http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/ 15 Game day picks and chatter with Dave, Matt and Des en Copyright 2009 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:17:03 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=4.2-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Dave: And now, from the folks at Bodog (Bodog: Gambling is cool!): exotic prop bets! First up: Kurt Warner needs to pass for 364 yards to break Joe Montana's career record of 1,142 passing yards in the Super Bowl. Will he do it? Matt: That's a lot of yards against a really good defense. Of course, Fitz could have 180 receiving yards at halftime. Dave: It would certainly be good for the Cardinals' chances if he does. Pittsburgh allowed 157 passing yds. per game in the regular season, 200 in the playoffs. Dave: Since I like the Steelers' chances, I'll say no. Matt: Yeah, it's a bit much to ask of anyone. I'll say he doesn't do it. Des: Warner already owns the top two passing yardage marks in Super Bowl history, with games of 414 (1999) and 365 (2001). But at some point, we do need to give it http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/super-bowl-chatter-take-2-prop-bets.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/super-bowl-chatter-take-2-prop-bets.html NFL Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:17:03 -0500 Dave: why, hello! Matt: fancy meeting you two here. Des: f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l-? what is this odd pastime? Dave: So, in honor of the Super Bowl, let's do things a little differently, shall we? Des: ooh, I'm game! Matt: ch-ch-ch-ch-chaaaanges. Des: Of course, we're already doing things differently than we did last week Des: when -- hello -- didn't have a chat Dave: This is true. Last week we did nothing, which means I didn't win the pick-em outright for once Matt: it's really a 100 percent swing in the other direction. Des: my head is spinning. although that may have more to do with my traditional breakfast margarita Dave: So of course we'll pick the winner, but what's the Super Bowl without prop bets? And well pick a few of those, thanks to our friends at Bodog. Bodog: Gambling is cool! So let's go. Who ya got? Cardinals (+7) vs. Steelers http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/super-bowl-chatter-take-1-who-ya-got.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/super-bowl-chatter-take-1-who-ya-got.html NFL Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:51:48 -0500 Des: it's conference championship time! who's excited? Dave: yay! Matt: I'm actually saddened that there's only three games left until next September. So thanks for the reminder. Des: well, there's also the Pro Bowl Matt: Yes, everyone mark down the Friday before the Pro Bowl for a Very Special Edition of our picks. Dave: Actually, our "injury replacements" will be handling that chat Des: Will there actually be a line for the Pro Bowl? I suppose there has to be, right? Matt: I think there usually is, yes. Des: We may have to chat about that. But if we do, we have to photoshop our pictures to have us in Hawaiian print shirts http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-chatter-take-1-afc-championship.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-chatter-take-1-afc-championship.html NFL Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:18:33 -0500 Philadelphia (-3 1/2) at Arizona Matt: CAW! CAW! CAW! CAW! CAW! CAW! Dave: CAW! Des: MEOW! Des: whoops, CAW! Matt: MOOO! Dave: You said last week that you would chat in a bird costume if all three bird teams won. So? Matt: I haven't killed enough birds for the costume yet. It may be until next season to get that put together. http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-chatter-nfc-championship.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-chatter-nfc-championship.html NFL Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:07:03 -0500 .small {font-size: 11px; display: block;} table.dataTable th, table.calendar th { background-color: #ffffff; } Ravens (+6) at Steelers Picks For these two rivals, third time's the harm. Preview Des: Steelers Matt: Steelers Dave: Steelers Eagles (-3 1/2) at Cardinals Picks Is destiny finally taking wing for the Cardinals? Preview. Des: Cardinals Matt: Cardinals Dave: Eagles Des's record: 1-3 last week, 129-123-11 overall Matt: 2-2, 132-120-11 Dave: 3-1, 140-112-11 http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/conference-championships-picks-previews.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/conference-championships-picks-previews.html NFL Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:44:19 -0500 Chargers (+6 1/2) at Steelers Des: Gee, not a lot of road favorites this week, huh? I like the way the Chargers are playing the role of unexpected guest at the party, and I like the way they handled the red-hot Colts last week. Heck, I even like Philip Riv... well, let's not get too carried away. But this seems like enough points for me to take a dog that seems to have its title-contender act together. And who cares whether or not Tomlinson is ready to go? Sproles is the (wee) man! Dave: So Des is on board with the Chargers, who also seem to be picking up fans these days Matt: Some seem to think they have the Whiff of Destiny on them. Dave: Yes, and there is reason to be a bit concerned about the Steelers. Their offense just hasn't been that good of late Matt: It http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-4-chargers-at-steelers.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-4-chargers-at-steelers.html NFL Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Eagles (+4) at Giants Des: This strikes me as the end of the line for the Eagles, and no matter how Donovan McNabb plays, let's hope Philly fans have the good sense not to demand his ouster. Actually, let's hope they don't, it's always more fun that way. I see the Giants simply taking care of business here, and 4 points hardly seems like too many in that scenario. Matt: I guess he's going with the Giants, in so many words? Dave: It appears that way. Matt: Imagine if the Eagles, Cardinals and Ravens all make their conference title games. CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW Dave: That would be the entirety of next week's chat Matt: I would purchase and wear a bird costume for it, definintely. Dave: It would be like standing in a big virtual aviary Dave: Anyway, I really like watching the Eagles when http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-3-eagles-at-giants.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-3-eagles-at-giants.html NFL Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Cardinals (+10) at Panthers Des: Gotta luv Vegas. They know that no one thinks the Cards can make it all the way to the NFC championship game, so they're jacking up the price on backing the Panthers. Well, taking double-digit favorites has generally been a sucker's bet this season, and maybe it's also the fact that I'm in John McCain's stomping grounds (hey it only SEEMS like he lost to Obama by double-digits), but I'll take Arizona Matt: And he's right, taking double-digit favorites has been a sucker's bet. Dave: Des is right about that line. It's awful fat. Dave: The Cardinals did acquit themselves fairly well in their first trip to Carolina--btw, isn't it a little odd that every game this weekend is a rematch? Matt: That is odd. Matt: MIght be raining, according to my SuperDoppler X57802 Dave: Yup. Highs of 58, lows of 36, showers possible. Maybe http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-2-cardinals-at-panthers.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-2-cardinals-at-panthers.html NFL Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Matt: So welcome back to our little den of vice. We're still going at it for the playoffs, scrappin' and chattin' and makin' picks. I went 2-2 in the first-round games, as did Desmond, with regular season champion Dave pulling up the rear at 1-3. Dave: Actually, I went 2-2. The chart mistakenly had me for the Dolphins. If you read last week's chatter--and why don't we all read it again?--you can confirm I took the Ravens Matt: Ah, I was going off the chart. Matt: So we all went 2-2! Mediocrity for all! Matt: Des, BTW, has deserted us for the Great American Southwest, but he was kind enough to send us an e-mail with his thoughts on this weeks games: Des: Greetings from the desert! My plan to make like Eric Mangini and high-tail it outta town not long after the NFL regular season ended (of course, I http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-1-ravens-at-titans.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-1-ravens-at-titans.html NFL Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0500 .small {font-size: 11px; display: block;} table.dataTable th, table.calendar th { background-color: #ffffff; } Ravens (+3) at Titans Picks Kerry Collins doesn't commit turnovers. But then, neither did Chad Pennington until he played the Ravens. Preview. Des: Titans Matt: Ravens Dave: Ravens Cardinals (+10) at Panthers Picks The Cardinals' prospects on the road seem about as promising as a Cormac McCarthy character's. Preview. Des: Cardinals Matt: Cardinals Dave: Cardinals Eagles (+4) at Giants Picks Westbrook is the Eagles' game-breaker. Without Burress, do the Giants have one? Preview. Des: Giants Matt: Giants Dave: Giants Chargers (+6 1/2) at Steelers Picks LT likely won't play for the Chargers, but it's the Steelers who face uncertainty on offense. Preview. Des: Chargers Matt: Chargers Dave: Steelers Des's record: 2-2 last week, 128-120-11 overall Matt: 2-2, 130-118-11 Dave: 2-2, 137-111-11 http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/conference-semifinals-picks-previews.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/conference-semifinals-picks-previews.html NFL Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Dave: So, just wanted to get you guys together to let you know that I AM THE CHAMPIONS, I AM THE CHAMPIONS Des: but you spared a little time for losers, that's nice Des: So Dave wins the regular season title, but guess what? It's the playoffs, baby! A whole new season, and a chance for Matt and I to come off a little smarter than we have for the past 4 months Matt: But hey, we both finished above .500, as well, right? Dave: I finished the regular season with an 11-3-2 Week 17, clinching the title. I also hit my lock, and finished with the best record on that (10-6-1). Des: yeah, yeah, yeah, that's SUCH ancient history. We're to look ahead, not behind. Matt: I went a very respectable 10-4-2 in Week 17. Matt: and also solved my lock issues by finally hitting one again to finish http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-1-falcons-at-cardinals.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-take-1-falcons-at-cardinals.html NFL Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:08:53 -0500 Indianapolis (-1) at San Diego Des: 2 muy caliente squads here Dave: If we were locking games in the playoffs, I would be making loud ka-chunking noises right now. Matt: I'm gonna eschew any reasoning here and just say I really like the Colts here. Let me dig for some reasons why. Dave: How about the Chargers, for as hot as everyone says they've been, still really haven't beaten anyone? Des: didn't the Colts set a record this year for allowing the fewest passing TDs? Matt: They were on pace to do so, yes. Dave: I believe they did set the modern record. Which is Exhibit B. Des: Yup, they allowed an unprecedented 6 TD passes. and the Chargers have become a passing team, especially w/ Tomlinson gimpy again Matt: LT and Gates both are hurt, with Gates perhaps not even playing. Dave: That would be Exhibit C. Matt: There's http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-colts-at-chargers.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-colts-at-chargers.html NFL Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:03:03 -0500 Baltimore (-3 1/2) at Miami Matt: These last two games have confounded me. Dave: The Ravens handled the Dolphins earlier this season, tho Des: another rookie QB vs. another wily vet. They don't get much wilier than Chad. Or comeback-ier Matt: He's the comeback-iest Dave: Two teams that were a combined 6-26 last season, too. Matt: The Wildcat was kinda the Mildcat in that first meeting. Get it? MILDcat? 'Cause they ran it five times, three for negative yardage and a long of five yards? ---mildcat-- Dave: ---mildcat--- Matt: The Ravens' D doesn't seem to be fooled by such tomfoolery. Des: it was quite the puddytat that day. but I'm looking at the extra half-point and thinking this game has field goal margin written all over it Dave: I suppose, looking at the schedule, that sound loss to the Ravens was where the Dolphins turned it around. Dave: I'm looking http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-ravens-at-dolphins.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-ravens-at-dolphins.html NFL Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:54:05 -0500 Philadelphia (-3) at Minnesota Des: speaking of teams that are having trouble selling out a rare home playoff game Dave: Yeah, that's even weirder than the Cards. I mean, they love the Vikings up there! Dave: Or loved them. Maybe they hate Zygi Wulf, I dunno Des: maybe they realize what every other NFL observer seems to have: That the Eagles are very likely to win Des: but Jared Allen's video plea to the fans to buy tickets does seem a little pathetic Matt: I was in the Minny airport during the Giants game last Sunday. 79 percent of eyes were coldly transfixed on the game. They even announced the final score before we took off, because Northwest had the gall to schedule takeoff at around 4 p.m. Dave: The Eagles are playing great, and deserve to be favored. But the Vikings are playing pretty well, too. Matt: I still http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-eagles-at-vikings.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/sunday-line-playoff-chatter-eagles-at-vikings.html NFL Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:43:30 -0500 .small {font-size: 11px; display: block;} table.dataTable th, table.calendar th { background-color: #ffffff; } Falcons (-2) at Cardinals Picks Rookie quarterback visits wily veteran quaterback, Part I. Preview. Des: Cardinals Matt: Cardinals Dave: Falcons Colts (-1) at Chargers Picks A matchup of teams on serious hot streaks, and with a history. Preview. Des: Colts Matt: Colts Dave: Colts Ravens (-3 1/2) at Dolphins Picks Rookie quarterback visits wily veteran quaterback, Part II. Preview. Des: Dolphins Matt: Dolphins Dave: Dolphins Eagles (-3) at Vikings Picks It appears Vikings fans aren't sold on the home team. Preview. Des: Eagles Matt: Eagles Dave: Eagles Des's record: 8-6-2 last week, 126-118-11 overall Matt: 10-4-2, 128-116-11 Dave: 11-3-2, 135-109-11 http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/first-round-playoffs-picks-previews.html http://views.washingtonpost.com/theleague/sundayline/2009/01/first-round-playoffs-picks-previews.html NFL Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:14:50 -0500