A different kind of Geeky
I'm going to discuss something I never get a chance to talk about on TRS: sports! Or, more specifically, the NFL. I'm a huge football fan, in addition to all my nerdlier pursuits, and have been brimming with anticipation over the new season starting. Now, my beloved 49ers still aren't exactly Super Bowl contenders (although, in a weak division you never know... <crosses fingers>), but the last few years I've livened my Sundays by participating in a friendly pick 'em competition with some friends. We pick all the games of the week against the spread, and in a completely unrelated matter also independently decide to give a few dollars to the gentlemen with the most accurate record. It is a ton of fun and makes my Sundays all the more thrilling, so I thought I'd open up the process a bit, here on the blog, and welcome comments, criticisms, and general discussion.
Right off the bat, I should admit that I've got more enthusiasm than sense, and often just go with my gut, so you may see me make some bone-head moves. Feel free to call me out, but let's try to keep this all in good fun. Ok, here's what I'm feeling for week one (tomorrow):
ATLANTA -4 over Miami
I like Atlanta at home, so I'm gonna give the points. I think Atlanta could be a top tier team this year
BALTIMORE -10 1/2 over Kansas City
I think KC is going to be pretty terrible and this feels like a blowout to me.
CINCINNATI -4 1/2 over Denver
Yes, three home favorites in a row, but I'm betting the Bengals will do much better this year, and Denver just looks sad.
CLEVELAND +3 1/2 over Minnesota
Well, hello, here is my first crazy-town gut pick. Yes, Brett Favre, AP, a Vikings team with a lot to prove. But there has to be one home 'dog that surprises people - I think it'll be the Browns.
Jacksonville +7 over INDIANAPOLIS
I think this'll be a close game - I'm just taking the points.
Detroit +13 1/2 over NEW ORLEANS
They can't get beat by 2 touchdowns... right? They've gotta get back SOME dignity...
Dallas -5 1/2 over TAMPA BAY
Marion Barber has a huge game on the road.
NY Jets +4 1/2 over HOUSTON
Texans looked terrible in preseason - I'll take the points.
CAROLINA +1 1/2 over Philadelphia
Even as I type this I feel like it is wrong, but I'm going with the gut.
San Francisco +6 1/2 over ARIZONA
Yes, I'm picking with my heart. Go niners.
SEATTLE -7 1/2 over St. Louis
I'll give the points here, the Rams get blown out.
NY GIANTS -6 1/2 over Washington
Yes, I think the Giants are a touchdown better than the 'skins.
Chicago +3 1/2 over GREEN BAY
I think the Bears have a lot to prove. The Pack is strong. This could go either way.
NEW ENGLAND -10 1/2 over Buffalo and San Diego -8 1/2 over OAKLAND
Two games Monday night, both blowouts in favor of the favorite. :)
Ok, there you go. We'll see how well I do...
I've also, for the first time, entered a Fantasy League, so you can watch me flounder through that as well. I was lucky enough to get the help of twitter follower, NFL Fantasy badass, and all-around good guy, Doug Zuba in drafting my team, so any potential glory belongs more to him than to me. Thanks, Doug! I'll update my progress there in a future blog.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 04:30PM
Reader Comments (13)
Yes, Denver does look very sad indeed :(
Jeff, I love that you are a big football fan! I am a big fan of TRS and am a huge sports nerd as well. Let's go Packers!
Yay football?!?!
I really hope my Jags can kick the colts while they are down.
I also hope my boy Aaron Rodgers(home town kid) can take the packers to the big game.
A geek talking about football, that's awesome! You probably don't remember this but I am the guy that meet you in L.A when you and Alex were at the Tikibar TV anniversary party. I told you your comedy was witty. I have proof lol Picture Proof. Anyways Back on topic.
In my opinion You look solid on all but 2
GREEN BAY +7 over Chicago - The only reason I say this because its looking to be a high scoring game either way you stack it.
CLEVELAND +7 over Minnesota - I think we are going to see classic 4th down Favre tomorrow. Only time will tell.
And if you really want to confuse people about your geekiness, try Building a comp0uter for breakfast Tearing down and rebuilding an engine for lunch, then Talking Sports for Super. You will have peoples head spinning. All in a days work My Friend.
hey, what do you think of the Crabtree situation?
Oh my yes, I do love NFL season. It brings warm feelings of comradery, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The picks look good, Jeff although I am not the most experienced NFL game picker guy by any stretch of the imagination. I'm hoping you're wrong and Philly wins over Carolina though. I'm in a Fantasy league at work and good times are always had. Do you use Yahoo sports or some other service?
Jeff,
Like about half of your picks but you never know, and as they say Any Given Sunday...
Awesome! It's nice to see you talk about sports (not on TRS ever though). You're probably going to love Fantasy Football, last year was my first and I really enjoyed it.
Also my site is a squarespace! TRS1 FTW!
Marion Barber FTW!!
+3 1/2 will not be nearly enough for the Bears.
Glad to see you signed up for a fantasy league, it's a "poopton" of fun. I think Michael Crabtree is going to be a fantasy sleeper ;)
I don't know what service you are using but my league has been using Yahoo for the past 5 years and it is, in my opinion, the best. 1.) It's free 2.) The stat tracker (real time scroing updates) is awesome.
Any chance we can get your roster? Good luck and let us know how you are doing in your league.
Stay rad,
Damien
Big ups for picking with the spread. For a few seasons I've done weekly picks with no spreads but haven't been man enough to do it with a spread yet. This week I went 14-2, but it IS a lot easier my way.
Glad to hear you're a 49ers fan! When Singletary came in last year I instantly bought into his way of coaching and now they're my 3rd favorite team behind the Patriots and Packers. I've picked the 49ers to win the division this year and once you make it to the playoffs then anything is possible, good luck in your future picks & fantasy.
Who do you have on your fantasy football team and what the basic settings?