So, I was all ready to post my World Series prediction (on Wednesday, the off day before Game 5). Then I decided if I made the pick ahead of time, everyone would think I was trying to reverse-jinx the Rays, so I held off. I was just about to hit the post button after Upton hit the double off Papelbon to put the Rays up 7-0, but I had to make a mad dash to the toilet so I could puke. Yes, all I could think about while praying to the porcelain god, was BJ Upton owns every Red Sox pitcher.
Then, when I got back to my computer the Sox got a hit, then another and then Pedroia singled home a run. No big deal, right? Right, until “BANG” out of nowhere I heard the familiar sound of “Big Papi” connecting. All of a sudden it was 7-4 and now I knew they would win game 5. Which they did, with Coco Crisp delivering a key hit and Justsin Masterson walking a tight rope, but surviving the 9th.
Here’s what I didn’t count on – the Red Sox showing up Saturday night looking like the 2007 Red Sox. They left a small army on the bases tonight, yet it didn’t matter. They got great pitching, timely defense and just enough runs. Tonight they looked like the team that can win the 2008 World Series.
But, I still think the Rays are the better “right now” team. And, even though the Rays look tighter than Jerry Jones skin, they will somehow find a way to win Sunday night.
On to the picks:
Quick picks:
Kansas City +9 over Tennessee
Buffalo -1 over San Diego – Even though the Malcom Floyd era in San Diego begins this week.
Cincinnati +9.5 over Pittsburgh – The Bengals believe the Steelers started this downward spiral of Carson Palmer when Kimo launched himself at Palmer’s knee.
Miami -3 over Baltimore – I am looking forward to see the Raven D try to stop the single-wing
St. Louis +7 over Dallas – Romo or Johnson, I say both, at the same time that is the only way you are going to keep both Owens and Williams happy. What about Witten?
Chicago -3 over Minnesota – Adrian Peterson returns to the scene his only road explosion last year.
Carolina -3 over New Orleans – The NFC South division is impossible to predict.
NY Giants -10.5 over San Francisco – Angry G-MEN! This has to be mentioned – is there a scary fantasy opponent right now than Brandon Jacobs? I played against him last week and every time he touched the ball I felt he was going to run over 15 Browns defenders on his way to the end zone. I am just glad Coughlin feels to need to work Ward and Bradshaw into every game.
Houston -9.5 over Detroit – Wow, what an all-around lousy football weekend for Michigan – State got drilled by tOSU, Big Blue forgot about the last 30 minutes against Penn State and Sunday the Lions are going to get torched by the Texans.
Oakland +3 over NY Jets – This game smell funny, or is that the Raiders fans? Easy now, guy with the spiked shoulder-pads, who I will see in court the next day prosecuting a DUI case.
Washington -7.5 over Cleveland – Let’s not get carried away Browns fans, you got a nice win last week, but no way you go to Washington and win.
Indianapolis -1.0 over Green Bay – I feel like climbing to the tallest building I can find and screaming to the world – “I told you not to draft Joseph Addai”. Man, it feels good to be right! Now, you know, Addai will return just in time to put up 10 TDs in the playoff weeks. To which Addai owners will scream back – “Just jump!”
Tampa Bay -10.5 over Seattle – A hurting Seneca Wallace gets the start for the Seabags. Seriously would Charlie Frye be a legitimate fantasy option on a semi-pro team right now?
New England -3.0 over Denver – Why does bother ESPN let Mark Schlereth pick the Broncos’ game? They could be playing a team of NFL All-Stars and he would take the Broncos.
Last Week: 8-6
Season: 49-37-2
Best Bet: NY Giants -10.5
Best Bets: 4-1-1
