NBA Picks December 2015 (December 21-27)

It was a very good week for the NBA Picks last week which has turned around December, but there are still ten days left this month to build upon that.

This week the schedule is a little different to normal with Christmas Eve being a day off for every team in the Association before the annual Christmas Day bonanza which sees five games played back to back through the entire day.

After that we will get back to the usual NBA daily games through the majority of the rest of the season as the turn of the year also starts to shift the players attention to gelling together for Play Off runs.

At this point we are basically a third of the way through the regular season, although it has to be said that the NBA doesn't really seem to pick up steam until the NFL and College Football seasons are brought to a close. That is when the stories become larger and teams are really ready to kick on to the post-season, even if I am still not sold on the size of the Play Offs which means more teams get in than are eliminated at the end of an eighty-two game regular season.


Monday 21st December
The last picks I made were on Saturday as I wasn't convinced by too much on Sunday and also went to watch Star Wars during the day which limited any research time I had. Hopefully Monday will begin this week in the right way to ensure December ends with another successful month this season.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Boston Celtics Pick: Playing on a back to back is a difficult proposition for teams, but a young one like the Minnesota Timberwolves can't really look to fatigue as an excuse. They have gone 2-1-1 against the spread in the second of back to back games this season and the Timberwolves have to be confident having recorded consecutive wins heading into this one.

They will be making a relatively short trip from Brooklyn to Boston to take on the Celtics who have just lost their way in recent games. Defensively the Celtics are having a hard time and that is difficult to overcome with an Offensive unit that is very inconsistent.

It is four losses in five games for the Celtics and I do think the Minnesota Timberwolves can make this a close contested game. They are 9-3 against the spread as the road underdog this season and the Timberwolves have covered in all six road games against a team with a winning record.

Confidence is a big factor and there is no denying that Minnesota have that from two wins in a row compared with Boston's recent form. I still think the Celtics likely win the game, but this is a lot of points for them to cover and I will back the underdog to keep this close enough.


Indiana Pacers @ San Antonio Spurs Pick: The Indiana Pacers were perhaps expected to challenge for a low place in the Eastern Conference Play Off picture as they changed the identity of their team. However they have been one of the more surprising teams in the NBA in the first couple of months of the season even if December has seen a little more inconsistency in their play.

The team are still winning though and only trail Cleveland by 2.5 games for the best record in the Eastern Conference, although they now face a huge test in the form of the San Antonio Spurs.

All of the casual fans might be focusing on the Golden State Warriors, but the San Antonio Spurs are quietly dismantling every team they face. They have won five in a row and four straight had come by double digits before knocking off the LA Clippers by eight points and the Spurs should be well rested for this one having had the weekend off.

San Antonio have been incredibly dominant at home and are facing an Indiana team that is a little more erratic on their travels. I respect the fact that the Pacers have a strong recent record against San Antonio, but the latter have dominated as a home favourite being asked to cover between 6.5 and 9 points this season (4-1 against the spread) and I do think the Spurs can continue their fine roll by winning here by at least ten points.


Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz Pick: The Golden State Warriors are the team that every other in the NBA are certainly setting as the standard to reach. That is the team next up for the Utah Jazz after this game, but the home team will be wise not to overlook the Phoenix Suns as they struggle for the consistency to get into a position to challenge for Play Off places in the Western Conference.

The Western Conference has been a tough one in recent years with teams with winning records missing the Play Offs, but Utah are currently the Number 8 Seed despite an 11-14 record. Utah have been having a hard time in recent games, but did snap a four game losing run by beating the Denver Nuggets last time out.

There is no doubting that Utah have been a much better team at home, but they have just hit a rough patch Offensively which will give them problems against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns might have lost three of their last four games, but they do have few problems scoring the ball, although it is their poor Defensive record which is letting them down.

Phoenix have given up triple digits in points in seven of their last eight games and that is a tough situation to overcome. While they have been a solid road underdog, they now face a Utah team that is 17-12 against the spread when set as the home favourite of six points or fewer over the last couple of seasons.

The Suns are also just 1-5 against the spread when playing on the road against a team with a losing record and they are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games in Utah. I like the Jazz to find a way to get another win on the board here and cover this number.


Wednesday 23rd December
I didn't like any of the four games being played on Tuesday to a good enough level that I wanted to pick them.

The week continues on Wednesday and I am looking at two big spreads as I look for one team to cover it and the other to perhaps just miss out.

New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers Pick: The Cleveland Cavaliers are clearly the superior team over the New York Knicks and the latter might also be missing Carmelo Anthony.

That would be a huge loss for the Knicks, especially as the Cavaliers are getting healthier by the day. Anthony's scoring power is hard to replicate for New York, but I think there is a chance that Cleveland are looking ahead to the big Christmas Day game at the Golden State Warriors.

There is time to rest ahead of that game, but I can see a situation where the Cavaliers win this game but are not at all bothered about blowing out the Knicks. Beating the Warriors is much more important than a normal regular season game and I think Cleveland might just rest players to give their returning players a few more minutes to get back up to speed.

I'll take the points in this one.


Oklahoma City Thunder @ LA Lakers Pick: It has only been a few days since the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the LA Lakers and even a returning Kobe Bryant might not be enough to change the outcome this time. Bryant played well in a win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, but playing back to back games is going to be tough for the Superstar and that is where a rested Thunder team can smash the Lakers again.

Games between them at the Staples Center have been competitive in the past and the Lakers have a strong 4-1 record against the spread in the last five between them here. However, the Lakers are also 0-2 against the spread when set as the home underdog being given 12.5 points or more and I don't think Vegas are wrong with such a big number.

Between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook I would imagine the Thunder have enough points in this one which is tough for the Lakers to keep up with them.

I have no doubt the Lakers are going to get this much closer than the 40 point loss they suffered a few days ago. However, I still think Oklahoma City have enough to cover this spread.


Friday 25th December
Both Picks came through on Wednesday to put this week in a good position, and hopefully will mean the month ends on a positive note too.

Christmas Day has five consecutive games to be played in the NBA and I will have a few picks from those that are scheduled.

New Orleans Pelicans @ Miami Heat Pick: The opening game on Christmas Day was perhaps one that the NBA would have expected to have involved two teams with winning records. The New Orleans Pelicans were a real disappointment with the way they began the season, but things are turning around as their health improves and three wins in four games should give them confidence.

It has to be said that the Miami Heat are also a team that doesn't look like they will blow out too many teams as they have been better on the Defensive side of the court than on the Offensive.

Miami have lost three of their last five home games and they would only have covered this number once in that time. The Pelicans have also won the last three in the series and have a solid 4-1 record against the spread when playing on the road against a team with a winning record.

This does look like they are being given too many points in this game and I think backing New Orleans to keep it close will get the picks off to a winning start on Christmas Day.


Chicago Bulls @ Oklahoma City Thunder Pick: The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in fine form in recent weeks and the team should be well rested for their Christmas Day game hosting the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder have won nine of their last ten games and demolished the LA Lakers twice in a matter of days between beating the LA Clippers.

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have been sparking the Thunder, but they will be matched by Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose in this one.

However, all is not well with the Chicago Bulls with some of their players the subject of trade rumours. The new trend of doing things in Chicago have not exactly sat well with the players and it is clear that the Bulls need more help shooting the ball to actually get things going in the right direction.

Chicago do have a winning record and will likely make the Eastern Conference Play Offs, but they have not looked anything like the tough Defensive team they have been known for in recent years. In fact it is the Thunder who might be the better Defensive team on the court in this one and I like the home team to continue their good run and cover a big number in this one.


Cleveland Cavaliers @ Golden State Warriors Pick: A rematch of the NBA Finals from last season was always going to be set for Christmas Day. With the way things are going, I am not sure there will be too many who would predict anything other than a repeat between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in June 2016.

Both teams lead their respective Conferences and you can just imagine how much both teams have been looking forward to this game. The Cavaliers look the best team in the East by some distance so this game is very important for them to set a marker for what they can achieve come the rest of the season.

For the Golden State Warriors they have to come through a much tougher Conference, but they will know the one way to remove any doubts about their Finals win last season is by winning another Championship. Both teams have been in good shape in recent weeks, but playing in the Oracle Arena gives the Warriors a real edge in the contest.

Defensively Cleveland can give Golden State some problems, but it is hard to keep a lid on the home team in this raucous atmosphere. I don't think the Golden State Warriors should ever be favoured by less than at least eight points at home with the way they have dominated here and I think this is a game they would have circled.

That has seen the Warriors play at a very high level when fully motivated and I also believe Cleveland still need to get their roster fully healthy before they can take on Golden State.


San Antonio Spurs @ Houston Rockets Pick: One of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season have to be the Houston Rockets, although they remain on course for a spot in the Western Conference Play Offs. There can't be any more motivation needed than hosting State rivals the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day to at least get a big effort out of the Rockets.

They will need to be at their best if they are going to challenge the San Antonio Spurs as the latter have quietly moved behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

San Antonio are one of only four teams in the NBA who have yet to suffer double digit defeats in the season. They have been blowing out teams with a strong effort at both ends of the court, but it might be a little more challenging against the Houston Rockets on the road.

This is an Arena where San Antonio haven't been at their best as they have failed to cover in their last five games here. I expect Houston to be fully motivated to cause an upset and they have covered in their last five home games.

I respect San Antonio as a team that can get hot and blow others away with the depth they can call upon, but I will back Houston to cover here with a large number of points behind them.


Saturday 26th December
The Christmas Day games were something of a disappointment with the first going to overtime only for the New Orleans Pelicans to lose by the exact number of points to force a push.

The Golden State Warriors missed the cover by a single point as the Cleveland Cavaliers decided against fouling them with about six seconds left and down by six points. Both of those games going my way would have at least protected the weekly number to this point, but it is what it is sometimes and you have to take the rough with the smooth.

Toronto Raptors @ Milwaukee Bucks Pick: The Milwaukee Bucks will be missing Jason Kidd as Head Coach for the foreseeable future. They beat Philadelphia comfortably enough, but it is a different test against a Toronto Raptors team that has won eight of the last nine in the series and are off a confidence boosting win over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Raptors have just come off the boil in recent games before the win over Dallas and they should be well rested ahead of this one. Momentum is still important for teams so Toronto can't look ahead to visiting the Chicago Bulls as they look to get some wins under the belt.

Toronto haven't played that well on the Defensive side of the court in recent games, and they continue to miss DeMarre Carroll who was brought in during the off-season to strengthen that side of things. However they have been better on the road, which can be surprising to hear, and I can see them recover here in Milwaukee.

You have to notice that Milwaukee have struggled with the better teams in the NBA while Toronto are 4-1 against the spread in road games facing teams with losing records. Milwaukee do have a winning record this season against the spread when set as a small underdog at home, but I like Toronto to cover thanks to previous success over the Bucks.


Boston Celtics @ Detroit Pistons Pick: There isn't much separating the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference and this could be a very good game on Saturday. Both teams have decent winning records, but I think the Detroit Pistons can continue a run of dominance over the Celtics at home, although there is no doubting it will be very close.

I am not reading too much into Detroit's last loss against the Atlanta Hawks which came in a back to back spot. The Pistons have shown they are more than capable of hanging with some top teams and they should be well-rested while also having a few days to prepare for their next game.

On the other hand Boston are hosting the disliked New York Knicks at home on Sunday and a quick stop in Detroit before heading over the day after Christmas doesn't look the best spot. The Pistons have shown some better Defensive form at home and I also like the fact they are 4-0 against the spread when favoured by three points or fewer at home.

Detroit are also 6-2 against the spread in their last eight home games against the Boston Celtics and I like them to cover this number in a tight game.


Philadelphia 76ers @ Phoenix Suns Pick: No one really wants anything to do with the Philadelphia 76ers at the moment and you will continue to get double digit spreads on them as the underdog. I am just not convinced the Phoenix Suns should be asked to cover as big a number with the way they have been playing of late as well as trying to get through some personal problems.

There was some friction between the organisation and Markieff Morris in the off-season after Phoenix traded away his twin brother Marcus. That has only been exasperated since Markieff's request to leave was ignored and it came to a head when he threw a towel at his Head Coach so he is suspended for this game.

It won't be easy for the Suns to focus on this game with the Cleveland Cavaliers their next visitors on Monday, especially out of a Christmas break. The Suns have lost five of their last six overall and they are just 3-5 against the spread when facing teams with losing records at home which would concern me too.

Philadelphia might not win on the road, but they have covered more often than not when facing the weaker teams in the NBA. The 76ers should have enough to cover if they can take advantage of some of the poisonous atmosphere developing in the Phoenix Suns dressing room and that is what I will back.


Sunday 27th December
Saturday was another solid day for the picks and ensures another winning week which has put the month of December in a promising position with just a few more days to go.

New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics Pick: The Boston Celtics have been in very good form and are off a very good win at the Detroit Pistons. The second of back to back games sees them host the New York Knicks who also played on Saturday but were beaten easily by the Atlanta Hawks and will be expecting more from the team in this one.

I actually like the Knicks' chances of bouncing back and at least covering as they are 10-4 against the spread as the road underdog including going 5-3 against the spread when playing on the road at a team with a winning record.

There is no doubting that the Boston Celtics are one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, but they do tend to play up and down to the level of the team they are facing. The team have also not been as dominant on the Defensive side of the court which makes this look a lot of points to cover and I do like the chances of the New York Knicks.

The Knicks are also 9-4 against the spread in their last thirteen games at the TD Garden and I will look for them to cover.

MY PICKS: 21/12 Minnesota Timberwolves + 8.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
21/12 San Antonio Spurs - 8.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
21/12 Utah Jazz - 4.5 Points @ 1.95 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
23/12 New York Knicks + 11.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
23/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 14 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
25/12 New Orleans Pelicans + 6 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
25/12 Oklahoma City Thunder - 8 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
25/12 Golden State Warriors - 6.5 Points @ 1.85 Coral (1 Unit)
25/12 Houston Rockets + 7.5 Points @ 1.85 Coral (1 Unit)
26/12 Toronto Raptors - 2.5 Points @ 1.91 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
26/12 Detroit Pistons - 1 Point @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
26/12 Philadelphia 76ers + 12 Points @ 1.91 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
27/12 New York Knicks + 7.5 Points @ 1.95 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

December 21-27 Update: 7-5-1, + 1.35 Units

December 14-20 Final: 9-3-1, + 5.19 Units
December 7-13 Final: 2-4, - 2.14 Units

December 1-6 Final: 5-5, - 0.37 Units

December Update: 16-12-1, + 2.68 Units

November Final: 27-22-1, + 2.69 Units
October Final: 5-4, + 0.57 Units
Season 2016: 32-26-1, + 3.26 Units

Final Season 2015: 109-108-5, - 6.91 Units

Final Season 2014: 58-72-1, - 16.86 Units

Final Season 2013: 105-93-3, + 10.49 Units

Final Season 2012: 79-53-1, + 27.48 Units

College Football Bowl Games 2015 (December 19-24)

As with my NBA Picks in a month, I have figured that the picks from the Bowl Games seem to get lost in the mix of what is regularly a busy December.

Therefore I have decided to do the same as with the NBA Picks and that is split the Bowl Games into weekly threads with the first one covering the opening games through to Christmas Eve.

I will then have a thread which covers the games from Boxing Day through to December 30th, before a final thread which has the big New Year's Eve games, both College Football Semi Finals in the Play Offs, and the conclusion of Bowl season.

Finally I will have a one off post that covers my pick from the National Championship Game which is played in mid-January.

And one final thing, I clearly won't have picks from every Bowl Game because I don't always have a lean strong enough to make picks from every game. Hopefully finding the right picks will help end the season in a positive manner and end a successful season.


Saturday 19th December
The opening of Bowl season with five game set for Saturday before the NFL takes over on Sunday and the Bowl games continue from Monday through to Christmas Eve.

Utah Utes v BYU Cougars Pick: The first game I am looking at this Bowl season comes from the Las Vegas Bowl were the Holy War will be played between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes. This was a regular game up until a couple of seasons ago, but it has been three seasons since they last played and I can't say anything but this is going to be competitive as both teams look for the bragging rights.

Being in Vegas shouldn't be a distraction for two schools from Utah and I am not expecting that to be factor.

The rivalry will be a factor those as emotions have been high in the lead up to kick off and controlling that could prove to be the difference maker between these teams. The Cougars will also be desperate to give Bronco Mendenhall the perfect send off after the Head Coach announced he would be moving to Virginia as Head Coach for next season.

Utah have been waiting since 2010 and BYU have been waiting since 2011 for a double digit win season, but I am liking the underdog in this one. Why? The injuries suffered by Utah, particularly the loss Devontae Booker who has been the spark on the Offensive side of the ball. Britain Covey is the leading Receiver and could also be out so Travis Wilson could have a really difficult time moving the chains with consistency.

The Cougars have gotten plenty of pressure up front and Utah don't protect Wilson as well as they would like, while another factor is the way Utes collapsed down the stretch. Instead of playing on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day as they would have imagined, Utah return to Las Vegas for the third time in four years having gone 1-1 in the previous two Bowl games.

The Utes did win last season, but the rivalry and Offensive struggles may just mean BYU can keep this close. I do think it will be tough for BYU to run the ball, but the Utah Secondary has given up some big plays and Tanner Mangum has come in and played well at Quarter Back for the Cougars.

Of course you don't how someone will react to the pressure that comes with the Holy War, but Mangum has protected the ball well for the most part. That will be key against this ball-hawking Utes team, and one that can help BYU perhaps even win outright.

The underdog has gone 5-0 against the spread in the last five editions of the Holy War and I do like taking the points in this one.


Ohio State Bobcats v Appalachian State Mountaineers Pick: This is only the second edition of the Camellia Bowl, but the Appalachian State Mountaineers might not care so much as they play their first ever Bowl Game. It has been a very good season for the Mountaineers who finished with a 10-2 record and one of those losses was to the Clemson Tigers who are the Number 1 Seed in the National Championship Play Offs.

The Ohio State Bobcats finished 8-4 in the regular season and return to Bowl action having missed out last season. Their experience of dealing with the post-season is seen as an advantage for Frank Solich, and I don't blame him for looking for any positives.

That is because Solich may be forced to start his third string Quarter Back again in this game with his first two choices both still banged up. It might not matter against a very good Mountaineers Defense that play both the run and pass effectively and I think Ohio State will have a difficult time moving the chains with consistency in this one.

Of course that experience of playing Bowl Games might change that, but Appalachian State should be excited about playing their first Bowl Game and that is hard to ignore. The Mountaineers will be very motivated to put on a show, but I do think Ohio can balance that motivation out after being ignored to play in a Bowl despite finishing 6-6 last season.

The Bobcats Defensive unit have played the run better during their three game winning run to end the season, but Appalachian State's triple option has been very effective all year. Taylor Lamb has also shown he is a capable passer at Quarter Back and I think that balance proves to be a big difference between the teams.

It is a shame the spread has moved back up above the seven point mark, but I still like Appalachian State to get it done and win their first Bowl Game against an Ohio team that is just 2-6 in previous Bowl appearances. The Bobcats were blown out by East Carolina two seasons ago, but I think this will be closer although still a double digit win for Appalachian State.

MY PICKS: BYU Cougars + 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Appalachian State Mountaineers - 7.5 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)

December 19-24 Update: 0-2, - 2 Units

Weekend Football Picks 2015 (December 19-21)

There is no doubting the biggest news in English Football was broken on Thursday as Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager of Chelsea. I will have views on that next week, but I did mention his final game when reviewing last weekend's football which can be read here.

I can imagine there are a lot of other clubs in the Premier League who would have been happy to hear of the Mourinho news if only to hide some of the issues they are having going into an extremely busy two weeks. However football moves on so quickly that those clubs will be back in the spotlight this weekend if results don't go the way they are expected to.

This is the another weekend when teams have had a full preparation for their game, but from next week teams will be looking at two games in a short space of time and the preparing for the first game of 2016 which comes just days later.


Chelsea v Sunderland Pick: There began to be a real rumour going that Jose Mourinho was on the brink of being sacked by Chelsea ahead of this game, but I don't think any move is going to be made before the New Year at the earliest. Even then I don't believe Mourinho has lost the backing of the board, although he would love to get the players back on side with cracks appearing in his relationship with some of the top stars.

The whole Eden Hazard substitution on Monday night was bizarre to say the least, but this looks a good chance for Chelsea to try and bounce back against a Sunderland team that have struggled away from home.

Sam Allardyce will set them out to be tough to beat but Sunderland continue to struggle defensively and that won't be addressed until the manager can bring in a couple of his own players in January. The key for Allardyce is making sure Sunderland are still in touch with the teams above them at the end of this four game run before the window opens and a trip to Chelsea is not as daunting as it was even six months ago.

I just don't think Sunderland have the quality to take advantage and Chelsea have been playing better than their recent results suggest. Jose Mourinho's team are not getting much of a rub of the green and I just have a feeling they will show that they haven't given up on their manager just yet.

Mourinho will likely make changes as he looks to find the right winning formula, but I think Chelsea bounce back from the disappointment of Monday night. The eye test says they are not that far away from really putting it to a team and I think Chelsea will expose the defensive problems Sunderland have had all season and win this one by a couple of goals as they did last season.

EDITOR NOTE: So you can see I wrote this before the Jose Mourinho Sacking was confirmed and it highlights why I was so surprised that decision was taken at this moment in time. I still fancy Chelsea to win well as the players perhaps make a point, but it's not the best of times at Stamford Bridge because I don't know where they go from here.


Everton v Leicester City Pick: The football that both Everton and Leicester City have produced for much of this season promises to make this one of the more entertaining games of the weekend. Everton will attack, but Leicester City have shown little regard for settling even on their travels and goals has to be the order of the day.

For all of the good that both teams have done going forward, there are some real vulnerabilities that can be exploited in defence. That might be even more evident for the teams that missing towering centre halves in Phil Jagielka and Robert Huth this weekend and I think the two teams match up well.

Roberto Martinez will want Everton to play with a lot of possession and get the ball into wide areas to attack the middle of the defence where Huth is absent. On the other hand Claudio Ranieri won't mind Everton having the ball as Leicester City can use the pace of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy to hit them on the break.

Both League games last season ended in high-scoring draws and this has all the makings of another that can end that way.

It is hard to separate them and find a winner, but backing goals has been so profitable in Leicester City games this season that it is hard to ignore that avenue again. However, I will take a smaller interest on this not providing three goals combined, but four goals at the bigger prices.


Manchester United v Norwich City Pick: You can't deny the pressure that is on Louis Van Gaal to get things progressing for Manchester United and anything less than a win over Norwich City on Saturday might make the board twitchy. I don't agree with the idea of another banner being flown over Old Trafford with '[Insert Manager Name] Out' but I have not been a fan of the manager from day one although trying to keep backing the team as far as possible.

Rumours that Van Gaal could be axed before Christmas look to be far-fetched to be me even if it looks like the players are beginning to turn agains the methods the Dutchman employs.

All of those issues can at least be doused down a little if Manchester United can win this game and I think the return of Ander Herrera and Wayne Rooney is important for them. The Spaniard in particularly has shown he can unlock stubborn defences and also has an eye for a goal, while Chris Smalling's return should bolster a defence that looked ragged at Bournemouth.

Defensively Manchester United have been sound and I do think Norwich City might struggle to create too many chances. Alex Neil might want his side to try and express themselves, but Manchester United should dominate possession to restrict those chances and I think they will win this game.

That will ease things for Van Gaal this week, but he has two huge games against Stoke City and Chelsea next week. I expect Manchester United to go into those games having won this one with a clean sheet.


Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur Pick: The layers might not be expecting too many goals from two clubs that are perhaps hoping to build some momentum to take into the next two weeks when each will play four Premier League games.

However, I think Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur have both looked good enough in attack to perhaps give these defences more to think about than the layers think. Hugo Lloris has made some big saves in recent away games for Spurs to keep the goals in those games under the three game mark, especially at West Brom, and both teams have scored in the last four Tottenham Hotspur away games.

Goals haven't exactly been flowing in Southampton's last three home games in the Premier League, but this is a team that does have attacking potential. Sometimes I can be a little critical of Ronald Koeman for perhaps being a manager that is not willing to take a gamble when a game is there to be won, but there is enough quality in the forward areas to cause Tottenham Hotspur real difficulties.

Both teams should be well rested having had a week since they last played and I think that can show on the field with more energy through the game. I won't at all be surprised if both teams scored at least once each, but I can't imagine either will be overly happy with another point if they want to secure their goals for the season and I do think the odds against quote for goals is tempting.


West Brom v Bournemouth Pick: I don't have a lot to say about this game except it feels Bournemouth are perhaps being given too much respect for wins over Chelsea and Manchester United to open the month. I do think those were fabulous results for Bournemouth, but they had nothing to lose in those games and the increasing expectation makes this a tough game.

Forget the fact that West Brom are also a very solid team under Tony Pulis who have won 2 of their last 4 games at The Hawthornes and were unfortunate to have to settle for a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Even last week West Brom were moments from beating Liverpool at Anfield and doing that would have made them a stronger home favourite to win this one.

I respect the character Bournemouth have shown, but I think Pulis sides are solid and win these kind of games at home to make sure they avoid the drop. I couldn't go more than a small interest though on the home team as Bournemouth will be full of beans as they head to the Midlands as one of their 'easier' League games over the four game stretch up coming.


Newcastle United v Aston Villa Pick: I will give credit for the way Aston Villa performed in the second half of their game with Arsenal last Sunday, but it was too little too late in all honesty as the damage was done in the first half. This doesn't look a set of players that truly believe they belong in the Premier League and they have looked considerably worse than any team in the Division despite the competitive nature that has been displayed all season.

There are just too many defensive errors being coupled with a lack of a consistent goal threat and I am struggling to see where Aston Villa turn this around. Their next four games might decide their fate as the club head to Newcastle United, Norwich City and Sunderland while hosting West Ham United and anything less than 7 points from a possible 12 might be curtains for them.

Unfortunately a team lacking with confidence will head to the North East for the first of those games against a Newcastle United team that have to have an extra spring in the step this week.

Beating Liverpool at home and then following that with an impressive come from behind win over Tottenham Hotspur should have the Newcastle United players ready for this game. The fans will be behind them and Steve McClaren will have a settled line up taking to the field, one that has looked better defensively in their last couple of games even after coming through some sticky moments against Spurs.

Newcastle United have enjoyed the visit of Aston Villa in recent seasons and they do look like they have more of a cutting edge which can be all the difference in a tight game. I don't think we will see too many goals, but I do think the home team find a key one that puts a bit more space between them and the bottom three.

It will be yet another nail in the coffin for a poor Aston Villa side that look to be on an irreversible slide out of the Premier League.


Arsenal v Manchester City Pick: The game of the weekend in the Premier League is undoubtedly being saved for Monday Night Football as Arsenal host Manchester City in the first of two games between the two favourites to win the League title. If Leicester City lose to Everton on Saturday, it would also mean the winner of this League game would top the Premier League on Christmas morning which can strike something of a mental blow against their rivals.

I really don't know who this game will mean more to- Arsenal might feel any result is a positive with the injuries they have in the squad, but have been in very good form in recent weeks. On the other hand Manchester City might have some returning key figures like Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero but may feel a draw isn't a bad result considering their recent struggles on their travels.

The layers have made Arsenal a fairly strong favourite to win the game which makes sense on the current home/away form of the respective teams. Arsenal have won 5 of 6 at home in all competitions, while Manchester City have won 1 of 5 on their travels.

What the layers are seemingly keen to get behind is the chance of there being at least three goals shared between two teams that are known for their attacking football, but I am not so sure it is such a guarantee.

No Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla on one side and we don't know ready Sergio Aguero will be on the other and you begin to see an issue. Both managers have also been a lot more pragmatic this season than we have become accustomed to and are willing to make sure they are defensively sound in these big games to not give anything away.

And you can't ignore the fact that Manchester City have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 away games and have had a couple of goalless draws in that time. Vincent Kompany's return will make them a more solid team defensively and I can see Manuel Pellegrini looking to hit Arsenal on the break.

Mesut Ozil looks like he is good for a couple of assists in every game at the moment and Arsenal do have pace that will worry Manchester City, but games between them at The Emirates Stadium have generally been tight. Take away the 2-2 game last season and there had been 8 straight games at this Stadium between these teams that had featured two or fewer goals.

It looks big odds for there being a lack of goals, but plenty of intrigue, in this final game before Christmas in the Premier League. Recent fixtures between Arsenal and Manchester City here and the latter's lack of goals in away games backs up my conviction that there might not be too many goals shared this week either.

MY PICKS: Chelsea - 1.5 Asian Handicap @ 2.00 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Everton-Leicester City Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.63 William Hill (1 Unit)
Manchester United Win to Nil @ 2.37 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
Southampton-Tottenham Hotspur Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.15 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)
West Brom @ 2.63 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Newcastle United @ 2.05 Bet Fred (2 Units)
Arsenal-Manchester City Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.25 Betfair Sportsbook (2 Units)

December Update: 10-14, - 4.15 Units (41 Units Staked, - 10.12% Yield)

November Final: 11-19-1, - 12.94 Units (51 Units Staked, - 25.37% Yield)

October Final: 16-25, - 13.51 Units (79.50 Units Staked, - 16.99% Yield)
September Final: 29-30-3, + 4.18 Units (117.5 Units Staked, + 3.58% Yield)
August Final: 16-31-1, - 24.34 Units (94 Units Staked, - 25.89% Yield)

Season 2015/16: 72-105-5, - 46.61 Units (342 Units Staked, - 13.63% Yield)
Season 2014/15: 159-208-5, - 20.22 Units (647 Units Staked, - 3.13% Yield)
Season 2013/14: 164-185-3, + 15.84 Units (577 Units Staked, + 2.75% Yield)



Season 2012/13: + 4.42 Units (415 Units Staked, + 1.07% Yield)

NFL Week 15 Picks 2015 (December 17-21)

I can't believe there are only three weeks left of the regular season in the NFL and more Play Off scenarios are likely to be decided as we reach Week 15.

A recap of Week 14 in the NFL as well as the Power Ranking and Week 14 Picks Recap can be found here.

Week 15 Picks

Week 14 was a very good one, but I hope to find the right picks again in Week 15 to make sure this is going to be a successful season.

I won't have a pick from Thursday Night Football as I really can't get a read on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St Louis Rams. The former lost in Week 14 which might have ended Play Off hopes, while the latter are so inconsistent that it wouldn't surprise me if they failed to back up their win over Detroit Lions by looking ahead to their final two Divisional games.

Next week St Louis play Seattle and try to snap that hot run so there is a chance they have looked ahead to that game, but I think this game easily comes down to which of the Running Backs makes a big play or two. I can't pick a game on that basis alone and these teams are evenly matched so I will wait for Saturday, Sunday and Monday games for any picks this week.

New York Jets @ Dallas Cowboys Pick: I hate the fact that there is so much money on the New York Jets but they look the far superior team than the current incarnation of the Dallas Cowboys.

I am not sure how much belief is left in Dallas with their Play Off spot just about gone after the blow out loss to the Green Bay Packers. I will give Dallas credit and say the Defensive unit continues to play hard, but they are getting next to no support from the Offense and it is no surprise that they are getting worn down and then beaten as games reach the third and fourth quarter.

Eddie Lacy and James Starks trampled Dallas last week and the absence of Rolando McClain is a big hole to fill at Linebacker. That could mean Chris Ivory has a chance of a decent game for the Jets, especially as Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well enough at Quarter Back that Dallas can't just load the box and hope to contain the run.

Fitzpatrick is aided by two top Receivers in Erik Decker and Brandon Marshall and I don't think the Dallas Secondary can contain both of those players.

So while I can see New York moving the chains pretty effectively, the same can't really be said for the Dallas Cowboys. Matt Cassel hasn't proved capable of making the throws necessary even teams try to shut down the run and I think that is more difficult for him this week.

Why? Because the Jets Defensive Line have dominated the run all season, but have been even more impressive over their last three games by giving up just 2.4 yards per carry. Dallas can't expect Darren McFadden and Ronnie Turbin to have too many big gains in this one and that means Cassel is throwing from third and long far too often for their liking.

The Jets Secondary does have some holes, but Dez Bryant isn't fully healthy and I think they can make enough plays to limit what the Cowboys can do. Add in the fact that the Jets also get a lot of pressure on the Quarter Back and I am struggling to see how Cassel can help the Cowboys keep this competitive.

I don't like the spread that much, but I do think the Jets will prove to be the better team as the Cowboys season effectively comes to an end. New York can't focus on anything but this game as they try to hold on for a Wild Card spot and the big games with New England and Buffalo might be meaningless if they were to lose. I think Fitzpatrick makes enough big plays to get the Jets into position to win this one by at least seven.


Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings Pick: The Chicago Bears might have seen their season come to an end with back to back losses, but they will have plenty of motivation in playing spoiler at the Minnesota Vikings this week. It still looks like the Vikings are in a position to take one of the Wild Card spots in what is a top heavy NFC, but a defeat might just give them a few more issues to contend with over the final three weeks of the season.

Injuries are hurting Minnesota at this moment, especially Defensively, so the Vikings have to make sure the Offense is back on the same page. Some mistakes on that side of the ball have been part of the reason that Minnesota have lost three of their last four games, although the lack of a consistent way to move the chains hasn't helped.

Teddy Bridgewater has had a couple of very good games this season which have suggested he is more than a game manager, but the majority of the time this team leans on Adrian Peterson. While the Offensive Line has struggled to open holes at times, I think Peterson is established in this game and can have a big running day.

That will make things easier for his Quarter Back, especially as the Chicago Secondary is actually a little under-rated. The Bears have also gotten a fierce pass rush generated in recent games which will give Bridgewater some problems if Peterson is not able to run the ball, something that has been a bit of an issue for Minnesota in their last few games.

Running the ball has been an issue for Chicago too but Matt Forte is back and he is a huge part of the Offensive picture for the Bears. Forte and Jeremy Langford could both have decent outings against the Vikings who are missing the likes of Anthony Barr at Linebacker and Harrison Smith has been hurt at Safety.

Establishing the run is important for the Bears to make sure Jay Cutler is kept in favourable third down situations. Cutler has limited his mistakes in recent games, and he should have some room to find the likes of Alshon Jeffery in this one to move the chains.

This is a revenge game for Chicago too having lost a close one at home to Minnesota and the recent games have all been very competitive. I am surprised that Chicago are being as many points as they with that in mind and the underdog has covered in three of the last four games in Minnesota when these teams meet here.

Too many points as far as I am concerned as Chicago remain competitive in their games and Minnesota will be happy with any kind of win.


Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants Pick: The unbeaten Carolina Panthers will know they are visiting a New York Giants team that is desperately fighting for their Play Off future. They will also be aware that the New York Giants have a habit of playing up to the level of opponent they face and are capable of knocking Carolina from the land of the unbeaten.

With a 13-0 record behind them, Carolina are very close to wrapping up home field advantage in the NFC and the concern now has to be injuries. Last week Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton were all banged up Offensively, but it looks like only Stewart will be missing in this one.

Newton has been playing like the MVP in recent games and I can see the Quarter Back having a strong day in this one. The New York Giants have struggled for consistent pressure up front and the Secondary hasn't held up well through injuries and I do think Newton's makeshift Receiving corps can find the right creases in the coverage to help Carolina move the chains.

The Giants do continue to play the run well, but their Defensive concerns are in the Secondary and Newton has shown he can stand in the pocket and fizz passes to his Receivers around the field.

That does mean it will be up to Eli Manning and Odell Beckham to find a way to keep up with the Panthers, although Beckham's likely match up with Josh Norman is going to be a huge one for the fans to enjoy. Norman is arguably the best Corner Back in the NFL, while Beckham has the eye for the magical catch and it could be an even contest for much of the day.

Manning has to find his other Receivers in the passing game to perhaps open things up for Beckham, although they will also line him up in different positions to try and get him going. The Panthers will hope to shut down the New York Giants by shutting down the run and then trying to take away Beckham with Norman.

Carolina have played the pass very well in recent games and they do get a lot of pressure up front which is going to be tough for Manning if Ereck Flowers is out or limited.

I do like the Giants as a home underdog though and I think the Carolina injuries might mean they are slowed down just enough. The New York Giants have every chance of winning this game outright, but you can't disrespect Carolina who have played hard by suggesting it will happen. Instead back the Giants with more than a Field Goal worth of points to give another unbeaten team a really tough test.


Buffalo Bills @ Washington Redskins Pick: It looks like the sharp money in this game is coming down on the Buffalo Bills as this game has moved from a pick 'em to Washington Redskins being set as the home underdog of almost a Field Goal.

I am not sure I fully understand that move, especially as the Buffalo Bills are coming off what was an emotional and perhaps fatal loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. LeSean McCoy has to pick himself up from that and usually I would suggest this is a very good chance for the Running Back to establish the run.

However, this is an area where the Washington Redskins have played well in recent games and they might be able to slow down the Bills on the ground to force Tyrod Taylor to beat them through the air.

Taylor is capable of doing that as this Redskins Secondary has a number of holes in it. I am not sure how Washington will really contain Sammy Watkins, but they do get some decent pass rush pressure and will be looking for that to rattle Taylor who has been banged up.

Washington should have some success when looking to throw the ball themselves as Kirk Cousins has proved he can get the ball downfield. The Bills have struggled to impose their pass rush on teams and that has meant Quarter Backs have had the time to expose any issues in the Secondary.

Cousins may also be aided by the fact that the Redskins might be able to run the ball effectively for the first time in a little while. Both Alfred Morris and Matt Jones are tough runners and the Buffalo Bills have just begin to wear down when it comes to defending the run.

I can really see both teams having their success with the ball in hand in this one, but I can't have the Redskins as the underdog. The Buffalo Bills might already be out of the Play Off picture in the AFC, even if that is not made official just yet, and I think the loss last week is going to be a tough one to overcome.

That isn't to say the Washington Redskins are going to perform just because they are in a position to reach the Play Offs. However Kirk Cousins has been much better at home and has to have had some confidence from finally winning on the road last week. I just don't think they should be almost a Field Goal home underdogs in this one and a small interest on Washington to cover here is the call.


The Christmas rush and parties at this time of the year means I will add the remaining picks from Week 15 below.

MY PICKS: New York Jets - 3 Points @ 1.91 Coral (2 Units)
Chicago Bears + 5.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
New York Giants + 4 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Washington Redskins + 2.5 Points @ 2.00 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Oakland Raiders + 3.5 Points @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
Denver Broncos + 7 Points @ 1.83 Ladbrokes (2 Units)
Miami Dolphins + 1 Point @ 1.91 William Hill (1 Unit)
San Francisco 49ers + 6 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Arizona Cardinals - 3.5 Points @ 2.00 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Week 14: 8-2, + 10.12 Units
Week 13: 8-3, + 8.06 Units

Week 12: 2-10, - 14.18 Units

Week 11: 3-4-1, - 1.38 Units

Week 10: 3-6, - 5.54 Units

Week 9: 6-2, + 8.08 Units

Week 8: 0-1, - 1 Unit

Week 7: 2-4, - 4.23 Units

Week 6: 3-5-1, - 3.33 Units

Week 5: 3-5-1, - 3.48 Units

Week 4: 4-3-1, + 2.24 Units

Week 3: 8-2, + 9.03 Units

Week 2: 4-5, - 1.71 Units

Week 1: 5-2-1, + 6.46 Units

Season 2015: 59-54-5, + 10.14 Units

Season 2014: 77-80-2, - 8.47 Units

Season 2013: 86-70-2, + 22.27 Units

Season 2012: - 4.78 Units

NFL Week 14 Recap 2015 (December 16th)

With the Play Offs just three weeks from being put together, the remainder of 2015 is going to bring up some really important games as teams and Head Coaches try and make sure their team is involved in the post-season.

Failing to do that automatically leaves Coaches on the hot seat and there are likely a number of vacancies that will need to be filled in the early part of 2016.

Some don't have to worry about that as the likes of the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals have all made sure they are amongst the last twelve teams standing in January. This week we will likely see a couple more teams added to the mix, while others are drinking in the last chance saloon as they try and give themselves a shot to make the post-season.

Andy Dalton's Injury May Cost the Cincinnati Bengals

You have to always use words like 'may' and 'might' in circumstances like this, but it would take a brave individual to suggest the Cincinnati Bengals are still a Super Bowl contender with Andy Dalton likely sidelined the rest of the way.

I won't criticise a Quarter Back that is willing to make a tackle when throwing an Interception, but Andy Dalton and the entire Cincinnati Bengals staff, owners and fans must have hoped he had decided against doing that in Week 14.

It was a decision that saw him fracture his thumb, but likely fracture Cincinnati's post-season ambitions. Dalton might not have won a Play Off game yet, but the Bengals were on course for a First Round bye in the Play Offs and he is arguably playing the best of his career so every chance he would have snapped his negative record in the post-season.

Now the keys are turned over to AJ McCarron who has led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a couple of National Championships. There is no shortage of confidence in the McCarron camp who effectively compared himself to Tom Brady after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his actual performance was a little up and down and that inconsistency is not going to cut it in the Play Offs.

It's just hard to say this injury to Dalton isn't anything but a huge blow to Cincinnati and likely to extend their wait for a Play Off spot. I wasn't a huge fan of McCarron at Alabama either so I remain extremely unconvinced he has what it takes to be an effective NFL starting Quarter Back and the last three games of the regular season are huge for him to prove anything different and try to lead the Bengals into a First Round bye.

Jacksonville Jaguars Have an Offense Capable of Big Things, Now they Need the Defensive Pieces

For the last couple of years the Jacksonville Jaguars have looked an improving team, but the last couple of weeks have shown that the Offense is perhaps ready to take off.

Blake Bortles, Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson, Julius Thomas and TY Yeldon are young and effective and Jacksonville showed it all off by hanging 50 on Indianapolis this past week.

This is where the pressure begins to build on Gus Bradley as Head Coach, especially next season.

Bradley came over from Seattle where he had the Defensive Co-Ordinator role until 2012 but the Jacksonville Defensive unit is still a work in progress. They have to get better there if this team is to begin to challenge for the AFC South crown and perhaps get back into the Play Offs and the pressure will be on Bradley to get the answers so they can match what the Offense will give to them.

If the Jaguars fail because the Secondary keeps giving up too many big plays, I do think Bradley will be on the hot seat next season, but for now there is a lot of positives at Jacksonville for the fans to look forward to.

And they are also not quite out of the AFC South race this season too!!

Chuck Pagano and the Indianapolis Colts Will Part Way No Matter How the Season Ends

It was a bizarre Press Conference that Chuck Pagano held on Monday and his quotes makes it clear that he knows his time as Indianapolis Colts Head Coach is coming to an end.

This has been rumoured for much of the season thanks to a discord between him and the General Manager and looks to be the outcome even if the Colts were to win the Super Bowl.

It is quite sad that the relationship looks set to end that way as Pagano has done a good job with this Colts team that had been left in a poor spot when he took over. Yes he had Andrew Luck, but the Colts have looked improved the last couple of years and this year looked to be a genuine Super Bowl contender.

Unfortunately they haven't looked that good all season and even winning the poor AFC South isn't enough to paper over those cracks. Many had the Colts as a potential top two Seed in the AFC, but Luck didn't look right even before his injuries and the Defensive unit has been poor for the most part.

Next week is a huge game to see if the Colts will even be playing in the Play Offs as their grip on the AFC South looks tenuous to say the least, although I am not going to be watching a Charlie Whitehurst vs TJ Yates Quarter Back match up any time soon.

Khalil Mack is Going to be a Disruptive Force in the NFL for Years to Come

For the first time in his career, Peyton Manning must have been pleased he was unable to go for a Football game.

If Manning is banged up now, I have no idea what Khalil Mack would have done to him this past week.

Instead it was Brock Osweiler who took five Sacks from Mack alone as the second year player absolutely destroyed the Denver Offensive Line no matter which side of the Offensive Line he lined up.

Mack looked unbelievable and you can understand why so many Linemen described him as their biggest challenge after his ROOKIE season at the end of last season. He looks like a player that wants to make the best of all he has and Mack could be someone that is a future multiple time Defensive Player of the Year.

It was thanks to him that Oakland managed to come back and beat Denver in Week 14 on the road and his is going to be an integral pieced of this Defense for years to come.

With Derek Carr and Amari Cooper on the Offensive side and Mack on the Defensive side, Oakland have a bright future even if that might not be as the 'Oakland' Raiders.

Biggest Wild Card Threat- Seattle Seahawks or Pittsburgh Steelers?

Back in October when the NFL had a couple of their 'fan days' arranged in the UK, I began to mention the Pittsburgh Steelers as a legitimate Super Bowl contender and arguably the best team in the AFC.

As long as Big Ben could stay healthy.

Of course Ben Roethlisberger is battling through his injuries but the Steelers did lose Le'Veon Bell in that time, although the team is continuing to roll and now looks a real dark horse.

The problem for Pittsburgh is they need to win out and hope the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs or the New York Jets slip up. I definitely see the Jets failing to win all three games, but the point is that Pittsburgh have work to do if they are to get into the Play Offs.

If they do, the Steelers would be my answer to the question I have posed, but right now I have to go with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks are almost guaranteed of reaching the Play Offs via a Wild Card spot and not many teams are playing better than them right now. Russell Wilson looks very comfortable, the Defensive unit have upped their game and Seattle have the experience of back to back Super Bowl appearances which you just can't buy.

I have little doubt they finish Number 5 Seed in the NFC which means a road game against the NFC East winner and who would back against the Seahawks there? Things then become more haphazard with teams like Carolina and Arizona in the top two positions (remember both have won AT Seattle this season), but that is when the experience Seattle have can make a big difference.

Seattle tend to get hot in December since Wilson took over as Quarter Back and they are a real threat to get to a third consecutive Super Bowl on their current form. However, my only concern would be that they have picked up momentum a little too early and Seattle escaped a couple of fortunate bounces to win through the Play Offs the last couple of years.

Of course you need that luck, so Seattle are the answer to the question I posed right now... But if Pittsburgh make the Play Offs, I don't think anyone stops them from reaching the Super Bowl and perhaps winning a second one for Mike Tomlin and third for Ben Roethlisberger.

Top Ten

1) Carolina Panther (13-0): Home field is almost secured and this looks to be the best team in the NFL, but plenty of big challenges await.

2) Arizona Cardinals (11-2): I love what Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals have done this season, but I have a couple of concerns about their Defensive pass rush that might be exposed later in the season.

3) New England Patriots (11-2): They will likely win the Number 1 Seed in the AFC and perhaps are getting a little healthier Offensively, although Defensively they are picking up more health issues.

4) Denver Broncos (10-3): The Defensive unit is capable of leading the Denver Broncos all the way to the Super Bowl, but Quarter Back and Receivers have to get on the same page.

5) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5): I honestly think if this team gets into the Play Offs, they are going to be very difficult to stop getting all the way to Super Bowl 50.

6) Seattle Seahawks (8-5): Very few teams have more experience than this Seattle team at going all the way to the Super Bowl and an extremely hot and dangerous Wild Card.

7) Green Bay Packers (9-4): If Eddie Lacy and James Starks can spark the running game, this team is going to be very strong in the Play Offs.

8) Kansas City Chiefs (8-5): Aside from the Carolina Panthers, no team is on a better winning run than the Kansas City Chiefs. Earning the Number 5 Seed might be good enough for a run to the Divisional Round of the Play Offs, but I can't see them going much further.

9) Cincinnati Bengals (10-3): Andy Dalton's injury leads to a significant drop for the Bengals. How AJ McCarron performs in the last three weeks of the regular season will show us how far Cincinnati can go in the Play Offs.

10) New York Jets (8-5): The Jets might be getting hot at the right time, but they have a tough road to negotiate if they are to make the post-season and then try and make some noise.

Bottom Five

32) Tennessee Titans (3-10): I do wonder if Tennessee have given up on the season with an interim Head Coach and being blown out by the New York Jets.

31) San Diego Chargers (3-10): Philip Rivers is the most under-rated Quarter Back in the NFL in my opinion, but San Diego are so banged up on both sides of the ball that he can't carry this team beyond this point.

30) San Francisco 49ers (4-9): An awful performance on the road at the Cleveland Browns might only be saved if the 49ers earn a very high Draft Pick.

29) Cleveland Browns (3-10): Only thing left this season is to see if Johnny Manziel is not the dope he portrays himself to be and CAN be a franchise Quarter Back for the desperate Cleveland Browns.

28) Baltimore Ravens (4-9): You can't lose players like Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Steve Smith and Terrell Suggs and expect to replace them with a 'next man up' frame of mind.

Week 14 Picks Recap

After going 8-3 in Week 13, I was just hoping to put together a very solid Week 14 to get the season totals back up after that horrendous 2-10 Week 12.

I got even more than I could have asked for with the picks going 8-2 in Week 14 to put together a very strong 16-5 two weeks that have covered the terrible Week 12.

That means the season totals are now in a very strong position again, but there are three more regular season weeks left and pushing on and improving on the last two weeks is the plan. I'll keep doing what has been successful the last two weeks and keep looking for the bounces to land my way as they have and we all need a little bit of luck for the picks to go the way we anticipate.