When in doubt, sit it out... then again...

maybe sit them out... that is what I told myself all morning about these two games today. But, coming off a 3-0 day yesterday, that is not the easiest thing to do! So, what the hay! Giants +3 at Buccaneers - 1:00 PM EST - Giants have been one of the strongest, if not THE strongest team in the NFL on the road this season. Seven straight outright wins may be a new record, if it weren't for the Pats immaculate season. It is the hardest factor to ignore that is standing in the way of either taking Tampa or, as I said, just sitting it out. I don't even want to get into the fact that Eli, like the Giants, is also better on the road. After two straight first round losses ubder his belt, he finds himself in nice weather and not playing solid teams like Carolina (two years ago) and Philly last year (and he only lost 23-20). Today, it's the Bucs - who won the weakest division in football. And rested a steady QB one week before a playoff game and who has already said he didn agree with the decision to do that and feels "rusty". One last thing on the GMen, well, two actually, 1) I really like Brandon "Runs with Abandon" Jacobs and 2) the Giants pass rush is very good. All that said, I'm going against a coach I respect, "Chuckie" Gruden, and taking the New York Football Giants today to play within the FG spread. No opinion on the late game except to say that giving a Jeff Fisher team 10 points in a big spot is asking for trouble... if the QB situation was more settled for the Titans and if it wasn't a two time zone trip, that long trip out west, I would not have hesitated to jump on Tennessee. No bonus picks on hockey or the night Bowl game today... those I am sitting out! GL everybody, v.||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

gl vee... and that trip to SD from Tenn really isn't that bad.....but Fisher seems to be lacking some talent inthis game it looks like..injury wise....and the BOLTS are peaking....IMHO gl GO PACK...let's lay a cool 40+ on 'ol MIke eh!

I don't know, eeyore, I fly NY/NJ to Denver every once and a while and two hours is two hours, screws up my body clock for happy hour! Yeah, Bolts scare me - I would consider them as a play today with a more reasonable spread... 10 is a lot in a playoff game, and like I said, against a Fisher team is a red flag - the guy lives to win or lose within seven points. Next week in Lambeau will read like a Hollywood movie, my friend. I just hope there is no surprise ending! GL to ya', v.||an_cheers.gif' border=0>

titans are hurting not only in the recieving corps but also on the oline which to me is huge. they will try to run the ball and control the clock but the chargers will be ready for this by stacking the line of scrimmage daring the titans to throw. my big play today is sd -6 1st half. they have smoked everybody they have played at home over the last 6 games in the 1st half and it won't be any different today. gl veeman!!!||an_cheers.gif' border=0>

Nice angle on your Chargers play, huntman! Takes the bigger number out of play and also figures in the homefield early surge. Smart play, bud. GOod luck on it. v.||cool.gif' border=0>

eeyore - Giants looked pretty good after falling behind early. If they can get up in the first quarter against the Cowboys, and Eli has no turnovers again and if the defense plays well again, they could surprise the Cowboys in Round 2. Lot's of if's but it would set up a Packer home game for the NFC Championship - if Green Bay beat Homie and the Seahawks on Saturday! huntman - very surprising late game in that SD did nothing on offense. In fact, if Mr. Automatic for the Titans had not missed that chip shot, the Chargers would not have even covered the line. Charger backers were very fortunate, imo. Under players had the day off... Onto next week - with a 4-0 weekend, including 2-0 in NFL along with a hockey win and a Bowl win, I am looking forward to it. GL everybody, v. ||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

Guess who was right by the Pirate Ship? thank god I had a Fla address in my name. That Mets Spring training home paid off! Great call on the GMen.... Now Dallas..... Hey just shot a cool 80 as today reminded me of April. ||cool.gif' border=0> Louie

I'am only jealous of the golf. Not the score.( I shoot better) Not the weather(65 degrees in Boston) And certainly not your football team(GO PATS!!!) Other than that Louie, have a good one!!||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>||clover.gif' border=0>

||an_violin.gif' border=0>- When Brady retires, Ill be there waiting! Good luck to ya Red... Louie||an_cheers.gif' border=0>

Yeah, Louie, the GMen surprised some people. The question is can they do it again - in fact, if the books wanted to make all the dogs attractive this weekend, they succeeded, imo. And that raises the next question, is it for the reason the faves will romp. More decisions than on club selection - speaking of which, there was mid-season form golf played last weekend at the Mercedes. Kapula was good to Sticker, who shot 64 to get in a playoff with Chopra, then lost after four holes. We will be talking about the Masters before you know it... redwally, I see we have another member of the fairways and greens club. GL for the playoffs - so, what what do you guys think about the GMen chances in Big D? v.||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

I think I will wait to make a decision on the Giants game, although I am leaning toward the taking the points. More on that later… No need to wait any longer on picking the Packers –7.5 over the Seahawks. I took a lot of flak on here this season, constantly talking about how Green Bay was more than just Favre now, that the defense (and having been in Lambeau for the defining Charger game, I know) along with the special teams and after about Week 8, a very resurgent running game had all worked together to make a 12-3-1 Sides spread record possible. It is spoken about in hushed tones in betting circles, lol - probably more than the 16-0 straight up record for the Pats this year. If you think Vegas is surprised, they are – they put GB up at 70 to 1 to win the Super Bowl this year. (Pats finished 10-6 ATS and along the way were beaten many times by 10-20 points ATS, blowing up a lot of “sure” teasers for gimmick players, especially in the second half of the season). So, why the Packers today? They are at home against a one-dimensional team that is poor on the road, traveling East two times zones - and for a second Saturday game in a row. Plus Seattle is coming off a very impressive emotional home win (by the way, I posted Seattle over Washington last week and again took flak from those who went with the popular pick). Green Bay has been rested, fed with plenty of cheese (my sister tells me there was a pep rally in Lameau last night and as far as I can tell, none of the Packers were in resorts hanging with Jessica-types. In fact, I heard AJ Hawk being interviewed by a NYC radio station this week live at 6:45 - meaning Boomer Easiason managed to get Hawk at 5:45 CT. Now that is my kind of early-bird. I figure he is pretty focused in his mind - stopping Seattle, stopping Alexander and covering the short zone. Look for Packer weather today – about 30, damp, no wind and a few flurries coming down. Not bad but chilly. You know, Wisconsin winter weather with a raucos crowd that has waited years for this stage. Custom made setup today for a romp. Look for the Packers to use Ryan Grant to set up the pass and the pass to set up Grant. He has popped several long gains early in games lately. It gets the Oline fired up and then Brett goes to work on the long ball, mixing in the RAC-type slants. Holmgren will try to stop it but he won’t. And the GB defense will man-cover (they are the best in the league at this) the wides and bring a lot of outside heat on Hasselbeck – since they stop the run pretty well. When Seattle gets behind and has to throw all the time, look for some turnovers. 31-13 Green Bay. GL everybody and depending how this goes, I may have a night play. I don't think both dogs cover, so if GB goes down, that means laying -13.5 with the Pitty Pats - and that has my knees knocking just thinking about it... v. ||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

Ok vee, Im taking the under in the Green Bay/Seattle game. Just think the Defenses are the key here. Pressure will tell alot today. Im a BIG Pack supporter as Farve is the greatest QB in my time (Brady needs a few more years). The number I was lookin at was 40 anyways. 24-17 is a good one, and look for that number to go up to 44 by kick (seeing 43.5 already). This is due to Holmgren putting stock in Hasselbeck than Alexander. Holmgren knows he cant win the battle of the air, so i look for clock management and 12 yd series in 3 downs. On the Pack side you have the emergence of Grant (thanks GMEN) who reminds me of Dorsey. Brett's attempts should be down today since you can run the ball vs Seattle. I heard AJ HAwk interview as well. He was on Boomers and Cartin show early. Goin under 43 (should get 44 by 2pm) Also Mike and Dog had Hacksaw from San Diego and he says the whole San Diego area has has no confidence in Rivers. Goin under 43 (should get 44 by 2pm) Tonight is tough. Garrard is for real. Probably gonna throw small on the Pats for Brady's sake. Giants tomorrow....I just bet my buddy that Joe Buck mentions Jessica Simpsons name 6 times or OVER throughout the broadcast. Eli's World....make or break. Im on Giants but dont expect a win, just single digits. THIS IS THE BEST WEEKEND IN SPORTS.... BTW....goin Hawaii in July. On the trip doin Kapalua (Plantation), Poipu Bay, and Princeville. Had a great NFL-NCAAF season.... GL vee and to all.... Every season we talk about Bretts ride into the sunset......may he throw the accurately and often. 7 years+ here and still runnin. Louie ||an_cheers.gif' border=0>

glLouie under is a red flag play too! Go PACK...like the write-up ditto to vee

Isn't it grand Vee? Brett at Lambeau on a Saturday...anyway, on to picks: Pack -7.5 over 43.5 Pats over 50.5 That's it today. GL to all who support the Green and Gold. Long day for the Waterchickens. GL to all wood

Louie - that July trip sounds real nice. Never had the pleasure to play in HI. GL on your plays and I'm probably on the GMen again with you - when that game ended last week and it cashed, I said "going again in Big D". I will feel better if the Packers cover, then I can sit out tonight and play the Giants tomorrow - sounds like a plan! eeyore - thanks for the prop - and that post of yours to that tstyle guy who was touting 11-1 on Unders was the among the funniest I have ever seen on here... you were like Tonto talking to Kimosabee... woodpro - should be an offical state holiday - Packers with a home game in the Round 2 of the playoffs... playoffs? Who said anything about playoffs? I still have to smile everytime I think about how well everything went during the regular season... GL everybody and enjoy the game! v. ||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

a cool 42! congrats Pack! ..great game..nice comeback after rough start!

You have to take your hat off to Coach McCarthy from the Packers. The fact that he stuck with Grant after the two fumble disasters to start, it says alot - there were other guys, like Morency and Jackson that he could have put in there. And then, of course, the great Team comeback - the Oline did not quit and got in front of Grant. Once he got his confidence back, it helped Favre realize that they could come back - and helped the defense know if they stopped Seattle on the ground (28 net rushing yard for the whole game!), the Packers could take control of the game. Brett had a great game but Grant had one that will down in Packer lore forever. 201 rushing yards in a playoff game on a bad field... and so-o-o-o many people on here thought Seattle had a defense and a QB and a running back that were equal to the Packers. A very sweet win! This thread has been good luck for me! Woodpro - nice three-way winner you had, squeaked out the Over in Pats/Jags... gotta'love it. ||an_cheers.gif' border=0> GL everybody and it is time to root hard for the men in blue, the GMen , the New York Football Giants! v. ||an_wink.gif' border=0>

Thanks Vee and go GMen. You took the words right out of my mouth on Grant. That was awesome. GL to all wood

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Question to be now answered is, seeing how we got what we wished for, just what is the right side on this game between the G-Men and the Packers. I would be happy to do a write on either side, lol. After all, I have posted and won on them both a lot lately. Head says Green Bay lay the seven but heart says so much has been given to Packer Backers already, is it fair to ask for another cover (that would be 14-3-1 for God's sake), let alone just asking for an outright win? Gonna' have to think about that over a few cold ones in the coming days - then it will graduate to Scotch and then, well, this is a family place. By the way, real sad to see T.O. break downlike that... and word is Sen Mitchell tried to contact The Rocket on at least two occassions. My excuse would be "shuck's, I was at the country club and they don't allow cell phones." Works everytime. ||cool.gif' border=0>

Vee- Lots of trends suggest the GMen but there is no way I am betting against GB. I told a buddy in week 8 that it would be the coolest thing ever if the Pats went into the SB undefeated and Brett went out by winning it all. Maybe not so far off, but as for the Giants... 1. It is going to be 5 degrees. 2. Giants know Grant. 3. Giants beat Bears and Pokes, Pack lost to both. The 2nd loss to Chicago had to be in the top 10 worst team performances of the season by any team. 4. Aaron Ross is a huge loss for NYG. 5. Pack is 100% healthy. Still don't know where I am going with this, other than I am going to Arizona to witness the above scenario unfold before my eyes live when GB wins this weekend. Just not sure about the line. I agree that head says give the 7 and think that the Pack has just too much horsepower on offense. Look for Brett to test Ross or his replacement early, setting up Grant for another fine running game. If Tausch and Cliffy can keep the Giant pass rush in check, GB cruises. I know they will perform better than Dallas' line. Me and any foursome at any club in Milwaukee could do better than that outfit. Such a pleasure to watch Jones stare aimlessly into the sky and to see TO come undone. One of my favorite football weekends in recent memory. GB-7 and over 42. 31-17. On to Arizona. GL to all wood

Forgot to mention the obvious in that Gb already beat the GMen in week 2. People can argue that Strahan wasn't ready and Eli's head was up his ass, etc., but can you remember who played running back for Gb in that game? It wasn't Grant. Brandon Jackson & Deshaun Wynn? The point is that both teams are better than they were. Gb was/are just better then the Giants and I will take my chances with the aligning stars at frigid Lambeau with the Man in charge. GL to all wood

Do you want to know what I think? ||an_angel.gif' border=0> WOW! Vee and company, Im beside myself. Ill hit ya up later..... Louie

Well everybody, the day is finally here... While there was little hesitation last week on whether to lay the 7-5 and take the Packers, there are a couple of factors on the Giant's side that are worth noting: 1) Road record straight up and against the spread is 8-1. 2) Toomer has been making some big catches lately. 3) Their D-line looked like the Steel Curtain against the Cowboys. That said, this game is all on the GB side. Consider the following: 1) Checker on a checker is GB record at home and gaudy 14-3-1 overall record against the most important thing, the spread. 2) Jennings has had a TD in every game, is averaging 17.5 per catch for the season (a good share is RAC) and most startling, perhaps an NFL record because it is a little obscure, he’s averaging 37 yard per catch on his 12 touchdowns – could be the new definition of a “big” playmaker. 3) Packer defense all but shut-down Seattle; remember 14 of their points were point blank turnovers in the first five minutes. So, those three offset, even favor the Packers. Add-in Favre over Eli, Packers DBs over Giants DBs, and Ryan Grant over Jacobs and I am taking the Packers and laying the points.And I didn’t even mention home field, the wild crowd and oh, by the way, the Giant wakeup calls at the nicest hotel within 30 miles, in Appleton and I am sure they ate at the hotel, a five-star showcase called Lombardi’s. The message would read, “Good morning, welcome to the home of the Green Bay Packers, the outside temperature is –10* with a wind chill of –30*. Today’s high will be 4*." 4 as in Brett Favre. The last part, I added. GL everybody and enjoy the game. No opinion on the JV game that comes on earlier. v. ||thumbs_up.gif' border=0>

Moring VEE! You are exactly correct!!! Every aspectpoints to the Packers. Could not agree more! THe ONY thing concerning me is the weather. I line here and I am telling you rightnow it is -8 and a light wind. Not a cloud in the sky! By tonight it is supposed to be even clder than that. And that I think spells potential trouble for our young guys. Look at the age of that team. Most traditional Packer teams were loder and had played in games like this, bitter cold. Not many of these guys have. And that is the onluy thing that concerns me on the Packers from just blowing theshit out of the MEN. I think it is going to be a closer game than we think with thePacers winning by 10 LATE in the game. But it is going to be a great game!!!!