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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?
21 weeks have been entered into the books, and finally, after a four year run by my dad, I have found a way to win the Against All Odds Title for 2022-23, as I have a four game lead with just three games left in the season.
For the overall series, dad still leads six games to four, so I still have a long time to go before I either tie or take the lead from him. Yea, sure.
We have two great games with the AFC and NFC Championships on Sunday, so now it’s just time to get as good a record for both of us.
Catch you all in two weeks for the Super Bowl!
Week 22
Against All Odds Lines as of 1/26/2023
Sunday, January 29th
NFC Championship Game
#2 San Francisco 49ers (13-4) at #1 Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Game Time: 3:00 PM at Lincoln Financial Stadium, Philadelphia, PA.
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -2.5
The Pick: PSN: Philadelphia | MJD: Philadelphia
Philadelphia has the 3rd ranked offense, and they face the top overall defense in San Francisco. Jalen Hurts has plenty of talent around him, with A.J. Brown and Devonte Smith at wide receiver, Dallas Goedert at tight end, and Miles Sanders at running back. The Eagles defense is potent as well, snatching up the opposing QB 69 times this year.
49ers QB Brock Purdy, who was Mr. Irrelevant, has turned heads with his poise throughout his run through the regular season and playoffs. Certainly helps to have a competent offensive system employed by head coach Kyle Shanahan. Purdy has his weapons as well, with Christian McCaffrey at running back, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at WR, and George Kittle at TE.
This game may be higher scoring than expected, possibly with a turnover that is a back breaker for the losing team. Expect a back and forth affair, with the Eagles heading to the Super bowl when the dust settles.
AFC Championship Game
#3 Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) at #1 Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Game Time: 6:30 PM at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO.
Vegas Line: Kansas City -1.5
The Pick: PSN: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
Per reports on Friday, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went through a full practice and looks pretty good despite the ankle he had rolled up on in Kansas City’s victory over Jacksonville. The Chiefs main weapon is a no brainer in Travis Kelce, but good luck in neutralizing him. Holmes also has a bevy of receivers in Juju Smith-Schuster, Kadarius Toney, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, with Isaiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon toting the rock in the backfield. Pacheco has gotten better each week.
The Bengals are stocked on offense with Joe Burrow at QB, Joe Mixon running the ball, and a trio of receivers in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Hayden Hurst has become a reliable target at tight end.
I like a high scoring contest with the Bengals breaking the hearts of Chiefs fans for the 4th consecutive game in a row.
In two weeks, it will be the Bengals and Eagles facing off in the Super Bowl. God help us all in Pittsburgh…
Against All Odds Pick Results
PSN: Last Week: 2-2 | Overall: 100-90 .526 —
MJD: Last Week: 1-3 | Overall: 96-94 .505 -4
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2022-23 Champion: PSN
2021-22 Champion: MJD
2020-21 Champion: MJD
2019-20 Champion: MJD
2018-19 Champion: MJD
2017-18 Champion: PSN
2016-17 Champion: MJD
2015-16 Champion: MJD
2014-15 Champion: PSN
2013-14 Champion: PSN
(MJD leads series 6-4)
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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