WEEK 11

The Guest Picker Update:  For the second straight week, we are reminded that the object of the game is just to be better than your opponent.  Don Sweeting took down Guy Boyle -10 to -50 last week.  Don claims we haven’t seen his best yet, but he is already planning his Thanksgiving holiday without retaining his GP title.  Why is that?  Well, he knows we’re bringing out a first team GP as his competition this week.  We welcome John Beckert - noted printer, board member, Salesmanship Club member, and general all-around great guy.  John and his Pittsburgh Steelers must try to right the ship after last week’s Bengals loss.  Will he (and his team) be able to flip the switch back on this week.  What does Don have in store for John, and does he dare pick against Cassidy’s Cows a second straight week?  We’ll see - and good luck gentlemen. 

This Week’s Headlines:  How the Mighty have Fallen. The Savants would rather not talk about last week’s combined -130 in picks.  As Cassidy’s MO ran away from him, it apparently took the rest of the Savants MO with it. Cassidy continued his downward spiral as the Broncos lost to the Redskins - that’s right, the Redskins. The Goracle is squarely in the never trust the Cows again camp.  Rand is wondering how his picking prowess has gone down just as his team, the Titans, have started winning.  And, Tom continues to just shake his head and mutter, I’m losing to these guys.  Who’ll be the first to find their MO and take charge of this competition? 

Week 10
Dick              +100 -50 = +50
Tom                0 -30 = -30
Rand              +20 -30 = -10
The Goreacle   -100 +50 = -50

This Week’s Guest Pickers

John Beckert -50 versus Don Sweeting +10

This week’s picks
Dick: $50 on Cincy -9.5. Dick has crowned the Bengals as for real after their second win this season over the Steelers.  Does no Cedric Benson bother him?  No - it’s the Raiders.  Does benching JaMarcus bother him?  A little.  It is worth noting that he didn’t pick against the Redskins for the 2nd straight week. XXX Cassidy learns the lesson Frank learned earlier this year - deep down, they’re still the Bungals.

 Tom:  $10 on New York Football Giants - 6.5.  Tom thinks the Turner-less Falcons are just what the Giants need to turn their season around.  Perhaps a secondary and running game would help them more. XXX Following a trend for Tom’s day, a certain winner after 3 quarters has the winning team barely holding on, but definitely not covering.
        $10 on Dallas -11.  Tom shines up the crystal ball and sees the two-week offensive swoon by the Cows will all be forgotten after they play the Redskins.  But, Sherm’s bingo boys are off a 27 point week - watch out. XXX This just in, the Cows’ offense really is bad.
        $10 on Tennessee +4.5.  Tom believes in VY and the reinvigorated Titans.  Of course, Andre Johnson also believes that the Titans were put in the league to help him gain All-Pro status. +++ The Greatness of VY is confirmed - 10-0 and the playoffs next? 
          $10 on Oakland/Cincy Under 36. Tom thinks Cincy will play it close to the vest and the new Rahdah QB won’t score any points for the Bengals - thus, an under pick looks good. XXX Sitting pretty with 1 minute to go in the game and the total at 27 just to see the Bungals kiss this one goodbye.   
        $10 on Green Bay -6.5.  Tom buys into the Packer bandwagon after they take down the mighty Cows - or at least he doesn’t like the 49ers on the road against them. XXX The Packers big lead evaporates to 6 at the end.  That is correct, half a point below the cover. 

Rand: $10 on Arizona -9.  Rand jumps on the Kurt Warner bandwagon this week.  Of course, Arizona on the road has been solid gold this year. XXX Kurt Warner leaving stopped the Cardinal offense, and thus the cover.   
        $10 on New England -10.5.  Rand goes with Tom’s Patriots for the second straight week - a trend seems to be developing here.  Of course the fact that the Jets stink does help. +++ Perhaps Belichick thought this week was worth two wins.  At least that’s what it looked like as he poured it on the Jets.
        $10 on Pittsburgh -10.  Rand attempts to get on the new GP’s right side by picking John’s Steelers.  Will Big Ben decide to win by more than 3 for a change? XXX The Steelers lose to the Chiefs on John Beckert week.  That is one bad omen.
          $10 on New Orleans/Tampa Over 51. Rand likes the collision of a couple of over teams in this one.  Of course anytime you can get New Orleans around 50 - they might score that themselves. XXX Tampa stays out of the scoring keeping the total under.  
          $10 on Detroit/Cleveland Under 38.5. Rand once again places his faith in the truly incompetent Lions and Browns.  Isn’t there some physics theorum about what happens when two immovable offensive objects meet two highly moveable defensive objects? XXX As the first quarter hit 34, this miss was inevitiable.
        
         Frank: $50 on Philly -3.  Two weeks removed from the Eagles letting Frank down against the Cows, Frank jumps right back on that horse with Philly against Chicago.  The Bears do stink, and they’re led by the next Jeff George aka Jay Cutler, so Frank may be headed back to the win column. +++ Frank saves the Savants this week by nailing the Eagles pick.  I think we know who rediscovered their MO.
             
             
This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - John Beckert and Don Sweeting

John:  $50 on Pittsburgh/KC Under 40.  John sees the league’s #2 defense moving into the top spot after this game.  As long as Pittsburgh stays under 35, this looks good. XXX Let’s see where to start.  Steelers lost.  Steelers gave up another kickoff return.  Steelers couldn’t stop the Chiefs with the game on the line.  Other than that, things are fine.   

Don:  $20 on Oakland +9.5.  Don and Dick take opposite sides of this one.  Will Don’s old favorite team do him right, or will Cassidy shake his cold streak and take down Don’s Rahdahs? +++ Don showing he is here to stay with a bold underdog pick that turns out to be an outright winner.
          $10 on Washington +11. Did Don forget that the Redskins are playing the almighty Cows this weekend?  Two straight weeks he goes against Cassidy’s Cows - what does he think he’s doing - winning? +++ Don is making a living picking opposite Dick’s Cows.  Only Redskin ineptitude kept this from a second straight dog outright win.
           $10 on Chicago +3. Don goes opposite Frank on this one.  Now did Don make the pick because he knew Frank would take the Eagles, or is because Don’s son likes the Eagles?  XXX Don goes down with the Cutler Bears - but I bet his son is happy about this one.  
          $10 on Pittsburgh -10. Not only does a Savant try to get on John’s good side, John’s GP competitor does the same thing.  Will John pay for not showing the same amount of confidence as Rand and Don? XXX So much for being nice to the GP competition.  But, it didn’t really matter this week.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** Perhaps the Savants have been spending a bit too much time concerning themselves with country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Don Sweeting -10 over Guy Boyle -50

WEEK 10 Plus Final Results

The Guest Picker Update:  Guy Boyle showed us you don’t have to be good - just better than your opponent - as he edged Rodger Bubb -10 to -30 last week.  This week looks to be a great matchup as Don Sweeting, EVP of Golf and Club Operations at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina joins us.  Don has the tough duty of overseeing golf and club operations at the home of the 1999, 2005, and 2014 US Open site.  It is always a beautiful day in Pinehurst, so Don will have to find time to focus on football this weekend.  Will Don’s welcome be short-lived when Cassidy sees he picked against the Mighty Cows?  Will Guy’s confidence be shot after his Eagles folded against the Cows last Sunday night before a national TV audience?  We’ll see - and good luck gentlemen. 

This Week’s Headlines:  Did any of the Savant’s go +50 last week?  Well, one did - the most unlikely of the group at that - as Tom is the only successful Savant last weekend.  Can the rest of the Savants shake off this mid-season cold streak?  Have we seen the last of Cassidy’s MO this season?  Dick tried the 5 by $10 pick strategy last weekend, and suffered the death by a 1,000 cuts.  This week Dick will punt the wimpy pick 5 strategy and go back to putting the load on one game.  Frank who could be rising up the leaderboard if only he’d have stayed with the Cows last week.  But he didn’t, so he’ll try to put the jeannie back in the bottle this week.  Rand is in disbelief that while his Titans have renewed hope for the season, he is somehow only $10 ahead of the Tom.  Tom is basking in the glow after a rare winning week with renewed confidence for the rest of the season.  Who’ll take charge this weekend? 

Week 9
Dick              +150 -50 = +100
Tom               +20 -20 = 0
Rand              +30 -10 = +20
The Goreacle   -50 -50 = -100

This Week’s Guest Picker’s

Guy Boyle -50 versus Don Sweeting -10

This week’s picks
Dick: $50 on Denver -3.5. Dick knows the Redskins stink.  So, how is that Denver is only giving up 3.5 points in this one?  What does Vegas know?  This looks like a good pick - of course today is Friday and not Sunday so we’ll see. XXX The Redskins, they lost to the hated Redskins.  It is a sad day in Mudville, the Cows go down and Cassidy’s pick flames out.

 Tom:   $20 on New Orleans -13.5.  Tom expects the Rams to play like the Rams, and the Saints to quit messing around with the close games they’ve been playing lately. XXX Saints hang on and barely beat the Rams - that can’t be, can it?
          $10 on Atlanta -1.5. Tom stays on Atlanta the week after they reward him with a +50 pick.  But, can they win on the road in Carolina? XXX Some good news, Atlanta’s loss only cost Tom $10.
           $10 on Minnesota -17.  Only 17?  Surely Adrian Peterson without Brett the Great could cover 17 against the woeful Lions.   Push - the Vikings get to the number, and take out their starters.  Chances of Tavaris leading them to more points: ZERO.
          $10 on Arizona -8.5. Arizona stomped on the Seahawks in Seattle earlier this year as part of their 5-0 road start.  Can they stomp on them at home where they are 0-3? Tom thinks Kurt Warner and Company are back. +++ A 2nd half rally allows the Cardinals to win and cover.

Rand: $20 on Denver/Washington Under 37.  Rand has his two favorite under teams playing each other.  Of course Denver hasn’t been under the last couple of weeks, but they should find the Deadskins’ offense more to their liking this week. XXX The Redskins first time in the 20’s this year dooms this pick.   
        $10 on New England +3.  Rand goes with Tom’s Patriots in the AFC game of the week.  Is this confidence in the Pats, or is this punishment of Indy for not covering the last 2 weeks after Rand has picked them? +++ The Pats choke one away, but they still cover.
        $10 on NY Jets -7.  Rand jumps back on the Rex Ryan bandwagon - or at least notices that the Jack Del Rio trainwreck is on the way.  Which Jacksonville team shows up decides this one. XXX Beware of the Jags - and the Jet offense.
          $10 on Oakland/KC Under 36.5. Rand knows these two incompetent offenses will get no where near this number.  But, will the defenses and special teams score enough to go Over? +++ After scoring 23 in the first half, the teams show their colors with only 3 in the 2nd half.
        
         Frank: $50 on Cows -3.  The Goracle writes 100 times on the blackboard - I will not pick against the Cows, I will not pick against the Cows (you get the picture).  Can the Cows win on the road after the big Sunday night win also on the road? XXX Frank can now share the pain that Cassidy feels every season.  Add Frank to the list of non-Cowbelievers.
             
                This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - Guy Boyle and Don Sweeting

Guy:  $20 on Atlanta -1.5.  Guy and Tom agree on this one - Atlanta is better than Carolina. XXX Carolina puts it to the Falcons - at least after Michael Turner went out.
           $10 on Dallas -3.  Guy and Frank are all over the Cows against the no O-Line Packers. XXX The Cows forget to take the offense to Lambeau.
          $10 on Denver -3.5. Guy and Dick are all over picking against the team playing the Redskins - a very good play so far this season.   XXX Another NFC East fan watches the hated Redskins take their pick down.
          $10 on Philly +1.5. Guy is no fair weather fan as he show his confidence in the Eagles again this week. XXX The Eagles starting to show some consistency - unfortunately it is losing the game.  

Don:  $20 on Denver -3.5.  Both of our Guest Pickers are all over this anti-Redskin pick.  Will the Redskins rise from the dead his weekend?  XXX Hail to the Redskins.
          $10 on Green Bay +3. Did Don forget that the Packers are playing the almighty Cows this weekend?  Surely this is a mistake.  A pick against Cassidy’s ‘Boys and The Goracle.  The couple of Savants are partying in the streets over the perceived faux pas. +++ Don correctly predicts the demise of the Cows.
           $10 on New England +3. Don and Rand both go against the undefeated home team by jumping on the Patriot bandwagon.  It does look like the injured Colts don’t have enough to hang with the Pats this week. +++ Don on right side of this one as the Pat meltdown doesn’t cost the cover.   
          $10 on Pittsburgh -7. The Steelers won by an uncharacteristically large number on Monday night.  Will this game show us whether Cincy is for real, and are the Steelers Super? XXX Bengals take over control of the AFC North - and now they get the easy part of their schedule.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** With the domination by Dick and Rand’s solid start, maybe the Savants don’t need to limit themselves to country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Guy Boyle -10 over Rodger Bubb -30

WEEK 9 Plus Final Results

The Guest Picker Update:  The Very Reverend Mike Kinman can’t extend his win streak to two as Rodger Bubb showed off with a perfect 5 for 5 week.  Thanks Mike - back to focusing on the big stuff.  So who do we choose for Rodger to take on this week.  None other than Guy Boyle.  Guy is a Philly guy - so what better time to bring him in than Cows vs. Eagles and the premature end of the World Series week.  Guy assures us he has shaken off the effects of the Phillies loss, and is ready to focus on football.  Guy’s day job is VP of Business Operations for Cox Communications in Georgia.  Rodger is out to show he can dock his boat just long enough to send in another perfect week of picks.  Good luck gentlemen. 

This Week’s Headlines:  It’s Official, The Goracle is Back.  This Week’s small print:  Dick takes his first miss on a pick since Week 2 of the season.  Quite a run for Mr. Cassidy, but from the casual observer it looks like Frank has snatched the momentum.  And what do you expect from Frank after regaining the MO?  Nothing short of getting in Dick’s grill with a pick of the Eagles -3 over Dick’s beloved Cows.  Did Dick answer with the other side of the bet?  You’ll have to see for yourselves below.  With Tom backsliding last week and Rand hanging out, what is in store for this week? 

Week 8 Standings + Week 9 Final
Dick             +200 -50 = +150
Tom               -30 +50 = +20
Rand            +80 -50 = +30
The Goreacle   0 -50 = -50

This Week’s Guest Picker’s

Guy Boyle -10 versus Rodger Bubb -30

This week’s picks
Dick: $10 on Dallas/Philly Over 47.5. Dick wakes up and thinks he’s Rand.  His first over/under pick in years.  Will his faith in the Phillips 3-4 giving up points to the Eagles be rewarded? XXX Dick will savor the Cow win, but this low scoring affair didn’t get close to the over.
          $10 on New Orleans/Carolina Over 51.5. Dick likes that Saint’s offense.  But will the Panthers contribute any scoring - Cassidy says NO on their own will get to 52. XXX The Panthers make the Saints sweat in this one, and keep the final score just under.
           $10 on New Orleans -13.5.  The Saints are off a Monday night close win - is this a let down week?  Probably, but does it really matter when the opponent is Carolina. XXX the final score looked like NO almost covered, but it was never an option.  
          $10 on Seattle/Detroit Under 43. Dick is out to show us all that he understands the Lions and Seahawks - the best bet is he along with the rest of the country won’t actually watch this game.  XXX Maybe Cassidy doesn’t understand bad football afterall.
          $10 on San Francisco -4. Dick gets in Rand’s grill on the anti-Titan bet.  Even Frank didn’t pick the 49ers here. XXX VY is back, so what is Dick doing picking the 49ers?            

Tom:   $50 on Atlanta -10.  Tom doesn’t like the picks this week, so what is the solution?  Go with the team playing the Redskins.  Atlanta put up the points against the Saints, here is a pick that Wash can’t put up enough points to stay within 10. +++ Tom nails the easy pick of the week, although the Redskins did surprise by scoring 17. 

Rand: $30 on Denver +3.  Rand likes the home dog against the overrated Steelers.  But, it is safe to go against Big Ben? XXX Rand pays for his confidence in the Broncos.  Here is a reminder: don’t bet against Big Ben.  
        $10 on Indy -9.  Rand shows the faith in the Colts even after they let him down last week.  Will the Texans show the league they are for real? XXX A missed field goal from overtime keeps Indy undefeated, but not covering.
        $10 on New England -10.5.  Rand goes with take the good team over the average team.  But what about the wildcat? XXX NE wins by 10, not 10 and a half however.
        
         Frank: $50 on Philly -3.  The Goracle regains his Mojo, and immediately turns his back on the team that earned him the win last week.  XXX The Goracle learns a valuable lesson about sticking with the one that brought you as the Cows are none to happy about Frank going with their opponent this week.
             
                This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - Guy Boyle and Rodger Bubb

Guy:  $10 on Philly -3.  Guy supports his teams against the Cows. Enough said. XXX Strange game, but a loss for the Eagles against the Cows.
           $10 on New Orleans -13.5.  The Super Saints continue their run, and Guy joins Dick on their bandwagon. XXX NO pulls out a win, and get close to the cover with a late TD, but still not enough. 
          $10 on Cincy +3. A home dog pick, and the Bengals are ready to prove they are for real off their bye week.  However, the Ravens are back on track, so this could be a good one. +++ Cincy is for real - on to the playoffs.  
          $10 on Indy -9. Guy joins Rand with picking the superior team in this matchup.  XXX Indy’s letdown was tough on this week’s pickers.
          $10 on Miami +10.5. Guy’s agreement with Rand lasts one pick as he goes opposite him on this one. +++ A half point to spare as Miami loses by 10. 

Rodger:  $20 on Philly -3.  Rodger joins Frank and Guy in going against the Cows.  Should we make something of 3 picks against the Cows and no pick by Dick in support of them? XXX Rodger joins Frank and Guy going down on this one.
          $10 on Miami +10.5. Rodger and Guy are on the same page on this one as well. Don’t they know Belichick had two weeks to prepare for the wildcat.  +++ Too many points - or at least too many half points.
           $10 on Indy -9. Rodger and Guy go 3 straight picks together - with a little more weight by Rodger on the Eagles.  What will be the distinguishing picks?  XXX The 3rd picker taken down by Indy this week. 
          $10 on Denver +3. Rodger goes with the Broncos as the team to show the Steelers are overrated (this week).  Will Rand and Rodger by right on this one? XXX Rodger also will be a believer in Big Ben now.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** With the domination by Dick and Rand’s solid start, maybe the Savants don’t need to limit themselves to country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Rodger Bubb +50 over The Very Reverend Mike Kinman -50

WEEK 8 PLUS FINAL RESULTS

Greg Hobbs streak ended in flames - figuratively, of course  - as The Very Reverend Mike Kinman, Provost of Christ Church Cathedral was perfect with his Indy pick.  Mike lives in St. Louis, and his church’s website is:  www.christchurchcathedral.us (try pasting the address to your browser if the link is not working).  Who thinks they can take down the good Reverend?  None other than Rodger Bubb.  Rodger hails from the Tampa St. Pete area living the good life near the water.  Whether it is club financial consulting or the up to the moment fishing report, Rodger is your man.  We’ll see how he fairs this week against Mike.

Dick’s is starting to run away and hide after another perfect week.  Rand has maintains his sideways protection of second place with a minus 10 week, and Tom makes a strong run for the positive numbers with a plus fifty week.  Can Tom replicate the results now that he doesn’t have the calming ocean breezes in Maui helping his picks?  In the big news - The Goreacle picks a winner.  The cold streak was beginning to shake Frank’s confidence, but he is ready to roll now that he has found that he can pick a winning game.  Watch out Savants - The Goreacle is back!

Week 6 Standings
Dick             +250 -50 = +200
Tom                 0 -30 = -30
Rand            +90 -10 = +80
The Goreacle  -50 +50 = 0

This Week’s Guest Picker’s

Mike Kinman -50 versus Rodger Bubb +50

This week’s picks
Dick: $30 on Arizona - 10 Dick is impressed with the Cardinals’ road win against the Giants last week, so he bets the load on them this week.  Did the fact that Jake is starting help or hurt his decision? XXX a home loss to the sorry Panthers - Warner looked old in this one.
          $20 on Denver + 3.5. Dick believes in the Broncos - at least against a team that has lost its last 3 and whose defense is looking old.  XXX The perfect season is over as Baltimore shakes its losing streak in a big way.
           

Tom:   $10 on New York Giants - Pick.  Tom keeping the faith in the Giants, and remembering that Philly lost to the Rahdahs.  Enough said.  XXX It is official:  The Giants Stink.
           $10 on New Orleans -10.  The Saints are on fire, but will it continue against a division foe? XXX Atlanta’s garbage time field goal covers.
          $10 on New Orleans/Atl Over 54. Are you kidding - a 54 point over?  Tom likes that NO Offense, and thinks Atlanta can contribute 20 points to the cause. +++ Next week’s Saints O/U 60? 
          $10 on Minnie/GB Under 47.5. Tom thinks that the focus on the Aaron and Brett show will keep the score down. XXX this one got out of hand in the 2nd half as the QB’s put on a show. 
          $10 on San Diego - 16.5. Tom casting a vote of confidence toward the Chargers because they beat up the Chiefs.  Nope, just a lack of confidence in the 2-win Rahdahs. XXX Never bet on San Diego.  Barely beating the Rahdahs, sad. 

Rand: $30 on Indy - 12.  Rand’s turn to take the Indy train this week after Dick and Mike road them to victory last week. XXX The 49ers make the Colts sweat this week. 
        $10 on Balt/Denver Under 41.5.  Rand knows that the Broncos don’t give up many points, and thinks the formerly awesome Raven defense can at least be good this week. +++ Baltimore’s defense makes Kyle Orton look like, well, Kyle Orton.
        $10 on Tennessee -3.  Rand is on board with Tennessee turning things around after the bye week - but even with Vince Young at the helm after a little nudge from the owner to the coach?  YES! +++ The Titans are baaaccck.  Rand renews his subscription to the Titans Daily News.
        
         Frank: $50 on Dallas -9.5.  Has Frank seen the light? Or, is it that Seattle for all but that one game against Jacksonville just plain stinks?  A little of both, and perhaps both he and Cassidy will wear Cow jerseys next week to lunch. +++ Jumping on the easy pick pays off for Frank this week.  The Goreacle is also baaaccckk.  
             
                This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - The Very Reverend Mike Kinman -50 and Rodger Bubb +50

Mike:  $50 on Denver + 3.5.  Mike likes what he sees from Denver this year.  Any concern about this being the week that stops their undefeated season - not here. XXX Denver shows it is good, but not perfect.

Rodger:  $10 on Dallas -9.5.  Rodger joins the Cow followers. +++ The easy pick comes through.
          $10 on Carolina +10. Rodger thinks they’re not dead. at least yet. +++ Rodger knows his Panthers as they not only cover, they whoop the Cardinals.
           $10 on Baltimore -3.5. Rodger goes opposite his GP competition.  +++ The Ravens end the perfect Broncos run.
          $10 on Chicago -13. Rodger isn’t worried about the Bears being blownout last week. +++ Nothing like a game against the Brownies to solve all a team’s woes.
          $10 on Minnie +3. Believe in Brett in Green Bay. +++ Believing in Brett pays off.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** With the domination by Dick and Rand’s solid start, maybe the Savants don’t need to limit themselves to country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

The Very Reverend Mike Kinman +50 over Greg Hobbs -50

WEEK 7 PICKS PLUS FINAL RESULTS

Greg Hobbs streak now stands at 3 straight after taking Rudy Anderson to the woodshed last week.  Greg was a perfect +50 for the week.  So, what can the Savants do to try to give him some competition?  Well, we have friends in high places, and we’ve tapped one to take on Greg this week.  Joining us this week from St. Louis, Mo., is the The Very Reverend Mike Kinman, Provost of Christ Church Cathedral - check out the website if you don’t believe us:  www.christchurchcathedral.us (try pasting the address to your browser if the link is not working).  Mike goes way back with Rand and knows a thing or a hundred about sports - among other things.  Will Greg be thrown off his game by this week’s match up?  Is Mike ready to show off his sports knowledge?  We’ll see.

Dick’s run continues as he finishes perfect again this week.  Rand has a solid +30 to stay in 2nd place.  But, the real news - the really important news - the really, really important news - and the rumored reason Frank was brought in as a Savant - The Goreacle overtook Tom for last place.  Instead of Tom wallowing in the muck of last place alone, Frank is showing he can fall to the depths of mediocrity with the best of them.  Frank is ice cold - but promises the Bengals pick was a one week fluke and he’ll be back.  Tom makes no such claims.  Instead, he’s just happy Frank is in the game.  The Cows are back this week - will that cloud Dick’s mind?  Will Rand be sporting a Peyton Manning jersey this week with his Coach Fisher?  Stay tuned.

Week 6 Standings
Dick            +200 +50 = +250
Tom            -50 +50 = 0
Rand          +100 -10 = +90
The Goreacle -60 +10 = -50

This Week’s Guest Picker’s

Greg Hobbs -50 versus Mike Kinman +50

This week’s picks
Dick: $50 on Indy - 13 Dick and Mike Kinman both are riding this horse - or colt I suppose.  Mike’s local knowledge of the pathetic Rams points directly to an Indy blowout.  Dick is back on an early trend:  take the team playing the Rams.  +++ The easy pick comes through!
           

Tom:   $30 on New England -14.5.  Tom betting the second worst secondary in the NFL (See Titans secondary for the first worst) won’t fare much better.  But, will jet lag overcome the Pats? +++ The second easy pick of the week also comes through.
           $10 on New Orleans -6.5.  The Saints are set for the letdown, but when you’re that good, does it matter? +++ A great comeback, and a cover as well. 
          $10 on Dallas/Atl Over 47.5. Tom thinks that the defenses will stay out of the way in this one.  No basis for that thought, just a vote of confidence in the Wade Phillips 3 - 4. +++ The Cowboy offense is back.

Rand: $10 on Wash/Phil Under 37.5.  Rand keeps the Redskin under this week.  This pick is a week-in, week-out lock. XXX The winning streak on the Wash under is over - no pun intended.  Both teams almost kept it under in the 2nd half, but Wash can’t even do the under right. 
        $10 on NYJ/Oakland Under 34.5.  Vegas is starting to lower the bar for the Rahdahs, but until it gets to below 20 - it’s not low enough. XXX With 2 QB’s playing for the Jets (I’m assuming JaMarcus was trying to help the Jets as well), they cover the number themselves.
        $10 on New England/Tampa Under 45.  On the theory that Tampa stinks, the London game is historically boring, Rand thinks that jetlag will keep the Pats under 45 and the Bucs from even showing up. +++ Tampa keeps their part of the bargain to make sure the under happens.
        $10 on NY Football Giants -7.  Last year’s Super Bowl winners are way overrated, and the Giants are mad about last week.  But, have you seen that Giant secondary? XXX Eli and the Giants don’t look so good lately.  Is it back to never, ever bet against Kurt Warner?   
        $10 on Green Bay -7.5.  The Pack is Back after showing off against the Lions.  Another easy week to confirm that they can beat the bad teams. +++ The Pack continues to roll over the downtrodden. 
        
         Frank: $30 on Philly - 7.  The only team more embarrassed than Frank last week was the Eagles losing to the pond scum known as the Rahdahs.  So, the try to bounce back together this week. +++ Frank says the rumor of the death of his picking mojo are greatly exaggerated - glad to have you back Goreacle.
        $20 on Atlanta +4.  Frank trys to throw down the gauntlet by betting against Dick’s Cows, but Dick won’t play.  Does that mean Dick agrees with Frank? XXX The Cows take over as the second best in the NFC with the victory - Frank, not quite so much in second. 
             
                This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - The Very Reverend Mike Kinman and Greg Hobbs

Mike:  $50 on Indy -13.  Mike’s up close and personal look at the awful hometown Rams each week may have had some influence on this pick.  Mike puts the load on the easy one matching the hottest Savant - is Greg in trouble? +++ An easy pick comes through big - and a new GP Champion is born.

Greg:  $20 on NY Jets/Oak Under 34.5.  Greg and Rand agree on these pigs aren’t scoring more than 34.  The Rahdahs can take the next few weeks off after winning a game last week. XXX Greg goes down as the NY Jets beat the number.
          $20 on Wash/Philly Under 37.5. Greg matches Rand again - are they working together - or do both just know a pig when they see one? XXX Greg completes the hat trick going 3 for 3 on the downside.
           $10 on KC +4.5. Greg rides that Chiefs’ Bandwagon one more week - they really aren’t as bad as the other bad teams. XXX The Chiefs winning/covering run comes to a crashing halt.  Perhaps Larry Johnson can keep things interesting in Kansas City.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** With the domination by Dick and Rand’s solid start, maybe the Savants don’t need to limit themselves to country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Greg Hobbs +50 over Rudy Anderson -30

WEEK 6 PICKS - PLUS FINAL RESULTS

Greg Hobbs continues to shine as he won the GP competition last week - and on an even more positive note, Greg finished in the black numbers for the win.  This week Greg takes on Rudy Anderson, CEO of The Club at Cordillera in Edwards, Colorado.  Rudy hails from the Big Apple area, so he may be spread a little thin this weekend rooting for the Yankees and the Giants (and Jets).

Overall, Dick is trying to runaway and hide from the rest of the Savants.  Of course, we have seen this before.  Can Dick build a big enough lead to prevent a late season collapse? We’re talking about Dick and his picks against the line, not his beloved Cows — although it may be true of the Cows as well.  Rand’s sideways week, but at least positive sideways week, has him holding a steady 2nd place.  Tom’s plus 40 week puts him within striking distance of The Goreacle.  The Goreacle who is still smarting from the 49ers getting shellacked last weekend appears to have lost his early season mojo.  Will Frank pass Tom for last this week, will the Cassidy magic continue?  Stay tuned.

Week 5 Standings
Dick           +150 +50 = +200
Tom           -40 -10 = -50
Rand         +70 +30 = +100
The Goreacle -10 -50 = -60

This Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Greg Hobbs  +50 versus Rudy Anderson -30

This week’s picks
Dick: $30 on Denver +3.5 Dick rides last week winning pick into this week.  Of course the pundits seem convinced that since Denver is not going to go undefeated, this is their week to lose.  Dick realizes that Norv’s Chargers just don’t look very good. +++Denver turns it on in the 2nd half to put the Chargers out of their misery.  When do the playoffs begin for the Broncos?
           $20 on New England -9.5. Once again Dick takes the easy pick.  How can the no-defensive back lead Titans stay within 10 of the Pats?  Dick says he and Deon can rollout of bed and suit up this Sunday for the Titans’ secondary if needed. +++ Let’s see - 59-0, I think that covers the 9 1/2.  Titans on their way to 0-16.

Tom:   $10 Pitts/Cle Under 38.  Tom thinks Derek Anderson’s 2 for 17 won’t cut it against the Steelers this week.  So, can the Steelers stay below 30? XXX Close, but not a winner  
           $20 on Green Bay -13.5.  Expecting the bye week to cure all ills, Tom lays the points against the wounded Lions. +++ The Pack is Back - at least against the Lions. 
          $10 on Pittsburg -14. Tom keeps the faith with the big favorites after last week’s stellar showing on the big spread games.  Cleveland is bad, so can Steelers take care of business or will they play to their competition? XXX Big Ben shows he doesn’t like the cover, but he does like to win.
            $10 on Philly -14.  If last week was a preseason game against the TBuc’s, then what is this week’s game against the Raiders?  A JV game? XXX Should an additional amount be deducted for picking a 14-point favorite who managed to lose the woeful Rahdahs?

Rand: $20 on Wash/KC Under 37.  Rand takes the Redskin under from Tom this week.  This should be a lock unless the offenses start giving up defensive touchdowns. +++ Even Jim Zorn knows his offense stinks.
        $20 on Baltimore + 3.  Rand thinks the better team - the Ravens - will take care against Farve and Company this week.  But, does Adrian Peterson have a say in that? +++ Minnie blows a 17-point 4th Qtr lead so Brett can show off his greatness with the final drive victory - but not a cover.
        $10 on StLouis/Jacksonville Under 42.5.  The table is set for this one:  the Rams average less than 7 a game and Jack managed a big goose egg last week, money in the bank, right? XXX it took overtime for them to get the over, but an over it is.

         Frank: $50 on Cincinnati - 5.  Frank spots the beauty at the ball, and it is none other than the loveable Bengals.  Frank is buying into the Cardiac Cats in a big way.  Should we let him in on a secret that he just bet the load on a team usually referred to as the Bungals? XXX A couple of wins doesn’t cause a tiger to change its stripes - or something like that.  The Goreacle nose dive continues.
             
                This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - Rudy Anderson and Greg Hobbs

Rudy:  $10 on NY Football Giants +3.  The best team in football getting 3 points, you gotta be kidding. XXX Not with a defensive secondary like that.   
            $10 on NO/NYG Under 47.5. Rudy guarantees Osi, Justin and company will introduce themselves often to Mr. Brees. XXX OK, we can give Rudy for NO under 47.5 - but that pick is still a loser. 
           $10 on Oakland +14. Rudy thinks this is the week for the pig to wake up and start its march to a 4 and 12 season. +++ Not only a cover, but a win.  Amazing pick.  
            $10 on NY Jets -9.5. Rudy sees the Jets coming back from last week’s wildcat loss with a smack down of the woeful Bills.  XXX A loss to the Bills - OUCH.
           $10 on Detroit +13.5. Rudy shows the Lions some love.  Not a vote of confidence in their ability to win, but maybe a garbage time TD to cover is in the offing. XXX Lesson to be learned - only pick one pig a week - and Oakland was the correct pig.

Greg:  $20 on Buffalo +10.  Greg takes on Rudy on this one - can TO lead his mates to stay close to the Rex Ryan’s Jets? +++ Easy pickings there - an outright win for the 10 point dogs. 
          $20 on Wash/KC Under 37. Greg matches Rand with this gimme under. +++ the gimme was just that - next week’s Redskin under:  28.
           $10 on KC +6.5. Greg thinks that the overtime loss to the Cows qualifies the Chiefs to take down the offensively challenged Skins.  His punishment for making 2 bets on the Washington game:  he has to watch it. +++ Greg completes the perfect week by betting against the ’Skins.
           

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.

** With the domination by Dick and Rand solid start, maybe the Savants don’t need to limit themselves to country club law, private clubs and resorts law, membership law, and related hospitality law matters.

Last Week’s Guest Picker’s Results

Greg Hobbs +10 over Dave Largent -10

WEEK 2 PICKS - AND WE’RE OFF AND RUNNING

Fast out the gate last week we find our Guest Picker tied with our very own defending champion Savant - Dick Cassidy.  Both end the week +50, although Frank scored more style points by correctly picking 3 games correctly.  This week starts the first week of the Guest Picker competition.  The winner of each week’s competition advances to the next week.  Also, Frank off the win gets in Cassidy’s grill by going opposite him on one of his picks.  Tom starts very slowly, but seems to be opening a new bag of tricks this week.  Rand on the other hand goes with the steady course of action.  Rand avoids a pick on the Titans this week, but look for him in the stands - when the camera pans the upper stadium to check the direction that the wind is blowing the flags that ring the stadium.

This week’s new Guest Prognosticator (GP for short) joining Frank Gore is Mark Nordman.  Yes, the Mark Nordman, president of the Tim Tebow man-crush society.  Mark is the GM at Colonial Country Club in beautiful Ft. Myers, Florida.  While he has punted the bumbling Buc’s for Favre’s Vikes this year, he seems most interested in leading the call for Tim Tebow to be recognized as a saint - and not a New Orleans Saint. Good luck to our GP’s, and may the best one win.

Week 2
Dick         +50 - 50 = 0
Tom          -30 -50 = -80 
Rand         -10 +10 = 0
Guest Pickers (combined) +50 + 60 = +110

This week’s picks
Dick: $50 on Dallas - 3 Do you see a trend here - Cassidy on the Cows.  They move up in class against the NY Football Giants in the opening of the Boss Hog Bowl. xxx is Dick or Jerry more disappointed - but Jessica is happy I bet. 

Tom: $50 on Washington -10.  This pick is reminiscent of an old Cassidy strategy of seeing something in games between 2 dogs.  Of note, it was an unsuccessful strategy.  Tom is still willing to bet the load against the awful Rams. xxx as Cassidy taught us years ago, never bet on pathetic teams even when they play a more pathetic team.  Lesson learned, on to the next strategy.

Rand: $10 on Detroit +10.  Rand shows he understands the old Cassidy strategy and jumps on the dismal Lions. xxx at one point this was a winner, just not at the end of the game.
        $10 on NYG/Dallas over 44 1/2.  Rand expects some offense to open Jerryworld. +++ great pick. 
        $10 on Baltimore +3.  Rand is liking the Titan’s nemesis.  Interesting. +++ Roll Ravens.
        $10 on Miami +3.  Rand shows he believes that Indy is as bad as they played last week against Jack.  xxx the wishbone or wildcat or whatever was impressive, they just can’t run a 2-minute drill
        $10 on NY Jets +3 1/2.  Looks like NE is overrated, and should I mention that the Jets are coached by a former Baltimore Raven coordinator? +++ Rand is on the Rex Ryan Jet Bandwagon.

This Week’s Guest Prognosticators - Frank Gore and Mark Nordman

Frank:  $30 on New Orleans - pickem.  Frank sees the McNabb-less Eagles getting all they can handle from the Brees’ Saints. +++ The NO offense reminds Frank of a certain offense from the bay area in the 90’s.
            $10 on San Francisco -1 1/2. Frank is ready to come back home.  Will his 49er’s break his heart, or are they on their way to the West division crown? +++ off to a 2-0 start, are the 49er’s for real?
            $10 on NY Giants +3.  Frank gets in Cassidy’s grill by going up against his beloved Cows - but can the Giants win with all the hoopla of the opening of the stadium? +++ just showing off here picking the right side of Cows game. 

Mark:  $20 on San Diego -3 1/2.  After last week’s performance against the stinking Rahdahs, are the Chargers ready to step up in class? Mark says YES.  xxx right answer: NO. 
            $20 on Arizona - 3 1/2. Mark is not ready to write the Super Bowl Cardinals off just yet - and he is using inside information that the Jags are not really very good. +++ Mark nails the pick - the Jags are officially in the pathetic team group.
            $10 on Chicago +2 1/2.  Apparently Mark is the only person in the country who didn’t watch Jay Cutler play last weekend.  Mark is betting that this is Mr. Inconsistency’s week for redemption and that the Steelers can’t play without Troy P. +++ Steelers do all they can do to hand over the victory to the Bears - and they successfully did it.

Note: The Sports Savants do not gamble with real money and do not endorse, recommend or promote doing so. The dollar figures above are in “pretend” money, as a way of measuring our success in the game. Not only is gambling illegal in many jurisdictions, it is also pretty dumb. In the end, the house always wins. That’s why the house has gold plated ceilings, dancing girls, magic shows and enormous fountains out front.

*Unlike last year, the guests will compete against each other.  The winner between the guest pickers each week will continue to pick the next week.  If they win that week, they keep going.  There is one asterisk to that sentence - we are attorneys you know - if a guest picker buys lunch for the Savants at the regular pick’em lunch, they will continue to the next week whether they beat the new guest picker or not.