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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 2025-26 Against All Odds Champion?
It took three weeks, but yours truly finally had a winning week at 6-4.
The problem is, so did my dad.
For the season, dad is leading the way with a 17-13 record, good enough for a two game lead over me.
Both Pitt and Penn State are off this week, so we had to dig deep to find a few decent match-ups to play.
15-15 is nice, but play time is over, and it’s time to start building my record to being well over positive.
It will probably help not having Pitt their to screw me over or choke away a ten point lead.
Week 4
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/16/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, September 20th
#21 Michigan (2-1) at Nebraska (3-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Michigan -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Michigan | MJD: Michigan
Nebraska may not be ranked, but they’ll provide a tough road challenge for the Wolverines.
#22 Auburn (3-0) at #11 Oklahoma (3-0)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Oklahoma -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Oklahoma | MJD: Auburn
The Sooners are eager to shower they are for real, and a convincing win over Auburn will go a long way in proving that.
West Virginia (2-1) at Kansas (2-1)
Game Time: 6:00 PM
Vegas Line: Kansas -13.5
The Pick: MPD: Kansas | MJD: Kansas
There has to be a reason Kansas is a favorite by this much, and after coming back to beat Pitt, WVU will probably be in for a letdown after the emotional high they celebrated last week in Morgantown. Classic “Pitting” and choke job by Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers.
Florida (1-2) at #4 Miami (3-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Miami -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Miami
The Gators won’t be chomping on anything but the heels of the Hurricanes, who should stomp what life is left out of Florida this Saturday night.
Michigan State (3-0) at #25 USC (3-0)
Game Time: 11:00 PM
Vegas Line: USC -16.5
The Pick: MPD: USC | MJD: USC
Is Michigan State that bad despite being 3-0? Guess we’re gonna find out. I’m going with USC at home.
NFL
Thursday, September 18th
Miami (0-2) at Buffalo (2-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -12.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Buffalo
Buffalo is fresh off of beating the Jets into oblivion. The Dolphins will be their next victim. Josh Allen will put up much better Fantasy numbers against the pathetic defense Miami employs.
Sunday, September 21st
Pittsburgh (1-1) at New England (1-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
I’m probably crazy for taking this pick… is this a sucker bet with the Steelers being favored over New England despite their horrific loss last week? The Patriots give up a lot of yards on defense, and I see Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense bouncing back this Sunday.
Green Bay (2-0) at Cleveland (0-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Green Bay | MJD: Green Bay
The Browns be the Browns, and Green Bay…? They’re looking damn good right now. Get those bags ready to cover your heads, my sad Cleveland fans. Jordan Love and the Packers offense rolls.
GAME of the WEEK
LA Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -3.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: Philadelphia
Philadelphia had better find some offense if they want to go to 3-0. I like the Rams for the UPSET SPECIAL. Matt Stafford finds Puca Nacua twice and LA heads home at 3-0.
Dallas (1-1) at Chicago (0-2)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Chicago -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Dallas | MJD: Chicago
Dallas is exceeding expectations and the Bears… well, they continue to find ways to lose.
Against All Odds Results
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 17-13 — | (.566)
MPD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 15-15 -2 | (.500)
Against All Odds: NCAA/NFL Picks History
2025-26 Champion:
2024-25 Champion: MPD
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 6-5-1)
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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