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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?
For the second week in a row, a strong start was met with a collapse. At least last week, I was able to go 6-4 despite losing the last three games we picked, but Sunday and the NFL was an all out assault on me. I could only laugh watching the LA Rams needing to either make or miss their last second field goal attempt against Philadelphia and I would win the game. Instead the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown and ended up with a loss.
The Cowboys, Packers, and Bills also aided in sticking it to me.
Dad took full advantage, going 6-4, and extending his lead over me to three games, with a record of 23-17.
Perhaps this will be the week I can break out and chip into his lead.
Week 5
Against All Odds Lines as of 9/24/2025
NCAA Football
Saturday, September 27th
Louisville (3-0) at Pitt (2-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Louisville -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Louisville
I fully expect Pitt to lose this game after their epic collapse to the Mountaineers two weeks ago, a WVU team that was slaughtered by Kansas last week. I dare this team to prove me wrong, but how can I have any confidence in this team after losing to WVU? This time the Panthers will break their fan’s hearts by giving up a late game score to Louisville, losing the game, but barely making the cover.
#22 Notre Dame (1-2) at Arkansas (2-2)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -4.5
The Pick: MPD: Notre Dame | MJD: Notre Dame
Notre Dame has some catching up to do if they intend to weasel their way back into the College Football Playoffs, and going on the road to Arkansas and covering the spread will help out in that cause.
Utah (3-1) at WVU (2-2)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Utah -12.5
The Pick: MPD: Utah | MJD: WVU
Kansas rock, chalked, Jayhawked the living life out of the Mountaineers last week, and now it’s the Utes turn to lay the wood to WVU.
#6 Oregon (4-0) at #3 Penn State (3-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Oregon | MJD: Oregon
Here we go again… After a cupcake schedule, Penn State has yet another chance to prove to the world that they are for real. Normally, when the boogeyman visits the Nittany Lions (like Ohio State or Michigan), James Franklin and his teams usually fold quicker than the circus tents on Sunday evening.
This week the Oregon Ducks visit the Turnstile Champions and they’ll leave Beaver Stadium with their 108-thousand strong as quiet as one of their men’s home basketball games late Saturday night. Quack!!!
#17 Alabama (2-1) at #5 Georgia (3-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Georgia -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Georgia | MJD: Alabama
The Dawgs should be able to keep the Tide at bay, especially at home.
NFL
Sunday, September 28th
Minnesota (2-1) at Pittsburgh (2-1)
Game Time: 9:30 PM
Vegas Line: Minnesota -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Minnesota
Anyone have any idea on what Steelers team we’ll see on Sunday in Ireland? The good news is, as of Wednesday, it looks like several defensive starters will return for Pittsburgh. If the offensive line can give Aaron Rodgers some time to throw, the Steelers passing game might actually open up some lanes for the ground game to flourish against a weak run defense displayed by the Vikings. Steelers aren’t going to lose to Carson Wentz, and the Vikings are gonna find out Pittsburgh’s defense ain’t Cincinnati’s.
Washington (2-1) at Atlanta (1-2)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Washington -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Washington | MJD: Washington
Jayden Daniels might be back, but even if he isn’t, I expect the Commanders to handle the Falcons who are coming off an awful 30-0 loss to Carolina.
Cleveland (1-2) at Detroit (2-1)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -8.5
The Pick: MPD: Detroit | MJD: Detroit
Green Bay took Cleveland lightly. The Lions won’t.
GAME of the WEEK
Philadelphia (3-0) at Tampa Bay (3-0)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Philadelphia | MJD: Tampa Bay
The Eagles stormed back to shock the Rams last week, and they’ll continue rolling against a Tampa team that is beyond lucky to be 3-0.
Indianapolis (3-0) at LA Rams (2-1)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -3.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
The Rams bounce back after blowing a 26-7 lead to Philadelphia last week.
Against All Odds Results
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 23-17 — | (.575)
MPD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 20-20 -3 | (.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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