Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
First of all, take these all with a grain of salt.
Secondly, these are for educational purposes only.
Third - I think it is a major mistake to try and predict all games.
My ranking system is based on "Stars", which gauges how strongly I feel about each pick.
Ok, I'll admit it. I got ransacked last week with my worst week of the year. I think I got two picks right and split decisions on a few others.
Not for the faint of heart, but to man up here was the wreckage - Week 17 Picks.
So, what do we do now?
Well, for one thing, we learn. First of all, I never should have touched such a miserable week - even if I had a good read on the games. "Take the week off" was something that crossed my mind, but then I thought that I owed it to myself (and readers) to give it a try. Big mistake.
Second thing I learned - never put too much on one team / game / outcome. Picking a team, and the over/under, and then teasing both - way too much room to have it all blow up in your face. Sure it's great when you "hit", but it is terrible when you whiff.
Ok, enough lamenting, but I did want to educate / learn from the experience.
How about Wild Card Weekend?
I'll tell you now, I'm not a big fan of these games.
Let's go:
*ONE STAR GAMES*
Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (SATURDAY GAME) - (1 star)
This game, like most this weekend, could go either way. Let's just say I like the Jaguars' overall performances better than the Steelers, and I don't believe that their last meeting was a fluke. Jacksonville can run and Garrard does just enough to win without making key mistakes. Big Ben will keep Pittsburgh competitive, but Najeh Davenport for 20+ carries is not a good idea. I'll take Jacksonville to win this game in a close one. The good news is that the weather should cooperate to actually see a good matchup.
San Diego Chargers (-9.5) vs. Tennessee Titans - (1 star)
Tomlinson, LaDainian. Seriously, I don't need to go much further than this, right? Vince Young is banged up and the Chargers defense is clicking just fine. As long as no one asks Philip Rivers to do too much (or much of anything) they win by 14 here. I don't see the Titans running very well and Cromartie will shut down deep threats. I'd be impressed if the Titans score two touchdowns (but 2-3 FGs are possible with Bironas. One concern is Kaeding, who may not be healthy. Chargers 24-13.
**TWO STAR GAMES**
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (OVER 40) - (2 stars)
It is a little hard to figure out the Seahawks of late. Seattle's offense keeps changing, from a run team to a passing team back to resurrecting Shaun Alexander's career last week. Was that a fluke? Well, I do know that Hasselbeck is the best QB no one is talking about this year and that the offense can score. Washington has been rolling lately because their do or die year started a month ago. Portis is one of the best RBs in the playoffs and Todd Collins is playing smart and mistake free. Both kickers also connect well, and both defenses are opportunistic. I can see either team winning, but points will definitely be scored. I'm taking 40+ here.
***THREE STAR GAMES***
None. (I told you don't like this week much).
of the Week - San Diego for the win (but not much confidence this week, sorry).
In general, I like Seattle (close), Jacksonville (and under ~40 slightly), Tampa Bay (but last week's Giants performance scares me) and San Diego to win (and probably cover, but 9 or 10 is a big number).
For the most part I recommend just relaxing and enjoying these games - but remember, the four best teams are resting and just waiting to beat up on the winners.
Enjoy the games.
Secondly, these are for educational purposes only.
Third - I think it is a major mistake to try and predict all games.
My ranking system is based on "Stars", which gauges how strongly I feel about each pick.
Ok, I'll admit it. I got ransacked last week with my worst week of the year. I think I got two picks right and split decisions on a few others.
Not for the faint of heart, but to man up here was the wreckage - Week 17 Picks.
So, what do we do now?
Well, for one thing, we learn. First of all, I never should have touched such a miserable week - even if I had a good read on the games. "Take the week off" was something that crossed my mind, but then I thought that I owed it to myself (and readers) to give it a try. Big mistake.
Second thing I learned - never put too much on one team / game / outcome. Picking a team, and the over/under, and then teasing both - way too much room to have it all blow up in your face. Sure it's great when you "hit", but it is terrible when you whiff.
Ok, enough lamenting, but I did want to educate / learn from the experience.
How about Wild Card Weekend?
I'll tell you now, I'm not a big fan of these games.
Let's go:
*ONE STAR GAMES*
Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (SATURDAY GAME) - (1 star)
This game, like most this weekend, could go either way. Let's just say I like the Jaguars' overall performances better than the Steelers, and I don't believe that their last meeting was a fluke. Jacksonville can run and Garrard does just enough to win without making key mistakes. Big Ben will keep Pittsburgh competitive, but Najeh Davenport for 20+ carries is not a good idea. I'll take Jacksonville to win this game in a close one. The good news is that the weather should cooperate to actually see a good matchup.
San Diego Chargers (-9.5) vs. Tennessee Titans - (1 star)
Tomlinson, LaDainian. Seriously, I don't need to go much further than this, right? Vince Young is banged up and the Chargers defense is clicking just fine. As long as no one asks Philip Rivers to do too much (or much of anything) they win by 14 here. I don't see the Titans running very well and Cromartie will shut down deep threats. I'd be impressed if the Titans score two touchdowns (but 2-3 FGs are possible with Bironas. One concern is Kaeding, who may not be healthy. Chargers 24-13.
**TWO STAR GAMES**
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (OVER 40) - (2 stars)
It is a little hard to figure out the Seahawks of late. Seattle's offense keeps changing, from a run team to a passing team back to resurrecting Shaun Alexander's career last week. Was that a fluke? Well, I do know that Hasselbeck is the best QB no one is talking about this year and that the offense can score. Washington has been rolling lately because their do or die year started a month ago. Portis is one of the best RBs in the playoffs and Todd Collins is playing smart and mistake free. Both kickers also connect well, and both defenses are opportunistic. I can see either team winning, but points will definitely be scored. I'm taking 40+ here.
***THREE STAR GAMES***
None. (I told you don't like this week much).
of the Week - San Diego for the win (but not much confidence this week, sorry).In general, I like Seattle (close), Jacksonville (and under ~40 slightly), Tampa Bay (but last week's Giants performance scares me) and San Diego to win (and probably cover, but 9 or 10 is a big number).
For the most part I recommend just relaxing and enjoying these games - but remember, the four best teams are resting and just waiting to beat up on the winners.
Enjoy the games.
