Marky The Greek.

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="002285a1erlcgo.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>www.chapmansfriend.com</B></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="default.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.chapmansfriend.com"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Music"><U>Music</U></A>   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Television"><U>Television</U></A>   <A HREF="id5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Movies"><U>Movies</U></A>   <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Traveling Man"><U>Traveling Man</U></A>   <A HREF="id7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Game"><U>"Our Game"</U></A>   <A HREF="id8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Books"><U>Books</U></A>   Marky The Greek.   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The World"><U>The World</U></A>   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MinutebyMinute."><U>Minute-by-Minute.</U></A>   <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2004"><U>2004</U></A>   <A HREF="id9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="001d2c00dkelyh.gif"> <div> <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2002 Season"><U>2002 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2003 Season"><U>2003 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2004 Season"><U>2004 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2005 Season"><U>2005 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2006 Season"><U>2006 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2007 Season"><U>2007 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id73.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2008 Season"><U>2008 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id74.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2009 Season"><U>2009 Season</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2010 Season"><U>2010 Season</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B>Marky The Greek. </B></I></div> <div> For the past few years, I have been able to consistently "beat the odds" and come out ahead in picking NFL games. Of course, I can't do anything with this gift since I don't live in Nevada, don't know any bookies, and don't trust those offshore betting sites. But, this year I can post my weekly picks online for public consumption. Still, to quote Norman "The Man" Chad, none of these predictions should be used as the basis for any actual cash money wagers.</div> <bR> <div> My ground rules: 5 games per each week's schedule, using the odds from the Friday <I>USA Today </I>(or for the day of game if it's a Thursday game).</div> <bR> <div> <B>2011 Season</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>NFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME</B></div> <div> <B>2-5-12</B></div> <bR> <div> Yes, I am still on my lonely crusade to call this the "NFL Championship Game", so as to connect with the history of each championship game pre-1966, but whistling in the dark, I know...</div> <bR> <div> A <B>1-1 </B>mark in the conference championship games, so that's <B>54-40-1 </B>on the season. No matter what, I will have a nice winning margin on the games this season, but if I was in this position <I>and actually betting real money</I>, then I'd try to maximize any profits on this, the last game of the season. So I'll "bet" this game heavier, without endangering the overall winning record. The "Final Jeopardy" strategy!</div> <bR> <div> NYG vs. NE (-2.5)... Call me crazy, but I do have this feeling that the Giants will win this rematch. Maybe it's the injuries on the Patriots, maybe it's the passing game that the Giants have gotten out of the past few games that can capitalize on the weak New England secondary, maybe it's the possibility of the delicious irony of Eli doubling up his bigger and better (in QB terms, I have no idea who's the better bother in real life!) in championship rings-- at Payton's own home field (for the time being, anyway), no less... But let's say <B>NYG + 2.5</B>. And "betting" the game <B>9 times</B> assures a seasonal winning record even with a loss today.</div> <bR> <div> No prop bets today. What, do you think I have any idea how long Kelly Clarkson will take to sing the National Anthem?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND</B></div> <div> <B>1-22-12</B></div> <bR> <div> Sometime in the first half of Sunday's Ravens-Texans game, with the Ravens up 17-3, I made the mistake of thinking, "OK, so this game's won, I'm at 3-0 for the week, and when (not if) the Packers crush the Giants, I'll be 4-0!" Yeah. Then, of course, the early game tightened and the Ravens did not cover, and then the Packers game... Well, <B>2-2 </B>for the weekend. Unfortunately, that ruined the chances that I could finish the season overall at 60%, but at <B>53-39-1</B>, I am at 57.6%, and the worst that can happen (<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Mongolian Baiti" ><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Pp7ApwtmU" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2Pp7Apwt"><U>... worst that can happen... toooo meeeeee!!!</U></A></FONT> Oh, sorry, still thinking of the Jimmy Webb show the other night) is 55.8%, even if I pick the last 3 games of the season incorrectly. The upside, if I win all three remaining games? 58.9%. </div> <bR> <div> BAL at NE (-9). I think the Patriots will win, but after seeing the similar great offense/meh defense teams like the Saints and Packers go down last week, I'm less confident that I might be. So, <B>BAL + 9</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYG at SF (-3) Do you realize that if the Giants happened to get to the Super Bowl and win, Eli would probably end up his career with more championships than Peyton? Weird. But for now, I think <B>SF - 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>DIVISIONAL ROUND</B></div> <div> <B>1-14-12</B></div> <bR> <div> Week 1 of the playoffs yielded a <B>3-1 </B>record... damn Dirty Birds, messing up the perfect week! For the full season, <B>51-37-1</B>, rounding up to 58 %...</div> <bR> <div> NO (-4) at SF. I forsee a close game, and though straight up I will go with the Saints, I think it will stay within the line. <B>SF + 4</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DEN at NE (-14)<B>. </B>On the road, Tebowmania can be controlled, I think. <B>NE - 14</B><B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> NYG at GB (-9)... <B>GB - 9</B><B>.</B></div> <bR> <div> HOU at BAL (-9)... <B>BAL - 9</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WILD CARD ROUND</B></div> <div> <B>1-7-12</B></div> <bR> <div> A <B>3-2 </B>finish for the last week of the regular season, to give me a <B>48-36-1</B> record for the year. By my count that's <B>57.1% </B>for the regular season, well above break-even... But now the challenge is to pick all the playoff games and maintain a winning record. Actually, only two winning picks in the playoffs would clinch that, but let's aim higher!</div> <bR> <div> CIN at HOU (-3)... <B>HOU - 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DET at NO (-11)... <B>NO - 11</B>.</div> <bR> <div> ATL at NYG (-3)<B>... </B><B>ATL + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PIT (-9) at DEN. I don't actually think the Tebows can win, but I figure there's a better chance of them winning than of the Steelers covering, so... <B>DEN + 9</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK SEVENTEEN</B></div> <div> <B>1-1-12</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>2-3 </B>for last week-- not great, but I think just enough to ensure a winning season. <B>45-34-1 </B>overall heading into the last week of the regular season... and yes, I just checked, that clinches a winning regular season, but I need a few more to clinch a regular season + playoffs winning season...</div> <bR> <div> DET (-3) at GB. I know Rodgers probably won't play (much), but still. <B>GB + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYJ at MIA (-1.5)... <B>MIA - 1.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CHI at MIN (-1).<B> </B>The epic McCown vs. Ponder matchup at QB. <B>MIN - 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> BAL (-3) at CIN... <B>CIN + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DAL at NYG (-3)... <B>NYG - 3</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK SIXTEEN</B></div> <div> <B>12-24-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Merry Christmas, you beautiful old Savings and Loan!! Hey, get me... I'm giving out wings!!!</div> <bR> <div> <B>3-2 </B>lat week, making me <B>43-31-1 </B>on the season. I'm very close to clinching a winning season...</div> <bR> <div> DEN (-3) at BUF... <B>BUF + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> STL at PIT (-13.5)... <B>STL + 13.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYG at NYJ (-3)... <B>NYG + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PHI at DAL (-1)... <B>DAL - 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> SD at DET (-3)... <B>SD + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK FIFTEEN</B></div> <div> <B>12-18-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Last week... YES! The rare perfect <B>5-0 </B>week... Now <B>40-29-1</B> on the season. </div> <bR> <div> MIA (-1.5) at BUF... <B>BUF + 1.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CAR at HOU (- 6.5)... <B>CAR + 6.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NO (-7) at MIN... <B>MIN + 7</B>.</div> <bR> <div> WAS at NYG (-7)... <B>WAS + 7</B>.</div> <bR> <div> BAL (-3) at SD... <B>SD + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK FOURTEEN</B></div> <div> <B>12-11-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Last week, <B>2-3</B>. For the season, <B>35-29-1</B>. This weeks' picks...</div> <bR> <div> HOU at CIN (-3)... <B>HOU + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PHI at MIA (-3)... <B>PHI + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> TB (-1) at JAX... <B>JAX + 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> IND at BAL (-17)... <B>IND + 17</B>.</div> <bR> <div> MIN at DET (-10)... <B>MIN + 10</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK THIRTEEN</B></div> <div> <B>12-4-11</B></div> <bR> <div> A <B>4-1</B> record last week puts me back at <B>33-26-1</B> for the season...</div> <bR> <div> TEN at BUF (-3)... <B>BUF -3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> OAK at MIA (-3)... <B>OAK + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DEN at MIN (1.5)... <B>DEN + 1.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> GB (-7) at NYG... <B>GB - 7</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DET at NO (-9)... <B>NO - 9</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK TWELVE</B></div> <div> <B>11-27-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Back to a winning record last week, barely, at <B>3-2</B>. We are now <B>29-25-1</B> for the season...</div> <bR> <div> CAR (-3.5) at IND... <B>CAR - 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> HOU (-3.5) at JAX... <B>JAX + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> AZ at STL (-3)... <B>AZ + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NE (-3.5) at PHI... <B>NE - 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYG at NO (-7)... <B>NO - 7</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK ELEVEN</B></div> <div> <B>11-20-11</B></div> <bR> <div> After a few 2-3 weeks, last week was <B>1-4</B>, and this is now a troubling trend, to go 5-10 over three weeks. Still <B>26-23-1 </B>for the season, but I must start having winning weeks from now on...</div> <bR> <div> JAX at CLE (-1). <B>JAX + 1.</B></div> <bR> <div> BUF at MIA (-2.5). <B>BUF + 2.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> OAK (-1) at MIN. <B>OAK - 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> SEA at STL (-3). <B>SEA + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PHI at NYG (-4), <B>PHI + 4</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK TEN</B></div> <div> <B>11-13-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Another <B>2-3 </B>week... <B>25-19-1 </B>overall now.</div> <bR> <div> AZ at PHI (-12)... <B>AZ + 12</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NO (-1) at ATL... <B>ATL + 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PIT (-3) at CIN... <B>CIN + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYG at SF (-3.5)... <B>NYG + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NE at NYJ (-1)... <B>NYJ - 1</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK NINE</B></div> <div> <B>11-6-11</B></div> <bR> <div> First losing week for a while last time at <B>2-3</B>, but still <B>23-16-1 </B>overall so far...</div> <bR> <div> CLE at HOU (-11). <B>CLE + 11</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYJ at BUF (-2). <B>BUF - 2</B>.</div> <bR> <div> SF (-3.5) at WAS. <B>WAS + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CIN at TEN (-3). <B>CIN + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> BAL at PIT (-3.5). <B>BAL + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK EIGHT</B></div> <div> <B>10-30-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Another fine week at <B>4-1</B>. For the season, <B>21-13-1</B>, and I am worried that this run has to end soon...</div> <bR> <div> Today's games, quickly, no "clever" comments...</div> <bR> <div> IND at TEN (-9). <B>IND + 9</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NO (-14) at STL. <B>NO - 14</B>.</div> <bR> <div> MIN at CAR (-3.5). <B>CAR - 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NE (-3) at PIT. <B>PIT +3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DAL at PHI (-3.5). <B>PHI - 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK SEVEN</B></div> <div> <B>10-23-11</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>3-1-1 </B>last week? Yes, I'll take that. For the season, <B>17-12-1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> Today's games...</div> <bR> <div> WAS at CAR (-3). John Beck = Possibly the most anonymous-sounding name for an NFL QB ever. <B>WAS + 3</B>. </div> <bR> <div> DEN at MIA (-1.5). What can I say, I'm a huge believer in The Power Of Tebow. (Not actually a believer in Tebow, but a blind pig finds an acorn now and again.) <B>DEN + 1.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CHI (-1) vs. TB.  A London game, so who knows what factors will come into play. <B>CHI - 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> SD (-2.5) at NYJ. I know the Jets have been sluggish lately, but underdogs at home to a West Coast team playing an early game? <B>NYJ + 2.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> IND at NO (-14). Hopefully Payton Manning will get a good lunch at Domilise's out of the trip. He still is travelling with the team, right? <B>NO -14</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK SIX</B></div> <div> <B>10-16-11</B></div> <bR> <div> I was just a potential garbage time Bears TD away from a 5-0 week, but <B>4-1 </B>isn't too bad... <B>14-11 </B>for the season so far.</div> <bR> <div> BUF at NYG(-3). Believe. <B>BUF + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CAR at ATL (-4). Unfortunately for the Panthers, Cam Newton cannot play on defense too. <B>ATL - 4</B>.</div> <bR> <div> PHI (-2) at WAS. The Eagles have reached the point the Vikings were at last week, which is "they can't keep on losing, right?" <B>PHI - 2</B>.</div> <bR> <div> STL at GB (-15.5). Too many points for me to turn town. <B>STL + 15.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NO (-4.5) at TB. As I said last week, the Saints giving points on the road rarely seems to work... <B>TB + 4.5</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK FIVE</B></div> <div> <B>10-9-11</B></div> <bR> <div> The comeback continues with a <B>3-2 </B>week, <B>10-10 </B>for the season so far...</div> <bR> <div> As for today:</div> <bR> <div> CIN at JAX (-3). The Mighty Bengals of Cincinnati (obligatory yearly <I>Sports Night </I>reference!) haven't been as horrible as I figured so far, so... <B>CIN + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NO (-6.5) at CAR. I love the Saints, but they have a tendency to flop as road favorites, and Newton could certainly light 'em up. <B>CAR + 6.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> AZ at MIN (-3). Seriously, the Vikings have to win sometime, right? <B>MIN -3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> KC at IND (-3). I know this is inconsistent with what I just said about the Vikings, but I don't think the Colts are ready to win, even against the Chiefs. <B>KC + 3</B>.</div> <bR> <div> CHI at DET (-6). The Bears have a nasty habit of winning when you least expect. That could be Monday night. <B>CHI + 6</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK FOUR</B></div> <div> <B>10-2-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Not a bad week 3... <B>4-1</B> for the week, <B>7-8 </B>for the season so far.</div> <bR> <div> MIN (-2) at KC. I would say to keep picking against the Vikings until they prove you wrong. <B>KC + 2</B>.</div> <bR> <div> TEN at CLE (Pick 'em). Coin toss? I'll take <B>CLE</B>.</div> <bR> <div> DET at DAL (-1). Are the Lions for real? Again, keep taking them until they prove you wrong. <B>DET + 1</B>.</div> <bR> <div> NYG (-1) at AZ, and</div> <bR> <div> NYJ at BAL (-4). The two New York teams look like good road picks to me. <B>NYG -1</B>, <B>NYJ + 4</B>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK THREE</B></div> <div> <B>9-25-11</B></div> <bR> <div> So, how am I doing so far??</div> <bR> <div> Not so good, actually. <B>2-3 </B>in the first week, and <B>1-4 </B>in week 2, for a season record of <B>3-7</B>. But it's a long season, let's try and get some of those games back this week...</div> <bR> <div> JAX at CAR (-3.5). The Panthers have the veteran leadership advantage here... Newton is making his third career start, Gabbert his first. Heh. <B>CAR - 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> MIA at CLE (-2.5). It really seems like the Dolphins should have won one by now, so... <B>MIA + 2.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> KC at SD (-14.5). Fourteen and a half points is a lot of points, that is all I will say. <B>KC + 14.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> BAL (-3.5) at STL. Trying to come up with a clever <I>Wire</I>-inspired line explaining why I'm going against the Ravens. Huh. Nothing's coming... <B>STL + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <div> AZ (-3.5) at SEA. Trying to come up with a <I>Killing</I>-related... Oh, never mind :) <B>SEA + 3.5</B>.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK TWO</B></div> <div> <B>9-18-11</B></div> <bR> <div> Very quickly... (forgot until now!)</div> <div> <B>SEA + 14.5</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>TB + 3</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>KC + 8</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>IND + 3</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>MIA + 3</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>WEEK ONE</B></div> <div> <B>9-11-11</B></div> <bR> <div> As usual, I am pressed for time this Sunday morning, so... here are my week 1 picks and formalities later!</div> <bR> <div> DET at TB (-1)... <B>TB - 1</B></div> <bR> <div> PIT at BAL (-1.5)... <B>BAL - 1.5</B></div> <bR> <div> BUF at KC (-5.5)... <B>BUF + 5.5</B></div> <bR> <div> TEN at JAX (-1)... <B>TEN + 1</B></div> <bR> <div> OAK at DEN (-3)... <B>DEN - 3</B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>