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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 first ever 12-team College Football Playoffs are set to begin this weekend, and several battles for playoff positioning will be fought for in the NFL, as we head into Week 17 in the Against All Odds season.
Previously, I was able to conjure up a decent 6-4 record, while my dad had his first bad outing in over a month at 4-6.
With just seven weeks left, I’ve been fortunate enough to build a three game lead, with an excelent record of 96-63, to his 93-66.
Out of ten games, we disagree on just one, so let’s see what we have on tap for your entertainment.
Week 17
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/18/2024
NCAA College Football Playoffs
Friday, December 20th
#10 Indiana (11-1) at #7 Notre Dame (11-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Notre Dame | MJD: Notre Dame
An interstate battle that should see the Irish taking care of business at home at the fabled Notre Dame Stadium. The superb season by the Hoosiers will run out of luck Friday night.
Saturday, December 21st
#11 SMU (11-2) at #6 Penn State (11-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -8.5
The Pick: MPD: SMU | MJD: SMU
Word is the Turnstile Champions are having a hard time selling this game out? Say what? Many in the Penn State fan base are feeling like this is going to be a cakewalk, but they’ll soon find out about the speed and athleticism that the Mustangs display on the gridiron. Can James Franklin finally win a game that counts?
#12 Clemson (10-3) at #5 Texas (11-2)
Game Time: 4:00 PM
Vegas Line: Texas -12.5
The Pick: MPD: Clemson | MJD: Clemson
Texas is a pretty damn good team, but being favored by this much over Clemson is a bit silly. I doubt the Tigers can pull off the upset, but it’s hard to fathom them being blown away under Dabo Swinney. The Longhorns win, but by less than a touchdown.
#9 Tennessee (10-2) at #8 Ohio State (10-2)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Ohio State -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Tennessee | MJD: Ohio State
Like James Franklin at PSU, Ryan Day’s ass could be on the line if somehow the Buckeyes lose this game at home, especially after their shocking (not) loss to Michigan where they were favored by nearly three touchdowns. That game was like taking candy from a baby for me, and I foresee another W in my column when the Vols easily cover this spread, if not win outright.
NFL
Saturday, December 21st
Pittsburgh (10-4) at Baltimore (9-5)
Game Time: 4:30 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
Though the Steelers will be without George Pickens and DeShon Elliot, it’s hard to envision Pittsburgh not keeping this game within a field goal, if not stunning the Ravens yet again and leaving M&T Bank Stadium with the AFC North Championship.
Sunday, December 22nd
LA Rams (8-6) at NY Jets (4-10)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -3.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
The Rams are trending towards a NFC West title if they can take care of the lowly Jets. I like their chances.
Philadelphia (12-2) at Washington (9-5)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Philadelphia | MJD: Philadelphia
It will be a tough game on the road for the Eagles, but they should have enough offense and plenty on defense to make the cover against a tough Washington team that is about a year away from making some noise.
Minnesota (12-2) at Seattle (8-6)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: Minnesota -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Minnesota | MJD: Minnesota
The Vikings keep their winning ways going at the expense of the very average Seahawks.
New England (3-11) at Buffalo (11-3)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -13.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Josh Allen and the Bills should have no problem in clobbering the hapless Patriots, and maybe employ some defense that has been on a milk carton the past few games.
Tampa Bay (8-6) at Dallas (6-8)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Tampa Bay | MJD: Tampa Bay
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are marching towards a NFC South division title, and the Cowboys will offer little resistance in stopping them.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 96-64 — (.600)
MJD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 93-67 -3 (.581)
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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