Saddle up, lock & load, here's some sweet, sweet Super Bowl action. With these picks, they are all guaranteed to be correct or your money back.
When picking a Super Bowl, the first thing you always should do is try and figure out which of the two teams are going to win the game outright. No point spread involved, just straight up. Find the right side of the game. There have only been five Super Bowls that have been played where the favorite has won, but hasn't covered the number. If you look at it from the other side, there have only been five Super Bowls where the underdog hasn't won the game outright, but still managed to cover the number. So basically, either the favorite is going to win the game and cover the number or the underdog is going to win the game outright. That's what usually happens. Now I will grant you that two of these five instances have happened in the last decade (Patriots twice, against the Panthers & Eagles), so this is not as automatic as it used to be.
To me, it's a helluva lot easier to make a case for the Steelers winning than the Cardinals, and keep in mind, I had the Cards in two of their three NFC playoff victories. I have respected them, I don't think they suck as bad as most people. I give them credit for making it, but they are simply up against the league's best defense. You have to go all the way back to last year to see that great defenses always slow down good to great offenses.
This game comes down to the fact that I see the Steelers being able to put up a lot more points against the Cardinals defense that I do the Cardinals being able to put up against the Steelers defense. Arizona usually can't run the ball against decent defenses, and I don't see them being able to run the ball against the Steeler defense.
To me, the right side of the game is the Steelers. History shows us that the Cardinals, in the end won't keep it close enough at the end to cover the 6 1/2. Another thing that you might do is take the Steelers and buy the 1/2 point (just to be safe) down to 6 at (-120), which isn't bad value.
My pick: Steelers 31, Cards 14 (I think the game will be under, but I don't like it very much)
Most of my money will be on the side, not the total or prop bets.
Prop Bets:
As usual, there isn't much value in prop bets this year because they kill you on the juice, and I won't end up playing very many of these, but the ones I like are:
Ben Roethlisberger OVER 17.5 completions (-130) Gary Russell YES will he score a TD (+240) (good value here, if the Steelers get close the goal line and are running it in, he's their short yardage guy, odds are he's going to be the guy) Troy Polamalu YES will he intercept a pass (+160) Mitch Berger YES will punt result in a touchback (+160) (if you think that was just an excuse to involve Mitch Berger, you are correct) Kurt Warner OVER 260.5 passing yards (-125) (don't like the juice on this one, but this has a good chance of happening whether the Cards are behind and in catch up mode, or if the Cards offense goes nuts and wins the game) Anquan Boldin OVER 9.5 yards on first reception (-115)
My favorite 'adjusted line': Steelers -14.5 (+220) My favorite 'cross sport line': Margin of victory -1.5 (-115) vs Anderson Varajao points scored My favorite 'Who will the MVP thank first' line: Will thank God (-125) My favorite 'Super Bowl MVP' line: Troy Polamalu (+800) (let's say Warner goes Neil O'Donnell and Polamalu has a couple of picks, brings one to the house, 8 to 1 is pretty good value)
Betting on the coin toss is sooooo 1998, don't even wait to get your sweet, sweet action. Take the OVER (-155) 2 minutes, 1 second on Jennifer Hudson's national anthem and take the NO on 'will Jennifer Hudson be lip-synching any part of the national anthem' at (-145). Yep, I just typed those things.
You take my advice or call this guy, either way, take the Steelers and lay the points. BET EVERYTHING YOU OWN !!!!!
I saw this video and it was suddenly very easy to trace back to where my gambling problem started. This man was pretty much Jesus to me when I was 8-9 years old. After watching this video below I have decided that I will not be betting on the Super Bowl this year for the first time since '49ers 55-Bronco 10.'
Just kidding, super bowl line pick and prop bets will be up later.
Chad Toppert paces the Lobos (favored by 16) with 18 in their 68-50 victory over the CSU Rams. Parlayed with the Aztecs (favored by 12) 67-50 victory over TCU, that's some sweet, sweet Mountain West action
Charlotte McKenna won the very prestigious 'Best Bum of '08 Award' from Zoo Magazine. I believe that's England's equivalent to becoming a senator in Illinois.
You might want to think twice before you try to have sex with a raccoon (UK Sun)
This only costs $150 ? On a related note, I just withdrew $150 from the bank (Flisted)
The housing market really is slipping. You can only get $100 for a $14 million mansion (Times Online)
More from the former Miss USA/Passions chick now doing porn (Popcrunch)
Low on money ? Move to Canada and take up panhandling (CBC News)
I have followed Chipper Jones for a long time, and I've never thought of him as a comedian until I read a quote from this article, that Chipper he's so funny (MLB.com)
A look at the history of the spread for the Super Bowl. History says you should take the Steelers and lay the 7 (Shutdown Corner)
As if anybody needed another reason to hate Chris Berman. Have to love the guy yelling 'the rest of us are out here' (Deadspin)
How important are college football recruiting rankings ? Answer: very (Dr Saturday)
Vlade Divac and Devean George teamed up for the best NBA prank ever (Rocky Mountain News via Ball Don't Lie)
If I said 'Emmanuelle Chriqui without a shirt on' would that be something you're interested in ? (Hollywood Tuna)
If you want to know where Stat Boy hangs out and what he drinks, this is for you (NY Times via TBL)
NBC usually doesn't have enough people on their normal pregame show, so they're adding more for the Super Bowl (Farther off the Wall)
Kurt Warner will never be good enough for these folks (Joe Sports Fan via Deadspin)
Since WAG Amii Grove is no longer engaged, it's a good time to put a picture up.
Your tax dollars at work. Gotta love bailouts (NY Post)
Guess you can add prostate cancer to the list of things that will be wrong with me down the line (Gawker)
What the Fresh Prince theme song would have sounded like if the show would have stayed in West Philly (College Humor)
Turns out you can buy a lot of drugs for $68 billion (Reuters)
After reading this article I was made aware that people actually do have sex without drinking alcohol (Sunday Telegraph)
Another product that may help Google take over the world (Fox News)
Shocking developments: The Big 10 Network announcers think the conference is better than it is (The Big Lead)
Hard to believe Rod Tidwell could clear time out of his busy schedule to make a Super Bowl appearance (CNBC)
Why only put one crappy NFL team in a new stadium when you can have two ? (San Jose Mercury-News)
Anybody who watched last season's Hard Knocks knows Martellus Bennett is not the brightest guy in the world, he provides further evidence (The Landry Hat via TBL)
These pictures of Jessica Simpson are painful to look at. This is what happens when people are around Romo. They go to shit (The Daily Fix) Mike Wise writes 'DeShawn Stevenson saw his father just once: On TV, after Darryl Stevenson had strangled his own mother' (Washington Post)
Whether or not you like Eddy Curry, this is beyond sad (NY Daily News)
HS basketball team runs a double alley-oop play (Guxaxin)
So if you're a 36 year old teacher, you're not supposed to buy a 15 year old girl a phone and send her pictures of your junk ? (AJC)
Any video of Craig Sager dancing and then C-Webb and The Glove challenging him to a dance contest will be linked. It's policy around here (Awful Announcing) How can you not love Alex Ovechkin ? (Puck Daddy)
Best. April Fool's Day Prank. Ever (CTV via Next Round)
You can bet on the player most likely to be arrested before the Super Bowl. Giant douche Matt Lienart is a good value at 10:1 (BetUs)
Newly fired coaches = New Coors Light commercials. I can't wait until the Herm Edwards one comes out (Gunaxin)
Sounds like Brandon Jennings isn't having as great of a time in Europe as he thought he was going to (NY Times)
Hot Penn State hockey goalie competed last night for Miss America (SBB)
Sports Illustrated's Online Vault is pretty much the greatest thing since sliced bread, and periodically we'll be taking a look back at a memorable story. This week's article was originally published August 2, 1993 and written by Richard Hoffer. Please for the love of God, I hope this news doesn't come to fruition. But since it's in the news, I thought it would be nice to take a look back at the Dan Reeves era in Denver. It was always interesting to me how there really was a realistic chance that if Reeves continued to coach the Broncos, then John Elway would have left via free agency. In the end, I'm not sure Reeves ever got the credit he deserved for directing the Broncos to their (losing) Super Bowls. He moved on to become coach of the year with the Giants and then went on to lead the Falcons to another (losing) Super Bowl.
Within the article there are some very interesting quotes from Elway: "The last three years have been hell," he said. "I know that I would not have been back here if Dan Reeves had been here. It wasn't worth it to me. I didn't enjoy it. It wasn't any fun, and I got tired of working with him," and from Reeves: "it wasn't exactly heaven for me, either. One of these days I hope he grows up. Maybe he'll mature sometime."
In the article, Bronco players seem pretty excited for the Wade Phillips era. How'd that work out ? Oh yeah, about as well as the Wade Phillips era is working in Dallas.
Barry Obama's inauguration was not the most watched of all-time (TV by the Numbers via TBL)
According to the Madden sim, you should take the Cards and the points (Sporting News)
Joe Buck's restaurants are a disgusting act (Stl Business Journal via SBB) It's down to 5 finalists for Playboy's sexiest sportscasters. Guess my vote for Mike Tirico didn't work out so well (Playboy)
Lacey from Texas is SI's cheerleader of the week (SI.com)
Each week, we will bring you Lance Romance to help you out with your love life. If you are unsure about where your relationship is headed, having trouble meeting new people, or are just looking to spice up your love life, Lance is here to help.
This week Lance makes his first ever national appearance, helping the people from coast to coast on Fox Sports Radio. During this historical appearance, Lance is joined by a very special first caller and has advice for a man who is more in love with his snowmobile than his wife.
Oh great, more Steve Phillips, just what everyone needs (NY Daily News)
Laney from She's All That decided to make an appearance at Barry Obama's Inauguration (Hollywood Tuna)
Your daily reason to hate the Red Sox and their fans: they do stupid shit like this (Big League Stew) Yet another reason why the auto industry in this country is in awful shape (Ford via Sports By Brooks)
Sports Illustrated's Online Vault is pretty much the greatest thing since sliced bread, and periodically we'll be taking a look back at a memorable story. This week's article was originally published October 18, 1999 and written by Michael Silver. I know everybody is a probably going to be a little Kurt Warner-ed out over the next week and a half, but he really is one of the more remarkable stories in NFL history. Take a look back when he first burst upon the scene.
18 year old (!) English model Rosie Jones is another one of those British girls that it's really hard to find a picture of her that's not topless, even on her own MySpace page. This is what a badass dunk looks like (YouTube)
Speaking of bastards I dislike, this continues to break my heart (NY Times)
Sad, sad news, DBacks have fired Baxter (AZ Republic)
(Bill) Romo meets with Josh McDaniels, promises to give customized 'roids workout plans to specifically fit each player's needs, I would pay good money for 'his elaborate 30 page PowerPoint presentation' (Rocky Mountain News)
All white wide receivers wear #83. It's a fact. It's science (Bad Snap via TBL)
Your friendly reminder that The Birdman flies in any weather (You Tube)
Things I didn't need to see: Dana Jacobsen in athletic shorts guarding Braylon Edwards at Curtis Granderson's charity basketball game (Deadspin)
Mike Freeman wasn't exactly thrilled with what Tiger had to say at Barry Obama's inauguration festivities (CBS Sports via TBL)
Another reason why everybody in this country shouldn't necessarily be allowed to vote (Celebslam)
Reliving the greatness that was the 'great Tennessee marijuana cave' (Uncoached)
Which is more shocking that this happened at Wal-Mart or this happened in Florida ? (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) There is no way the Nugs would be better off without Melo, despite the 'argument' these folks make (With Malice via TBL)
What's better than Maury paternity results ? (Holy Taco)
If you get stabbed at a bar, you have to finish your beer before getting medical attention, right ? (Edmonton Sun)
Evidently tea-bagging your superior when you're in the military is frowned upon (The Age via Next Round)
Les Miles says LSU's current recruting class is 'One of the greatest classes ever. Certainly at LSU and possibly nationally.' Nope no pressure there (WBRZ)
Yesterday Stacey Dash turned 43. Yep you read correctly (Moondog via Busted Coverage)
Tyson at Sundance "I'm afraid of how much money and how much pussy I'm gonna get" (The Lost Boy) Bob Kravitz has a nice feature on Danny Granger (Indy Star)
Holly Weber is here to help you get over your case of the Inauguration week Monday's. Don Banks has his Snap Judgements from yesterday's games. I'm just wondering exactly how much money I can round up to put down on the Steelers -6.5 and when I win, I will scream 'Thank you Jesus !!!!!' (SI.com)
Championship Sunday's 'five least valuable players,' Limas Sweed should have been on this list (Shutdown Corner)
Mariotti says the Cards winning a Super Bowl would be like the Cubs winning a World Series. C'mon Jay, we know the Cubs will never win (Fanhouse)
This would be a good thing for most people to read directly after graduating high school (UK Daily Mail)
Just plain awful: Palestinian doctor watches on live TV as his three daughters are killed (The Raw Story)
My man Rudy Fernandez wins the fans vote to be at the dunk contest, I thought Joe Alexander might have a shot on the heels of this ad, but Rudy prevailed (The Oregonian)
Darren Rovell wonders if the Eagles were who the Cardinals thought they were (CNBC)
Leo Mazzone admits he made a mistake grabbing the money and leaving the Braves (AJC)
From time to time, I'll be bringing you a song which you might not have heard, unless you have really obscure, eclectic taste in music as I do, in which case, I tip my hat to you.
Today's song comes to us from the band LMFAO (you do the math)and is called "I'm in Miami Bitch" language NSFW." I also enjoy their song "I Am NOT a Whore."
Courtesy of our friends at hockeyfights.com, easily one of the best websites on this here internets, we present the NHL Hits of the week (according to NHL.com) and the NHL Fight of the Week, according to hockeyfights.com.
This week's fight features heavyweights Craig Weller of the Wild and Jared Boll of the Blue Jackets.
A Google image search for Page 3 model Rhian Sugden would be among your better decisions for the day.
Not that anybody cares after the glorious 0-4 last week, but the picks are CARDINALS (+4), STEELERS (-6), and the under 34 in the Steelers/Ravens game.
If you're a moron and missed the FNL season premiere, you can watch here (Hulu)
Um, anytime the Big 12 wants to produce a good pro quarterback, feel free to do so, we're waiting (Dr Saturday)
Tiger Woods' niece will kick your ass at golf too (Devil's Ball)
So you're 20 years old and still in high school, you still apparently can't have sex 15 year old girls. What a raw deal (Ocala Star-Banner)
'Teen charged with assaulting mom with taco' (WOFL)
Entourage's Emmanuelle Chriqui is a nice way to get the weekend started. I know you say to yourself at least once a week like I do, "I wonder what Kevin Pittsnogle is up to these days." Well even if you don't, this is still a good read. You've just been Pittsnogled (NY Times)
C'mon people if you're going to mail 30 pounds of weed, double check the address at least (Dallas Morning News)
Stephen Colbert just moved up a notch in my book (The 700 Level)
Pete Carroll is not exactly thrilled with Viva Sanchez for leaving early, I don't blame Sanchez for leaving one bit, staying in school did wonders for Matt Leinart (LA Times)
We conclude Friday Night Lights with the current #1 in my personal BCS rankings, and a proud former resident of the Land of Enchantment, Minka Kelly. If she isn't motivation enough to watch the show, there's nothing more I can do. NBC tonight, 9e/8c, no idea in Hawaii.
Please remember to tip your waitresses and visit our sponsors.
I wanted to do this many times in my lengthy high school basketball career (WHAS)
Former FBI agent & inspiration for 'The Departed' sentenced to 40 years (Fox News)
The hottest football wife ever will surely be making an appearance on your TV screen again this weekend (I Dislike Your Favorite Team) Ladies say he's fine Mr Gary Klein has the details of Viva Sanchez leaving to the 49ers with the 10th pick the NFL (LA Times)
Mark Kiszla has been tapping my phone calls and says Chauncey Billups should definitely be an All-Star (Denver Post)
On a related note, I didn't think I would live long enough to see 'Kenyon Martin's three pointer propels Nuggets to victory' as a headline (Denver Post)
The Pleamaker has a few holes in his 'they pulled a gun, realized who I was and we talked about the Cowboys' story (Deadspin)
This would be the smartest thing the Cowboys have done in years (ESPN)
Michael Young has agreed to stop being a little bitch to move to third base (MLB.com)
Rickey be Rickey and Jim Rice visit Letterman and read a top ten list, yes Rickey can read (YouTube)
Tale of the tape: Rickey be Rickey vs The Fonz (SI.com)
Mo Vaughn's second career is standing in lines at buffets real estate investments (The Eagle-Tribune) Darren Rovell gives us a list of what retired NFLers are still making from the NFLPA. Last year Elway cleared a cool $250k. Good non-work if you can get it (CNBC)
Saddle up, lock & load, here's some sweet, sweet Super Bowl action. With these picks, they are all guaranteed to be correct or your money back.
