NFL Week 8 Picks and Previews

Another tough week for the picks, but not because of the quantity, but more to do with poor money management as both the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens failed to cover the spread in contrasting manners as my two biggest plays of the week.

The Packers failure was a little unlucky as a couple of lucky throws from Christian Ponder were completed on the Minnesota late drive that resulted in a TD, although they were also aided by a very strange official call.

Baltimore just laid an egg in losing outright to the Jaguars on Monday Night Football in a terrible Offensive performance as they could not get anything going until it was far too late.

The poor officiating is beginning to annoy not just us betters, but also teams across the NFL with many of them now agreeing this is as bad as it has been for years with so many strange calls.

I won't moan too much about them considering I had a big winner in the Green Bay-Chicago game earlier this season when a phantom call prevented the Bears covering, but I have been hit on at least 3 occasions off the top of my head so am hoping that 'evens up' for my wagers.


Week 7 Thoughts
1) We stink... No, you stink... Yes, we all stink: I don't know how many of you managed to watch the Miami-Denver game last week, but it was brutal. Miami finally looked like they were going to win a game, but the Miracle of Tim Tebow occurred to allow Denver to come back from 15-0 down with 3 minutes left to tie, and then win the game in OT.


There have been a lot of talk over what went wrong which all began when a few Miami players indicated that the Defense was in the wrong formation to stop the Tebow run that tied the game.


We then heard Reggie Bush say the team 'stinks', only for Yeremiah Bell to respond that 'he (Bush) stinks'... Bush has since said Bell is correct and that the whole team stinks as well as anyone who is connected with the Miami Dolphins.


It just looks like this team is pretty much falling apart at the moment, while the news that all Dolphins fans were really hoping for came through this week- they have signed JP Losman and he could very much be involved this weekend as Matt Moore is suffering from sore ribs and now faces the sack happy Giants.


I feel so blessed to be paying to see this team(!) Urghhh...


2) Was that the worst Week we will see in the NFL this season?: I said before the week started that there were some awful games on the schedule last week and was not disappointed as the game mentioned in point 1, the Seattle-Cleveland game and the Baltimore-Jacksonville game all stunk out the day.


We also saw Tennessee and Indianapolis get ripped for huge numbers, while Oakland threw SIX Interceptions in their loss to Kansas City.


It just seems the bad teams this season really suck, and I am not sure how much of that is down to the lockout either.


Here's hoping Week 8 is more fun to watch.


3) Kansas City are surprisingly back in the AFC West race: I will be honest and say I really thought the Chiefs were going to have a big fall back season after reaching the Play Offs last season as I just thought they had taken advantage of a very soft schedule and through the first 3 Weeks of the season I was feeling comfortable with what I thought they were going to be.


Kansas City also lost Eric Berry on the Defense and Jamaal Charles on the Offense so I really didn't think they would be challenging in the AFC West this season... Until last Sunday.


I picked the Chiefs with the points last week, but I still thought they would ultimately lose the game. However, they won big and now know they can be tied for the Division lead at 4-3 if they can beat San Diego at home on Monday Night Football.


That will also allow them to move to 2-1 in the Division, while having to play Denver twice and hosting Oakland and all of a sudden the Chiefs are a real threat in this Division again.


4) San Francisco could be the first team to secure a Play Off place... and by Thanksgiving no less: I am being a little dramatic with the suggestion they secure a Play Off spot so soon, but the NFC West is BAD again this season and the 49ers already hold a 3 game lead over second placed Seattle, who scored just 3 points against Cleveland last week.


7 wins secure this Division last season, and I think that could be the case again this season, but the 49ers already have 5 wins on the board and their schedule reads Cleveland, @ Washington, New York Giants, Arizona, @ Baltimore, with the last of those taking place on Thanksgiving Day.


Now I can see the 49ers going at least 3-1 in their next 4 games, which will leave them at 8-2 before the Thanksgiving Day game at Baltimore and I think that would be good enough to see them make the Play Offs, even if it is not official by then.




Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (7-0)
2) New England Patriots (5-1): Team to beat in the AFC, but big test at Heinze Field this week
3) Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2): Biggest test since being hammered by the Ravens in Week 1 as they host the Patriots
4) San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
5) New Orleans Saints (5-2): Anyone take the New Orleans - 50 point spread last week?
6) New York Giants (4-2)
7) Baltimore Ravens (4-2): Ugly loss at Jacksonville has people questioning whether they can win the big one again this week.
8) Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
9) Detroit Lions (5-2): Can they really afford to lose a 3rd game on the bounce being in the tough NFC North?
10) San Diego Chargers (4-2): One more loss to Kansas City on Monday Night Football and people will begin wondering if this talented team will ever get to the big game.




My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                             32) Miami Dolphins
2) New England Patriots                         31) Indianapolis Colts
3) New Orleans Saints                             30) St Louis Rams
4) Pittsburgh Steelers                              29) Arizona Cardinals
5) Baltimore Ravens                                28) Minnesota Vikings




Week 8 Picks and Previews
I have not locked in any picks yet this week as I have been trying to tweak my system just a little as I have been reading about how the same things that have worked in the past have not been working this season.

The rumours in Vegas is that all the 'wiseguys' have had a terrible season so far, while a lot of the public plays keep coming in.

I can't imagine that will last all season, but it has meant I have been following line movements more this week before I begin locking in picks.

It was almost a wonderful week for the picks last week and, while going 5-4, it was the bigger picks that let me down from having a very profitable week and instead left with a loss.

As always, I will update my Twitter page whenever I lock in picks, but you can start expecting them to be placed in the next few hours and updated throughout the day tomorrow.

The picks:

Miami Dolphins @ New York Giants Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12261-Miami-Dolphins-at-New-York-Giants.htm)

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12262-Jacksonville-Jaguars-at-Houston-Texans.htm)

New Orleans Saints @ St Louis Rams Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12264-New-Orleans-Saints-at-St-Louis-Rams.htm)

Arizona Cardinals @ Baltimore Ravens Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12266-Arizona-Cardinals-at-Baltimore-Ravens.htm)

New England Patriots @ Pittsburgh Steelers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12268-New-England-Patriots-at-Pittsburgh-Steelers.htm)

Cleveland Browns @ San Francisco 49ers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12269-Cleveland-Browns-at-San-Francisco-49ers.htm)

Detroit Lions @ Denver Broncos Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12270-Detroit-Lions-at-Denver-Broncos.htm)

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12271-Dallas-Cowboys-at-Philadelphia-Eagles.htm)


MY PICKS: New York Giants - 9 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (3 Units)
Jacksonville Jaguars + 9.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (2 Units)
New Orleans Saints - 13.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 12.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (3 Units)
New England Patriots - 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
San Francisco 49ers - 8.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (3 Units)
Detroit Lions - 3 Points @ 1.95 Pinncale (2 Units)
Philadelphia Eagles - 3 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)



WEEK 7: 5-4, - 2.61 Units
WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 29-28-2, - 8.09 Units

English Football Weekend Picks (October 29th-31st)

I am still not quite over the result from Old Trafford last weekend, but I have to say I am getting a touch annoyed with the coverage from the game since then, and the total misapprehension that it was a deserved final scoreline.

While I have felt United have been acting a little naive with their defending and that they were going to get a hammering from someone soon, let's not forget the fact that 3 of the goals conceded last week came in the final 3 minutes of the game (the first of which was offside that has been overlooked), and a lot of people seem to have completely ignored the fact United were down to 10 men with the scoreline still in the balance.

The whole first half had been a close game and I didn't think United were going to definitely lose until Jonny Evans was given his marching orders... yet it seems that everyone else believes it was a scoreline that showed the difference between the teams.

United have bounced back in the past from heavy defeats, and I fully expect they will again although this weekend is a ridiculously tough test at Goodison Park, a venue where they have always had to fight for results.


So we finally get to the last week of October in what has been a long month with 5 Saturday, Sunday and Mondays thrown in, the first time in a long time that has happened. I will be posting my weekend plays as soon as I lock them in and you can follow me on Twitter for updates as to when they are posted along with my NFL and College Football picks:

Everton v Manchester United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12232-Everton-v-Manchester-United.htm)

Chelsea v Arsenal Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12238-Chelsea-v-Arsenal.htm)

Norwich City v Blackburn Rovers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12235-Norwich-City-v-Blackburn-Rovers.htm)

Manchester City v Wolves Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12234-Manchester-City-v-Wolves.htm)

Wigan v Fulham Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12236-Wigan-v-Fulham.htm)

West Brom v Liverpool Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12237-West-Brom-v-Liverpool.htm)

Tottenham Hotspur v QPR Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12241-Tottenham-Hotspur-v-QPR.htm)

Stoke City v Newcastle United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12242-Stoke-City-v-Newcastle-United.htm)

Millwall v Ipswich Town Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12252-Millwall-v-Ipswich-Town.htm)

Crystal Palace v Reading Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12254-Crystal-Palace-v-Reading.htm)

Southampton v Middlesbrough Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12256-Southampton-v-Middlesbrough.htm)


MY PICKS: Everton-Manchester United Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Chelsea - 1 Asian Handicap @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Norwich City-Blackburn Rovers Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.95 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Manchester City win to nil @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Wigan-Fulham No Goalscorer @ 10.00 Stan James (1 Unit)
West Brom-Liverpool Both NOT to Score @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Tottenham Hotspur - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.90 Pinnacle (4 Units)
Stoke City @ 2.20 BetFred (2 Units)
Millwall-Ipswich Town Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Crystal Palace-Reading Time of Last Goal at 73 minutes or later @ 2.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Southampton Half Time-Full Time @ 3.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)


October Update: 18-21, - 1.07 Units

College Football Week 9 Picks and Previews

The great start to the season always meant I was a little wary that I was going to have a 'down' week at some point and Week 8 proved to be that week as the picks went 2-4.

A couple of the picks were a little unfortunate, but I think I put myself in trouble by offering my 'advice' to a friend, who proceeded to put a lot more money than I recommended on a 4 team accumulator.

Unfortunately, Arkansas were the team that let him down after I had mentioned how they were the one team I was most confident about this week (ooooops).

The top 10 also had a disappointing week compared to the early stages of the season, while we saw some big upsets as Wisconsin and the Oklahoma Sooners both lost their unbeaten records. This has blown open the BCS National Championship game and has left the path clear for some surprising schools like Stanford, Boise State and most importantly the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Cowboys probably have their destiny in their own hands if they can run the table and win the Big 12, but they have some huge tests in their way, starting with Baylor this week.

And I have still not ruled out Oklahoma being one of the teams to play in the National Championship Game if they can run the table from now and win the Big 12.

This week is a bye week for the top 2 teams in the nation as the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers both get ready for the biggest game of the season so far when they meet in Tuscaloosa on November 5th.

As always, I will update this post as I lock in my picks from the action this week and you can follow me on Twitter where I will add a link whenever I have updated these picks:

Purdue Boilermakers @ Michigan Wolverines Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12217-Purdue-Boilermakers-at-Michigan-Wolverines.htm)

Arkansas Razorbacks @ Vanderbilt Commodores Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12222-Arkansas-Razorbacks-at-Vanderbilt.htm)

Baylor Bears @ Oklahoma State Cowboys Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12224-Baylor-Bears-at-Oklahoma-State.htm)

Oklahoma Sooners @ Kansas State Wildcats Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12226-Oklahoma-Sooners-at-Kansas-State.htm)

Georgia Bulldogs @ Florida Gators Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12258-Georgia-Bulldogs-at-Florida-Gators.htm)

Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12259-Clemson-Tigers-at-Georgia-Tech.htm)


MY PICKS: Michigan Wolverines - 13 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Arkansas Razorbacks - 10 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Oklahoma State Cowboys - 14 Points @ 2.00 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Oklahoma Sooners - 13.5 Points @ 1.95 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Georgia Bulldogs - 2.5 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Clemson Tigers - 3 Points @ 1.92 Paddy Power (1 Unit)



WEEK 8: 2-4, - 2.16 Units
WEEK 7: 5-3, + 1.8 Units
WEEK 6: 6-1, + 4.66 Units
WEEK 5: 3-3, - 0.21 Units

WEEK 4: 4-2, + 1.80 Units

WEEK 3: 5-1, + 3.60 Units

WEEK 2: 3-0, + 2.82 Units

WEEK 1: 4-0, + 3.74 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 32-14, + 16.05 Units

The John Terry-Anton Ferdinand Racism Issue

The last couple of weeks have been an embarrassment for the Premier League with two high-profile players being accused of racism in consecutive weeks.

First we had the Patrice Evra-Luis Suarez issue... As I said at the time, I don't want to make judgements because I don't feel I can be unbiased as I am going to back what the player who plays for my team says.

BUT that doesn't mean I have to blindly believe the allegations made or the denial from the other party just because the player happens to wear the right shirt for my eyes.

What has bothered me, and it is something that has been reported to a lesser degree than it perhaps should have, is the suggestion that Evra is the 'Boy who cried Wolf' on a number of previous occasions, when this is actually the FIRST time he has ever alleged this has happened to him in his time at Manchester United.

Now I don't know whether Suarez did or didn't say anything untoward to Evra, and I have a feeling we are unlikely to find out, but the issue has once again come to the fore after the QPR-Chelsea game on Sunday.

I am not a master lip reader, but I am sure the England Captain called Anton Ferdinand a 'black cunt' after viewing the video. Terry claims he was asking Ferdinand if that what he thinks he said, but we don't have a clear shot of the whole discussion and this where there won't be enough evidence to actually have anything done to Terry as Sergio Busquets proved when getting away with something even more derogatory aimed at Marcelo in the Champions League Semi Final last season between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Terry's behaviour has been somewhat questionable in the past and I really don't think the guy should be England's Captain, because of these issues.

I remember a game between Tottenham and Chelsea back in 2006 when Terry was sent off for what looked like an innocuous challenge in the box, yet it was later reported that he had potentially said something racist to Ledley King, something Graham Poll had heard and sent him off for.

This was never investigated as Spurs believed there was nothing to the allegations, although the reaction of King, Pascal Chimbonda and Bobby Zamora was completely over the top for something that really didn't look that bad.


The last two weeks have raised some awkward questions in the media, one that was so passionate, and rightly so, in going after the Bulgarian fans for their disgraceful treatment of the black players who started for England in a game in Sofia recently.

Is racism still rife in English Football?

That is a debate that has been raging through the airwaves and on social networking sites for much of the day, but I think there is something quite disturbing from the amount of hate that has been sent towards people who wish to discuss this point.

The worst article of all has come from the Daily Mail (is that really a surprise? I loved Ian Brown putting it one of their reporters last week with the question of 'how does it feel to work for the paper that supported Hitler?' Still, I guess even the lead singer of the Stone Roses didn't believe it was still a paper that tolerated racism).

Just read the last paragraph of that article:

So, Mr Evra and Mr Ferdinand, I know you feel insulted. But perhaps in this case you could just put up with it and get on with the game

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2052843/John-Terry-racism-row-Anton-Ferdinand-game.html#ixzz1bqItXLDb




Is this for real? They should get on with it because things have improved markedly in the last 30 years? What a pile of crap...


So I guess the author was backing Andy Gray and Richard Keys after their comments about women? Or maybe he feels it is fine to abuse homosexuals because most people are more tolerant these days?

Racism should have no part to play in the national sport of this country, and ONE proven incident is far too much and should result in a very severe punishment for the guilty party.

The FA have a HUGE couple of weeks in front of them as they have two high-profile incidents to deal with and I will be watching on with interest.

I might be wrong in saying this, but I have spoken about a remaining undercurrent of racism in football, whether in the media or in stadiums, for a few years now and recent incidents as well as some lethargy in reaction to the incidents is worrying to say the least.

There has also been a very lukewarm response to ideas that the 'Rooney Rule' from American Football be introduced to our game here which further has me believing that the 'Kick It Out' campaign still has a lot of work to do, regardless of how much we pat ourselves on the back of how we deal with racism compared to other nations.

I have a feeling there will be more to this story in the coming days and weeks.

Things we Learned from the Weekend Football (October 22-24)

It wasn't a horrible weekend for the picks as I actually came away with a small profit, although it could have been so much better if Chelsea had not faltered at QPR... Still it makes a change from the horrendous September I suffered.

This would have been written on Monday usually, but I have barely recovered from the Manchester Derby on Sunday and only now feel a little better.

Here are a few of my thoughts from the last few days:

1) It was coming...: I have been a little pessimistic about Manchester United's performances so far this season, with only a couple being really good, while the vulnerability at the back had me musing that we were going to take a beating at one point or another.


Now I predicted that shelling may have come at Anfield last weekend, but Sir Alex must have felt the same negative vibes and ensured he played a team that could defend from the front and make life difficult for Liverpool, although we may have been a touch fortunate to escape with a draw after they created 2/3 very good chances in the last 10 minutes.


On Sunday, the onus was on us, as the home team, to push the game forward, but once Jonny Evans was sent off, it was always going to be a mountain to climb with the movement City have in their forward players.


That does not excuse the ridiculous defending from our boys at the end of the game, something that the boss seemed to agree with, as we went in search of a consolation after City went 1-4 up. At that point we should have settled for the loss and maintained some element of a goal difference, but to concede 2 more goals in the last 3 minutes is sloppy at best, and naive and stupid at worst.


I was vastly disappointed with the 'fans' who started leaving Old Trafford once City went 0-3 up (that is the time to support the boys who are trying their asses off, not the time to desert them). These are the same fools who make the most noise when United win trophies, yet leave the boys in their time of need... 


I have seen a couple of beatings in my life, but I have NEVER left the stadium early and I was disgusted with those who think that is the best way to support United, especially in a game of this magnitude. The same thing happened in a 1-4 loss to Liverpool a couple of years ago, although those season ticket holders were given a crushing time the week after when they returned to their seats.


Don't get me wrong though, I think I came out with more curses than I have in all of 2011 when United conceded the 6th.


2) Chelsea may have lost, but come out with plenty of credit: There were another bunch of controversial decisions from Chris Foy, who I personally cannot stand as a referee, that left Chelsea in a big hole on Sunday, but the fans have to be pleased with the effort and desire they showed in the 2nd half to almost come back and snatch something from this game.


1-0 down with 9 men is usually a damage limitation exercise, but Chelsea created chances and were very unfortunate to get nothing from this game.


This tells me that Andre Villa-Boas has created a real good atmosphere at the club and they are willing to fight for one another and that can only lead to good things for the Blues in the coming months.


3) Do the Wolves fans feel a little silly now: I really am no great fan of Mick McCarthy, and haven't been since he removed Roy Keane from the World Cup in 2002, but he didn't deserve the level of abuse he took in the Wolves-Swansea game at the weekend.


Yes, Wolves are struggling... Yes, even I was wondering what he McCarthy was playing at with his substitutions... Yes, being 0-2 down at home to Swansea is not good for a team that wants to survive in the Premier League... But McCarthy did not deserve chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' and 'you don't know what you're doing' considering where he has brought Wolves in his time as manager of the club.


I noticed McCarthy also came out today and described those fans as 'idiotic', probably not the wisest move considering they are playing Manchester City at home on Wednesday night, but I can understand his frustrations.


You could see it in his face after the game how annoyed McCarthy was, but the only way to get the fans off his back is by leading Wolves back to winning ways. The 6th November home game against Wigan is going to be pivotal.


4) Racism again takes centre stage: I don't know what to make of the latest issue involving John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, just a week after the Patrice Evra-Luis Suarez issue.


This was apparently brought up by a spectator who could read what John Terry was saying, although there hasn't been too much coming out of the QPR camp so far, and I don't have a clue what is going to happen from here.


The FA cannot be too pleased with all this, especially considering it started during the latest in the 'Kick It Out' campaign that has been so successful over the years.


5) Can Newcastle really get a Champions League place?: Newcastle have picked up 19 points, the same number as Chelsea, in the early part of the season, but they have taken advantage of a soft schedule. To be fair, you can only beat what is placed in front of you, but the next 6 weeks will tell the Toon Army all they need to know about their team.


Newcastle's next 5 games are : Stoke City (a), Everton (h), Manchester City (a), Manchester United (a) and Chelsea (h)... If they are still in 4th place after that run of games, then I would say get dreaming of a European adventure to all Geordies out there.

Carling Cup Picks and Preview October 25-26

Sometimes you look at the way a game has developed and think that there is no way you could have foreseen the result that comes out of it... I had that feeling twice on Sunday after the Manchester Derby, and later in the QPR-Chelsea game that had more than its fair share of controversy decisions and somehow the away side failed to score, let alone win a game where they created a hatful of chances with only 9 men on the field.

This is where I am going to put up my Carling Cup plays for the week, although I am keeping stakes to a minimum in a regularly strange competition where managers seem to play weakened teams regardless of where they are in the table:

Aldershot v Manchester United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12185-Aldershot-v-Manchester-United.htm)

Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12186-Arsenal-v-Bolton-Wanderers.htm)

Crystal Palace v Southampton Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12187-Crystal-Palace-v-Southampton.htm)

Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12190-Blackburn-Rovers-v-Newcastle-United.htm)

Stoke City v Liverpool Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12191-Stoke-City-v-Liverpool.htm)


MY PICKS: Michael Owen score anytime @ 2.25 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
Arsenal-Bolton Wanderers First Goal at 22 minutes or after @ 1.92 (1 Unit)
Crystal Palace-Southampton Last Goal at 73 minutes or after @ 1.92 (1 Unit)
Blackburn Rovers-Newcastle United Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.92 Pinnacle (1 Unit)
Stoke City-Liverpool Both NOT to Score @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)




October Update: 14-20, - 4.08 Units

NFL Week 7 Picks and Previews

First things first- I really hope I don't come off as someone who whines about missed wagers, simply because luck goes around in circles, but wow was I annoyed with the Miami-New York Jets game on Monday Night Football.

A quick look at the scoreboard suggests the pick was not close to coming in, but watching the game, it was hard to believe that it didn't win.

First off, Darrelle Revis somehow got away with choke-slamming Brandon Marshall on an Interception he then took back 100 yards for a pick 6- it was an infringement so obvious that Jon Gruden was going mad in the commentary booth at the non-call.

That alone should have given the ball to Miami on the Jets 1 yard line with a 3 point lead but instead they were down 4.

Miami also outgained New York by over 150 yards in the first half, yet were somehow down by 8 points and then the huge number of dropped passes and Matt Moore missing open receivers that would have led to TDs was scary and was probably the most frustrating loss of the season so far.


Week 6 Thoughts
1) Carson Palmer traded to Oakland: This was the biggest news of the last week as Oakland traded for the former Cincinnati Bengal and at the same time have made themselves a real contender in the AFC to at least reach the Play Offs.


Palmer is a definite improvement on Kyle Boller and on Jason Campbell (whose injury means he is unlikely to ever play for the Raiders again) and they look like an Offense that should be able to roll.


That is not to say Mike Brown and the Bengals have not had a great day either- they have picked up two 1st Round picks for Palmer and already have the makings of a good team in Ohio.


The biggest question at this moment is whether Carson Palmer still has what it takes to be an effective  QB in the NFL and how long it will take for him to get involved with the Oakland system.


2) Brain dead plays are killing teams and punters alike: I don't know what it is, but there seem to be more dumb moves made by players this season than I recall in recent years, plays that don't need to be made.


The latest to fall foul of this was Pierre Garcon who inexplicably threw the ball as a lateral with his team down by 3 and with around 2 minutes to go. The Cincinnati defender gladly picked up the ball and ran it back for a TD that gave the Bengals the cover against the Colts when Indianapolis were in a position to at least find a way to drag the game to overtime.


It has not just been the players- officials have made a few 'suspect' calls in the first 6 weeks of the season that have essentially decided whether teams cover or not... The Darrelle Revis incident on Monday Night Football essentially helped the Jets cover, while a 'unnecessary roughness' penalty on Denver a couple of weeks ago allowed San Diego to kick a FG to cover a spread (the Denver call was so bad that the officials didn't even call a number to indicate who the foul was against, while the commentators couldn't figure it out either).


3) Tony Sparano should be out of Miami within the next month: I will be very surprised if Tony Sparano is coaching the Dolphins by the time I get to Dallas at the end of next month, as the Miami team just seem short of ideas and don't look like they can buy a win, let alone earn one.


They had everything going for them against the Jets, but killed themselves with dropped catches, while the Defense has been getting little to no pressure.


I say fire Sparano, let Mike Nolan take over for the rest of the season and then give Bill Cowher a call and ask him how he fancies restoring the Dolphins to some semblance of respectability.


4) Jim Harbaugh v Jim Schwartz: This had to be the weirdest incident of the weekend as the two coaches almost got into blows at the end of the San Francisco 49ers win over the previously unbeaten Detroit Lions.


At first I agreed with Schwartz that Harbaugh had been a little over the top with his celebrations, but then an interesting story emerged that the two, along with John Harbaugh of Baltimore, had met for dinner during the lockout where it was suggested by Schwartz that Jim Harbaugh would have 'no chance of winning' in San Francisco with the lockout taking full effect.

Harbaugh bit his tongue on that occasion, but it sounds like this game may just have meant a little more to him after those comments.


The whole game had been a little chippy anyway, with Schwartz shouting at Harbaugh at one point when the 49er Head Coach mistakenly tried to challenge a TD (against the rules now) and it seemed to have culminated with that crazy ending.


4) Rex Ryan v Norv Turner?: After the Harbaugh v Schwartz appetiser, we could possibly some tense moments in the San Diego-New York Jets game this weekend after Rex Ryan was quoted as saying he would have had a 'couple of rings' if he had been given the Chargers job in 2007.


That is a slight on Norv Turner who has obviously not even reached the SuperBowl in that time, but who shot back about Ryan adding those to the 'couple he guaranteed in the last two seasons'... Get ready for the handshake!




Power Rankings Top 10
1) Green Bay Packers (6-0): Say no more...
2) New England Patriots (5-1): How many teams need to learn that you do not give Tom Brady a chance with 2 minutes left on the clock and only down a score?
3) Baltimore Ravens (4-1): Another impressive Defensive effort with just enough Offense to keep rolling.
4) San Francisco 49ers (5-1): Jim Harbaugh is doing an excellent job with this squad.
5) San Diego Chargers (4-1): Almost time for the Chargers to go on their usual run.
6) Detroit Lions (5-1): Still a good team, but the long term absence of Jahvid Best will really hurt them.
7) Oakland Raiders (4-2): Right in the thick of things in the AFC West and big improvement at QB with Carson Palmer.
8) New York Giants (4-2): Big win over Buffalo to stay in front of the NFC East.
9) Cincinnati Bengals (4-2): Most surprising team in the top 10 at this stage of the season.
10) Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): The AFC North is loaded with some talented teams this season and the Steelers are right in the thick of things as expected.




My Top 5 and Bottom 5
1) Green Bay Packers                                   32) Miami Dolphins
2) New England Patriots                               31) St Louis Rams
3) Baltimore Ravens                                      30) Indianapolis Colts
4) New Orleans Saints                                   29) Minnesota Vikings
5) San Francisco 49ers                                  28) Arizona Cardinals




Week 7 Picks and Previews
This is where I will be placing my picks for Week 7 from the NFL as soon as I have locked them in with the lines I like.


Last week was disappointing as I was so close in some games, but 3 of the 4 bigger picks fell and that left me with a loss on the week. It has been a tough season so far, but I have full faith it will be turned around.

I will update my Twitter page whenever I put up new picks and let us all hope for a bit more luck this week:

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12153-Green-Bay-Packers-at-Minnesota-Vikings.htm)

Baltimore Ravens @ Jacksonville Jaguars Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12154-Baltimore-Ravens-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars.htm)

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12155-Kansas-City-Chiefs-at-Oakland-Raiders.htm)

San Diego Chargers @ New York Jets Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12156-San-Diego-Chargers-at-New-York-Jets.htm)

Atlanta Falcons @ Detroit Lions Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12157-Atlanta-Falcons-at-Detroit-Lions.htm)

Denver Broncos @ Miami Dolphins Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12158-Denver-Broncos-at-Miami-Dolphins.htm)

Washington Redskins @ Carolina Panthers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12159-Washington-Redskins-at-Carolina-Panthers.htm)

Indianapolis Colts @ New Orleans Saints Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12160-Indianapolis-Colts-at-New-Orleans-Saints.htm)

Chicago Bears @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick and Preview (http://goonersguide.com/football-pick-12162-Chicago-Bears-at-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers.htm)


MY PICKS: Green Bay Packers - 8.5 Points @ 1.92 Coral (4 Units)
Baltimore Ravens - 7.5 Points @ 1.92 Coral (4 Units)
Kansas City Chiefs + 5 Points @ 1.90 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
San Diego Chargers - 1 Point @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Atlanta Falcons + 4 Points @ 1.90 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Denver Broncos + 1 Point @ 2.00 Pinnacle (2 Units)
Carolina Panthers - 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Victor Chandler (1 Unit)
Indianapolis Colts + 14 Points @ 2.00 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Chicago Bears - 1 Point @ 1.92 Coral (2 Units)


WEEK 6: 4-4-1, - 2.24 Units
WEEK 5, 5-3, + 3.15 Units

WEEK 4: 4-7, - 6.66 Units

WEEK 3: 4-3-1, + 2.77 Units

WEEK 2: 3-5, - 5.03 Units

WEEK 1: 4-2, + 2.53 Units


SEASON UPDATE: 24-24-2, - 5.48 Units