Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/11/2026

The college football and NFL playoffs are firing on all cylinders with five straight days of playoff action this week (through Monday).  This week, the NFL delivered last minute drama, including three final scores beyond the 2-minute warning and another game in which a pass break up stopped the potential winning score inside the red zone.  One of the surprise offensive stars was San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who went from an afterthought on game plans to superstar.  Robinson torched the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles defense for 111 yards on 6 grabs, including a 61-yard catch on the second play of the game, then a TD catch to cap the first drive.  His playmaking was especially needed, as the Niners lost All Pro Tight End George Kittle to injury and were depleted down the field.  Fear not, Robinson to the rescue.  Despite a season of only 22 catches for under 300 total yards (and never a game over 50 yards) with just one TD, he led the way to the upset 23-19 victory over the Eagles and have many picking the 49ers as short odds for the NFC Championship.  Demarcus Robinson is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week! 

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/9/2025

Super Bowl Licks (LIX) did not disappoint for action what it did lack in competitiveness.  In one of the more expected competitive in terms of pregame point spread unfolded as a blowout as the Philadelphia Eagles won their second Super Bowl in eight years (and well ever) in denying the Kansas City Chiefs the coveted "Three Peat" (let me know where to send a trademark check to Pat Riley).  The story of the game was the dominance by the Eagles defensive line led by Josh Sweat, who tormented future Hall of Famer and 3-time Super Bowl Champion Quarterback Patrick Mahomes II.  A part of 3 sacks (2.5 total), throw in six tackles, including 2 tackles for loss.  Overall the Eagles sacked Mahomes six times.  But it was his pressure and his defensive line colleagues that kept Mahomes II from ever being comfortable and leading to two back breaking interceptions and a strip fumble.  Each was right when you might think the Chiefs could make a run.  Defense won the game and defense, wins the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week! 

Sportsman of the Week Ending 11/24/2024

Another week, another dominating running back performance.  This time in the NFL.  Veteran Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley thrust his name to the shop of the NFL MVP list with a career high performance.  Barkley thrashed the Los Angeles Rams defense for 255 yards on the ground with two touchdowns, from 70 and 72 yards respectively.  He also caught 4 passes (on 4 targets) for another 47 yards surpassing 300 yards of offense single handedly as the Eagles pounded the Rams 37-20 in Prime Time.  The Eagles have been poised for their next championship since their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018, perhaps it is Barkley who is the X-factor to get them to the Super Bowl for the third time in 8 years.  

This is Saquon Barkley's second Sportsman of the Week, his first coming in 2017 as a Penn State Nittany Lion.

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/12/2023

In what is one of the best Super Bowls in recent memory, there were many heroes on the winning team but not often do defensive players get recognized.  But we will do just that.  Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton did everything possible to stop the offensive machine that was the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.  Including score a touchdown.  Almost two TDs (a second score was overturned).  And lead the team in tackles with 8 solo tackles, nine total.  In a game of offenses, Bolton showed why defense mattered.  At risk of the Eagles going up two touchdowns, he pressured Jalen Hurts then scooped a fumble and tied the game at 14.  The halftime score that was 24-14 in reality would have been nearly insurmountable had it been 24-7 or even 31-7.  The Fly Eagles Fly would have happened.  Instead it was just close enough for the Chiefs offense to fire back in the second half and win on the final series for their second Super Bowl in four years.  The Kansas City Chiefs are a dynasty, but it's different players, like Nick Bolton, who make it happen.  A worthy Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/29/2023

The penultimate weekend of the NFL had the best four team squaring off for a berth in the Super Bowl.  And the home team, number one seeds did not disappoint.  In what was supposed to be a close game, the Philadelphia Eagles broke the game open on early big plays by their defense.  Led by edge disrupter Haason Reddick, the Eagles shut down the San Francisco 49ers holding them to just a TD over the game for an easy 31-7 victory to win the NFC Championship.  Reddick ended up with 3 tackles, 2 of them sacks. a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.  When he wasn't making tackles, he was disrupting the anemic, injury-riddled 49ers offense causing fits.  Reddick was one of many difference makers, but it was his sacks and fumble influence that really made the game non-competitive.  On to the Super Bowl for the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/11/2022

The Philadelphia Eagles have been a surprise dominant team and continue to etch their path toward the NFL Playoffs.  Taking no prisoners in what is probably the NFL's toughest division, the Eagles put another notch in their belt on Sunday.  On the road.  The Eagles took control early behind both MVP front-runner Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders.  It was Sanders who the Giants couldn't stop.  Sanders scored the opening salvo with a TD in the first quarter and finished off the Giants with a TD early in the fourth.  By then, it was 41-14.  Overall Sanders ran unleashed for 144 yards on 17 carries and those two TDs.  The balance Sanders brings to the offense, with the playmaking ability of Hurts and a WR room the envy of Pro Bowl team or Hall of Fame wing.  The Eagles look poised for another Super Bowl title to follow up their 2017 title (just like the Houston Astros).  Led by Sanders, the Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/5/2020

Happy New Year, as our Blog enters the ninth year of Sportsman of the Week, we have a winner who was only 13 when all of this started.  The Seattle Seahawks are a team recently counted out.  For several years not much home field advantage.  Rebuilt defense, too young and too old talent on offense.  But it was their youngest playmaker that carried them to the Division Round of the NFL Playoffs.  Rookie Wide Receiver D.K. Metcalf put his team on his back and carried them to victory at the Philadelphia Eagles.  Metcalf made critical catch after critical catch for an NFL Playoff rookie record 160 yards on 7 catches and a TD.  His 53-yeard TD catch in the 3rd quarter seemed to build the hill so high the backup QB-led Eagles didn't have much of a chance.  Metcalf is a beast that should end up as an elite receiver in the league, but was the story of the Wildcard weekend and is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/9/2018

The NFL playoff run is in the home stretch and big games call for big players.  None were bigger than the Dallas Cowboys WR Amari Cooper against the Super Bowl Champions to essentially seal the division for his teams.  Cooper was a much talked about acquisition at the trade deadline, some feeling that it was a waste of a draft pick, others thinking it was finally the Cowboys answer for a go to receiver.  The latter were right.  Cooper had the biggest game of his pro career in dismantling the Philadelphia Eagles.  In the end, he hauled in 10 catches for 217 yards including 3 TD.  The last TD the biggest in overtime, as the Cowboys possessed the ball for over 8 of the 10 minutes, the last play being Cooper going into the end zone.  This following his two TDs in the 4th quarter when the game broke open.  The Cowboys now have 2 games in hand plus the tiebreaker.  May have knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs.  Cooper stepped up in the big game, and is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 2/4/2018

It should be little surprise that the Sportsman of the Week comes from the best game of the week.  Maybe the best football game of the season.  Maybe the best Super Bowl of all time.  For a first time Super Bowl Championship team in the Philadelphia Eagles.  The story of Nick Foles is truly mythical.  Was briefly a star (and Sportsman of the Week in 2013).  Lost his touch, almost out of the game.  A bad break for a starting QB led for him to be pulled back in.  And he delivered.  It was as if he was playing with house money.  He never looked nervous in any of the three playoff games.  He just looked like a kid playing in the back yard.  While he delivered throw after throw to beat last year's NFC Champion, this year's second seed, then last year's Super Bowl Champion.  In the 41-33 defeat of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, Foles went an effective 28/43, for 373 yards and 3 TDs throwing and one spectacular TD reception on a 4th down play.  He did have one interception but it literally hit the receiver in the hands before being batted to a defender.  The 373 yards is the 5th most in Super Bowl history, only behind Tom Brady and Kurt Warner (two games each).  Even though he won the moniker two weeks ago, there is no denying Nick Foles his third Sportsman of the Week!

Super Bowl LII Preview

I have watched every Super Bowl since XIV

Once again, the Patriots late game magic reared its head in coming back from double digit on the young and inexperienced Jaguars.  Trust me when I say, it's painful to watch Brady do this time after time if you're not a fan of his.  But credit where credit is due.  He does what it takes to win.  The bigger surprise wasn't necessarily that the Eagles won, but they did so so easily.  Nick Foles looks all the part of an MVP type player and the team is balanced with a strong defense.

As we wind down our playoff blogs, J.R. Ewing and "Bulldog Babe" (@bulldogbabexo) have offered you a full range analysis of the NFL playoffs week by week.  Here each playoff game will have a short breakdown with thoughts on key factors then a final score predict.  The final score predict then gives you a Straight Up, Over/Under, and Against the Spread (ATS) pick to chew on for "recreation purposes only".  We'll be tracking our own progress.  Or if you're someone with disposable income, gamble away (but this blog is not responsible for losses).

Not a good week for either of our pickers last week.  Not horrible, but not good.

J.R. Ewing (1-1 ATS, 2-0 S/U, 0-2 O/U).  J.R. did well picking both winners and having the Eagles cover.  Otherwise had no clue.  Good numbers for the playoff run, though.  All of J.R.'s picks can be tracked at CappedIn.com
(Totals through three weeks: 5-4-1 ATS, 7-3 S/U, 6-4 O/U). 

Bulldog Babe (2-0 ATS, 1-1 S/U, 2-0 O/U).  BDB had a very solid week at the betting both, nailing both ATS and O/U.  Just missed the upset pick of Jacksonville, one could easily feel that she deserved that one as well.  She was quick to note that she had the exact score correct on Jacksonville, just the wrong team winning!
(Totals through two weeks: 5-4-1 ATS, 4-6 S/U, 4-6 O/U).

I owned last week's picks, you better listen up!

Lines and spreads are from VegasInsider.com.


February 4, 2018: 18:30 EST
New England Patriots  (-4.5, -200) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (+4.5, +170) O/U 48

New England Patriots (15-3)
Last eight games: 7-1
Against Playoff teams: 7-2

Philadelphia Eagles (15-3)
Last eight games: 6-2
Against Playoff teams: 4-1

J.R. Ewing prediction
Here's the kicker for this game.  Tom Brady isn't the best quarterback suiting up.  No, I'm not talking about overall or historically, I mean right now.  Nick Foles is as hot as a QB can be.  He's playing loose, not overthinking, and just winning, baby.  Meanwhile the Eagles defense is stout, having defeated the Falcons and Vikings the past two weeks.  I think they'll pressure Brady and make him uncomfortable.  I think Foles shreds the Patriots defense.  I'm going upset all the way.
Final Prediction: Eagles 31 Patriots 20

Bulldog Babe prediction:
Everybody may be riding the Pats train, but i’m not. I think the Eagles will be able to capitalize and beat New England. They have something to prove and I feel like they will do so on February 4th. They’re without a doubt the strongest team in the NFC and they deserve to be in the Super Bowl. It will be close, but I have Philly winning. 
Final Prediction: Eagles 34 Patriots 28

What a postseason it has been.  A personal thanks to Bulldog Babe for her contributions this year, this whole thing would be just me talking to myself without her.  Be sure to check out her contributions to the awesome NASCAR Blog Ladies in Black which will be ramping up as the Daytona 500 approaches!

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday, fans!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/21/2018

The NFL season continues to push towards its climax, and we are now set with the best two teams for Super Bowl LII.  While many, if not most, expected the New England Patriots to be in the game, few before the season, or after the injury to Carson Wentz, expected the Philadelphia Eagles to be there.  But here they are, and they made it look easy in the the NFC Championship Game, thanks to Wentz's replacement Nick Foles.  The sudden star in 2013 (for which he was honored as the SotW) turned journeyman who almost retired is as hot as a quarterback can get.  He shredded the Minnesota Vikings defense, completing 26 of 33 passes for almost an 80% clip.  The passes totaled a Brady-esque 352 yards and 3 TDs, with nary an interception.  His decision-making was strong as well, taking just one sack for six yards.  Foles isn't the first backup QB to lead his team to the Super Bowl, but he certainly looks the part of a starter and is a Sportsman of the Week!

2017-18 NFL Championship Weekend Playoff Preview

A step back, but numbers don't lie. I'm doing pretty good.

After an amazing Divisional Playoff Weekend, it's hard to believe there are only three games left in the NFL season, and by default, the football season.  September is so far away.  But we will remember last weekend forever.  The amazing catch by Stefon Diggs.  The see saw affair between the Jaguars and Steelers.  The last minute gasp and odd fourth down playcall ending the Falcons NFC title defense.  And the Patriots continuing to do what the Patriots do.  Reach the AFC Championship game for the seventh straight season.  The best four teams are left, and we break down the games below.

J.R. Ewing and "Bulldog Babe" (@bulldogbabexo) will offer you a full range analysis of the NFL playoffs week by week.  Here each playoff game will have a short breakdown with thoughts on key factors then a final score predict.  The final score predict then gives you a Straight Up, Over/Under, and Against the Spread (ATS) pick to chew on for "recreation purposes only".  We'll be tracking our own progress.  Or if you're someone with disposable income, gamble away (but this blog is not responsible for losses).

My Steelers are out, but I still got some life in my picks!

Not a good week for either of our pickers last week.  Not horrible, but not good.

J.R. Ewing (0-3-1 ATS, 2-2 S/U, 4-0 O/U).  Not a good week ATS.  Had the Falcons, they lost.  Thought the Titans would keep close, they didn't. Thought the Steelers would roll, nope.  Vikings won by the spread (we won't enter the PAT debate).  At least had the Patriots/Vikings winning and wow, did get a lot of the over/under (the overs were a strong play).  All of J.R.'s picks can be tracked at CappedIn.com
(Totals through two weeks: 4-3-1 ATS, 5-3 S/U, 6-2 O/U). 

Bulldog Babe (1-2-1 ATS, 2-2 S/U, 2-2 O/U).  BDB didn't do bad at all against the spread, hitting with Falcons and Bills covers.  Straight up though, only got the Saints winning (although she will tell you that was her most important game from a rooting interest standpoint).  And we won't talk about the over/under.
(Totals through two weeks: 3-4-1 ATS, 3-5 S/U, 2-6 O/U).

Lines and spreads are from VegasInsider.com.

January 21 2018: 15:05 EST
Jacksonville Jaguars (+9, +350) New England Patriots (-9, -450) O/U 46.5

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-6)
Last eight games: 5-3
Road: 5-4
Against Playoff teams: 3-3 (2-1 on road)

New England Patriots (14-3)
Last thirteen games: 12-1
Home: 7-2
Against Playoff teams: 6-2 (2-2 at home)

J.R. Ewing prediction
The Patriots have been here before, like the last six years before.  It's Foxborough, it's January, it's Tom Brady.  I just don't see them losing this game to the upstart Jaguars and Blake Bortles.  The Jaguars defense is being touted but they did give up 42 points to Pittsburgh.  The machine wins.  The house wins.  It's just the way it works.  Patriots big.
Final Prediction: Patriots 31, Jaguars 21

Bulldog Babe prediction:
Jacksonville had the best upset of the weekend when they came into Pittsburgh and completely dominated. I feel like they had a lot of confidence and they wanted that win and they got it! It was very impressive and as a Steelers fan, I gained a lot of respect for the Jags. They wanted it more than Pittsburgh did. Now they're headed into a tough environment in Foxborough to face the Patriots this weekend and if they come into that game with the same confidence as they did with the Steelers, they can win and I firmly believe they will win. They have a complete team and they are hungry! I have the Jags winning this one.
Final Prediction: Jaguars 24, Patriots 20

January 13, 2018: 18:40 EST
Minnesota Vikings (-3, -170)  at Philadelphia Eagles (+3, +150) O/U 38.5

Minnesota Vikings (14-3)
Last thirteen games: 12-1
Road: 6-2
Against Playoff teams: 4-2 (1-2 on road)

Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Last six games: 4-2
Home: 8-1
Against Playoff teams: 3-1 (1-0 at home)

J.R. Ewing prediction
I doubted the Eagles last week.  That won't happen again.  I felt like the Falcons were the best offense in the NFC and the Eagles defense tamed them.  The same will happen with the less experienced and frankly less talented Vikings and Case Keenum (which for all intents and purposes should have lost last week).  The Vikings defense is good too, so I see a very low scoring affair.  But the Eagles prevail.
Final Prediction: Eagles 24, Vikings 13

Bulldog Babe prediction:
This is the most deserving NFC matchup. Both of these teams have had an amazing season and they should be very proud. With that being said, only one team can win and I feel like neither team will back down without a fight. Both teams are coming off of close and crazy wins and it makes this weekend's matchup just that much better. I just feel like the Eagles are the stronger team. Yes, Carson Wentz is out with an injury but that's not stopping the Philly offense at all and that will go into this weekend. It will be close for sure, but I have the Eagles winning this. 
Final Prediction: Eagles 34, Vikings 31

J.R. and Bulldog Babe have spoken.  What do you think?  Either comment on our tweet or this post and we'll respond!  Meanwhile, enjoy Championship Sunday!

2017-18 NFL Divisional Weekend Playoff Preview

Follow me for ATS profits!

After a Wildcard weekend full of surprises, the NFL playoffs now move to the best eight teams.  Some call the Divisional Playoff Weekend their favorite, because you get a full four games and it literally is the best teams.  Road teams typically don't fare well because 1) they're the inferior team by record, 2) they of course are the road team, and 3) the home team had a week to rest up.  Will there be any upsets?  Vegas thinks so and actually has a road team favorite!  More on that in a minute

J.R. Ewing and "Bulldog Babe" (@bulldogbabexo) will offer you a full range analysis of the NFL playoffs week by week.  Here each playoff game will have a short breakdown with thoughts on key factors then a final score predict.  The final score predict then gives you a Straight Up, Over/Under, and Against the Spread (ATS) pick to chew on for "recreation purposes only".  We'll be tracking our own progress.  Or if you're someone with disposable income, gamble away (but this blog is not responsible for losses).

Down but not out

But first, much to Bulldog Babe's chagrin, we must look back on first week performance.  Hint, it doesn't end well for our Steelers fan.

J.R. Ewing (4-0 ATS, 3-1 S/U, 2-2 O/U).  J.R. hit a parlay on the Jacksonville win, but not cover, while staying under.  Outside of that game, He missed the Titans win along with the over on the Saints/Panthers and the under on the Falcons/Rams.  But a very successful week otherwise.  Be sure to track his plays on CappedIn.com

Bulldog Babe (2-2 ATS, 1-3 S/U, 0-4 O/U).  BDB didn't do bad at all against the spread, hitting with Falcons and Bills covers.  Straight up though, only got the Saints winning (although she will tell you that was her most important game from a rooting interest standpoint).  And we won't talk about the over/under.

We also picked the College Football Playoff final game.  Neither of us had the winner as we both picked Georgia.  Both of us won Georgia ATS as they covered the 4 points.  Bulldog Babe won the over on that one, while JR thought it would be just under (which it was before stupid overtime).

Lines and spreads are from VegasInsider.com.

January 13 2018: 16:35 EST
Atlanta Falcons (-3, -150) at Philadelphia Eagles (+3, +130) O/U 41

Atlanta Falcons (11-6)
Last eight games: 7-2
Road: 6-3
Against Playoff teams: 3-5 (1-3 on road)

Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Last five games: 3-2
Home: 7-1
Against Playoff teams: 2-1 (0-0 at home)


J.R. Ewing prediction
By far the most intriguing game of the week, when you take the best team in the conference, put them at home, then give them points.  Yes, they do have a backup quarterback.  But backup quarterbacks have had success in the playoffs, such as Jeff Hostetler and Frank Reich.  The Eagles are a more complete team than people think.  However, I do feel like the Falcons are playing their best football of the year and have playoff experience in spades.  I see the Falcons defense continuing to play well and shut down the Eagles for a relatively easy Falcons win.

Final Prediction: Falcons 27, Eagles 13

Bulldog Babe prediction:
This game is tough to predict, to be honest. Atlanta and Philly are both great teams, but there can only be one team good enough to make it to the NFC Championship and I feel like the Eagles are the team. They lost Carson Wentz in the regular season due to a torn ACL, but they have proven they can win through adversity. This weekend will be the same way. Philly wins. 34-20.

Final Prediction: Eagles 34, Falcons 20

January 13, 2018: 20:15 EST
Tennessee Titans (+13.5, +700) at New England Patriots (-13.5, -1100) O/U 48

Tennessee Titans (10-7)
Last five games: 2-3
Road: 4-5
Against Playoff teams: 3-2 (2-1 on road)

New England Patriots (13-3)
Last twelve games: 11-1
Home: 6-2
Against Playoff teams: 5-2 (1-2 at home)

J.R. Ewing prediction
You just don't see point spreads this wide in the playoffs.  Unless you're talking about the Patriots, who had a similar easy first game last year against the Houston Texans (who actually kept it closer than experts thought).  I've railed all year that the Patriots defense isn't that good.  The Titans aren't exactly world beaters, but with Derrick Henry toting the rock and Marcus Mariota creating, this ends up close. Within the points.

Final Prediction: Patriots 31, Titans 24

Bulldog Babe prediction:
I’m all for upsets and I think that will happen in this game. The Titans came back against the Chiefs in dominating fashion to get to this game and that is so crazy considering how down they were the entire first half of that game. I feel like if they can play the way they did in the second half of the Chiefs game, they will have success against the Patriots. New England I feel like just isn’t as dominant as they used to be and they are completely beatable. I think the Titans will upset them this weekend. 31-27.

Final Prediction: Titans 31, Patriots 27

January 14, 2018: 13:05 EST
Jacksonville Jaguars (+7, +300) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7, -400) O/U 41

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-6)
Last seven games: 4-3
Road: 4-4
Against Playoff teams: 2-3 (1-1 on road)

Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)Last eleven games: 10-1
Home: 6-2
Against Playoff teams: 3-2 (2-2 at home)


J.R. Ewing prediction
The Steelers are playing some of the best ball now having only lost one game to the Patriots in their last 11.  And some thing they actually won that game on a controversial TD reversal.  The Steelers are way too much at home and Jacksonville's defense, while good, won't be able to keep their offense in the game.  Steelers win pretty easily.

Final Prediction: Steelers 27, Jaguars 17

Bulldog Babe prediction:
The rematch from week 5. I don’t think the Steelers will let what happened in week 5 happen again, that was just the one down game they had. I know that getting Antonio Brown back will be huge for the Pittsburgh offense and it will be a factor in how they perform. The absence of Ryan Shazier still looms upon the Pittsburgh defense, but they’ve been able to get after the quarterback and defend the ball really well. I think the Steelers will have enough in the tank this time to get a win & a berth to the AFC Championship.

Final Prediction: Steelers 27, Jaguars 10
 
January 14, 2018: 16:40 EST
New Orleans Saints (+5, +190) at Minnesota Vikings (-5, -230) O/U 46.5

New Orleans Saints (12-5)
Last seven games: 4-3
Road: 4-4
Against Playoff teams: 5-4 (2-3 on road)

Minnesota Vikings (13-3)
Last twelve games: 11-1
Home: 7-1
Against Playoff teams: 3-2 (2-0 at home)

J.R. Ewing prediction
I feel like the Vikings aren't nearly getting the credit they deserve.  Just one loss since October 1.  Case Keenum isn't a game manager, look at the numbers he put up in college.  The Saints, while strong, had a tough game last week and will be tough to get that much energy back up again.  The Vikings win this one relatively pedestrian.

Final Prediction: Vikings 27, Saints 20

Bulldog Babe prediction:
The Vikings have surprised me this season, I can’t believe they’re in the playoffs and were even able to get a first round bye. With a week off, they will be healthy to compete with Drew Brees and the Saints, who are coming off of an incredible win over the Panthers last week. This will be a close one, I feel like and I have the Vikings in this one. I think they can keep their composure and strength long enough to get to the NFC Championship.

Final Prediction: Vikings 27, Saints 24

Can you believe there are only seven football games left this season?  And four are this week.  Don't miss out, find a way to watch!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/27/2015

The NFL playoff picture is shaping up, and the NFC East was decided last weekend.  The Washington Redskins seized the division title behind once-criticized, now hailed quarterback Kirk Cousins.  Cousins sealed the division for the upstart Redskins with a near-flawless performance on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night.  Cousins finished the game 31-46, with 4 TD passes and no interceptions, picking apart the Eagles defense.  Cousins has now notched 300 or more yards in 3 straight contests (all wins) with nine TD and just one INT.  Not may pundits give the Redskins a chance to win their playoff game, but if Cousins keeps up this consistency, our Sportsman of the Week might surprise yet again.

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/14/2014

The NFL is in crunch time, and teams are scrambling to make the playoffs, and get a good seed.  Nobody had a better Sunday this weekend than the Dallas Cowboys, and they were led by what people might start realizing is the most dominant wide receiver on the planet.  Dez Bryant was completely unstoppable on Sunday Night Football in Philadelphia against the Eagles.  His six catches for 114 yards seem nominal, but it's the 3 TD, all in which he physically outworked the corresponding corner back that was eyebrow raising.  Probably the second game of the year he won on his own ability (see OT win against the Texans).  He is a worthy Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/14/2014

We just can't resist the NFL this time of year, and new (old) stars are emerging.  Darren Sproles of the Philadelphia Eagles looked like a man in a time machine.  The 5'6" (that's one inch taller than Jose Altuve) human jackknife had eleven touches for 178 yards (26 rushing, 152 passing) as the Eagles secured a 2-0 start in hostile Indianapolis territory.  More impressively, 148 of his receiving yards were after the catch.  Basically, he was flipped the ball and turned the Colts defense into a video game.  Sproles has been doing this for 9 seasons...the 0-2 Saints are answering some tough questions as to how they let him go.

2013-14 NFL Week One Playoff Preview

Betting information courtesy of 5dimes.com at the time of post (this blog has no affiliation with that site).

JR Ewing loves the NFL post season to bring out his Christmas money and put it all on the line.  Each week of the NFL Playoffs (hopefully earlier than Saturday) I'll preview the games, predict final scores, and oh, by the way, keep track of my overall oil money for straight up, ATS, and O/U on each game.  For ATS and O/U, $1100 is the Wager.  For S/U (a.k.a. Money Line), it's $1000 on either side.

In week one, there is a lot of talk about how teams with better records like the 49ers, and Saints are stuck visiting teams that won their division with worse records.  Whether or not the NFL should reseed is a story for another blog (they shouldn't), but it provides some more even matchups than sometimes you get if the power team were at home.  Here's how Week 1 will shake out!

January 4, 2014: 16:35 EST
Kansas City Chiefs (+1, -103) vs. Indianapolis Colts (-1, -107) O/U 46
Both teams come in at 11-5, so at the surface, you wonder why the Colts aren't bigger favorites?  A weaker division for sure, but they also matched the NFC West and defeated both Seattle and San Francisco.  They also beat Denver.  And Kansas City just 2 weeks ago.  Meanwhile Kansas City is 2-5 in their last 7 games, with wins over the hapless Redskins and Raiders.  I don't see this one being so close at Lucas Oil stadium, Andrew Luck will have nice elements to throw and they'll win this one going away.  Final Prediction: Colts 27 Chiefs 10.


January 4, 2014: 20:10 EST
New Orleans Saints (+2.5, +125) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5, -135) O/U 53.5
Most people know by now the Saints are a team of two stadiums.  Unbeatable at home (8-0), and punchless on the road (3-5).  Might have to do with a dome, might have to do with rowdy fans, either way, it's tough picking the 11-5 Saints over the 10-6 Eagles in bad weather in Philly.  The Eagles have quietly gone 7-1 over the second half of the season, and with Foles firmly entrenched and the NFL's leading rusher LeSean McCoy, they're equipped to whip the Saints. Final Prediction: Eagles 31 Saints 17.

January 5, 2014: 13:05 EST
San Diego Chargers (+6.5, +245) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-6.5, -265) O/U 46.5
I think this game qualifies as the one most likely to produce a playoff Week 2 loser.  The Chargers barely made the playoffs after a referee mistake against the Chiefs back ups.  The Bengals, at 11-5, have played well down the stretch (5-1 over their last 6) but have been one and done the past two years and Dalton hasn't looked the part of playoff winning quarterback.  That being said, someone has to win and it won't be the Bolts. Final Prediction: Bengals 27, Chargers 10.

January 5, 2014: 16:40 EST
San Francisco 49ers (-2.5, -132) vs. Green Bay Packers (+2.5, +122) O/U 46.5
A very intriguing matchup indeed, with the 49ers possessing 4 more wins than the host Packers.  And the weather, which will be colder than a wit--, err windy day at the North Pole.  I think this all might get in the 49ers head.  While the Niners have won six straight, they haven't played a cold weather game against a good team, and the Packers, while looking pretty bad down the stretch, now have Rodgers back (and Cobb) and are sky high after their big road win last week.  Packers also looking for revenge after last year.  Final Prediction: Packers 28, 49ers 21.

If I had to pick the three "best bets" it would be:
Bengals: ATS
Saints vs. Eagles: Under
Colts: Money Line


And one bonus pick, off the books, here's how the BCS Championship Game breaks down
January 6, 2014: 20:30 EST
Auburn Tigers (+8.5, +265) vs. the Florida State Seminoles (-8.5, -295) O/U 67.5
Florida State has simply rolled everybody, all wins by more than 2 TDs.  They've played respectable opponents in the ACC, but not the schedule Auburn had to play.  BUT, Auburn lost a game by 2 TDs and had to pull several more out in the last seconds.  The major factor here is, what happens when Florida State gets popped in the mouth, because we don't know how they might react.  Auburn will not be phased if they go down by more than 2 TD, FSU might get phased.  But, I think Florida State looks more like the SEC teams that have won in the past (can run or throw and play defense) vs. the Auburn spread running attack and lack of defense.  This one goes to the 'Noles.  Final Prediction: Seminoles 41, Tigers 31.

Sportsman of the Week Ending 11/03/2013

As we turn the corner past baseball season, there have been some video game numbers put up in the NFL this year, so for the second week this season, we honor a 7 TD passer.  Nick Foles has been playing musical chairs at QB for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he gave his coach reason to stop the music.  This week he assaulted the Oakland Raiders defense for 408 yards and 7 TD, it's like he was playing against air.  This over only 3 quarters before he was replaced by Matt Barkley. This blog loves unlikely stars, and Foles is a deserving Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!