kids / trying to watch the Pats. 40-24

You a Giants fan Crosby yeah ?

[BonnieShels]

It's been some recovery from Peyton.

Some weekend next weekend: Us v Chiefs and Pats and Packers at Lambeau. Juicy.

[BonnieShels]

Miami kicker tried a rabona at the end there. Madness.

[strangeirish]

Outrageous catch by NY Giants wide receiver for a TD. Odell Beckham I believe. Don't have immediate access to a video of it, but worth the watch.

[BonnieShels]

Outrageous catch by NY Giants wide receiver for a TD. Odell Beckham I believe. Don't have immediate access to a video of it, but worth the watch.

It's good...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGmj1hFTO2k

It has spawned some memes...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2278507-absurd-odell-beckham-jr-catch-inspires-things-odell-could-catch-memes

[Crosby87]

Its weird that people are putting it over the Tyree catch in the Super Bowl. Nice grab but basically meaningless. Says a lot about how inaccurate Eli has become.

Great slate of games on Thanksgiving. For once.

[BonnieShels]

Yeah. I'm not getting the love for the catch. Nothing more than a cricket fielder is expected to do.

[Crosby87]

Terrible day so far football wise.
Jets fans, meet Mark Sanchez.

One of the two essentially gets eliminated tonight. Not in record, but in spirit.
Niners Hawks.
Hopefully it will be a decent game. The first two were awful.

[Crosby87]

Ok so thanksgiving had 3 games the media (and me) were drooling over and all 3 were unwatchable.
NFL has to make up with.....
A preview of the Super Bowl at 439 on Sunday. Can Aaron possibly beat the Brady Bunch at home? No one thinks so.
But I will say this: If Green Bay gets worked at home maybe its time to give up on them.
Final Score NE 31 GB 13

[Real ale Madrid]

I'm LOVING that prediction Crosby. Hard to bet against GB at home though.

Steelers, Giants, Ravens and Colts all to beat the handicaps tonight - about 12/1

[Crosby87]

Jags are so bad they make the Giants Offense look functional.

[Real ale Madrid]

Christ the Steelers again :(

How in the name of God did Kansas lose to to Oakland?

[strangeirish]

Hon the Jags! :D

[Real ale Madrid]

Tough loss for Patriots, but great game.

Watching CFL grey cup final and all I want is a Wendy's for a square burger!

[BonnieShels]

TOugh on the TiCats. Ah well.

That was some result for STL.

Broncos have Bills and Raiders to come in the next 4. We can call them for the Play-offs now I would say.

[Crosby87]

MIA stays in the hunt in the clogged AFC with Jets latest debacle. 15 dollar seats for MNF last night BTW.
Harbaugh will have some offers if he wants to leave the Niners. Michigan firing their coach today also. Would he go home?
Will anyone sign Ray Rice?

[BonnieShels]

You would want to be ballsy to sign Rice. He's poison. Then again... Big Ben...

[Crosby87]

Can GT tip Florida State tonight? That would make things interesting for Baylor and Ohio State etc. Ohio State onto the third string QB today and underdogs to the Badgers....

Good games in the NFL:
Indy -3.5 at Cle. Big game for Hoyer if he is going to keep the starting job. How quick would the coach go to Manziel?

Den -10 at home vs Buf. Would they over look a decent Buf team with San Diego looming next week?

Kansas City -1 at Arizona. Cards desperate to stop the bleeding. Distractions this week with one of their best players, Darnell Dockett, tweeting inappropriate pics/comments about 16 year old Malia Obama's posterior.

Cincy -3 home vs Pitt. That is a fun division.

NE -3.5 in Sunny San Diego. NE rarely loses 2 in a row.

Mia -2.5 at home vs Ravens. Mia QB is coming around but im tempted to take Bal in this one.

Philly -1 at Sea. Great game. They have made Sea cross the country a lot this year. Sea is getting it together. Im still not 100% sold on Sanchez. If he plays well and wins tmrw they can obviously win the super bowl.

[Crosby87]

So what do you guys think, Alabama, Oregon, FSU and.....TCU? OSU? Baylor?

[BonnieShels]

Hoyer not looking very comfortable now.

Have very little interest in CFB tbh.

Denver can't afford to overlook Bills. Get the game won in the first half and then worry about SD.

[Real ale Madrid]

So what do you guys think, Alabama, Oregon, FSU and.....TCU? OSU? Baylor?

Buckeyes in instead of the Horned Frogs , bit surprised but fully deserved. They look like a serious outfit.

Crosby, expect to see you at the pinstripe bowl on Dec 27th at Yankee stadium - Boston College v Penn state - 2 old school independents!

In other news - when did SF become this abject rabble of a team?

[BonnieShels]

Cut that fine despite being in an unassailable lead. Manning lost his Consecutive TD pass game streak tonight. Was on 51; Brady had the next record at 52. No idea who's ahead of him in no. 1 position, I'll just assume Favre.

When they decided to make a mess of the coaching situation and decided that maybe they will maybe they won't with Harbaugh.

Rumour on Fox he might be going to Oakland.That would be amazing!