Are you a degenerate gambler? Perhaps you’re someone who picks games against the spread just for fun and to see how smart you really aren’t? If this describes you, or if you just like to be entertained by a crazy sports columnist, you’re in luck, because you’ve stumbled across Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks, a weekly post from the start of the football season, all the way to the Super Bowl, where me, Mike Drakulich (PSN), the man behind Pittsburgh SportsNation, takes on my father, Michael J. Drakulich (MJD), in picking NCAA and NFL games against the Vegas line! Check out the Draftkings welcome offer to see how you can win big and find many bonuses.
I cover both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers during the season for the fabulous NGSCSports.com!
Normally, we always include the local teams here in Western Pennsylvania, which are Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, and the Pittsburgh Steelers among our weekly picks. This gives me the chance to take shots at the opposing teams I really dislike, enraging certain readers, and adding delight to my busy weekends.
All in all, both my dad and I are pretty good at picking these games, but don’t take our word for it. You’re on your own when you place your bets, so don’t blame us if you lose… but you can share your winnings with us if you wish.
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 2021-22 Against All Odds Champion?
Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks
Week 18
It’s been a rough stretch… pretty much what ever way I go with a pick, the exact opposite occurs. The NFL has become a madhouse, and honestly, I miss the old days of 16 game seasons and just six teams in the playoffs.
What I see now is a watered down product thanks to endless injuries and ridiculous Covid protocols.
Where I was one nearly 20 games .500 now sees me at 84-86… sub .500… and trailing my dad by six games, as he has a pretty good record at 90-80. It’s looking like he’s going for four straight championships in Against All Odds as I have to make those six games up with just 13 games left.
Against All Odds Lines as of 1/13/2022
NFL Super Wild Card Weekend
Saturday, January 15th
#5 Las Vegas Raiders (10-7) at #4 Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Game Time: 4:30 PM at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -5.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Las Vegas
There have been more sightings of a coherent Joe Biden in 2021 than there has been playoff wins the past three decades in Cincinnati. Most living Bengal fans have never felt the thrill of victory, but… all that misery may come to and end this Saturday at Paul Brown Stadium. Most first time QB’s in the playoffs don’t fare well in gameplay, but you can’t help but like what you see out of Joe Burrow and his young receiver in Ja’Marr Chase. Let’s not forget this is Derek Carr’s first playoff game, too.
I like the Bengals to not Bungle…
#6 New England Patriots (10-7) at #3 Buffalo Bills (11-6)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Buffalo | MJD: New England
Should be plenty fun in Orchard Park Saturday night, as it should be around five degrees at kickoff. At that time, I’ll be enjoying Serbian New Year’s Eve party with a few Bills fans probably in attendance… let’s hope they are drinking because of crazy friends and not because of a close game vs a hated team in New England.
Sunday, January 16th
#7 Philadelphia Eagles (9-8) at #2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL.
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Philadelphia | MJD: Philadelphia
The Eagles run the ball as good as anyone, and if they are smart, they will use that to their advantage and try to shorten this game. I doubt Philly can pull off the upset vs Tom Brady, but with #12 missing WR’s Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown, the Bucs may not have the firepower to make this cover.
In fact, I’m guaranteeing they won’t. Bucs win but do not cover.
#6 San Francisco 49ers (10-7) at #3 Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
Game Time: 4:30 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Dallas | MJD: Dallas
Dallas just butchered the Eagles last week and seem to be trending upwards… but, everyone in the sports world seems to be expecting an upset here.
I’m not sure what the hell they are thinking, but as much as I despise the Cowboys, I see Dak Prescott and his offense powering past the 49ers by maybe a touchdown or more.
#7 Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7-1) at #2 Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Vegas Line: Kansas City -13.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Understand this… this is NOT the same Steelers team you watched on December 26th in Kansas City. This game will be different. Pittsburgh and Ben Roethlisberger may not pull this out, but they are going to give the Chiefs everything they can handle before #7 walks off the field for the final time.
Monday, January 17th
#5 Arizona Cardinals (11-6) at #4 LA Rams (12-5)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Vegas Line: LA Rams -4.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Every time I start believing in the Rams to do great things, they have a huge step backwards.
They won’t let me down again, will they?
Against All Odds Pick Results
MJD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 90-80 — (.529)
PSN: Last Week: 2-8 | Overall: 84-86 -6 (.494)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2021 Champion:
2020 Champion: MJD
2019 Champion: MJD
2018 Champion: MJD
2017 Champion: PSN
2016 Champion: MJD
2015 Champion: MJD
2014 Champion: PSN
2013 Champion: PSN
(MJD leads series 5-3)
Author Profile
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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!
