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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 minded 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 (MPD), 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 2024-25 Against All Odds Champion?
The good times keep rolling along!
A 7-3 week, by yours truly, was good enough to gain a game on my dad, who was right behind me at 6-4.
For the season, I’m now at 90-60, to his 59-61… and if you’re paying attention, those numbers are good as anyone in the country.
This week we get treated to the always amazing Army-Navy Game, which will be played at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. I would love to see this game be played at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh one of these years.
With just one college game, we bump up to nine NFL games this session, as we’re one week away from the College Football Playoffs beginning, and the only true “Bowl” games worth betting on.
Out of the ten games, dad and I differ on four, so the standings could change in a hurry come next article.
Week 16
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/11/2024
NCAA Football
Saturday, December 14th
Navy (8-3) at #22 Army (11-1)
Game Time: 3:00 PM | Venue: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD.
Vegas Line: Army -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Army | MJD: Navy
Other than watching Pitt and Michigan, this is always one of my favorite games of the year… Army-Navy!
As much as I would like to go with my little bro Joe’s Midshipmen this year, it’s hard to see Navy keeping up with an Army team that has been dominant all season long, especially with the Black Knights having the 11th best defense in the country, allowing just 15 points a game. Army rolls in this one.
NFL
Sunday, December 15th
Kansas City (12-1) at Cleveland (3-10)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas City -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas City | MJD: Kansas City
Kansas City has been the king of winning one score games all season, and that trend will continue this week. I think the Chiefs can manage to win this game by at least six.
Cincinnati (5-8) at Tennessee (3-10)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Cincinnati -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Cincinnati | MJD: Cincinnati
The Bengals and Joe Burrow are coming off a tough victory over Dallas and look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a win over a terrible Titans team.
Baltimore (8-5) at NY Giants (2-11)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -14.5
The Pick: MPD: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
The Ravens get a nice warm-up game before their showdown with the Steelers next week. This one should be over by halftime.
Miami (6-7) at Houston (8-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Houston | MJD: Miami
Miami has looked better with Tua back, but I think Houston will finally put together a strong game and take care of business in this one, especially just needing to win by a field goal.
Indianapolis (6-7) at Denver (8-5)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Denver -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Denver | MJD: Indianapolis
The Broncos will have to keep their level of play up to keep their position secured in the AFC playoffs. I like their chances against a subpar Colts team.
Buffalo (10-3) at Detroit (12-1)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: Detroit
Aside from Steelers at Eagles, this will be the best game of the week. Buffalo faces the possibility of dropping their second straight game, as they are going up against the best team in the league in Detroit. Lions win this one with a walk-off field goal.
Tampa Bay (7-6) at LA Chargers (8-5)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: LA Chargers -3.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Chargers | MJD: LA Chargers
I was tempted to go with the Bucs here, but I really like what I am seeing from the Chargers late in the season, who should’ve won their game against KC last week.
Pittsburgh (10-3) at Philadelphia (11-2)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Expect a rock fight in this one, which is right in Mike Tomlin’s wheelhouse. Even with the expected absence of George Pickens, I like the Steelers to keep Saquon Barkley under wraps and shock the Eagles with their first win in Philadelphia since 1965.
Green Bay (9-4) at Seattle (8-5)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Green Bay | MJD: Seattle
Another great game that we get treated to late Sunday night… I think the Packers will be primed to bounce back after a tough loss to Detroit last week, even in Seattle where the Seahawks are tough to beat.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 7-3 | Overall: 90-60 — (.600)
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 89-61 -1 (.593)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2024-25 Champion:
2023-24 Champion: MPD & MJD
2022-23 Champion: MPD
2021-22 Champion: MJD
2020-21 Champion: MJD
2019-20 Champion: MJD
2018-19 Champion: MJD
2017-18 Champion: MPD
2016-17 Champion: MJD
2015-16 Champion: MJD
2014-15 Champion: MPD
2013-14 Champion: MPD
(MJD leads series 6-4-1)
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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