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Anyone can pick the winners of football games. It’s a different animal when you are choosing against the Vegas odds. Here, my dad, Michael J. Drakulich (MJD), and I, Mike Drakulich (PSN), put our money where our mouths are weekly, in Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks! From the opening weekend of the NCAA football season through the Super Bowl, I take on my father in picking NCAA and NFL games against the Vegas Odds.
I cover both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers during the season for NGSCSports.com!
To appease the taste buds of Pittsburgh’s local coverage area, Pitt, Penn State, and West Virginia, when they are playing, will always be on the docket among the NCAA games chosen, as will the Pittsburgh Steelers for NFL games.
Once Bowl Season arrives, we’ll bring you the best five Bowl games of the week and then continue throughout the conclusion of the NFL Playoffs.
Itchy vs Scratchy. Black Spy vs White Spy. Cheers vs Gary’s Old Towne Tavern. History is full of rivalries, but none are better than father vs son! Who will rise above the other this season and become the 2019-20 Against All Odds Champion?
All good things must end… well, at least until next September. The culmination of the Against All Odds season finishes up with Super Bowl LIV.
For the 4th time in five years, my dad has outdone me again, and will finish with a record that is as good as any expert you’ll find while scouring the internet.
It’s always fun, matching wits, and tossing in a few zingers against the rivals of my favorite teams in Pitt and the Steelers.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along all year! See you all in September!
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks
Lines as of 2/1/2020
NFL
Sunday, February 2nd
Super Bowl LIV
Kansas City Chiefs (14-4) vs San Francisco 49ers (15-3)
Game Time: 6:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Line: Kansas City -1.5
Pick: PSN: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
How will it all end? Will the unstoppable offense overcome the immovable defense?
The high powered offense of the Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, is set to bring a championship to the starved citizens from KC for the first time since January 11th, 1970 when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. Mahomes threw for 4,031 yards with 26 TD’s and just five picks.
KC has a multitude of weapons to play with, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman, tight end Travis Kelce, as well as running backs Damien Williams, and Shady McCoy.
The Chiefs defense ranked 7th in points allowed, giving up 19.3 points per game. They were 17th in total defense, but were 26th in rushing defense, allowing 128.2 yards per game.
The San Francisco 49ers are powered by an elite defense and a superb running game led by Raheem Mostert, who was the Niners third choice at RB to begin the season. Mostert ran for 772 yards and eight touchdowns, while catching 14 passes for 180 yards and two more scores.
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t Aaron Rodgers, but he is efficient. He passed for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His favorite target is tight end George Kittle who caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and five scores. Garoppolo also has Deebo Samuel, Manny Sanders, and Kendrick Bourne at his disposal at wideout.
It’s the Super Bowl, and the nerves will be out in full force. I see a feeling out process in the first quarter that should lead to a tight game. Perhaps around the 2nd quarter, when both teams start to get a feel for another, this game will start to open up, and then it will come down to who makes the least mistakes and who finds the resolve to overcome all adversity.
I have gone against the 49ers all season, doubting them at every turn, but they have me as a big believer right now. I would not be surprised if they stand alone at the end of this game, but my feeling tells me that this year belongs to the Chiefs and Mahomes.
I like the Chiefs to win 27-21.
Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 1-1 | Overall: 103-89 — .536
PSN: Last Week: 1-1 | Overall: 99-93 -4 .515
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2019 Champion: MJD
2018 Champion: MJD
2017 Champion: PSN
2016 Champion: MJD
2015 Champion: MJD
2014 Champion: PSN
2013 Champion: PSN
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
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From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.
There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!
As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.
For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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