Comments Off

By Dave Consolazio, September 29, 2005 10:00 am

Dave’s Dime
“Because Two Cents Just Isn’t Enough”

NONE OF THE PICKS WERE ALTERED AFTER THE GAMES BEGAN. I HAD NO INTERNET ACCESS WHERE I AM STAYING AND JUST GOT ONLINE RIGHT NOW. I SENT THIS OUT AS SOON AS I COULD

THE INTRO

WOW. I report to you live from Arizona with my voice still gone and my adrenaline still pumping. Anyone who saw the game needs no explination. Anyone who didn’t see it, well, I’m very sorry for you. WHAT A GAME! Sure we didn’t cover the spread, but hell, this was the best football game I’ve ever been to.

Alas, this is a pro football column, so I’ll get on with it. I’ve steadily improved each week (which is bound to happen, considering how poorly I started off). 8 – 6 with the spread and 10 – 4 without it, I’m content with that. The pathetic thing is, I guarenteed 4 victories, and only one of them actually happened. The loss that mattered most of course was the Indianapolis game, which I told you to bet your house on. Sorry about that… hopefully you are able to crash with a friend or something…

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 8 – 6 – 0 (.571)
Without the spread: 10 – 4 – 0 (.714)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 3 – 0 (.250)

Season
With the spread: 21 – 24 – 1 (.467)
Without the spread: 25 – 21 – 0 (.543)
$$Money Picks$$: 2 – 5 – 1 (.286)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Foolishness)

Atlanta 24 (+2.5) @ Buffalo 16 (-2.5)
When Vick plays well, the Falcons win. It isn’t rocket science.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Atlanta

Carolina 24 (-3.5) @ Miami 27 (+3.5)
Is Carolina just a choke artist team, or are the Dolphins actually legitimate? Only time will tell I suppose, but a great outing for Miami either way.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina

Cincinnati 24 (-3.0) @ Chicago 7 (+3.0)
This team looks GREAT right now. And with the Texans coming up, the good times should keep rolling.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

Cleveland 6 (+13.5) @ Indianapolis 13 (-13.5)
The Colts are 3 – 0, the 2nd worst passing defense in the league held Peyton Manning to 0 TDs, and Kerry Collins is having a better season than Manning is. Indeed, pigs do fly. Sorry again about your house…
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Jacksonville 26 (+2.5) @ N.Y. Jets 20 (-2.5)
Jacksonville is looking good, but the real story here is the Jets losing both Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler to injury. No one can predict that. This is very bad news for the Jets, who are going to need a miracle to stay afloat this season.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – New York Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – New York Jets

New Orleans 16 (+3.5) @ Minnesota 33 (-3.5)
“Daunte Culpepper: 0 TD, 8 INT. Randy Moss: 10 catches, 257 yards, 2 TDs. Starting to miss him? Just maybe. But I’m not selling on Daunte or the Vikings just yet. Look for the offense to finally click (even without Burleson) and the Vikes to put together enough for the win here.” – Well said, me.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Minnesota

Tampa Bay 17 (-3.0) @ Green Bay 16 (+3.0)
I was afraid this might happen, but I wasn’t going to take GB to cover only 3 points.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Tampa Bay

Tennessee 27 (+6.5) @ St. Louis 31 (-6.5)
Well, at least they covered, but I guess I was asking a bit too much for the victory in St. Louis.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tennessee

Dallas 34 (-6.5) @ San Francisco 31 (+6.5)
Dallas is looking baaaad. It should not be such a difficult task to beat San Fransisco. Hand it to San Fran though, they are 2 – 1 w/ the spread this year.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Dallas

New England 23 (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh 20 (-3.0)
Guess I was the only one who saw this coming? Losing Harrison for the season though just may be the straw that broke the camel’s back (even if it is a super bowl winning dynasty camel)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *New England

N.Y. Giants 23 (+6.0) @ San Diego 45 (-6.0)
Tomlinson is the best player in the league? Get him the ball and you win?? Geez, what a concept!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – San Diego

Kansas City 10 (+3.0) @ Denver 30 (-3.0)
This was NOT the Broncos team that lost to the Dolphins week one, and it was DEFINITELY not the Kansas City team that beat the Raiders and the Jets. But I’ll tell you what it was – another money pick loss for Dave
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $*Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Kansas City

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Oakland 20 (+8.5) @ Philadelphia 23 (-8.5)
I know in my head that Oakland is going to lose. Philadelphia’s defense is damn good, and they are a much sounder team, and they are at home. My heart tells me the Raiders are gonna pull the huge upset, but, my heart is a bit biased. Philadelphia will win the game. But by 9? I don’t know, I mean its possible, but I believe the Raiders are due for a big game, and they can at least keep it within 6 or so.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Philadelphia
- I’m always proud of myself when I pick one team with the spread and the other straight up and win. I’m not proud, however, at how much my team sucks.

Arizona 12 (+6.0) @ Seattle 37 (-6.0)
Seattle is at home? *Check the win. Against Arizona? *Check the money pick. Any questions? Hopefully not. But I’ll give you two sentences to fill space: Seattle always wins at home. Arizona sucks in general. So there you go.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
- My only successful money pick, and it made me look really smart.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick

San Diego (+5.0) @ New England (-5.0)
I really do think that San Diego has a shot here. New England is battered up, San Diegos got LT. But, this is in New England. And I still stand by the fact that regardless of the circumstances, New England just wins football games. So I’ll take the home team in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Denver (+4.0) @ Jacksonville (-4.0)
Heres a tough game, simply because when Denver is on, they look phenomenal, but when they are off… and its that inconsistanty that prompts me to go with the consistantly solid Jacksonville Jags.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Houston (+10.0) @ Cincinnati (-10.0)
My only sure pick of the week. Not only is Cincinnati going to win, but they are going to completely destroy the Texans. Cincinnati in a complete blowout.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $ Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Indianapolis (-6.5) @ Tennessee (+6.5)
If Peyton can’t wake up at home against the Browns, how can he be expected to do so on the road against Tennessee? Well, whether he wakes up or not, it would appear that Indi’s defense is good enough to win games this year. So, Indi it is.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Philidelphia (+2.5) @ Kansas City (-2.5)
Alright, at Kansas City. And maybe last weeks poor performance against the Broncos was a fluke. I don’t know, but Philidelphia is still the better team in my opinion, and I’ll gladly take the 2 points while we’re at it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Philidelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Philidelphia

Detroit (+6.5) @ Tampa Bay (-6.5)
I’m not sure that Tampa Bay is going to win by a touchdown, but they most certainly are going to win. And it is at home, and Detroit is bound to let Tampa Bay’s defense score a TD or two. So, I guess I’ll take my chances.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

St. Louis (+3.0) @ New York Giants (-3.0)
Yuck. Two teams that just never seem to have it together. I’m going to pick the Giants for the simple fact that it is at home, and St. Louis is completely useless on the road.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New York Giants
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New York Giants

Buffalo @ New Orleans (Pick ‘Em)
Well, theres a reason this game has no spread – its impossible to put much faith in either team. I am going to go with my gut here and take New Orleans, even though my brain tells me that the right pick is Buffalo.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New Orleans

Seattle (+2.0) @ Washington (-2.0)
Seattle is simply a better team than Washington, as far as I’m concerned. While they always seem to find a way to lose on the road, I’m going to assume that won’t be the case today, and take Seattle.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Seattle

New York Jets (+7.5) @ Baltimore (-7.5)
As previously mentioned, the Jets had an absolutely backbreaking week last week, losing their #1 and #2 QBs. I’ve gotta therefore assume that in Baltimore, the Ravens should be able to handle these battered Jets – but I think that the Jets defense and the Ravens lack of offense should make it a close one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New York Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Baltimore

Minnesota (+5.5) @ Atlanta (-5.5)
When Culpepper is on, the Vikings win. When Vick is on, the Falcons win. What if both of them are on? Tie? Well, for some reason, I get the feeling that Culpepper is back, and hes going to shock everyone (except for me) by going into Atlanta and pulling off the upset.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Minnesota

Dallas (+3.0) @ Oakland (-3.0)
Oakland is actually going to win a football game! They are absolutely itching for a win, in Oakland, against a team that isnt a division rival or super bowl winner or runner up. Oakland is going to win this game, and do so convincingly. And I’m going to be on a plane home when they do.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $ Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Oakland

San Fransisco (+3.0) @ Arizona (-3.0)
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaha.
This game is so bad that it was sent to Mexico. I’m saying that Arizona is going to win this game that has playoff implications written all over it .
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Arizona

Green Bay (+8.0) @ Carolina (-8.0)
Carolina has not shown me nearly enough to give up 8 points, but GB hasn’t shown me nearly enough to believe they can win. So…. GB w/ the spread, Carolina w/o it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Green Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Only 5 upsets this week… hard to believe in the NFL. Well, we shall see.

Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of your week! Please send feedback! For past issues of the DIME, visit my website: Dave’s Dime

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 0 – 3 – 0
USC TROJANS: 4 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 0 – 0 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 216
OPPONENTS 75

Comments Off

By Dave Consolazio, September 22, 2005 10:00 am

Dave’s Dime
“Because Two Cents Just Isn’t Enough”

THE INTRO

Wooo, my winning percentages are into the .400s! Sure, I’m still a loser (by definition that is, I still think I’m cool), but I’m on my way to fixing that.

My vegan friend Diana has challenged me to be vegan for a week, and to prove to her how cool I am, I’m gonna do it. How does that prove I’m cool? Not sure. How does it relate to football? No idea, to be honest. But there goes 98% of my diet (french fries are still apparently okay!)

Raiders still suck, Trojans still rule. No shockers here, I guess.

Quote of the week: “Maybe if you slept before making your picks, you would do better. Just a thought.” – Gershom.

Maybe, but I guess we’ll never know, because I don’t sleep (Sorry Mom). Anyways, enough off topic jarble, lets get started!

Comment on the Trojans: Were any of you nervous about the game??? I wasn’t. I had money on the Trojans to cover the 22 points, and did not break a sweat, and was not suprised. For those of you that told me it wouldn’t be a blow out, well…

Told ya so.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 8 – 7 – 1 (.533)
Without the spread: 8 – 8 – 0 (.500)
$$Money Picks$$: 0 – 1 – 1 (.000)

Season
With the spread: 13 – 18 – 1 (.419)
Without the spread: 15 – 17 – 0 (.469)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 2 – 1 (.333)

LAST WEEK’S RECAP OF DAVE’S BRILLIANCE AND FOOLISHNESS
(Usually Foolishness)

Baltimore (-3.5) 10 @ Tennessee 25 (+3.5)
What can I say, I’m the man.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Tennessee

Buffalo 3 (+2.5) @ Tampa Bay 19 (-2.5)
Eh, wasn’t quite right on this one. Tampa Bay is looking great, I don’t mind giving credit where it’s due.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Buffalo

Detroit 6 (-1.0) @ Chicago 38 (+1.0)
“I think I hold Detroit in too high regards, and Chicago in too low regards.” I sure do. Chicago spanked em here. Sorry for underestimating you guys.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Detroit

Minnesota 8 (+3.0) @ Cincinnati 37 (-3.0)
Carson Palmer + Bengals defense = Fun year.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinnati

New England 17 (-3.0) @ Carolina 27 (+3.0)
Carolina loses to New Orleans and than beats the defending Super Bowl champions? I… don’t understand… maybe they are gonna be solid this year after all.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – New England

Pittsburgh 27 (-6.0) @ Houston 7 (+6.0)
I’m sorry, Pittsburgh. This was boneheaded, and I think I knew it when I typed it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Houston

Atlanta 18 (+1.0) @ Seattle 21 (-1.0)
Seattle wins at home for the 10,000th straight game. Big shocker. Too bad they can’t just ACT like they are at home on the road or something.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Seattle

St. Louis 17 (+1.0) @ Arizona 12 (-1.0)
“I know that Mike Martz is a clown and that the front office is in shambles, but lets get back on the field. St. Louis is a better team that the Cardinals, pure and simple. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that lightning WON’T strike twice in this one.” Well said, Dave.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *St. Louis

Miami 7 (+5.5) @ N.Y. Jets 17 (-5.5)
“If Miami plays as well as they did last week, and the Jets play as poorly as they did, the Dolphins would be the simple favorite here. But, I don’t think either of these are gonna happen. At home against the Dolphins, it should be business as usual for the Jets, and they should notch the victory and begin to look more like the playoff calibur team that they are.” – Why am I not always this sharp? I could actually MAKE MONEY if I were…
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – N.Y. Jets

San Diego 17 (+3.0) @ Denver 20 (-3.0)
San Diego continues to underachieve and fail to meet expectations. Reminds me of a favorite team of mine………
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TIE – $*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *San Diego

Kansas City 23 (-1.0) @ Oakland 17 (+1.0)
The Chiefs looked good, but so did the Raiders. It came down to coaching and stupid mistakes, and the Raiders topped the Chiefs by plenty in the stupid mistakes category.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland

N.Y. Giants 27 (-3.0) @ New Orleans 10 (+3.0)
Like I said, I can’t pick these guys. Gotta hand it to the Giants though, who despite my picking against twice, are undefeated.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *New Orleans

Washington 14 (+5.5) @ Dallas 13 (-5.5)
Yuck. C’mon Dallas, your better than this.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Dallas

DAMN, I’M GOOD

Jacksonville 3 (+9.0) @ Indianapolis 10 (-9.0)
Vegas suckered me right in with this one. I am sure that Indianapolis is going to win the game, and a blowout is totally possible and maybe even likely. But I respect the Jaguars a little too much to give them 9 points. Look for both QBs to have a big game, and Jacksonville to make it interesting.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis
- So I was off on the QBs, but gotta like the spread and w/o spread victories with seperate teams.

San Francisco 3 (+13.0) @ Philadelphia 42 (-13.0)
9 – 2 – 1. Thats San Fransisco’s career record in Philadelphia since 1975, and that makes me really uncomfortable giving them 13 points. These sorts of streaks always seem to hold up in sports, regardless of the skill of the current teams. However, I will not be pursuaded by this. After losing last week due to his poor play, McNabb has a ton to prove, especially with the extra attention he’s been getting about playing injured. Terrell Owens has plenty to prove too, as he takes on his former team that he has had nothing but ill will with during and after he left. I think a 48 – 3 slaughter is in order, so hell, take your 13 points San Fransisco.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Philadelphia
- This was freakily accurate. If I could hone these talents in to other games, as stated above in my Jets commentary… too bad I was off by 6 points, huh?

Cleveland 26 (+6.0) @ Green Bay 24 (-6.0)
Javon Walker out for the season is absolutely devastating to the Packers. Last week strengthened my beliefs that Favre is on the sharp decline, and I say Cleveland takes advantage of the floundering confidence and moral by heading into Green Bay and beating the superior team, suprising EVERYONE except for me and you, my loyal reader, because when is my word not gold? (…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Cleveland
- This ones just a big “Told ya so”, my second of the week.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick

Atlanta (+2.5) @ Buffalo (-2.5)
Buffalo let me down last week, and I’m not gonna pick them again this week. I think as long as Vick is healthy enough to play (which as far as I know, he’s supposed to be) the Falcons should be okay.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Atlanta

Carolina (-3.5) @ Miami (+3.5)
Carolina is coming off an emotional victory against the defending super bowl champions. Miami is coming off a momentum breaking loss against the Jets. Oh, and Carolina is the superior team. Do the math.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

Cincinnati (-3.0) @ Chicago (+3.0)
While I have tended to underestemate Chicago, heres a great way for them to prove to me they deserve respect. I’m loving the Bengals right now on offense and defense, and if they can beat them, I’ll tip my hat to ‘em. But I won’t pick them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

Cleveland (+13.5) @ Indianapolis (-13.5)
Sell your house. Hopefully mortgage rates are solid wherever you are right now. Take that cash, and then go to a trustworthy bookie. Put that money on the Indianapolis Colts to win this game by more than 13.5. Pay me 5% for the advice, and enjoy the new home you’ll be able to afford with all the money your going to win. Peyton Manning is going to have a field day today my friends.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Jacksonville (+2.5) @ N.Y. Jets (-2.5)
Eh, I respect Jacksonville a heck of a lot, so this is a tough game for me. But, I’m riding the Jets bandwagon right into the playoffs, and so I continue this week. J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: New York Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New York Jets

New Orleans (+3.5) @ Minnesota (-3.5)
Daunte Culpepper: 0 TD, 8 INT. Randy Moss: 10 catches, 257 yards, 2 TDs. Starting to miss him? Just maybe. But I’m not selling on Daunte or the Vikings just yet. Look for the offense to finally click (even without Burleson) and the Vikes to put together enough for the win here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota

Oakland (+8.5) @ Philadelphia (-8.5)
I know in my head that Oakland is going to lose. Philadelphia’s defense is damn good, and they are a much sounder team, and they are at home. My heart tells me the Raiders are gonna pull the huge upset, but, my heart is a bit biased. Philadelphia will win the game. But by 9? I don’t know, I mean its possible, but I believe the Raiders are due for a big game, and they can at least keep it within 6 or so.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia

Tampa Bay (-3.0) @ Green Bay (+3.0)
One team is doing everything right (TB) and the other team is doing everything wrong (GB). Tampa Bays looking great, Green Bay is looking awful. . Point is, Bucs win.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Tampa Bay

Tennessee (+6.5) @ St. Louis (-6.5)
I don’t know why I’m liking Tennessee so much this year, but heck, they pulled off the huge win against Baltimore last week, and St. Louis is coming off a weak win (but a win nonetheless) against Arizona. But, I’m gonna stick to my guns here. Tennessee again with the upset that puts the icing on the cake of Martz’s inevitable firing.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Tennessee

Arizona (+6.0) @ Seattle (-6.0)
Seattle is at home? *Check the win. Against Arizona? *Check the money pick. Any questions? Hopefully not. But I’ll give you two sentences to fill space: Seattle always wins at home. Arizona sucks in general. So there you go.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

Dallas (-6.5) @ San Francisco (+6.5)
A floormate of mine asked me to be kind to the 49ers, and so for this once, I will not bash them. Hell, at least they HAVE a win, more than my Raiders can say. However, whether I’m being nice or not (sorry Paul) I’m still going to have to pick Dallas to notch the big rebound victory out in San Fran.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

New England (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh (-3.0)
Seeing New England with a plus next to its name is baffling. Not saying I disagree, Pittsburgh appears to be the better team this year. But I’ve been burned far too many times over the years to let go of the past
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *New England

N.Y. Giants (+6.0) @ San Diego (-6.0)
If San Diego is going to bounce back this season, they gotta do it fast. And this is the game they will. At least, I think so… the Giants have already beaten me twice after I picked against them. Is a 3rd time in order? We’ll see.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Kansas City (+3.0) @ Denver (-3.0)
Eh, Denver proved me wrong last week against San Diego, but Kansas City looks fantastic. Sure, the Raiders suck, but regardless, they looked very good against us, and I’m thinking they are real deal this year. Hope I’m wrong, because them going to 3 – 0 and us at 0 – 3 isn’t what I call a great start to the season. But, I’m damn sure Im not wrong, and I’m making this one my 3rd money pick of the week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $*Kansas City
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Kansas City

Enjoy your Sunday and the rest of your week! Email me feedback! Oh, and for past issues of the DIME, I archived them online: Dave’s Dime

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 0 – 2 – 0
USC TROJANS: 3 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 0 – 0 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 178
OPPONENTS 47

Comments Off

By Dave Consolazio, September 15, 2005 10:00 am

Dave’s Dime
“Because Two Cents Just Isn’t Enough”

THE INTRO

In baseball, a .313 batting average is really solid. Hell, any time you can bat in the .300s, you have to be pleased with yourself. A 3.13 ERA in baseball is fantastic, too. Hockey, a 3.13 Goals Against Average, and your a damn good goaltender. So is my .313 as glorious as the aforementioned? Not quite. Mine stands for 5 games picked correctly last week, and 11 picked incorrectly. Sports are my life, and my life having a terrible losing record is NOT cool.

But, in pro football, it is always difficult to predict the outcome of games. And week one is particularly difficult, for you have no idea of what to expect from any of the teams heading out there. Hopefully this week will calm down a little bit, and I can reign supreme (well, reign average) once again.

Oh, before I begin, I want to make a point on the Trojans. I am coming outright right now and saying that I believe that the Trojans will not have a game within 2 TDs this year. This is very cocky, I know, but I genuinly believe it. We have a college level defense that can be scored upon, but our offense is truly functionable at an almost-pro level. Leinart and Bush and even our WR core could be having success in the NFL right now, no question. And yet we are playing a bunch of kids. Just wanted to throw this out there so if I’m right I look really good, and if I’m wrong, well, its a good thing no one really reads this column anyways.

THE RECORD

Last Week
With the spread: 5 – 11 – 0 (.313)
Without the spread: 7 – 9 – 0 (.438)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 1 – 0 (.500)

Season
With the spread: 5 – 11 – 0 (.313)
Without the spread: 7 – 9 – 0 (.438)
$$Money Picks$$: 1 – 1 – 0 (.500)

APOLOGIES, COMPLAINTS, AND GLOATING

Oakland 20 (+7.5) @ New England 30 (-7.5)
Eh, this ones an apology. Sorry New England, you are the world champions, and my team is lowly. Shame on me for picking against you.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Oakland

Chicago 7 (+6.5) @ Washington 9 (-6.5)
Quoting myself here – “Both teams boast impresive defenses, but leave much to be desired on the offensive side of the ball. Still, I have to assume that the more offensively talented Redskins will win. I’m iffy on giving the Bears 6.5, but I don’t see them scoring at all, so I guess I have to.” They scored one more TD than I expected them to… thats about it.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Washington

Cincinnati 27 (-3.0) @ Cleveland 13 (+3.0)
“I’m predicting Ex-Trojan Carson Palmer to have a field day in this one.” – Funny how I’m only choosing quotes that make me look good, isn’t it?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – $Cincinatti
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Cincinatti

Denver (-4.0) 10 @ Miami 34 (+4.0)
…The Broncos are an absolute embarassment to themselves, the city of Denver, and the sport of football. Or is Miami for real this year? (I dont think so…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Denver

Houston 7 (+4.0) @ Buffalo 22 (-4.0)
I’m sorry, Buffalo, the offseason screwed up my memory. Willis McGahee is a stud!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Houston

New Orleans 23 (+6.5) @ Carolina 20 (-6.5)
Story of the week here, New Orleans overcoming the better team and all of their emotions to win this one. More power to them!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Carolina

N.Y. Jets 7 (+3.0) @ Kansas City 27 (-3.0)
The Jets looked uncomfortable in their new offensive scheme, but they will sort it out. I’m not apologizing to the Chiefs, not until they can beat MY guys this week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *NY Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *NY Jets

Seattle 14 (+3.0) @ Jacksonville 26 (-3.0)
When your right, your right. Even if its less than 40% of the time.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Jacksonville

Tampa Bay 24 (+6.0) @ Minnesota 13 (-6.0)
Huge upset here! Sorry Minnesota, I forgot that I can never count on you guys for a slam dunk.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – Minnesota

Tennessee 7 (+7.0) @ Pittsburgh 34 (-7.0)
Sorry for giving you any kind of chance, Tennessee. Gonna be a looonnngggg year for you guys.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Pittsburgh

Arizona 19 (+1.5) @ N.Y. Giants 42 (-1.5)
This one was kind of bizarre. I was actually right about Warner out QBing Eli, but obviously that didn’t really factor into the decision. The Giants’ special teams and running game one this one for them.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – *Arizona

Dallas 28 (+4.5) @ San Diego 24 (-4.5)
Bledsoe looked good, even if he is 78 years old (roughly). I thought Brees could overcome not having his allstar TE Antonio Gates, but, I was wrong.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – San Diego

Green Bay 3 (+3.0) @ Detroit 17 (-3.0)
Farve sucks, new Detroit doesn’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Detroit

St. Louis 25 (-4.5) @ San Francisco 28 (+4.5)
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Sorry for the lack of professionalism, but yeah, thats all I have to say here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: LOSS – $St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: LOSS – St. Louis

Indianapolis 24 (-3.0) @ Baltimore 7 (+3.0)
Great game here. Only 254 yards and 2 TDs for Peyton, and they still beat one of the AFC’s best? Look out, league.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – Indianapolis

Philadelphia 10 (-2.0) @ Atlanta 14 (+2.0)
Vick really didn’t need to “lead to victory” as I predicted he would… just scored a few points in the 1st quarter, and that was all he needed. A win is most certainly a win.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: WIN – *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: WIN – *Atlanta

DAMN, I’M GOOD

I’m actually going to refrain from using this section this week. You can’t double your wins with losses and than brag about a game or two. Well, you CAN, but I won’t.

THE PICKS

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick

Baltimore (-3.5) @ Tennessee (+3.5)
I can’t quite put a finger on why, but I get a gut feeling that Tennessee is going to pull off the upset here. I think its a combination of Raven’s QB Boller being injured (not that he’s any good), Tennessee being at home, and Norm Chow’s hopeful effect on McNair, Brown, Calico, and Bennett. The Raven’s will probably win this game, but I’d be kicking myself later if I didn’t go with my instincts here. Besides, its alot more impressive to actually pick the upset than to say “Oh, I thought so” later.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Tennessee

Buffalo (+2.5) @ Tampa Bay (-2.5)
Two young teams coming off strong wins, either teams game. I decided that the intangibles are Tampa Bay’s home field advantage and Buffalo’s Willis McGahee. I’m taking Willis.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Buffalo
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Buffalo

Detroit (-1.0) @ Chicago (+1.0)
I think I hold Detroit in too high regards, and Chicago in too low regards, because I’m pretty damn sure Detroit will win this. They will have trouble scoring on Chicago’s stingy defense, but in the end, I think they are the more talented team.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Detroit

Jacksonville (+9.0) @ Indianapolis (-9.0)
Vegas suckered me right in with this one. I am sure that Indianapolis is going to win the game, and a blowout is totally possible and maybe even likely. But I respect the Jaguars a little too much to give them 9 points. Look for both QBs to have a big game, and Jacksonville to make it interesting.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Minnesota (+3.0) @ Cincinnati (-3.0)
These are two wonderfully matched up teams, both with awesome quarterbacks and tons of young talent. I’m picking Cincinatti only because they have the home field, but if I had my way, I wouldn’t pick this one at all, and would just sit back and enjoy. (Actually, I’m not getting paid, so I should do that…… but….. I can’t break my loyal fans’ hearts)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Cincinnati
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinnati

New England (-3.0) @ Carolina (+3.0)
New England doesn’t lose football games. Maybe someday they will, but that day isn’t today. Carolina is going to have a strong season, but they are going to have to do it after starting their season off 0 – 2.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $New England
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: New England

Pittsburgh (-6.0) @ Houston (+6.0)
Heres probably my most controversal pick of the week, but I’m gonna stick with it. Pittsburgh is beat up right now – Staley, Bettis, and Roethlisburger are all less than 100%, and in football, that often shows. Houston should be playing with alot of intensity for the home crowd after last week’s loss, and I think their going to pull the semi-shocking upset and hand Big Ben his first ever regular season loss.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Houston

San Francisco (+13.0) @ Philadelphia (-13.0)
9 – 2 – 1. Thats San Fransisco’s career record in Philadelphia since 1975, and that makes me really uncomfortable giving them 13 points. These sorts of streaks always seem to hold up in sports, regardless of the skill of the current teams. However, I will not be pursuaded by this. After losing last week due to his poor play, McNabb has a ton to prove, especially with the extra attention he’s been getting about playing injured. Terrell Owens has plenty to prove too, as he takes on his former team that he has had nothing but ill will with during and after he left. I think a 48 – 3 slaughter is in order, so hell, take your 13 points San Fransisco.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Philadelphia
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Philadelphia

Atlanta (+1.0) @ Seattle (-1.0)
No idea, I’ll be honest. Both of these teams are more than capible of winning this game. General rule of thumb is that you go with the home team in a tossup, and considering that Seattle is pretty damn stellar at home, I’m gonna do just that.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Seattle
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Seattle

St. Louis (+1.0) @ Arizona (-1.0)
I know that Mike Martz is a clown and that the front office is in shambles, but lets get back on the field. St. Louis is a better team that the Cardinals, pure and simple. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that lightning WON’T strike twice in this one.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *St. Louis

Cleveland (+6.0) @ Green Bay (-6.0)
Javon Walker out for the season is absolutely devastating to the Packers. Last week strengthened my beliefs that Favre is on the sharp decline, and I say Cleveland takes advantage of the floundering confidence and moral by heading into Green Bay and beating the superior team, suprising EVERYONE except for me and you, my loyal reader, because when is my word not gold? (…)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Cleveland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Cleveland

Miami (+5.5) @ N.Y. Jets (-5.5)
If Miami plays as well as they did last week, and the Jets play as poorly as they did, the Dolphins would be the simple favorite here. But, I don’t think either of these are gonna happen. At home against the Dolphins, it should be business as usual for the Jets, and they should notch the victory and begin to look more like the playoff calibur team that they are.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: N.Y. Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: N.Y. Jets

San Diego (+3.0) @ Denver (-3.0)
Interesting that Denver is the favorite. Must be home field, because with Antonio Gates back, I’m quite sure that the Chargers are going to run all over the Broncos. Maybe I’m missing something, but regardless, this is my first upset money pick.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $*San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *San Diego

Kansas City (-1.0) @ Oakland (+1.0)
This should be a great game. All of the last 4 games played between these two teams have been within 7 points (sucky thing about that stat is that we’ve been on the losing end all 4). The keys to this game are Kerry Collins and the Raider’s ability (or lack thereof) to stop the run. If Collins plays well, even the Chiefs “new and improved” defense should have a ton of trouble stopping the Raiders high power offense. If the Raiders can’t find a way to stop the Chief’s running game however, the offense will never hit the field. This game can go either way very very easily, but I’m looking for the Oakland crowd to tip the scales ever so slightly in our favor.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Oakland

N.Y. Giants (-3.0) @ New Orleans (+3.0)
New Orleans is the team every year that kills me. I love their team, so I pick them, and they lose. Then I say “these guys suck”, pick against them, and they win. Theres no end to it. But hell, maybe a new year will provide new results? I think the Saints can outoffense the Giants here, and will do just that.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *New Orleans
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *New Orleans

Washington (+5.5) @ Dallas (-5.5)
Dallas is looking great, and I really wasn’t impressed with Washington’s week one performance. Their QB spot is still very shaky. They are a team capible of making the playoffs, but they are playing a team that I think much more likely WILL make the playoffs in the Cowboys.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Dallas
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Dallas

9 upset picks this week! That can’t be good…

This will either be an extremely embarassing or ego-boosting week. Depending on the degree of which you like or dislike me, root for whichever suits you best. Have a great week everyone!

Oh, and send me some email! Are you liking? Hating? Not caring? Any requests or ideas for improvements? Let me know!

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 0 – 1 – 0
USC TROJANS: 2 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

TROJAN OUTSCORING O-METER
Season:
TROJANS 133
OPPONENTS 34

Comments Off

By Dave Consolazio, September 8, 2005 10:00 am

Dave’s Dime
“Because Two Cents Just Isn’t Enough”

THE INTRO

((Before I start, please don’t be turned off by the amount of reading. Imagine how long it took me to type? It’s pretty easy reading, give it a chance when your bored. It’s meant to be fun.))

Ladies and gentleman (and all other creatures of the land and sea), it is that time once again. Football season. And, of course, the time for Dave’s Dime. Whether you are a dedicated reader from last year (a few), someone who deleted these religiously from their boxes last year (many), someone who is looking forward to David Consolazio’s take on sports (any?) or someone who’s email address I just found and decided to send to (most), here it is!

Each week, I will be picking the winners of the week’s games, and giving (what is intended to be clever, but whether on or off the mark, who knows) commentary as to why I believe what I do. You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy this. Or you may be a football fan and NOT enjoy it. Just read the damn thing and find out for yourself!

For those of you first time readers, email me back if you want to be taken off the list. But you know, its much easier to just delete this weekly so at least I THINK you care. Hell, once a month or so, write a “Great job Dave” and then delete it. I’ll never know your lying, and it’ll make my day. But since MOST of you are friends, I will leave the option of never recieving this again up to you. This part of the column is, as you may have gathered, where I just talk about whatever I please before the actual action begins.

THE RECORD
This is the section where I list my total record as the season progresses.

With the spread: 0 – 0 – 0 (.000)
Without the spread: 0 – 0 – 0 (.000)
$$Money Picks$$: 0 – 0 – 0 (.000)

I will explain in detail what the spread means for those of you who do not know in “THE PICKS” section, so bear with me. $$Money Picks$$ are picks that I am 100% sure are safe bets. If you use my email as a gambling guide (God help you), these are the picks that I whole heartedly endorse. There can be zero or five of these a week, depending on the games. They will be pointed out with money signs ($$)

APOLOGIES, COMPLAINTS, AND GLOATING
This is the section where I go over the results of the previous week, apologizing when I underestimate, whining about why I shouldn’t have lost, and of course, giving myself credit where its due (this is an awfully rare occurance). Obviously the section empty this week, since no pro football was played.

DAMN, I’M GOOD
Here, on the rare occurance that a pick is dead on, or I get a really crazy upset pick right I will quote the previous week’s Dime, and point out how good I am. Classy? Absolutely not. But I’m doing the damn column for free, I’m gonna sell myself. Skip the stupid section if it bothers you, I’ll never know.

THE PICKS
The cream of the crop. I’ve lost the casual reader with all my blah blah by now, but you my friend are in for a treat. My weekly picks!

*Here is the layout of my picks, and an explination of how the spread works. Veteran readers can skip ahead to THE REAL THING!, but first timers or forgetful people should read on. Don’t worry if your confused at first, it will make sense as time goes on. Still, I’ll do my best to explain.

TEAM ONE (+6.5) @ TEAM TWO (-6.5)
The team on the left side is always on the road, and the team on the right side is always at home. I will use this area to provide commentary as to why I’m picking who I’m picking. The number in parenthesis is called “The Spread”. This is how Las Vegas makes money. If you could bet on any two teams on an even playing field, you could always take the favorite, and you would win quite often. With the spread, things are evened out a bit. If you take the weaker team (in this case team one), you are going to be given X amount of points (in this case 6.5). So, lets say the final score to the game is “Team One” 7, “Team Two” 10. Team Two won the game, but not in Vegas terms. Add the 6.5 Vegas gave to Team One, and the score was “Team One” 13.5, “Team Two” 10. So, if you put money on Team Two, even though they won, they didn’t win by enough to “cover the spread” (which means outscore Team One with the extra points), so you lost money. So when you take the underdog (the team with the extra points), you add those points to their final total. If you take the favorite, you have to subtract number X from your total (So in the 10 – 7 game, minus 6.5, Team Two loses 3.5 – 7). The reason numbers usually have .5’s on them is so there can not be a tie. If your still confused, don’t worry, it’ll clear up. If you got it, well done!
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: TEAM TWO (-6.5)
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: TEAM TWO (-6.5)

THE REAL THING!

* – Indicates Upset Pick
$ – Indicates Money Pick

Oakland (+7.5) @ New England (-7.5)
While I do feel that this game being predicted by the spread to be the most lopsided of the week, I guess thats what happens when you pit one of the league’s worst teams last year in the Raiders against the defending super bowl champions. But New England has taken huge hits in both on and off field personel. Will they overcome and be victorious this year? I’m sure they will. But the Raiders are much much improved on offense, and even with their defensive woes should definitely be able to keep it within a touchdown. As far as winning goes? Probably not, but I’m not picking against my team when I think they have a very legitimate shot.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Oakland
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Oakland

Chicago (+6.5) @ Washington (-6.5)
I should be careful which games I drop “who cares” on week one, but I certainly dont. Both teams boast impresive defenses, but leave much to be desired on the offensive side of the ball. Still, I have to assume that the more offensively talented Redskins will win. I’m iffy on giving the Bears 6.5, but I don’t see them scoring at all, so I guess I have to.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Washington
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Washington

Cincinnati (-3.0) @ Cleveland (+3.0)
I’m predicting Ex-Trojan Carson Palmer to have a field day in this one, and am prematurely going to go ahead and guarentee a Cincinatti victory. Guarenteeing a victory in a game that isn’t even all that mismatched is what they call in this line of work “Stupid as Hell”. But as the season progresses, you’ll see that that might as well be my middle name (er, middle names?)
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $Cincinatti
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Cincinatti

Denver (-4.0) @ Miami (+4.0)
While as a loyal Raiders fan I am always first in line to curse the Broncos to the fiery depths of hell, I’m not going to disrespect them enough to pick the Dolphins. The only real reason to watch this game though is to see Auburn sensation Ronnie Brown in action; he’ll be their every down running back with Ricky Williams serving his pot-enduced 4 game suspension.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Denver
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Denver

Houston (+4.0) @ Buffalo (-4.0)
I personally don’t think either team is much better than the other, as both seem equally likely to have success or bust this year. So I’ll gladly take the four points and the team that comes with them here – I’d even consider giving up 4 points for the Texans here, to be honest. Vegas must know something I don’t.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Houston
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Houston

New Orleans (+6.5) @ Carolina (-6.5)
Its really hard to see “New Orleans” and try and act like football matters, because it really doesnt when compared to whats going on over there right now. From a football standpoint, I’m picking the superior team here in Carolina, but much more importantly than that is that we send our hearts out to the players, their families, and everyone else whos been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Carolina
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Carolina

N.Y. Jets (+3.0) @ Kansas City (-3.0)
Hahaha, your going to GIVE ME 3 points to pick a team I love against the team I hate second most in the entire world? Thanks! KC has apparently improved on defense, but I really don’t care. J E T S Jets Jets Jets is all I really have to say here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *NY Jets
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *NY Jets

Seattle (+3.0) @ Jacksonville (-3.0)
I love the Seattle Seahawks, I really do. But as long as they are coached by that 300 pound walrus Mike Holmgrem, I’m still going to assume they are the same bumbling team they were last year, and take the Jaguars. Hope they can prove me wrong.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Jacksonville
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Jacksonville

Tampa Bay (+6.0) @ Minnesota (-6.0)
Both of these teams have a soft spot in my heart. That being said, I think Minnesota is one of the teams to beat in the NFC. Tampa Bay is… just kind of there. Sorry Tampa, I’m predicting a Minnesota routing here.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Minnesota
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Minnesota

Tennessee (+7.0) @ Pittsburgh (-7.0)
Tennessee took Norm Chow from my Trojans only to get rid of most of their talent for nothing. Interesting. Pittsburgh minus Burress should be less effective, too, as there is really no question as to what Pittsburgh’s plan of attack is (run, run, run). Sure, I still think they’ll win, but not by 7.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Tennessee
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Pittsburgh

Arizona (+1.5) @ N.Y. Giants (-1.5)
“Kurt Warner is the True Giant In His Cardinal’s Debut, Crushing His Former Team In New York”. Headlines like these ones write themselves.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Arizona
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Arizona

Dallas (+4.5) @ San Diego (-4.5)
I do not like you San Diego. I really don’t. Thats why it pains me to report that I am quite sure your going to beat the tar out of the Cowboys this weekend.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: San Diego
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: San Diego

Green Bay (+3.0) @ Detroit (-3.0)
Yeah, the veteran Packers are PROBABLY the safer pick, but Detroit’s team is so damn young and fun, I’m not picking against them. Besides, do any of you remember a guy named MIKE WILLIAMS?
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Detroit
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Detroit

St. Louis (-4.5) @ San Francisco (+4.5)
Only 4.5? I’m really surprised. Not quite sure what Vegas is expecting here, but I’m expecting the Rams to win by at least 3 touchdowns, and they make my second guarentee of the week.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: $St. Louis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: St. Louis

Indianapolis (-3.0) @ Baltimore (+3.0)
Here we get an early season preview of the two teams to beat in the AFC – the offense-driven Indianapolis Colts VS. the defense-driven Baltimore Ravens. A little later down the line, I might be picking the Ravens, but the Ravens have made too many personel changes (even though they are good ones) to be expected to gel perfectly for week one: and Peyton Manning runs his offense like clockwork.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: Indianapolis
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: Indianapolis

Philadelphia (-2.0) @ Atlanta (+2.0)
I’m gonna go out on a bit of a limb here and go ahead and say that in Atlanta, Vick will lead his team to a win, and we will see all **** (namely Terrell Owens) hit the fan in Philidelphia very early on in the season. Don’t get me wrong, I still think the Eagles are a major contender, but I cant help but see the story unfold this way.
PICK WITH THE SPREAD: *Atlanta
PICK WITHOUT THE SPREAD: *Atlanta

Thats that! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and has enjoyed this week’s edition of Dave’s Dime!

MY TEAMS RECORDS
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 0 – 0 – 0
USC TROJANS: 1 – 0 – 0
LOS ANGELES KINGS: 0 – 0 – 0 – 0