Best Bets – Week 17

by | Dec 28, 2008 | NFL Gambling

Weeks 15 and 16 weren’t kind. I’ve produced back to back 1-3 records on these so-called Best Bets leaving me at 17-17 since I started making them. As the old saying goes, ties are like kissing your sister – and in Vegas, a tie isn’t really even a tie, when you factor in the vig.

So it’s going to take a perfect week to make this hypothetical endeavor a break-even deal. And here goes.

Last week1-3
Overall: 17-17

1. Denver at San Diego: Over 50.5
The Chargers will be motivated to avenge their questionable loss to Denver in week two, during which 77 points were scored. And both teams have the playoffs on the line. But neither team has a defense that will be able to stop the other. The difference will come down to San Diego having LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles while Denver is down to its 12th string back. Cutler and Rivers put on an aerial show that nearly covers the over/under by halftime.

(more…)

Former Chief Oriard now reading, writing, teaching

by | Dec 27, 2008 | Where are they now

Michael Oriard walked on at Notre Dame, becoming a two-year letter winner for the Fighting Irish, where he impressed enough to become the fifth-round draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970. He played four years in the National Football League before getting cut after the 1974 player’s strike.

But while his NFL career ended, his life was just beginning. Currently at Oregon State University, he’s become a professor and an author, observing and commenting on many topics, including the National Football League and its status as a part of America’s culture.

His most recent book, Brand NFL: Making & Selling America’s Favorite Sport, discussed the explosive growth and success the league has experienced during its era of labor peace.

Zoneblitz.com recently caught up with Oriard to find out how he got where he is and what plans he has for following up on his writings down the line.
(more…)

2009 Fantasy football mock draft? Already? Heck yah!!

by | Dec 26, 2008 | Fantasy Football

Most fantasy football leagues wrapped up last week. Tony and I will soon provide for your viewing pleasure a wrap-up of the leagues we participated in this season.

In the meantime, it’s never too early to start planning for next year.

While these will obviously change based on the draft, free agency and our own whims, Tony and I each slapped together a top 10 list. We also asked Anthony Maggio, a veteran fantasy sports writer, to give his take as well.

Please feel free to share your own thoughts, either on our lists or on what you would have done differently.

Happy Holidays.
(more…)

Tiki grabs credit for Jacobs’ success?

by | Dec 21, 2008 | NFL Random Thoughts

Tiki Barber interviewed his heir as running back for the New York Giants tonight for Sunday Night Football on NBC. During the short piece it sounded as though he wanted to take credit for the success enjoyed thus far by Brandon Jacobs.

He laughingly accused the big Southern Illinois back of stealing a bunch of his touchdowns, to which Jacobs said “I had a lot of fun doing that.”

The interview appeared to be going along good-naturedly, as Tiki razzed Jacobs about winning the Super Bowl without him. Jacobs told Barber he wished his mentor had been there and when Tiki asked for his ring, Jacobs retorted: “I’ll let you borrow it sometime.”

(more…)