Alright let's see how we do this week. It's been a struggle a la BJal's "Lock de Jour." Ok it hasn't been that bad. The goal is a perfect 3-0 week. This is how it will happen.
Patriots (-3.5) over Broncos
This game is in Denver and I am aware that Josh McDaniels knows everything about Tom Brady and the Broncos D is the best in the league in terms of points allowed. But 5-0? There's no way Denver can be 5-0. I'm telling you right now this 4-0 team will be 4-4 after 8 games. Remember where you heard it. Pats by 10.
Bengals (+8.5) over Ravens
Taking another road team in this one. I know Cincy had to go to OT to beat Cleveland, but that was a road win, and probably the reason this number is so high. I wouldn't predict an outright win by the Bengals but I do like them to cover the number. Ravens by 7.
Panthers (-3.5) over Redskins
The Skins might be the worst 2-2 team in sports history. Their 2 wins are to the Rams and Bucs, by a combined 5 points, and of course they lost to the Lions, first team to do so in oh 20 games. Carolina is no good either, but at home, with DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith they should cover the number.
Last Week: 2-1
Overall: 4-5
-Keefe
Thursday, October 8, 2009
BJal's Lock du Jour - Thursday, October 8
Here's something you can bet on: what gets canceled faster - Michael Strahan's new sitcom or BJal's Lock du Jour?
The Dodgers took down NH native Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals, running BJal's impressive total to 0-2. Not good. I'd write more about this, but a) I'm disgusted with BJal and b) I have a 9am meeting at work and need to leave.
But for tonight, BJal will again try and get on the winning track, taking #24 Missouri (+3) against #21 Nebraska in a college football game. I think it's probably the right pick, considering the game is in Missouri. This game is tough to pick, however, because neither team has played anyone of meaning aside from the Cornhuskers 16-15 loss at Virginia Tech. That tells me this team is competitive, and I'd probably take them if the game was at home, but this has push written all over it.
Only time will tell, but I'm actually rooting for BJal tonight. His confidence must be waning.
BJal's Lock du Jour: Missouri (+3) v. Nebraska
Overall: 0-2
-Bess
The Dodgers took down NH native Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals, running BJal's impressive total to 0-2. Not good. I'd write more about this, but a) I'm disgusted with BJal and b) I have a 9am meeting at work and need to leave.
But for tonight, BJal will again try and get on the winning track, taking #24 Missouri (+3) against #21 Nebraska in a college football game. I think it's probably the right pick, considering the game is in Missouri. This game is tough to pick, however, because neither team has played anyone of meaning aside from the Cornhuskers 16-15 loss at Virginia Tech. That tells me this team is competitive, and I'd probably take them if the game was at home, but this has push written all over it.
Only time will tell, but I'm actually rooting for BJal tonight. His confidence must be waning.
BJal's Lock du Jour: Missouri (+3) v. Nebraska
Overall: 0-2
-Bess
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
BJal's Lock du Jour - Wednesday, October 7
You know it's funny, when BJal texted me the other day about doing this lock du jour, his original text told me he was taking Troy (-6). I knew nothing about either one of the teams, but one thing I did know is that you never bet against Brad Pitt. So I was a little stunned when he texted me back claiming he misspoke (or mistexted) and that he wanted MTSU (+6). Perhaps that was actually the mistext, or maybe he thought MTSU was getting 60 points and forgot the zero, I dunno. But regardless, Troy ran for 264 and at one point led 24-0 in the 3rd quarter on its way to an embarrassing 31-7 romp. Woops.
So after watching an incredible game between the Twins and Tigers last night, BJal will try and redeem himself and get back on the right track. Personally, my lock of the century is the Yankees absolutely cremating the Twins. In New York. Today. After the Twins ripped through their bullpen in a 12-inning game. Last night. And partied. Celebrating clinching the division. Hangovers.
But that's just me. Instead, he's taking NH native Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals over Randy Wolf and the LA Dodgers. Fair enough. And by the way, this should actually be a great series. Two of the top managers in the league in Tony Larussa and Joe Torre squaring off. Manny and Pujols. The Matts, Kemp and Holliday. Adam Wainright, Ryan Franklin's goatee. So much to enjoy about this series.
BJal's Lock du Jour: Cardinals over Dodgers
Overall record: 0-1
-Bess
So after watching an incredible game between the Twins and Tigers last night, BJal will try and redeem himself and get back on the right track. Personally, my lock of the century is the Yankees absolutely cremating the Twins. In New York. Today. After the Twins ripped through their bullpen in a 12-inning game. Last night. And partied. Celebrating clinching the division. Hangovers.
But that's just me. Instead, he's taking NH native Chris Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals over Randy Wolf and the LA Dodgers. Fair enough. And by the way, this should actually be a great series. Two of the top managers in the league in Tony Larussa and Joe Torre squaring off. Manny and Pujols. The Matts, Kemp and Holliday. Adam Wainright, Ryan Franklin's goatee. So much to enjoy about this series.
BJal's Lock du Jour: Cardinals over Dodgers
Overall record: 0-1
-Bess
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Mark Coleman pulls out of UFC 106 fight with Tito Ortiz
Less than an hour ago, Tito Ortiz announced via Twitter that he's searching for someone else to beat up at UFC 106:
"Coleman,coleman,coleman to bad he sissies out!!! Who's next??? I'm kicking someone's ass on Nov 21st!" -via Tito Ortiz's Twitter account
Interesting development as this was supposed to be a good barometer for both fighters, particularly The Huntington Beach Bad Boy as he makes his way back from back surgery. Whose ass can he beat now? Ideas, anyone?
-Bess
"Coleman,coleman,coleman to bad he sissies out!!! Who's next??? I'm kicking someone's ass on Nov 21st!" -via Tito Ortiz's Twitter account
Interesting development as this was supposed to be a good barometer for both fighters, particularly The Huntington Beach Bad Boy as he makes his way back from back surgery. Whose ass can he beat now? Ideas, anyone?
-Bess
Monday, October 5, 2009
BJal's Lock du Jour
So I was driving home today when I got a text from my buddy BJal. Some of you may recognize his name, as he's contributed to TSB before. I'll preface this by saying that BJal has what some may call a gambling problem, but we choose to call a passion for betting on sports. He'll bet on an obscure soccer game at 1pm just because it'll be on ESPN2 while he's at work. You can't make this stuff up, but it makes for a good story.
Which leads me back to the text from BJal today. He asked if he could post a daily "Lock of the Day". I actually liked the idea for a couple reasons. First off, it gives him something to do. Second, it allows me to track his gambling success rate. And thrice, it gives you, the readers, more material to read and enjoy. I talked with Keefe and we both said yea, what the hell we'll do it.
And thus, much like a restaurant serves up a "World's best cup of coffee" or "Award winning clam chowder", we'll try and pawn off his addiction as a legitimate daily betting tip.
Starting tonight, you will be treated to a daily (or more or less daily) segment called BJal's Lock du Jour. We'll track his record every day as he gambles on one pick per night, any sport, any game. And in typical BJal fashion, he's opening up with a real douzy...this more or less sums up who the guy is. Tomorrow night on ESPN2 we'll be treated to a riveting college football game between Troy and Middle Tennessee State. I know nothing about these teams except what I just looked up: both teams are 1-0 in Sun Belt Conference play; MTSU (3-1) lost its opener at Clemson 37-14 but stunned Maryland 32-31 a couple weeks ago; Troy is a very uninteresting football team.
That being said, BJal's inaugural Lock du Jour is Middle Tennessee State (+6). Let's see if he can start out on a good note. Enjoy the game and hopefully this segment.
-Bess
Which leads me back to the text from BJal today. He asked if he could post a daily "Lock of the Day". I actually liked the idea for a couple reasons. First off, it gives him something to do. Second, it allows me to track his gambling success rate. And thrice, it gives you, the readers, more material to read and enjoy. I talked with Keefe and we both said yea, what the hell we'll do it.
And thus, much like a restaurant serves up a "World's best cup of coffee" or "Award winning clam chowder", we'll try and pawn off his addiction as a legitimate daily betting tip.
Starting tonight, you will be treated to a daily (or more or less daily) segment called BJal's Lock du Jour. We'll track his record every day as he gambles on one pick per night, any sport, any game. And in typical BJal fashion, he's opening up with a real douzy...this more or less sums up who the guy is. Tomorrow night on ESPN2 we'll be treated to a riveting college football game between Troy and Middle Tennessee State. I know nothing about these teams except what I just looked up: both teams are 1-0 in Sun Belt Conference play; MTSU (3-1) lost its opener at Clemson 37-14 but stunned Maryland 32-31 a couple weeks ago; Troy is a very uninteresting football team.
That being said, BJal's inaugural Lock du Jour is Middle Tennessee State (+6). Let's see if he can start out on a good note. Enjoy the game and hopefully this segment.
-Bess
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Jimmy the Greek's Week 4 NFL picks
Last week was a banner week for the Greek. Not only did I go 13-3 against the spread, but I correctly picked 15 of 16 winners in the Pigskin Pick'em on wgamradio.com and s-t.com. With that success, I won a $50 gift card to Sky Lounge from the boys at WGAM and a $10 gift card to Dunkin Donuts and 2 free passes to Monster Mini-golf from The Standard Times (s-t.com and my hometown paper). Needless to say, I was a happy prognosticator come Tuesday morning.
This week seems a bit tricky, and to be honest, I feel like I could go 14-0 just as easily as going 0-14. Let's hold our collective breaths...
Colts (-6.5) over Seahawks
Despite the coaching changes, injury to Gonzalez and departure of Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning is showing why he's a 3-time MVP. This guy could throw for 4,000 yards and 35 TD's if Besse and Keefe were flanked out wide. Seattle is decimated by injuries (again), particularly on defense. See ya later.
Bengals (-5.5) over Browns
I love this Bengals team. Chad OchoCinco is one of the great personalities of the NFL, and he seems rejuvenated and ready to lead this team to the playoffs with a healthy Carson Palmer. The Browns may not win a game in 2009, so who's to think the Bengals can't cover a measily 5.5?
Pats (-2.5) over Ravens
In Week 2, Phillip Rivers threw for over 400 yards against this Ravens secondary. I think Tom Brady comes close to that. This Ravens team is good, don't get me wrong, but they've played the Browns, Chiefs and Chargers. San Diego is the best of that weak bunch, and it took a Ray Lewis miracle stop on 4th down to do it. My buddy Kevin told me he saw an interview with Lewis where he said he wasn't supposed to blitz there...he saw them run that play in film study and just jumped it. That's brilliant, and so is Lewis.
Lions (+10.5) over Bears
I think the Bears win this, but the 10.5 scares me because it has 27-17 written all over it. The Lions will score, but so will da Bears. Forte should get it going and Cutler is finding his rhythm. I like the Lions to cover though.
Texans (-9.5) over Raiders
If Jamarcus Russell of today went back in time and played Notre Dame in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, would LSU still win that game? I honestly don't think so. Look for the Texans to light up the scoreboard, and Steve Slaton to finally find paydirt.
Giants (-9.5) over Chiefs
This could get really, really ugly. The Chiefs suck, plain and simple.
Titans (-2.5) over Jaguars
The Titans run defense should bend but not break against an elite back like MJD3, and I think the same will go for the secondary. The difference will be the Titans offense. The Jaguars D is just as bad, if not worse, and I expect Tennessee to finally hit the win column. This has been a brutal schedule thus far, but a solid showing against a good Jets team means they're turning the corner.
Redskins (-6.5) over Bucs
Tampa Bay has a new head coach, who went and fired his O-coordinator 2 weeks before the season, then benched his quarterback for a guy who races on the NASCAR circuit. I don't who they're playing or how many points they're getting. No thanks.
Jets (+6.5) over Saints
Saints win, Jets cover in an awesome to watch shoot out.
Bills (-2.5) over Dolphins
If Pennington was the QB, I take the Dolphins. But I don't know much about Chad Henne as an NFL quarterback. Which sucks, because after watching Pierre Thomas light up the Bills defense last week, I would love to bank on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. I think they both perform well, but Buffalo should at least cover.
Rams (+9.5) over 49ers
I think we see a slight letdown from last week's shocking, last second loss to the Vikings for Mike Singletary's club. I think San Francisco will either survive a scare or lose outright, especially with Frank Gore still ailing and out for today's game.
Broncos (+3.5) over Cowboys
A true test to gauge where both teams are at. The potent Cowboys offense against a Broncos D that has been solid so far, but perhaps overachieving? And on the flip side, Kyle Orton has yet to turn the ball over. But Dallas played well last week against Carolina, finally getting its first sack. Is it finding its rhythm on D?
Chargers (+6.5) over Steelers
Ugh, this has trap game written all over it. SD getting these points seems too easy. What do they know that we don't? I'm going to be a sucker and take the points. Pitt's D is still suspect and the offense will be slowed without Willie Parker.
Packers (+3.5) over Vikings
I'm sick of Brett Favre and his antics, and the fact that the media continue to stroke his ego. I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers all night long.
Last week: 13-3
Overall: 30-18
Tarrific Tara's picks:
Colts
Browns
Patriots
Da Bears
Texans
Giants
Titans
Redskins
Jets
Dolphins
Rams
Cowboys
Steelers
Vikings
Last week: 11-5
Overall: 18-14
Enjoy the games.
-Greek
This week seems a bit tricky, and to be honest, I feel like I could go 14-0 just as easily as going 0-14. Let's hold our collective breaths...
Colts (-6.5) over Seahawks
Despite the coaching changes, injury to Gonzalez and departure of Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning is showing why he's a 3-time MVP. This guy could throw for 4,000 yards and 35 TD's if Besse and Keefe were flanked out wide. Seattle is decimated by injuries (again), particularly on defense. See ya later.
Bengals (-5.5) over Browns
I love this Bengals team. Chad OchoCinco is one of the great personalities of the NFL, and he seems rejuvenated and ready to lead this team to the playoffs with a healthy Carson Palmer. The Browns may not win a game in 2009, so who's to think the Bengals can't cover a measily 5.5?
Pats (-2.5) over Ravens
In Week 2, Phillip Rivers threw for over 400 yards against this Ravens secondary. I think Tom Brady comes close to that. This Ravens team is good, don't get me wrong, but they've played the Browns, Chiefs and Chargers. San Diego is the best of that weak bunch, and it took a Ray Lewis miracle stop on 4th down to do it. My buddy Kevin told me he saw an interview with Lewis where he said he wasn't supposed to blitz there...he saw them run that play in film study and just jumped it. That's brilliant, and so is Lewis.
Lions (+10.5) over Bears
I think the Bears win this, but the 10.5 scares me because it has 27-17 written all over it. The Lions will score, but so will da Bears. Forte should get it going and Cutler is finding his rhythm. I like the Lions to cover though.
Texans (-9.5) over Raiders
If Jamarcus Russell of today went back in time and played Notre Dame in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, would LSU still win that game? I honestly don't think so. Look for the Texans to light up the scoreboard, and Steve Slaton to finally find paydirt.
Giants (-9.5) over Chiefs
This could get really, really ugly. The Chiefs suck, plain and simple.
Titans (-2.5) over Jaguars
The Titans run defense should bend but not break against an elite back like MJD3, and I think the same will go for the secondary. The difference will be the Titans offense. The Jaguars D is just as bad, if not worse, and I expect Tennessee to finally hit the win column. This has been a brutal schedule thus far, but a solid showing against a good Jets team means they're turning the corner.
Redskins (-6.5) over Bucs
Tampa Bay has a new head coach, who went and fired his O-coordinator 2 weeks before the season, then benched his quarterback for a guy who races on the NASCAR circuit. I don't who they're playing or how many points they're getting. No thanks.
Jets (+6.5) over Saints
Saints win, Jets cover in an awesome to watch shoot out.
Bills (-2.5) over Dolphins
If Pennington was the QB, I take the Dolphins. But I don't know much about Chad Henne as an NFL quarterback. Which sucks, because after watching Pierre Thomas light up the Bills defense last week, I would love to bank on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. I think they both perform well, but Buffalo should at least cover.
Rams (+9.5) over 49ers
I think we see a slight letdown from last week's shocking, last second loss to the Vikings for Mike Singletary's club. I think San Francisco will either survive a scare or lose outright, especially with Frank Gore still ailing and out for today's game.
Broncos (+3.5) over Cowboys
A true test to gauge where both teams are at. The potent Cowboys offense against a Broncos D that has been solid so far, but perhaps overachieving? And on the flip side, Kyle Orton has yet to turn the ball over. But Dallas played well last week against Carolina, finally getting its first sack. Is it finding its rhythm on D?
Chargers (+6.5) over Steelers
Ugh, this has trap game written all over it. SD getting these points seems too easy. What do they know that we don't? I'm going to be a sucker and take the points. Pitt's D is still suspect and the offense will be slowed without Willie Parker.
Packers (+3.5) over Vikings
I'm sick of Brett Favre and his antics, and the fact that the media continue to stroke his ego. I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers all night long.
Last week: 13-3
Overall: 30-18
Tarrific Tara's picks:
Colts
Browns
Patriots
Da Bears
Texans
Giants
Titans
Redskins
Jets
Dolphins
Rams
Cowboys
Steelers
Vikings
Last week: 11-5
Overall: 18-14
Enjoy the games.
-Greek
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NHL Preview (sort of)
I am going to try and follow hockey a little more closely this year. It was never my favorite sport, but from 1994-2004 I would have categorized myself as a fan. Then two things happened. A strike prevented play in the 2004-2005 season, and then the very next year the Boston Bruins traded Joe Thornton. He became the only player in the history of sports to be traded during the season and win the MVP. Think about that for a second. You made it out of that still a Bruins fan, god bless you.
I already liked the NBA, NFL, MLB, and college football and basketball more, so when you combine a missed season with trading away an MVP then forget it. Throw in the fact that they didn't re-sign my favorite Bruin ever, Bill Guerin after a 40+ goal season, and I had enough.
But even with all of that, I will always have NHL 95 for SEGA. No matter what happens that game remains on of the best games of all time. Not just a sports game, not just a SEGA game, but one of the best video games of all time. (5 Best SEGA games = NHL 95, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat, Sonic, ToeJam & Earl)
The Bruins open up the 2009-2010 season tonight, and I'm going to go back to a time when I enjoyed hockey the most, 1994-1995. Here are my predictions for that season... you know if The Sports Brief existed 14-15 years ago.
Prince of Wales Trophy: Boston Bruins
Clarence S Campbell Bowl: Detroit Red Wings
Stanley Cup: Boston Bruins
Individual Trophies:
Hart (MVP): Cam Neely, Bruins
Lady Byng (sportsmanship): Wayne Gretzky, Kings
Vezina (goalie): Ed Belfour, Blackhawks
Ross (points): Jeremy Roenick, Blackhawks
Norris (defense): Ray Bourque, Bruins
Conn Smythe (playoffs MVP): Adam Oates, Bruins
Selke (D-forward): Ron Francis, Penguins
All-Star 1st Team:
G- Ed Belfour, Blackhaws
D- Ray Bourque, Bruins
D- Paul Coffey, Red Wings
LW- Brendan Shanahan, Red Wings
C- Jeremy Roenick, Blackhawks
RW- Cam Neely
All-Star 2nd Team:
G- Martin Broduer, Devils
D- Chris Chelios, Blackhawks
D- Brian Leetch, Rangers
LW- John LeClair, Flyers
C- Joe Sakic, Nordiques
RW- Brett Hull, Blues
-Keefe
As for my pick 3, since I'm doing terrible, not explanations this week, just the picks.
Bengals (-6) over Browns
Giants (-9) over Chiefs
Bears (-10) over Lions
Last week: 1-2
Overall: 2-4
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