Posted by Brandon
As Jake mentioned, there is again no podcast this week, which disappoints our massive following. Jake threw me under the bus for back to back weeks with no podcast, but I know that you aren’t naive enough to believe him. Tuesday night, instead of doing the podcast, we decided to drink beer and watch the Brewers close in on the NL Central title (since clinched!) while they were in Chicago. This was of course after we ate dinner at Lucky’s, known for ridiculously large sandwiches stuffed with meat, cheese, coleslaw, and french fries. I even added a fried egg on mine, like a real man. We couldn’t do the poddy this weekend because Jake was going to a wedding and “couldn’t wait to see two beautiful souls merged into one in holy matrimony”.
The post of our picks looked awful last week so I am going to change the format a little. I may be down 2-0 so far this season, but my 55 Percenters today give me the feeling of a turning tide. That’s right, assuming Oregon’s 35-9 lead holds for my -15 pick, I’ll be 7-0 on my college picks today and I’m going to try to parlay that into some NFL success. I’ll give the line, Jake’s pick, my pick, and then if it tempts me enough to make it a 55er.
CINCINNATI -2.5 over San Francisco
Jake - SF +2.5 / Brandon - Cin -2.5
I don’t see why San Francisco continues to get Vegas love, what have they done to make us think they are better than Cincinnati, thus avoiding the normal three point line? Factor in the famous “West coast team playing a 1 o’clock game” and I’ll even make this a 55 Percenter.
55 Percenter: Cincinnati -2.5
NEW ENGLAND -8 over Buffalo
Jake - NE -8 / Brandon - NE -8
This line has actually dropped to -7, many people obviously liking what they have seen from Buffalo early this season. I’m with Jake, I can’t pick against Brady with how hot he has started this season. With that said, I do like this Buffalo team and won’t pick against them at home for a 55er. I do love points though, so let’s officially take the over. (Pictured right: Tom Brady after he is told that ADPTP believes he is THE GREATEST QUARTERBACK OF ALL TIME.)
55 Percenter: NE/BUF OVER 54
NEW ORLEANS -4 over Houston
Jake - NO -4 / Brandon - NO -4
I refuse to drink the Houston Kool-Aid. I’ve fallen for it before and know that they are teasing us. Remember, as I said in my NFL Preview, Gary Kubiak is Norv Turner Ice.
55 Percenter: New Orleans -4
PHILADELPHIA -5 over New York Giants
Jake - Phi -5 / Brandon - Phi -5
When we picked this line, Mike Vick was still up in the air, so it has since jumped to -8.5. I do not believe in this Giant team at all and think the Eagles crowd will be raucous in the home opener. Let’s make it a 55 Percenter, even at -8.5.
55 Percenter: Philadelphia -8.5
CLEVELAND -1.5 over Miami
Jake - Mia +1.5 / Brandon - Cle -1.5
Flip a coin. Woof, I wouldn’t dare make this one of my official picks because then I’d have to pay attention to the game.
TENNESSEE -7 over Denver
Jake - Den +7 / Brandon - Den +7
I’ve come around on Tennessee and actually think that they will give the Texans a run for the South (based just as strongly on my Texans opinion as Titans). With that said, I am shocked to see them laying a touchdown. Jake and I agree on the pick, but I’m not confident enough to make it a 55 Percenter.
Detroit -3.5 over MINNESOTA
Jake - Det -3.5 / Brandon - Det -3.5
Yes, Detroit hasn’t won in Minnesota in many years. Yes, Detroit has a history of letting their fans down. But why on earth has this line now dropped to Det -3? 55er? Yes please.
55 Percenter: Detroit -3
CAROLINA -3.5 over Jacksonville
Jake - Jax +3.5 / Brandon - Car -3.5
Everybody, settle down over Cam Newton. I agree, he has looked much better than expected and has made some throws that make it clear he will be a good quarterback in this league. But as The Herd said all week, he is 0-2 and has more interceptions than touchdowns. But, even with that said, I haven’t even seen that much from Blaine Gabbert on the other sideline, so I’ll lay the points and make this a difference with Jake. I do not have the confidence in Cam to make it an official pick though.
SAN DIEGO -14.5 over Kansas City
Jake - SD -14.5 / Brandon - SD -14.5
This one is easy, the Chiefs have been awful and have lost their two best players for the year. I want to make this a 55 Percenter, but have a strange hunch not to. For no logical reason, I’m going to show restraint.
NEW YORK JETS -3.5 over Oakland
Jake - Oak +3.5 / Brandon - Oak +3.5
Our Al Davis’ should not be giving over a field goal at home. I actually like them to pull out the upset outright but am not quite confident enough to make it a 55er. If you want to bet it, I’d be tempted by that +140 money line.
Baltimore -4 over ST. LOUIS
Jake - Bal -4 / Brandon - Bal -4
This is a league of motivation and due to that, this should be a great game. Baltimore wants to rebound from their bad showing last week and St. Louis will not want to start 0-3. Despite my doubts in Baltimore big picture, I like a focused Ravens team against a banged up NFC West squad coming off of a short week. Let’s make it official too, despite the slight shift.
55 Percenter: Baltimore -5
TAMPA BAY -1.5 over Atlanta
Jake - Atl +1.5 / Brandon - TB -1.5
A fundamental difference between Jake and I is the Atlanta Falcons. In fact, we made a drunken bet at our fantasy draft on the Falcons over or under 10.5 wins for the regular season. I’m not sold on this Tampa team, and definitely won’t make this a 55er, but do like this being a difference for us on Sunday.
Arizona -3.5 over SEATTLE
Jake - Arz -3.5 / Brandon - Sea +3.5
I know, I’m crazy picking Seattle. But home field has made the biggest difference for them over any team the last few years, with a ridiculous 12ish point swing between home and road results. I think Arizona is better and certainly won’t put money on Seattle, but will take a flier on them for my contest pick.
Green Bay -3.5 over CHICAGO
Jake - GB -3.5 / Brandon - GB -3.5
We may be homers, but it isn’t just us, this line has shifted to GB -4. They are the better team, and despite a history of close games, I’m riding the champs.
55 Percenter: Green Bay -4
Pittsburgh -10.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
Jake - Pit -10.5 / Brandon - Pit -10.5
How does Indy score? I can’t figure it out and from his look on the sideline, either can Jim Caldwell. Steelers roll.
55 Percenter: Pittsburgh -10.5
DALLAS -3.5 over Washington
Jake - Dal -3.5 / Brandon - Wash +3.5
Call me a believer in the Redskins. I’m not getting carried away, I don’t think they are a NFC contender, but I think they’ll win 8-9 games. If Romo plays, this line likely jumps to 6 or 7, in which case I’d make this a 55er for the Skins. As is, I’ll just make it a difference.
55 Percenters (Pending Oregon, don’t fuck it up Chip Kelly)
2011 - 2012 Season Record: 11-4-0 (.733)
All Time on ADPTP: 140-133-4 (.513)
Last Post: 7-0 (1.000)
