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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. Pepsi vs Coke. 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 2022-23 Against All Odds Champion?
Like the Pittsburgh’s level of play vs the Ravens, it was an ugly weekend for both the Steelers and the Drakulich’s, as I posted a paltry 4-6 record to my dad’s 3-7 nightmare.
The silver lining in the clouds was gaining a game in the standings, which stands at two as we head into Bowl Season.
Some boring games on tap to start, so just two college games that had any real intrigue.
We’ll up that next week as better games come along.
Week 16
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/14/2022
NCAA
Saturday, December 17th
Fenway Bowl
Cincinnati (9-3) at Louisville (7-5)
Game Time: 11:00 AM at Fenway Stadium, Boston, MA
Vegas Line: Louisville -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Louisville | MJD: Louisville
I’ll take the tougher ACC schedule faced by Louisville than what Cincinnati went up against. The Bearcats will be down after expecting to be in a better Bowl and the Cardinals will be looking to go into the off-season with some momentum.
Las Vegas Bowl
Florida (6-6) at #14 Oregon State (9-3)
Game Time: 2:30 PM at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV.
Vegas Line: Oregon State -10.5
The Pick: PSN: Oregon State | MJD: Oregon State
Oregon State and the PAC 12 with a good shot to bury a down Florida team that usually is one of the top contenders in the SEC.
NFL
Saturday, December 17th
Indianapolis (4-8-1) at Minnesota (10-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN.
Vegas Line: Minnesota -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Minnesota | MJD: Minnesota
Good game for Minnesota to get their game on track. Despite the 10-3 record, there are some big question marks about the Vikings. A solid win here would ease some doubts.
Baltimore (9-4) at Cleveland (5-8)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.
Vegas Line: Cleveland -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Cleveland
Big opportunity for the Browns to pounce upon a limping Ravens team. Nick Chubb should have a big day if Cleveland chooses to utilize him as he should be.
Miami (8-5) at Buffalo (10-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Miami | MJD: Buffalo
Been getting screwed over by the Bills the past few weeks by them not covering the spread… the Fish took Buffalo down in Miami in the first meeting, and will give the Bills all they can handle in the rematch.
Sunday, December 18th
Pittsburgh (5-8) at Carolina (5-8)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
Vegas Line: Carolina -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Have no idea what to expect from the Steelers from week to week. Somehow they’ll find a way to win here…
Philadelphia (12-1) at Chicago (3-10)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Philadephia | MJD: Philadephia
The high flying Eagles should win in a shootout vs Justin Fields and the Bears.
Detroit (6-7) at NY Jets (7-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: NY Jets -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Detroit | MJD: NY Jets
Suddenly, the Lions are playing pretty well, and the Jets not so much. Detroit gets back to .500 after this game ends.
Dallas (10-3) at Jacksonville (5-8)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at TIAA Bank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL.
Vegas Line: Dallas -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Dallas | MJD: Dallas
Dallas had some trouble with Houston last week, but should bounce back with a big game vs the Jaguars.
Tennessee (7-6) at LA Chargers (7-6)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Vegas Line: LA Chargers -2.5
The Pick: PSN: LA Chargers | MJD: LA Chargers
I had been riding the Titans bandwagon for awhile, but Tennessee has forgotten how to use Derrick Henry and to win games to boot. The Chargers win and up their chances at a Wild Card spot.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 74-66 .529 —
MJD: Last Week: 3-7 | Overall: 72-68 .514 -2
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2021 Champion: MJD
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 6-3)
Author Profile
- Your source for Pittsburgh sports!
-
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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