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?
It’s been a sad week here in Pittsburgh with what was going to be a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
On Wednesday, the news broke that Steelers legend Franco Harris had passed, and celebration became days of memories of a great player and man who gave back to the city as much as it gave to him.
This week we’re just going with NFL games as just about every Bowl game this weekend completely sucks… so, we’ll get some good games in next week
Last week I was fortunate to go 7-3 to my dad’s 5-5, opening up a four game lead with an 81-69 record for the year.
We will always have great memories of #32, and we will all honor him this Christmas weekend as the Steelers face off against the Raiders tonight.
I’m very appreciative of each and every reader I have, and from my family to yours, may you have a very Merry Christmas.
Week 17
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/23/2022
NFL
Saturday, December 24th
Buffalo (11-3) at Chicago (3-11)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.
Vegas Line: Buffalo -8.5
The Pick: PSN: Chicago | MJD: Buffalo
Cold game, should see a lot of running I like a close game as usual with Buffalo, as been the case for a few weeks
New Orleans (5-9) at Cleveland (6-8)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.
Vegas Line: Cleveland -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Cleveland | MJD: Cleveland
The Browns and Nick Chubb should run all over the Saints.
Houston (1-12-1) at Tennessee (7-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN.
Vegas Line: Tennessee -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Tennessee | MJD: Tennessee
The Titans would be fools not to hand the ball to Derrick Henry 25 plus times.
Seattle (7-7) at Kansas City (11-3)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.
Vegas Line: Kansas City -9.5
The Pick: PSN: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
The Chiefs are due for a big game, especially with Seattle struggling lately.
Cincinnati (10-4) at New England (7-7)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA.
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: New England
Two teams headed in opposite directions. Bengals take the road victory.
Atlanta (5-9) at Baltimore (9-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD.
Vegas Line: Baltimore -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Atlanta | MJD: Baltimore
The Ravens can’t score so expect a close game and maybe a Falcons upset.
Washington (7-6-1) at San Francisco (10-4)
Game Time: 4:05 PM at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
Vegas Line: San Francisco -7.5
The Pick: PSN: Washington | MJD: Washington
Washington has been playing well. They may lose, but they’ll keep this under a touchdown.
Philadelphia (13-1) at Dallas (10-4)
Game Time: 4:25 PM at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
Vegas Line: Dallas -4.5
The Pick: PSN: Dallas | MJD: Philadelphia
Eagles will be missing Jalen Hurts. Dallas takes care of that opportunity.
Las Vegas (6-8) at Pittsburgh (6-8)
Game Time: 8:15 PM at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Steelers will not lose on a night that was meant to honor Franco Harris and the Immaculate Reception that happened 50 years ago.
Sunday, December 25th
Green Bay (6-8) at Miami (8-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.
Vegas Line: Miami -3.5
The Pick: PSN: Green Bay | MJD: Miami
Should be the best game of the week, but I like the Packers to shock Miami on the road.
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 81-69 .540 —
MJD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 77-73 .513 -4
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
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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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