
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?
Three games are left in the Against All Odds season, and we have a pair of barn-burners awaiting this upcoming weekend with the NFC and AFC Conference Championship Games.
Last week I went 3-2, just missing out on clinching the Odds Championship when Notre Dame gave up a late field goal to Ohio State to give them the cover, and my dad a 4-1 week.
So, it’s down to the wire, with me having a two game lead with a record of 117-86 to his 115-88.
Out of the two games in Week 22, we are split on the winner, so… if Philadelphia does take care of business for my dad, then he can tie me by beating me in Super Bowl LIX– if he chooses to go against me… or concedes and goes for the best record possible 🙂
Catch you in two weeks for the season finale of Against All Odds and the preview for Super Bowl LIX.
Be on the lookout for my weekly Commentaries returning soon, with my views and opinions on the happenings in Pittsburgh sports and whatever else crosses my mind.
Week 22
Against All Odds Lines as of 1/23/2025
NFL
Sunday, January 25th
NFC Championship
#6 Washington (14-5) at #2 Philadelphia (16-3)
Game Time: 3:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Washington | MJD: Philadelphia
As good as Philadelphia is behind their physical defense and an offense featuring Jalen Hurts at quarterback, the league’s leading rusher in Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and DeVonte Smith forming a dynamic duo at wide receiver, and topped off by tight end Dallas Goedert… there is just something about Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels.
He has that “It” factor.
I certainly expected the Commanders to cover the spread last week against Detroit, what I did see was them carving up the Lions by 14 points.
Daniels has his own weapons, too. With Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler at running back, and Terry McLaurin leading a receiver corps with up and coming players like Dyami Brown, as well as Zach Ertz at tight end, this Washington team is as dangerous as it gets.
Everyone is looking forward to Chiefs vs Bills, but this game is going to be as good, if not better,
I like Washington to not only cover, but pull off the upset and send the hostile Eagles crowd into dead silence as they leave Lincoln Financial Field Saturday evening.
AFC Championship
#2 Buffalo (15-4) at #1 Kansas City (16-2)
Game Time: 6:30 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas City -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
I’m pretty sure everyone outside of Kansas City is pulling for Buffalo here.
Honestly, the world has had enough of the Chiefs with the endless shots of Taylor Swift after every play, the preferential treatment given each week by the referees, and seeing the faces of Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce during just about every commercial break.
Josh Allen, just like Jayden Daniels, is just THAT guy, and he’s put this team on his back since the start of the season, and I don’t see it ending here short of the Super Bowl.
Expect a shootout, kinda like the last time these two met earlier this season in which Buffalo prevailed 30-21.
That’s right, you heard… or should I say read it right here… it will be Washington vs Buffalo in Super Bowl LIX.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 3-2 | Overall: 117-86 — | (.576)
MJD: Last Week: 4-1 | Overall: 115-88 -2 | (.566)
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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