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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?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had two weeks in a row of success.
The same cannot be said of me.
A brutal week of 4-6 now has me two full games behind my dad, who went 5-5.
For the year he now has a record of 87-83, to my 85-85.
One again I decided to stupidly change my picks at the last moment, that going with Las Vegas, Green Bay, and New England. From here on out, I’m going with what my gut tells me right off the bat.
Week 18
Against All Odds Lines as of 12/17/2025
NCAA Football
Friday, December 19th
#9 Alabama (10-3) at #8 Oklahoma (10-2)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Oklahoma -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Oklahoma | MJD: Oklahoma
The Sooners have the better offense, and playing at home certainly helps
Saturday, December 20th
#10 Miami (10-2) at #7 Texas A&M (11-1)
Game Time: 12:00 PM
Vegas Line: Texas A&M -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Miami
The U is being overlooked because of ACC bias, and Texas A&M is going to be the victim of an angry and motivated Hurricanes team.
#20 Tulane (11-2) at #6 Ole Miss (11-1)
Game Time: 3:30 PM
Vegas Line: Ole Miss -17.5
The Pick: MPD: Ole Miss | MJD: Ole Miss
This will be example #1 on why teams like Tulane don’t belong here over Notre Dame. Ole Miss rolls.
#24 James Madison (12-1) at #5 Oregon (11-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Oregon -20.5
The Pick: MPD: Oregon | MJD: Oregon
Example #2 on why teams like James Madison shouldn’t be in this field. Oregon is gonna carve this team up.
NFL
Saturday, December 20th
Philadelphia (9-5) at Washington (4-10)
Game Time: 5:00 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Philadelphia | MJD: Philadelphia
With Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels out and the Eagles finding their offense last week against the Raiders, it’s probably going to be a long day for Washington.
Green Bay (9-4-1) at Chicago (10-4)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Green Bay -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Chicago | MJD: Green Bay
The Bears play well at home, and now Green Bay will head to their rivals house minus Micah Parsons. Da Bears take care of business, and control of the NFC North division.
Sunday, December 21st
Buffalo (10-4) at Cleveland (3-11)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -9.5
The Pick: MPD: Buffalo | MJD: Cleveland
Josh Allen is a human cheat code, and the Browns will be lucky to keep this game within two touchdowns, if not three.
Jacksonville (10-4) at Denver (12-2)
Game Time: 4:05 PM
Vegas Line: Denver -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Denver | MJD: Denver
The Broncos defend Mile High and take Jacksonville’s confidence down a notch this Sunday evening.
Pittsburgh (8-6) at Detroit (8-6)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Detroit -7.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers have won two in a row, and with a win here, can really prove they are a legit contender in the AFC. To hell with defense this game, this one will be Aaron Rodgers trying to outscore Jared Goff.
New England (11-3) at Baltimore (7-7)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -3.5
The Pick: MPD: New England | MJD: New England
Baltimore had a nice bounce back game against the Bengals, but can they do it again vs New England, who will be bitter after blowing a three touchdown lead against Buffalo last week, and a chance to secure the AFC East crown.
Against All Odds Results
MJD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 87-83 — | (.512)
MPD: Last Week: 4-6 | Overall: 85-85 -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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