SPECIAL: Thursday Night Pick of the Week: NYJ vs DEN

1-2 last week, and here for the rebound on

Dave's (clank!)
LOCKS (fwisssshhh)
of the Week (booom!)

To start, we're doing a special THURSDAY NIGHT PICK this week.

Here's the scene: Jets, coming off a Sunday night game against the Patriots, going to face the Broncos at Denver. The Jets are favored by -6.5, and I'm going the other way! I don't think the Broncos are that good, but while this is the case, I think they'll have no problem with the Jets great pass coverage. The Broncs barely throw the ball with Tebow leading the charge. Charge he will: there will be a lot of wildcat formations and option plays tonight. Get ready for it... BRONCOS by 6.5!

On

Dave's (bink)
LOCKS (bink)
of the Week (BOOM!)

It's going to be a fun one over at Mile High...

Week 17: Dave's Swan Song of the Week

It's time to say goodbye my friends...

to

Dave's (clack)
LOCKS (fwish)
of the Week (creak)

Dave's final LOCKS of the Week this year
Week 17

It's always tough to say goodbye. All those weeks living on every play, butt on the edge of its seat from September to now. Now it's all coming to an end. So sad... But let's finish the season strong! To the picks!!

First, to LAMBEAU FIELD in Green Bay. *This* is a place that should get all the clip shows and tear-filled memoirs. Remember the big hoopla about "Texas Stadium's last year?" Oh please, its Texas Freakin' Stadium!! This is like Three Rivers Stadium closing... the place was a dump. Texas Stadium was sterile, dull, unimaginative, and frankly, boring. Good Riddance!

But here we're at the Frozen Tundra where the Packers are facing the 0-15 Lions. It's a chance at history!! In fact, going in Green Bay's favor is that the Lions haven't won in Green Bay since 1991! Whoof! Thats especially frustrating knowing both teams are in the same division.

But an air of change is afoot. The Packers were so tantalizingly close to finally winning a game in the final minutes but still folded. Look for the Packers to "pack" it in and lay down against the still fightin' Lions. Lions cover the (+9.0) spread EASILY.

Onward, to the Steel City... hahaha, the Steelers don't play in 3 Rivers any more. Instead we're looking LIVE at Heinz Field, the land of ketchup and weirdly constructed sandwiches. On Sunday the Steelers host the lousy Browns in a warmup game before the playoffs begin.

Can you believe the Browns are (+10.5) dogs? That's a mistake! First of all, the weather forecast calls for Rain and Snow with 10 mph wind. Next, the Steelers for all intents and purposes have a first round bye clinched. The result is the Steelers ought to be resting many of their starters. Cleveland will be making this much more of a game than many think. Besides, it's a rivalry game, and rarely are these games blowouts. Browns to cover.

Finally to San Diego, where the Chargers and Broncos play a winner take all duel to determine the Winner of the AFC West, and the right to get pounded by the Colts in the first round! The Chargers are favored by 8.5? Whaaa? You have to think the game will be closer than you think. These two teams are made for each other. The Bolts and Broncos wrote the book on underperforming (or being overrated, if you will). Watch this one decided by a field goal as the Buckin' Broncos Buck the experts and ride those (+8.5) points, cover the spread and keep the game close!

It's been fun, but it all has to come to an end sometime.. That's all for

Dave's (slap!)
LOCKS (clank)
of the Week (fwoosh!)

Aw... thats it for my picks, but stay with us when we roll out the quick PLAYOFF LOCKS of the Week. Enjoy Week 17 everyone!


Recap: Lions (+9.0) cover at Packers; Browns (+10.5) cover at Steelers; Broncos (+8.5) cover at San Diego

Week 14: Dave's BLOCKS of the Week

Dave's (swish!)
LOCKS (fwish!)
of the Week (splish!)

Dave's LOCKS of the Week
Week 14

No big introduction this week, as we get right into the thick and the skinny! Ever notice how folks will say "we'll get to the thick of it" or "here's the skinny". Imagine, two opposite terms describing the same thing!

This is going to be a big week of desperation... TO THE PICKS!!

First let's go to Detroit, where the Lions have been tamed to play like little pussy cats. Oof... not good times for Detroit Fans... that is until they go to Joe Louis or the Palace. The Lions are at home to play the Vikings, and I think Vegas knows something we don't know. How is there no line for the game?? The game has been taken off the board!! Wow!!!!!!!!! All I can say is, if anybody's losing to the Lions it's the Minnesota Vikings. They have to be the most inconsistent team in the NFL, they have almost no passing game, and they really should have lost the first meeting with the Lions. That game was played in the Metrodome... THIS ONE will be played in the motor city. Take the Lions to win outright baby (no line)!!!

From cold and windy Detroit we go to... cold and windy Green Bay. The Packers are getting (-5.5) against the usually lousy Texans. The Packers really need this game. It's as simple as this: if they lose here, they're out of the playoffs. You can bet Green Bay will play the game of its life. No defense? No problem! The Texans will turn the ball over for them. Pack to cover (-5.5).

Now we fly from the Green Bay to the Rocky Mountain High in Denver, CO. The Broncos, having dominated the Jets last week are home to host the Chiefs. The Broncos got torched in the first meeting over in Arrowhead. This time, the Broncos, and the elusive to pick against the spread Chiefs, go at it again. Nothing here would surprise me. If the game was decided by a field goal, I'd almost expect it. I could even see the Chiefs winning 58-10. But today is gut check time for the Broncs.

On Thanksgiving Night, the Cardinals really needed to make a stand and go out and CLOBBER a struggling team. They folded like the big wusses they are, but the Broncos will fare much better. Denver is favored to win by (-9.0), and I'm gonna give it to them. The Broncos better not blow this one... they need to really dominate in order to build credibility. And I think they're gonna do it. Broncos cover the whole (-9.0) yards.

All three teams are on their way to Building Block wins... here on

Dave's (trickle)
LOCKS (boink)
of the Week (fwip!)

Here's to a big time Week 14!


Recap: Lions win at home (no line), Packers (-5.5) cover at home, Broncos (-9.0) cover at home

Week 6: Attack of the Giant LOCKS of the Week!

Somewhere in Tokyo, a giant point spread attacks the city. Hapless denizens are powerless to stop them! Even firefighters can't put it out. Japan is doomed, unless... unless it can call on the powers of

Dave's (STOMP!)
LOCKS (grooowwwwl!)
of the Week (bonk!)

Dave's LOCKS of the Week
Week 6

Fooled ya! You thought I'd roll out some baseball themed "LOCKS" this week? Nope! Instead we gotta attack these giant point spreads! Here we have the "league of no gimmies," and yet we have not one but TWO giant point spreads this week. I love me a spread like Kirstie Alley at the buffet (hah! Speaking of giant Japanese attacking monsters, right?).

To the picks!!

First giant spread of the day is in our nation's capitol, Washington, D.C. Take a jet ride to the big football park over in Landover, MD. It's the LARGEST NFL stadium in the country, holding over 90,000 loyal fans. For the last 10 or so years we saw 90,000 rip-offs from the Redskins. This year it's different. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS INDEED! Time to go Hoggin'! After storming to a 4-1 record, America's "other" team is poised to devour some St Louis Rams!

St. Louis Rams go so well with a touch of 11 spices and BBQ sauce, but instead let's devour the point spread. +13.5?! Are they nuts? Did they not watch the Cincy/Dallas game last week? Never underestimate the opponent, especially a team looking for its first win. HAIL TO THE RRRRRAMS... that's right, the RAMS (+13.5) cover that huge spread and keep the game close.

Next, we move to the other meanacing point spread, looming over the land of 10,000 lakes. We're sailing on to Minneapolis! The Minnesota Vikings of Minneapolis (-13.0) are home to host the hapless Detroit Lions (of Detroit). Oof, talk about your mismatches... the Vikings new purple people eaters vs the sack magnet that is the Lions. This could get ugly before the first Joe Buck Promo on Fox. ouch! Look for the Vikes to Slam-a-lama (BONNNNG!) DING DONG the Lions and cover the (-13.0). This ain't just giving points... this is flat out charity!

Remember that Daft Punk song, "One More Time?" I'm a-gonna try one more time to pick a Denver Broncos game right. DAMN THOSE BRONCOS!! Damn Them!! I hate it!! When I pick them to cover, they blow it... when I pick the other team to cover, they blow it! ARRRGH. Enough with that... back to Invesco Field! Last pick of the day.

We just slayed the two big point spreads of the day. Now it's time to tear down premonitions. How could I not be inspired by the Jags' defense against Pittsburgh last week? They lost, but they played well. The Broncos have no defense, and yet, they're favored by (-3.5). Bag that sucka, and take the Jags to take a bite out of equine! Jags to cover the spread (+3.5) at Mile High/Invesco. Jags have NO RESPECT, I tell ya, NO RESPECT!!

and THAT's how it is on

Dave's (dink!)
LOCKS (donk!)
of the Week (doink!)

and this week, before Andrew's preview, I want to add a hearty GO TEXAS!! I'll say it now, and never root for the Longhorns again. Beat OU! Beat OU! Beat OU!! Enjoy the picks everyone.



Recap: Rams (+13.5) cover at Redskins; Vikings (-13.0) cover at home; Jaguars (+3.5) cover at Broncos

Week 4: Dave's LOCKS of the... zzzzz

mumble grumble... oog...

"WAKE UP!!"

oh! Let's start another one of those

Dave's (yawwwn)
LOCKS (snooore)
of the Week (zzzzz...)

Dave's LOCKS of the Week
Week BORE (uh, 4)

Greetings gents, and greetings lady gents. I'm Dave Medina, fighting boredom and my eyelids, just struggling to make it through Week 4. This week is bound to be the worst week of the year so far, with probably one sure-fire big matchup (Was/Dal). Everything else... get ready for some insomnia busters fellas!! but... I must continue my duty and give you my LOCKS of the week...

To the picks!

First! We go out to Kan-sas City!! Does the weather EVER change in KC? You watch it on the tv and it's the same: no precipitation, no wind, not a cloud in the sky. So flippin' BORING.

Anyway, the Chiefs, taking torch from the Royals, are SOLIDLY in last place entering what I want to call...

THE REVENGE OF THE DAVE'S LOCKS OF THE WEEK GAME AGAINST THE BRONCOS LAST YEAR

In last year's DLOTWGATB, I resoundingly picked the Chiefs to cover and win at home in Arrowhead. Beeeeoooooooooooooooop. Big mistake. The Broncos dominated that game and the Chiefs could barely muster 11 pts. This time I'm getting MY REVENGE BABY!! Go with the Broncos (-9.0) to gallop to a big win (again) at Arrowhead. Forget it KC: As Herm would say
"We PLAY to LOSE.. THE GAME!"

Next, out to -bzzzzt- WKRP in Cincinnaaaaaaaaati --bzzzzzzt--

What happened to all those emails about Derek Anderson for the Hall of Fame? For goodness sake, is Cleveland the most overrated team alive? Meanwhile, I think the Bungles had a bad break. Palmer stumbled early but did well last week in Jersey. In fact, the Bungles even a semblance of a running game! Chris Perry has 180 yards so far; not too bad! Finally, the Bungles have yet to win their first home game, and they tend to sparkle at Paul Brown Stadium. You gotta pick the Bungles here to at least win and maybe win big.

If Cleveland wins this game I'm going to join the Clay Aiken fan club... IT AIN'T HAPPENING!!! Cincy (-3.5) covers the spread and then mauls those stupid plastic dog masks over the Brownies because it's BUNGLES TIME!!

Finally, the moment you've all be waiting for... BACK to CHICAGO!!!

I called it on Monday when the Bears let me down and blew their cover (no pun intended). IT'S TIME FOR SOME MORE PAYBACK. Yes, it's Revenge Week on Dave's LOCKS of the Week, and, I'm calling for a Good Philly Beat-down!!!!

Who needs a healthy Westbrook or McNabb? The Eagles still have their entire defense healthy and hopping. Knowing the Bears, we have a scenario ripe for interceptions. Yes folks, the Eagles are going to kick so much ass it'll make the Rams game seem like a nail-biter. The Eagles are swooping down and pecking apart the Bears for whatever the line is (currently "off"). That's right Bears, take that deep dish and SHOVE IT!

And... ho hum, that's it for

Dave's (pfffffff)
LOCKS (fluff)
of the Week (pat pat)

Don't forget to bring the Nyquil and enjoy the weekend's games, all!

RECAP: Broncos (-9.0) win and cover at KC; Bungles (-3.5) cover at home; Eagles (off) win outright at Chicago.

Week 3: Redemption LOCKS of the Week

Hi Hoooooooooooooooooooooooo Pilsner!!!

Let's ride the big comeback on

Dave's (clip)
LOCKS (flick)
of the Week (SLAM!!!!)

Dave's LOCKS of the Week
Week 3

Cue the William Tell Overture!! I'm BACK! And I won't quit! First week, 1-2. Last week 0-3! and this week I swear to you I will do better. I was worse than usual because... because

"What's your excuse, buster?"

[shakes nervously] ....uh ......uh I didn't have enough statistics! It's true. but now I've got some data baby and I am ready to ROLL. to the picks!!!!!

FWAP!
SPROING!
CLANK!!!
SNAP!

Yes!!!! EXTRA SOUND EFFECTS! sound off (one two) wait, let me jump into the catapult annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd CLOMP!!

We're off to to Gillette Stadium. It's the Patriots and the Dolphins!! A year ago, this would have been the A game. Brady, Moss, going for 16-0. This year it's moved all the way down to the Q game. Cassel, Pennington, Ian Eagle.

Muah muahhhhhhh, thanks for playing.

But somehow, the Pats are favored by 12.5 points? I say WHAAA? The Vegas odds makers, still high off the homemade vodka forgot that it's 2008. That must be it. There's no WAY the Dolphins will take that floating down. We're talking about the same Dolphins who lost a lot of CLOSE games last year. They went 1-15, but they were blown out only half the time. The 'fins will jump and jump and jump, keep the game close, and cover the spread. TAKE THOSE POINTS, feed the fish, and choose the Dolphins to cover the (+12.5) prawns!

You know who eats fish? BEARS EAT FISH!! ROAR!! let's toss those fish down a few rivers and head to Chicago... c'mon... baby don't you want to go? to that same ol' place: SOLDIER FIELD, Chicago! Actually, this is the Bears' home opener and it's about time. They're back, and they're PISSED. They're also without a QB... again. They could have had one, but do the Bears listen? NOOOOOOOO!

Anyway, the Bears are good enough to beat the visiting Bucs. They rank in the upper echelon of pass defenses and all the Bucs wanna do, is pass the ball. ...Until the sun comes up over santa monica blvd. but Brian Urlacher will serve them his Harry Potter voodoo... ALAKAZAM!! Take the Bears (-3.0) to cover and win. score? 538-0, DA BEARS!

Let's rumble down from the Midwest out to the Rockies. Let's go back to Denver to meet the Broncos vs the Saints. Ok I'm picking the Saints to roll big and cover 5.5 at Invesco Field!

[Ed Hochuli: TWEET! Upon further review, Dave's LOCK of the week fumbled the snap. We'll put the pick on the 5 paragraph line]

WHAT?! You Big Dummy!! I had that pick made... Look at the play!! I made it fair and square.

[Ed: Sorry Dave, I already blew the whistle. You have to do it over anyway. And I can bench press you.]

Dammit!! Fine... I'm not gonna get burned two weeks in a row, I'm PICKIN THE BRONCOS BABY. Now both teams are practically the same. Same good offense, same lousy defense. Here's the difference: The Broncos are great at home, and most of all, the Saints have an abysmal 2-6 non-conference record in the Brees era. It's ov-ah baby. BRONCOS (-5.5) win big, covering easily!

That puts the capper (any more whistles? no? good!) on

Dave's (honnnnk!)
LOCKS (scritch-scritch-scritch)
of the Week (thomp!)

Recap: Dolphins (+12.5) cover at NE; Bears (-3.0) cover/win at home; Broncos (-5.5) cover and dominate at home.

NFL Week 2 Brings the Excitement!

Hey everyone! Hope you guys had a good NFL Sunday.

It was a terrific day for football, filled with many close finishes, great plays, and shining moments. I was at Zodos, the only place to be for NFL football (if they knew how to turn on the HD). Anyway, here's my other thoughts on Week 2:

Aaron Rodgers: Like Musicals to My Ears!

Some folks weren't convinced Rodgers could take his good QB skills on the road. Instead, Rodgers impressed everybody out in the Motor City. Over 300 yards passing and 3 touchdown passes! I was impressed, and apparently, so were many fantasy owners.


The Greatest Week 2 Game Ever Played

There may be several candidates to earn the title "Greatest Week 2 Game". Unfortunately, Steelers/Browns is nowhere near the list. That game was kind of sloppy.

Instead, there was a battle of defensive wills over in Minneapolis between the Vikes and Colts.

There was also a terrific show in our nation's capital, perhaps a coming of age for young Jason Campbell.

Let's not forget the "Battle in Seattle" where you *can* get a second chance in life, or in overtime. SF's Joe Nedney misses the game winning field goal in regulation, only to nail it in OT, from the same distance!

Finally, the big shootout in Denver, where the Chargers and Broncos combined to score 77 points. Whoof!


Same Old Patriots

I still get the impression that the Jets are vastly overrated. It's tough to win games with only ten points in normal weather, and the Jets seemed more like a 4-12 team today. The Patriots do what they always do, win games, albeit much uglier and tougher than normal. The Pats have that 9-7 look without a doubt.

---

Still to come on Brothers and Sisters Week: the big Monday Night game between the Eagles and Cowboys. It may not amount to much in the end, but this week it will be a lot of fun. I'm looking forawrd to the result, and let's hope we get a better game than we got in Cleveland!