If you've been a loyal follower of GVN, you've noticed that I've been pretty bad at updating in the last week. And because an series of unfortunate incidents, I wasn't able to pick as I would have liked last week: according to the numbers. Part of the blames goes to NFL.com for being bad updaters, but most goes to me. I know I let my fans down.

Which leads me to my next point: I don't think I have any fans. Everyone I've talked to has said they prefer guts... guts is their man... that's how they would choose games... That was both heartbreaking and disappointing. I couldn't help coming to this simple conclusion: they are all scared. Scared to do the math. Scared to realize that patterns are everywhere, and statistics matter. Scared that there isn't something inside of us (call it a soul, call it chi, whatever) that is supernaturally guiding us towards a secret knowledge of the future. Scared that maybe, just maybe, numbers control everything and all history has been and will be predicted by the laws of nature and we are powerless to exert any free will upon it. Scared.

But I could care less. Go on believing what you would like. I will sit here quietly eating my nachos (which, according to the laws of nature, are delicious), secure in my acceptance of the truth. So, without further ado, here is my (The System's) prediction for tonight's game:

As you can see, this game isn't even close. Both teams have excellent offenses, but Dallas' is more explosive. Both teams have good defenses, but Dallas' keeps opponents out of the endzone. Finally, with a slightly tougher schedule and homefield advantage (what's that Guts? you didn't think I included homefield advantage? of course I did, there's nothing more numbery than homefield advantage), the game is Dallas' to lose. GB is good, and they will be good, but they are a young team that isn't ready for the big time. I can't wait till next year, when modern science develops a way to attach Bret Favre's Head and Arms to aaron rodger's nimble body. That'll secure the team's future and open up a lot of cap space. What will happen to Aaron Rodger's head? I don't know, but I think Roger Goddell will find a good use for it (think Robocop).

This is shaping up to be a good week. Keep in touch, America.

Thursday Pick

Hello everyone.
There is one game on Thursday that warrants a pick and it's a good one. Some writers are dubbing it "NFC Super Bowl" to them I say, simply, stop it. I'm not going to jump on that bandwagon, this is a huge game, 10-1 pack vs. 10-1 cowboys, but it's not the NFC Super Bowl. No that designation belongs to the NFC championship game where I am positive these two teams will meet again, probably with at most, 2 losses each. That's the big one. This one is big, but not as big.

But let's do the picking.

Green Bay at Dallas
Pick: Dallas: Saying this one was hard to pick would be an understatement. How do you pick this game? I have half a notion to wait til they play again (which they will) and just pick that one. Screw this one. You think this game is hyped, wait til then. Jeez. Anyway, here's the gut logic. Dallas is the home team. Despite what "Nums" says, that matters. Especially when Brett Favre, the greatest active QB and arguably one of the best ever HAS NEVER WON AT TEXAS STADIUM.
Here's what I say. Brett is breaking records every week it seems. But I think at least for the regular season, this one will have to be broken later. I think the Cowboys just played their most complete game of the season last week against the Jets and just keep getting better, while the Packers are suffering key injuries on a defense that has really helped them along. I think the Cowboys will win this one at home in what I hope is a shootout but expect to be more of a cautious calculating, intermediate passing game by both teams, before it explodes into a blast of a 4th quarter.
The Packers will lose this one, in fact, my gut tells me they have to in order to set up one very special stage. Picture this. The Packers lose in week 13 to an equal Cowboys team. They win out, Brett is angry. The Cowboys stay hot. Tony "Tex-arican-eskimo-lankan-ese" Romo avoids the stupid bonehead play bug in the playoffs and these teams meet again in what could be Brett's last NFC championship game, a shot at another MVP award and the biggest game of the season to that point, with all the records in hand and a shot to get revenge against the Cowboys and pick up that one huge win in Dallas that has eluded him. The Pack will win that one. But until then; it's the Cowboys' day.

Guts Index: I'll be stuffing myself with health food and beer (Health Month!)
Heart Index: Both these teams are playing with a lot of heart.
America Index: This is what we live for. We were brought up watching these teams win football games in the NFC. These are the glory days.
Spread: Dallas -7: Surprisingly big spread for this game. I'll say 34-28 in favor of the Cowboys. Packers beat the spread on this one.

My Fly is Down at Work But I Ain't Zipping It!

Week 12 Tuesday Rewind

And I’m back baby. Sort of. 11-5 this week, brings the total to 38-22. Although, I think Nums over there picked the same games as me. So that would keep his lead at 2. Plenty of football left to be picking though. But, since he didn’t use his precious system, it seems he had to steal a little bit of mine, which is good anytime anywhere. In fact, I’m willing to go as far as to force him into early retirement or fine him like the Patriots for cheating. But I won’t, because I’m above that.

Other orders of business:

First, on an extremely sad note, Sean Taylor, strong safety for the Washington Redskins was shot during a robbery last night at his home. He was 24. Expect an extensive Guts Profile this week; he was one of the hardest hitting, gutsiest players ever to come from the U. CBS puts it best… His death was nothing short of “sad and unnecessary”

Moving on…
Sorry for not getting a guts profile up. With the holiday and a lot of stuff at work, it was tough, but I promise I’ll throw two at you sometime this week.

Week 13 is shaping up to really make our break some playoff pushes. Also, the Cowboys and Packers play in what should be the NFC game of the year for now (these teams will probably meet again)

That said, let’s get on to the gutsiest awards this side of the VMAs. The Tuesday Awards! Officially: The Gutsies! This week I’m giving out Just 6. The 7th is retired this week in honor of Sean Taylor

Participants in the slate of Thursday games are included.


Because I Just Love to Break Your Heart Award:

Winner: Jeff Reed

Starting off with the most recent award, Jeff Reed wins his first Gutsy for his game-winning field goal against the Dolphins. Not only was he the only one to score points on Monday night in awful weather (terrible, there was a bolt of lightning that must have hit right outside my window) he did it in dramatic fashion, handing the Fins their 11th loss of the season and spoiling the return of Ricky. (God hates Ricky Williams) It was sloppy, it was ugly. It was the lowest scoring game since 1993. Thankfully it’s over. But even with all the rain and sludge and slop, there was one moment of brightness that shone in the night sky, and that was Jeff.

Honorable mention: Ben Roethlisberger for his 18-21 performance through the air. Only 3 incompletions is impressive.

We Ended A lot of Embarrassing Streaks Today Award:

Winner(s): The Oakland Raiders

Great job team! You did it. I’ve been screaming about your potential for 22 years and this is how you thank me. By winning when I needed you to lose. But that’s good. Good for you, you did it. You beat Kansas City. Guts, tell them what they’ve won. Well Oakland you snapped 3 records of note. 1) and most embarrassing: You hadn’t (before sun.) beaten a division opponent AN AFC WEST TEAM!!! In 17 games! 17 games against division opponents and you hadn’t won any. Now you did. 2) You beat Kansas City (perennial mediocre team) for the first time in 9 games. 3) You had your first 100 yard rusher in Kansas City in 29 years! Justin Fargas, you have done something that Napoleon Kauffman and the other great Raider running backs of the last 29 years could not, run at arrowhead. Great Job raiders, there’s something to build on. Now put in JaMarcus.

The Chris Farley Memorial “Almost Heroes” Award:

Winner: A.J. Feeley and The Philadelphia Eagles

IMPRESSIVE. One of the best losses I have seen this year, and against the best team in the league at that. No one, not even the Colts impressed me as much as the Eagles did against the Pats. And let’s not stop there, A.J. Feeley, Kudos to you brother. You haven’t started a game since ’04 and you were 1-0 against the dynastic Pats coming in to this game. You were sharp, and you performed well. You let it slip away a little at the end, but you’re supposed to, you’re AJ Feeley. The Patriots didn’t really make many mistakes or turnovers, you just stopped them Philly, and you scared them good. Unfortunately, despite the Guts with which you all played, New England is still 11-0 and you are still at the bottom of the NFC East. Have no fear though, the Giants will see you soon.

Where in the World is Jeff Hostetler When you need him? Award:

Winner: Tom Coughlin and the New York “Football” Giants

I’m going to keep this description short and sweet. The Giants are a bad second half team, in fact, like the Madden Curse (you just don’t want to believe it exists) the Giants collapse in the second half every season (Thank you Jim Fassel, we’d like our clipboard back) like clockwork. They’re doing it again, just watch. While I usually don’t like to give out awards for this sort of thing, the Giants’ late season collapse in progress bears noting.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Hostetler

We Don’t Look Ahead, We Know The Other One’s Coming Award:

Winners: Brett Favre and Tony Romo

Reports say that Tony Romo was a sweet Mexi-talian from Wisconsi-Texaco who loved his Mama’s cooking and picking up spike (the neighbor’s dog) for swimming lessons. But there was something else Tony Romo was, he was a little Guata-rican-ese boy who wanted to be just like Brett Favre. Well, come Thursday, Nov. 29, Tony Romo will have the chance to be better than Brett (at least for a moment) on the field. The 10-1 pack play the 10-1 boys, both teams are doing better than they were expected to and everyone will be watching this game. So where does the award come in for week 12? Neither of these quarterbacks showed any signs in their games against the Jets and Lions that they were looking ahead. They didn’t experience a letdown despite the importance of the week after, they played that game like it was the most important when in actuality the next one was much more meaningful. That takes guts. Also for those of you keeping score, that’s Brett’s second Gutsy in 2007


How you gonna forget about me? Ain’t no other like me. I’m the best Award:

Winner: Chad Johnson

Smile for the camera Chad! Oh wait, we’ll smile for yours. Good work on Sunday. While the Titans were busy playing themselves out of contention in a tough AFC South/AFC you decided to bust out and do what you’ve been “trying” to do all season. I’m not going to put any blame on you for your lack of production. With a weak defense and the profile you have, you were the subject of a lot of bunch coverages and double coverages. You were quiet, well, quiet for you, lying in wait, planning your next touchdown celebration. This week you got the chance and you jumped on it. You had a career high 12 catches, in the process you broke the Bengals reception record, and you had 3 touchdowns. Big day! You got to celebrate, and with flair. Congrats Chad on your first Gutsy!


Thank you all for reading. Coming up soon will be my Thursday pick and the Guts Profiles of the weak.

Once again, let’s remember Sean Taylor for the player he was. I know I always drafted him 1st on my defense in Sega 2K5.

Be good to each other.

Random Number Generation

Due to travelling and my parent's computer (windows 98, 56k modem, no excel, doesn't show the color red), i wasn't able to update the system this week. That said, I don't want to forfeit this week, so i'll make picks now by what I think the system would pick and if i can't decide, i'll use the only statistical method at my disposal, a coin flip:

SEA vs. STL (+3)
SEA wins, covers

MIN at NYG (-7)
NY wins, covers

NO at CAR (+2.5)
NO wins, doesn't cover

BUF at JAC (-8)
Jacksonville wins, doesn't cover

WAS at TB (-3.5)
TB wins, doesn't cover

HOU at CLE (-3)
CLE wins, covers

TEN at CIN (+1.5)
Tennessee for win and cover. This is the Gower Power Random Points Pick I Guess for week 12.

SF at ARI (-10.5)
ARI wins, doesn't cover

OAK at KC (-5)
KC wins, OAK beats spread

BAL at SD (-9)
SD wins, covers

DEN at CHI (-2)
Denver win and beat spread

PHI at NE (-25)
NE wins, covers

MIA at PIT (-16)
PIT wins, covers


Side note: I made $100 bucks last night playing the slots, so the coin flips are in my favor.

Week 12 Picks

Happy Black Friday everyone, it’s time for the gutsiest picks in all of America. Thanksgiving day was very good to me. I had a great meal, a great nap, and I started 3-0, 2-1 against the spread, picking the only way I know how, with balls.

Week 12:

Washington at Tampa Bay:
Pick: Tampa Bay: Jeff Garcia is so close to the playoffs, the place he loves so much. The Tampa defense actually looks like Bucs’ defenses of old. This should be a good game to watch.
G: Jon Gruden is a good coach, he’s got guts.
H: 2 hearts: one for each of the TDs Jeff Garcia will throw in the 4th quarter
A: Americans love standing in lines on black Friday
Spread: Tampa -3.5: I’ll take the Redskins against this one.

Tennessee at Cincinnati:
Pick: Tennessee: Tennessee is coming off back to back losses, the Bengals are awful. While many argue (including myself at points) that the Bengals could just come out slinging any week, many are tired of waiting.
G: The Bengals are a gutless team.
H: 1 Heart: for the city of Cincinnati. Not only are they close enough to be considered part of Kentucky, their football team is one of the biggest disappointments of 2007.
A: This bud’s for you.
Spread: Tennessee -1.5: Tennessee will cover this one and continue to compete in the tough AFC South

New Orleans at Carolina:
Pick: New Orleans: The NFC South is bad. New Orleans and Carolina are 2nd and 3rd in the division with identical crappy records. While it’s Tampa’s division to win (or lose) New Orleans has the best chance of catching them because they have the better team. Carolina is playing with either an injured 40+ year old at QB or Fresno State Failure David Carr.
G: Creole!
H: 6 Hearts
A: Are there any Panthers in Carolina?
Spread: New Orleans -3: I’ll take New Orleans to play well and cover.

Houston at Cleveland:
Pick: Cleveland: This is a tough game to pick. Really this might be the best matchup of the weekend. Both teams are hot. The Texans are healthy and they haven’t lost when Andre Johnson is healthy. This is a scary game for any analyst. I’m going with the Browns to win. They are the favorite and they’re at home. Besides that, Cleveland has blew 4th quarter leads two weeks in a row. That doesn’t bother me, in fact, I think if anything it showed Cleveland that they can make mistakes and still win games.
G: Oh Phil Dawson
H: 1 Heart: one more win for Cleveland
A: Sit, Cleveland. Stay, Cleveland
Spread: Cleveland -4: I have to take the Texans against the spread here, if not for anything else but to save my ass.

At this point, I don’t have the time or the stamina or the liver to explain the indexes or why I picked the games. It’s more important to get them up and sexy for all of you to read.

Seattle at St. Louis
Pick: Seattle
Spread: Seattle -3: Very small spread for how well Seattle is playing, especially throwing the ball. Seattle will cover

Minnesota vs. NYG:
Pick: NYG
Spread: NYG -7.5: I like Minnesota to beat the spread on this one. And that’s guts

Buffalo at Jacksonville:
Pick: Jacksonville
Spread: Jax -7.5: The Bills saw what it was like to play a real team last week in New England, but I think they’ll bounce back strong however, Marshawn Lynch is still out. I think they’ll still beat the spread

Oakland at Kansas City:
Pick: Kansas City
Kansas City -6: I like Oakland against this spread, but KC will win outright even though Priest Holmes is thinking about retirement

Denver at Chicago:
Pick: Denver
Spread: Chicago -2.5: I guess this is technically an upset, Denver is playing better football, the gut goes with the rocky mountain gang.

San Francisco at Arizona:
Pick: Arizona
Spread: Arizona -10.5: Believe it or not I think the Cards will cover. The niners are the worst team in the league.

Baltimore at San Diego:
Pick: San Diego
Spread: SD -9.5: It’s hard to believe that the chargers and the ravens were 14-2 and 13-3 last year respectively, it’s a far cry, but… the Chargers are going to be a playoff team in a weak afc west. They won’t cover this one.

Philadelphia at New England
Pick: New England
Spread: New England-17.5: Wow the Patriots are fun to watch. They’ll cover. Sorry Philly, you’re next.

Monday Night

Miami at Pittsburgh
Pick: Pitt
Spread: Pitt -16: Way too big a spread, I like Miami against it.

That’s it for the week, I apologize for my hastiness, but my hangover is massive. Maybe I’ll edit today sometime. Oh and if you didn’t see, LSU became the latest victim in this year’s BCS hijinks. Take care of yourselves and the children.

SYSTEM ERROR SYSTEM ERROR

Ok... This isn't the end of the System, but it is the biggest emergency in It's young, promising life. The NFL (I can't believe this is even happening) hasn't updated the stats on NFL.com from week 11... That's right, it hasn't updated its website. So that means, as far as the System is concerned, Randy Moss never caught four touchdowns, Pittsburgh never left poop stains in the bed and (this is the worst part) America didn't see Tony Romo smile.

I really didn't have a contingency plan for this, and I hope the stats go up soon enough. For now, though, I'll try picking the Thanksgiving day games and hope to God, with all his beardly goodness, that I don't have to pick the rest of the games like this. Luckily, the matchups on thursday are pretty lopsided.

Game Previews:

GB at DET:

I thought last week would be the week Bret Favre threw his arm out. I was wrong. It will be this week. That said, the spread is surprisingly low, so I have to go with GB.

NYJ at DAL:

If nobody will say it, I will: Wade Phillips is an old fat kid. He's just a fat kid that got bigger, but never grew up. He's like that little fat kid in elementary school who lit up as soon as he saw his mom packed an extra brownie for his fat-ass mouth. Watch him. After every touch down (and there will likely be several), he jumps up and giggles. He sits on the sidelines and smiles and craps while Troy Aikman's perma-backup Jason Garrett tries to prove that he really was a good quarterback who just never had a chance.

I must say, however, that for a fat man, Phillips has surprising dexterity in his jowls. The rest of his body? Not so much. God I hate him. Maybe it was growing up watching Ray Rhodes and Rich Kotite, but something doesn't sit well when I see a happy football coach. Regardless, I pick DAL all the way.

IND at ATL:

If there's one thing Zach likes, it's "Athletes playing on Turf in a Dome." And on Thursday, we will be graced by two teams with (according to him) great athletes playing in domes on turf, DET and IND. I quote: "it’s on turf. This favors playmakers. Indy has more" He said that last week, and i'm sure he'll say it again. And while I think Indy will win its game, I don't think they can cover a 12 point spread, even against a team whose fans chanted for Joey 'Did I Do That?' Harrington last week. Especially with a Peyton Manning that has thrown 7 interceptions in two games and only threw 160 yds against KC. They are in major injury trouble on offense.

Off all the weeks Michael Vick chose to enter prison, he chose the one before thanksgiving and possibly the only nationally televised Falcons game for the rest of the year. He might be the first person to voluntarily enter prison to avoid an awkward dinner conversation with his family.

Thanksgiving Day Picks

Gobble Gobble...
The time has come. Every man and some women's favorite part of football season: getting drunk on Thanksgiving Eve with people you haven't seen in years (and probably didn't want to), waking up hungover to the smell of Thanksgiving Dinner being prepared by those brave souls who didn't go out Wednesday, and then sitting stuffed and happy, doped up on Tryptophan, watching football.

Hell, it's so popular, the NFL added an extra game recently. All in all, this festival is one day where we can all be happy. So here are your picks for the three Thursday games. If I get around to it I'll pick Sunday's games on Thanksgiving, but I'd expect them on Black Friday. As always, you can set your clock to these gut locks. The three proven indexes are gold. Be good to each other this holiday.

Green Bay vs. Detroit:
Pick: Green Bay: A Thanksgiving Day tradition unlike any other....at least as of late, the Lions have had the pleasure of getting torched by some of today's great quarterbacks. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are just two of the Qbs who have smoked the Lions secondary in the past couple years. This year, one of the greatest, most durable, most respected quarterbacks in the league, Brett Favre gets his shot at the Lions. I don't see this scenario spelling a victory for Detroit, and neither does my Gut. Although they're much improved, they're still new to this winning business (They've matched their highest win total in seven seasons under Millen) as you saw the last two weeks. Green Bay. I mean, my American heart-gut couldn't possibly pick against Brett Favre in what might be his last Thanksgiving Day game.
Guts Index (G): I don't know if anyone feels the same, but there's nothing like ripping out the inside of a turkey, then boiling and eating it.
Heart Index (H): 1 heart: Oh how John Madden's heart will pump this Thursday.
America Index (A): This country was founded when the Pilgrims befriended the Native Americans and ate maize, maybe there was Turkey involved, maybe not. Maybe we just hated Maize and then got pissed and won this country fair and square.
Spread: Green Bay -3.5: Look for Green Bay to win by 10


New York Jets vs. Dallas
Pick: Dallas: Another tradition, much like the first, Dallas gets to play at home on Thanksgiving. Jerry Jones stands on the sidelines, with his hands in his pinstripe pockets, fiddling his solid gold balls and jingling change loud enough for "Fat Kid" Wade Phillips to hear and come running with a smile on his face and get candy from Uncle Jerry. This is beautiful. More beautiful than Wade Phillips' jowls, however, will be the play of the whole Cowboys team. They're 9-1, Terrell Owens is playing "within the system" and Romo looks like he might be worth 67.5 million. I think the Cowboys will walk off the field 10-1.
G: Being labeled America's team and playing for America like the Cowboys have done this year. That takes guts. A strong gut rating percentage ratio of 4.75 for this one.
H: Right around the time this game starts (4:30) Everyone will be starting to or in the middle of getting into Thanksgiving dinner, it's where the heart is. Meanwhile, someone will be playing football, and our hearts go out to them.
A: This land is our land, this land is your land.
Spread: Dallas -14: It's thanksgiving! Give a little love. NY loses by only 13 and beats the spread.


Indianapolis vs. Atlanta
Pick: Indianapolis: While some may argue that Indianapolis is just a shell of the Colts B.P. 2007 (That's before the Patriot Game 2007) they are much better than Atlanta which is just plain sad. Poor team. If they have anything left to be thankful for after the start of this season, I applaud them. This game won't make anything better. In a tradition richer than any other on thanksgiving, the Colts will play ANOTHER game on the NFL Network.. and it's what we all look forward to sleeping through.
G: Michael Vick was on the show Guts starring Moira Quirk. Now he's going to be enjoying his Turkey that he no doubt had another Turkey fight against with the plan of eating the loser, I've got nothing.
H: 1 heart: For Bobby Petrino, who walked into this Atlanta job with high hopes which were quickly dashed. Now all he has left is knowing he can draft Brian Brohm with the 5th pick in the draft (after Miami, San Francisco, Oakland, and St. Louis) and rebuild Louisville
A: If there's one thing we love to see on thanksgiving, it's Peyton manning throw 6 tds. Do it again big guy!
Spread: Indy -11.5: They'll cover, it's time to shine.


Bonus pick: (11) USC vs. (7) Arizona St.
Raise your hand if you forgot about College Football on Thanksgiving! Big match-up that could shape the Pac-10 (especially with Dixon out in Oregon) winner of this game could very well be on their way to the Rose Bowl. I like Arizona St. to play Dennis Erickson football and win this one. USC's dynasty may be over (emphasize the may, they're a recruiting juggernaut). Word to the wise Pete Carroll, get out while there are still so many bad teams in the NFL who might need coaches with your resume.


Well there you go, enjoy the picks, print them out, fun for the whole family. Sit around your table and be thankful you have someone this handsome and this gutsy picking games for you. I know I'm thankful for what I have. I'm also thankful for comfortable pajamas, warm apple cider, and hugs. I'm thankful for Kevin Spacey movies, choreographed dancing, and steak knives. I'm thankful for backyard football, laser tag, and mittens without individual finger slots. Most of all I'm thankful for friends, family, and you, my fans. Stay warm, and be careful out there.

Mad Dog is Delicious or "The Tuesday Rewind"

That was a tough week. I didn’t do so hot for those of you paying attention, and I let the teams who messed it up know how I feel.

This is my time to take a look back at the Week 11 that was. I start with those Denver Broncos. They made me look good in their 34-20 and helped me improve to a wildcard-esque 9-7 record for the week. They also became the hemorrhoid cream on “Nums’” red baboon ass. He’s a punk. But he’s winning. Overall I stand at 27-17 for the Great Pick battle and 88-61 on the season over 11 weeks. Seeing as I have the Broncos to thank, I can now safely say that Mike Shanahan has a soul. I will redeem myself though, on this, the week we stole America from those pesky Indians.

Moving on, this is where I look back and give awards for special or otherwise gutsy performances in an article I like to call “Awards” As a rule, I will try and give out no more than one award to a Patriot, but always one Patriot.

(Title and awards subject to change)

Week 11:

I’m Better Than You and So Is My Team So Watch This Award:

Winner: Randy Moss!

Come on down Randy, you and your coach, Smiling Bill Belichick probably watched your counterpart: recently resurrected and “team player”, Terrell Owens catch 4 Tds from the arm of Smiling Tony Romo in the Cowboys’ win over the Redskins (Happy Thanksgiving). Then what did you do? You went out and caught 4 Tds of your own… IN THE FIRST HALF. Randy, you are good, and you may do whatever you like with this honor.

Did You Just See That Field Goal Award:

Winner: Phil Dawson

Phillip Alexander Dawson, you deserve to be recognized. In the longest game ever played… on Sunday November 18th you kicked a field goal that bounced off the left upright (your left) and careened onto the crossbar/ground post in such a fashion as to confuse the hell out of the two referees standing underneath. It wouldn’t have been such a big deal if that kick wasn’t to send the game into overtime. An overtime in which you also kicked the game winning field goal defeating the Baltimore Ravens (I like to call them the old Cleveland Browns) and giving your city which is so accustomed to losing, another win. Congrats.

Adrian Peterson Ran His Legs Out So Stop Talking About Him and Look at Me Award:

Winner: Chester Taylor

Oh Chester, look at you run. You are so graceful, and frankly I am surprised at how graceful. You ran over, around, and through a good (despite what “Nums” says) Raiders defense to the tune of 202 total yards and 3 Tds, while Adrian Peterson watched from the sidelines with his league-leading stats and incessant media attention. I applaud you for going out and still playing even though you are a Minnesota Vikings running back (which has meant nothing since Robert Smith retired) and A.P. is hotter than Christina Aguilera when she broke onto the scene. Good work out there, you made a lot of heads turn. I guess you can carry a team, which makes the Vikings all that more impressive. Now you just need a quarterback (so quick to dispel those Jeff George Rumors?)

I Put My Faith In God and Made a Big Prediction But Now I Lay Prostrate On The Floor Staring Up At The Ceiling Sucking My Thumb And Crying While I Rethink My Decision To Make Said Prediction Award:

Winner: Jon Kitna!

Congratulations Jon, you win my favorite award of the week because it’s just so darned fun to say. Two weeks ago you were 6-2 and on top of the world. You’re a bald born again and you said God was with you and your team and that your bunch of Holy Crusaders were going to win Ten game. But oh no! You’ve lost 2 in a row. One to crappy Arizona and the other to those Second Half Whiz Kids in New York. You now sit at 6-4. That means you have to win 4 out of 6 to make good on your prediction and make sure Yahweh is pleased. Good Luck, because if you keep up this kind of play, someone’s in line for Purgatory.

We Can’t Tackle Either Award:

Winner: The Cincinnati Bengals Offense

For 11 weeks the world watched and wondered how a prolific quarterback from California with his star wide receivers and strong running game could be last in a division that includes Cleveland. We all blamed the defense in Cincinnati, which don’t get me wrong, still blows. But Hey!, when Carson throws a rare interception you have to do something after, stop the defensive back. Sunday, Carson threw two interceptions to Antrel Rolle and they were BOTH returned for a touchdown, which means your defense did enough to win, but because you dropped the ball, you did enough to lose. Good work, I guess you can’t tackle either.


Not Only Am I The Best, I Very Well Could Be The Best Forever Award:

Winner: Brett Favre

For the 3,000th week in a row, Brett Favre completed 70%+ of his passes and three 3 Tds. This, however, was a significant game because it was, in fact, the matchup of the oldest starting quarterbacks in NFL history (I believe both are around 280 dog years old). Brett, you took the field opposite former Miami Hurricane Vinny Testeverde and just chucked that pigskin all over the field completing passes to the right team, which Vinny could not do. Granted he’s older than you, but the way you played made me feel that if you do decide to play until your Vinny’s age, (and if I judged your hatred for backup Aaron Rodgers correctly, you will), you’ll still be just as good as you are now. You’re having a great season, and with Fightin’ Irishman Ryan Grant (The Prize of South Bend, Ha) actually gaining yards on the ground, you could conceivably lose to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Oh! So, If We Plan On Contending For a Super Bowl Ring, We Have To Win the Easy Games? Award:

Winner: The Pittsburgh Steelers

You thought you could get away with it didn’t you Pittsburgh. You thought you could make it all the way to the playoffs without playing anymore, well except for the game against New England. You thought you could just sit back and watch until the games “mattered.” Isn’t that right Ben Roethlisberger, with your tight pants and your motorcycles? Bah! Wake up! I’m talking to you Mike Tomlin (Yes, he does play Forman on the Fox Drama- House). You have made a city that LOVES its team and its history forget about Bill Cowher. You have prepared your team week in and week out to play well-rounded football, yet you lost to the Jets. The Jets were on a 6 game losing streak. Oft-injured and general all-around disappointment Chad Pennington was replaced by TV Weatherman Kellen Clemens and they beat you? Hmm…something has to changed. Pittsburgh, you are a team that has a good chance to spoil the Patriots perfect season later this year and cause some real noise in the playoffs. Take a good look at yourselves and stop losing the easy ones.


That’s it for the awards and that’s it for this little article. I stopped at 7 this week because too much of a good thing is bad. I’ll be back tomorrow with my weekly picks. They’ll probably be up early because god knows I’ll be drinking for as many hours as I can stand on Turkey Eve (Hi Indians). In some way shape or form you will get your Gut Picks that you all love and look forward to.

Until next time, Fasten your seat belts, it’s a jungle out there.

Monday Math Review

When I first created the System (or when the System chose chose to reveal itself to me, depending on how you look at it), I realized that It was not all that different than a newborn wildebeest. Were It not able to stand up and run within a few minutes of Its life, there was a clear chance our baby System would not survive for long in the wild. But run it did. With two-week totals of 17-11 picking the winners and 9-5 against the spread, this fledgling wildebeest turned into a fertile, red-assed baboon presenting itself to the entire jungle, saying, 'Look at my red ass, and pick Dallas to win but Washington to cover the spread in week 11.' I thank the Lord (or the System, again depending on how you look at it), that I listened. Before Monday night's game in denver, I am 12-3 picking the winners and 10-5 against the spread. And while the competition is by no means over, I get the feeling that the System is like Rifiki in the Lion King, raising young Simba (me) up, blessing me in front of all the animals with his red-assed monkey magic.

For now, however, it's up to Tennessee to be either the icing on the cake or the hemorrhoid cream on the System's swollen monkey's ass (check the spelling on hemorrhoid).

Notes from the Underground

As I sit here this morning, drinking my second Pepsi and letting law cases and letters pile up on my desk, I come to you with a heavy head and humble heart. It has been a rough 24 hours wondering what went wrong with Sunday's picks. Maybe "Nums" is right, maybe the league can be reduced to a formula, and that going on extensive knowledge and guts is wrong, or maybe, just maybe, and this is much more likely... I put too much faith in some gutless wonders this weekend, and they should know about it. I'll let you in on a little secret, my gut is two things, accurate and fickle and if wronged, can really stir up some ill feelings. That's the good thing about this system though, it's human, it's fallible, it can admit when it's wrong, but in this case, it can also admit when it's been WRONGED. There are a couple of teams this Sunday that made their week 11 games look like a preseason game or worse, a dolphins game. I try and make a habit of doing what I do, and doing it well. I encourage the following teams to do the same.

Pittsburgh, I don't know what to say to you. With Indy's recent struggles, you are the second best team in the league, act like it. You have New England coming up and you aren't ready.

Oakland, Cincinnati, New Orleans... You're in a world of pain in this writer's eyes. Oakland, I had faith that your defense could do enough against a veritably empty Vikings team to win. Yet, I don't know if you noticed but Chester Taylor ran all over you. And Cincinnati, you just keep perpetuating the myth that Arizona can win football games on things other than Neil Rackers field goals. Who Dey? Dey suck. Oh and how the Saints go marching out. Way to get everyone's hopes up with your 4 straight impressive victories only to lose to St. Louis and Houston back to back. Oh no, Andre Johnson is back. YOU MADE IT TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP LAST YEAR! Remember? Maybe you don't.


Chicago: I'm going to just set you aside for the time being. You have one of the gutsiest quarterbacks in Bloomington South High School's rich history under center again and you let it slip away. Granted, Seattle is a good team, if they were in any division but the NFC West though, they might be under .500.


Detroit: Wow. You're having your best season in 100 years, you've got athletes all over the football field and you can't beat a reeling giants team on your home dome AstroTurf when you need to most? You're in a conference where the last wild card team may finish 8-8. A division that is led by Brett Favre and a good looking Packer team. It would be a big win for you on Thanksgiving, make us all believe again. Kitna, make a deal with your God because Favre has already made one with the devil and it has blessed him with eternal youth and throwing power, you at least need some finesse.

San Diego: You may be off the hook because Norv Turner is your coach and he can ruin anything, even a 14-2 team.

That's it for now. It's tough love, but love nonetheless. I'll be back soon with praise for those good, gutsy performances of the weekend. Until then, keep dreaming, world.

Profile of the Week: Week 11

The Mike O’Malley Memorial Guts Profile of the Week:


Rex Grossman

Most of you know Rex Grossman as just another in the long line of disappointing Chicago Bears’ quarterbacks. You see him as the man who rewrote the book on inconsistency last year at the quarterback position, and still won games. The man who had to rely on a stellar defense and an extremely patient coach to get him to the Super Bowl. The man who, after years of battling minor injuries and fending off obsessive fans, blew that big Super Bowl game like he wanted something from it. Call me blind, but I see someone else.

To me, he is a man, an ordinary guy with dreams, hopes, and laugh that makes all the women say, “what’s he laughing at?” He captures attention like a third boob, but that doesn’t mean he needs it. He’s normal, like you or I under center. You’re probably thinking...”Normal? Are you an idiot?, Did you forget about his pedigree?” YES, YES, NO. You’re right, he has one, but it’s all a crock of shit. I mean, sure, he and his golden arm were forged in the mighty Swamp of Gainesville, Florida, at Spurrier U. Manufacturers of NFL QB success stories like Jesse “The Bachelor” Palmer, Danny “The White” Wuerffel, Chris “Sprang-A” Leak, and John “Mr. Florida” Reaves. But Rex? He doesn’t buy into that hype. That’s just where he played college ball, not where he came from.

After his "season-saving" performance last week against the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, Rex gets to start this week after losing his job to Brian Griese, trying to win it back for good and reclaim some glory. Alot of people will probably say, “Who Cares? He’ll just blow it again, what’s one moment?” Well folks, for Rex, it’s everything.

And I’m going to tell you one reason why.

Rex Grossman, from small-town Bloomington, Indiana, son of Jewish parents Daniel and Maureen Grossman, has been coming from behind his whole life. (*Note* he matured into a body with just 205 bones/206 (he’s missing the “Quitter” bone.) I’m going to share with you a few things about Rex, and maybe it will change a little something inside you, or maybe it won’t. But at least you’ll know.

I could tell you about how, in March of this year, Rex had the distinct honor of accepting the Ed Block Courage Award, an honor rewarded to the NFL players who best exemplify sportsmanship and courage on the field. But I won’t. No I’m going to take you back, before the Swamp. At Bloomington South high school, Rex threw for 7,518 miles and 97 tds in his prep career. Rex means king in Latin. But even before that, Rex was just a boy with a star in his eye. Years before he stepped foot on the NFL gridiron, he was known as little Rex. Some close to Little Rex still call him this because they remember the days when he wasn’t throwing as many INTs as TDs. They remember his father dressing him up in a shirt and tie and bringing him to the eye clinic, where he would carry patient files to and from the reception desk in both arms like firewood. (He carried firewood in the winter.)

The ladies who worked for his father Dr. Dan as receptionists were all winks and smiles when they’d see the little charmer. They doted over the Bears' future quarterback. ''What's your name?'' they would ask. The doe-eyed Rex would roll his eyes in exasperation. They knew darned well what his name was. He had told them a dozen times already. “Wex Waniel Gwossman da turd,'' he would say proudly, and the office would erupt with laughter all over again.” (He still talks like that)

Despite the glitz and glamour of being an NFL quarterback, Rex still remembers his roots. A good ol’ boy who could carry a load. That’s guts. According to an equally gutsy Indiana guy Bob Knight, “'He's just a really, really good kid from a great family and that combination has enabled him to do what he has done.”

Rex’s parents bought a 100 acre horse farm in 1983 and started raising Arabians a year later. Rex had little interest in these foreign horses and would often sneak out into the parking lot while his sisters were riding and throw the football back and forth to himself, running underneath all of his errant passes. He would then return to the track and lie to his sisters and pretend he saw the whole race. That takes guts. Rex was the star quarterback for the Arabian Cowboys, his youth football team, and that meant he had to practice, all the time. He practiced at church by slipping his homemade playbook in between hymnal pages and singing the “Run and Gun.” He practiced at the dinner table passing the family style green bean casserole to his sister Ashley using both hands to develop forearm strength. He even practiced at practice. Despite all of this footballin, Rex also had other passions; he played youth baseball and basketball. He wasn’t very good at those sports either but he had heart. He would often punish himself for bad performances by waking up at 5 am for 5-mile runs and spending 2 hours at the batting cages improving his rigid swing. He was a worker.

Even before he was a quarterback and a mediocre shooting guard/shortstop, he was a seventh-grade boy. Since that grade, 4 years before he hit puberty, Rex always had a summer job. He worked on the farm and was even a cable guy for the summer, throwing cable lines to the wrong people in preparation for a dazzling pro career. Also, Rex was a great student. He had to hide his grades from his father, who wanted him to concentrate on football and not on school. His grades were good, and it took guts to keep them that way. As he continued to balance work and play he grew into the quarterback you now know. He breezed through high school with incredible stats and teammates who respected him. They knew he would win the big game for them. (They all now work in maintenance) He was named the top Midwest prospect and as you all know went on to the University of Florida and graduate with honors with a Nature Appreciation major and a minor in the field of Guts.


Rex Grossman is a man who constantly walks on the edge of confidence and humility. He is a man with limited athletic talent and infinite perseverance. So when Rex takes the field this Sunday as a starter once again, look at him with this new knowledge in the back of your mind, and see him for what he really is, a fighter.

Them Numbers Don't Lie

Hello one and all,

First, I'd like to welcome members of Zach's fantasy league. I know you've had to suffer for years with his low-brow, sophmoric attempts at football comedy, and I feel your pain. Hell, there were two weeks during the summer where he was completely unfunny. It sucked... for everyone.

So relax, fix yourself a Martini, and have a dignified laugh as I show you some classy humor and tell you all you need to know about some important games this week. (FART!!! just kidding, but seriously folks)

OAK vs. MIN (-5)
Minnesota is without Adrian Peterson, big whoop. Oakland is without a football team. Zach: "They have one of the best defenses in the league." Me : "Yeah, cuz they aren't ACTUALLy playing games." You can't get yards gained against you if you don't field a team. Minnesota by default. Since I'm not sure how that works out score-wise (would the game be 0-0?), I'll go with Oakland vs. the spread.

STL vs. SF (+2.5)
Talk about all quiet on the western front, something amazing needs to happen for me to care about this game. So far, the only thing amazing is the awfulness San Francisco's offense. They are averaging 133 passing yd/g, and I rounded up! The only thing that can help them at this point is if they take off the starting 11 and put in 11 George Seiferts. Instead, it seems like they put in 11 Bill Walshes (yeah, I went there). STL all the way.

NE vs. BUF (+16)
Did you watch "Batman, the Animated Series" after school growing up? Well, I did. There's an episode where Edward Nygma is fired from his job, thus throwing him into the downward spiral from which he arose as The Riddler. Long story short (actually 22 minutes, minus commericals), he torments his old boss. And while batman saves the day, the boss is so freaked that he locks every door and window in his house and sleeps with a shotgun every night. That's what I imagine Don Shula does now that he pissed off the Patriots. I say pick 'em until they prove us wrong.

TB vs. ATL (+3)
I just want to set the record straight. That little bit Zach said about Jeff Garcia was my bit and he delivered it horribly. I originally said that, from my experience as an Eagles fan, Jeff Garcia, once given the chance, will do everything in his power to get his team to the playoffs as soon as possible. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Whatever happens then is up to chance, cuz he doesn't care at that point. Last year, it took him around seven weeks. This year, he was given the whole season but Jacksonville and Detroit really threw a cog in his plans. Last week's game against Arizona, however, proved that he's still playing for late december/early january baby!!

Without a doubt, TB is the GOWER POINT POINTS PICK for Week 11.

KC vs. IND (-14.5)
I was very suspicious of Indy going into their game against the Patroits, but last week's game was a complete fluke. Basically, if Manning makes mistakes, they have a good chance of losing, especially with their beat up defense. Unfortunately for the league, the numbers are telling me that won't happen all that often. If they get hot near the end, watch out. If they don't, punch the Steeler's ticket to foxboro. Also, Herm Edwards yells at the elderly without reason. Minus a healthy Marvin Harrison, KC beats the spread.

CHI vs. SEA (-5.5)
Oh, Chicago, I enjoy you being in the league. What crazy adventures will you take us on this year? Basically the same as last year, with the addition of Bitchy Urlacher. Brian 'Arthritic Back' Urlacher. Brian Ur-Stupid-How-Would-You-Like-It-If-I-Hit-You-In-Your-Backer. On the otherhand, they're playing Seattle. Seeing as Shaun Alexander is splitting time with Maurice Morris (who may be a french mime, for all I know), the Bears might have a chance. SEA to win, CHI vs. Spread.

TEN vs. DEN (-2.5)
Tennessee is the Cinderella of the Gower Power Points System. Their team is anchored in arguably the most balanced offense in the league (158 yds/g passing, 140 yds/g rushing) and a defense that stops the run and keeps points low (17/g). Going against the worst rushing defense in the league that gives up 26 pts/g, I almost made this my Gower Power Points Pick of the week. Instead, I will make Tennessee the GOWER POWER POINTS PICK OF MONDAY.

I know there are more games out there, so I'll summarize quickly:
Miami isn't the worst team in the league, but neither is Philly
The NY Jets should change their name to the NY Bi-Wing propeller planes. PIT
The ratio of times Tony Romo smiles to the number of times someone talks about Tony Romo smiling= 1:1. And he smiles a lot.
Although I didn't see it, I'm pretty sure someone on ESPN made an uncomfortable 'San Diego is FIREd up' comment and that's why I don't watch ESPN.
I couldn't figure out how to mathmatize the Giants' late season nosedive habit, so I'll give them this week.
It's Week 11 of the my "Countdown until Bret Favre throws out his arm." I thought it happened against the Chiefs, but I had to put away the party hat and streamers. Maybe this week.
Arizona shoots themselves in the foot.
Show me something, New Orleans
And finally: Cleveland.


Trust me, them numbers don't lie.

Gut Picks

People who like numbers and formulas use tables. I'm not doing it. It's not because I don't know HTML (which is basically math) or because I couldn't get a table in this stupid box, it's because only spreadsheets/tables are unamerican, they don't let words roam free like the sweet sweet buffalo this land was built around. So here you go. My picks.

Arizona at Cincinnati: Cincy: I like the Bengals to win 2 in a row for the first time this year. I don’t care who QB’s for the Cardinals, they aren’t Carson. Kurt Warner is 45 and wears gloves. Tim Rattay used to be a 49er not named Montana or Young.
Guts Index (G):   10, its always a ten.
Heart Index (H): 3 hearts: One for each of Cincy's offensive weapons
America Index (A):  U.S.A. all the way
Spread: Cincy -3: Count on the Bengals to cover. I think if the Bengals win the game, which they will, they’ll win by at least 7

Cleveland at Baltimore: Cleveland: The Browns are playing good football. Even in a loss to Pitt they dominated the first half. Baltimore is not good. Boller will probably start, if they’re smart? He sucks. Nothing is going to help the Baltimore offense.
G: Superguts
H: 1 heart: and it goes out to McNair. Retire! You're broken.
A: Go for the Gold!
Spread: Cle -3: Once again, I like Cleveland to do their part, I see this game ending somewhere around 20-9 in favor of those Browns.Also, Romeo Crenel is great at Pac-Man

Tampa Bay at Atlanta: Tampa Bay: Atlanta had a big win last week against Carolina. Tampa Bay is coming off of a bye week and should be rested enough to handle whatever Blow-me Harrington has to “throw” at them. Seeing how Jeff Garcia LOVES making the playoffs, it's time for him to push.
G: Sure as rain, gut pick
H: 2 hearts: for each of Jeff Garcia's wife's boobs. PLAYMATE!
A: For those about to rock... We salute you!
Spread: TB -3: Spreads are stupid. Like Atlanta, if it loses is gonna lose by 3? I think it’ll be close, but less than 3? If it was TB -4, then we’d talk. TB

New York at Detroit: Detroit: The Lions are 4-0 at home. After this Eli Manning INT-fest, they’ll be 5-0. I know, I know, ARZ beat them, but Jon Kitna has heart.
G: Henry Ford Guts
H: 4 hearts: 1 for each Eli Manning INT
A: God built America and God built the Lions
Spread: NY -3: Well, looks like the Giants can’t cover if they lose. Another 2nd half collapse starts now, and last week. Jim Fassel lives.

Miami at Philadelphia: Philly: They’re the home team, they’re the favorites, and they’re playing the Dolphins. John Beck will lose his first start. Take that Mormon.
G: Spill your Guts Pick- Don Shula, watch your legacy die.
H: 2 hearts: for each B in McNabb. 3 TDs
A: Spacious skies pick of the week
Spread: PHI-11 Oh this one will be closer than Vegas thinks. John Beck will provide a much needed improvement at the Q position. MIA

New Orleans at. Houston: New Orleans: What the hell was that game against the Rams? I’m ignoring it.
G: Katrina Survivor Guts
H: 2 hearts
A: 7
Spread: HOU-1: ? New Orleans

Carolina at Green Bay: Packers: Brett Favre vs. ? That’s right, very easy pick.
G: Brett Favre Guts
H: 1 heart: Vinny Testaverde’s is about to give out
A: 43: # of Presidents of the United States and of the free world
Spread: GB -10 Green Bay beat the Vikings by 34. I think they can handle this spread.

Oakland at. Minnesota: Oakland: Adrian Peterson is out, and we all saw what happened last week when he was out. I think if the Raiders are going to pull an upset, it’s here. What alot of you may not know is I'm a raiders fan. A proud one at that. But I'm not crazy, 
their defense can win them games.
G: 14
H: 2 hearts: For Each sport Bo Jackson played
A: Free public education
Spread: MN -6.5 OAK against the spread on this one, against the odds, and maybe against better judgment.

Kansas City at Indianapolis: Indy: Larry Johnson’s out again and it’s on turf. This favors playmakers Indy has more. Alot more. I think Harrison might be back, if not, they'll still win. 
Tony Dungy is the classiest coach out there.
G: Bloodsport
H: 2 hearts: For the # of losses Indy’s losing streak stops at.
A: Ice Hockey, the good kind.
Spread: IN -14.5 This is a huge spread, I want to pick KC but Indy’s gonna come out firing

San Diego at Jacksonville: San Diego: Huge win last week for SD, I like them to keep rolling. Nothing else to say.
G: Kettle Drums
H: 31 hearts: # of TDs LT should have by now.
A: Steve Perry
Spread: JAX -3 SD: I’m beginning to think James uses the spread to pick how he really wants to. You have no heart Gower

Washington at Dallas: Dallas: They’re good, probably the class of the NFC. We'll find out very soon when they get the Packers. But for now Smiling Tony Romo is on Cloud Nine.
G: Kurtis Fleming Guts
H: 26 hearts: # of Tony Romo Teeth that show when he smiles
A: America’s Team
Spread: DAL -11 DAL: Big spread, Big win at home

Pittsburgh at New York Jets: Pittsburgh: With Indy’s recent woes, this is the second best team in the NFL. They play well on all three sides of the ball.
G: Mangina
H: 1 big heart for NY. You’ll win something soon
A: 24 Karat Pick
Spread: PIT -8.5: Pittsburgh will cover. I live there. I'll make sure it happens

St. Louis at San Francisco: St. Louis: San Fran is the worst team in the NFL
G: Who cares?
H: “
A: “
Spread: STL -3:  STL

Chicago at Seattle: Chicago: Grossman is back. Hmm… surprise? Anything to get the fans on his side again so he can let them down
G: Gut Rumbler
H: 1: My inevitably broken one. Thanks Rex
A: America loves to hate Rex, He's like the President of the United States of Chicago
Spread: SEA -4.5 CHI: Bear down Chicago Bears.

New England vs. Buffalo: New England: It doesn’t matter if it snows 10 feet in Buffalo, Brady will still throw 3 tds. Bye week to prepare? Don Shula’s comments? Come on! Also I heard A-rod might sign with the Pats.
G: Easy
H: 1: Slow beater, no problem
A: Pats are red, white, and blue
Spread: NE -14.5 You want me to say BUF. No. NE

Tennessee at Denver: Denver: It matters if it’s cold in Denver. Vince Young is having trouble, gulp* throwing the football. Denver’s coming off a must win, and playing a will-win. Unlike my colleague I believe home field counts for something.
G: GUT CHECK 2
H: Mike Shannahan has no heart
A: Trustbusting!
Spread: DEN -3 I’ll take TENN. This will be a patented Elam field goal victory.


There you have it. Everyone has guts, I just use them to make winning picks.

First Post! (unless zach posts before I finish typing this)

Here it is, Ladies (are any ladies reading this?) and Gents (are any gents reading this either?), the week 11 Guts vs. Numbers NFL Picks and the first week on the internet, for all to see.

I'm not really sure how we're going to do this, but I'll start by posting my picks (go figure). We'll probably add game previews and arguments for/against Zach being here in the coming days. We'll also probably add imagined monologues between Zach and his Pacino-like boss. Hoo-wah.

Guts

     It's week 11 in the NFL, and week  2 of the Great Pick Battle between myself and the Gutless Wonder, JG and his number system. Each week we bring it hard and fast, and each week we get closer to crowning a champion. Early on, I have the lead picking 18-10 in the pick battle and 79-54 through 11 weeks. This week I'm debuting my table, complete with my 3 proven index ratings (Guts, Heart, America)
and featuring a new wrinkle, my picks against the spread, which will no doubt truly test what my guts are made of. The plan is simple, make better picks and prove to my "worthy" opponent once and for all that you don't need fancy math and complex formulas to pick games, just good old fashioned American Heart-Guts. Stay tuned.