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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’s crazy how fortunes can change in just a week.
Coming off a 3-7 record, dipping below .500 for the season, combined with the Steelers choking against the Browns, it was a time of reflection.
But Week 20 was a rise from the ashes, as the Steelers stunned the Ravens to win the AFC North, and I was able to have one of my best weeks, going 8-2, vaulting my dad, who had a two game lead over me, and now becoming the hunted once again, with a record of 102-98, to my dad’s 101-99.
16 games remain in the Against All Odds season, and it looks as if were gonna go down to the wire between me and my dad.
Wouldn’t have it any other way.
This week, we have the College Football Semifinals, and the NFL Wildcard Playoffs, which accounts for eight amazing games that will be played from Thursday night all the way till Monday night.
Today was a wonderful day spent with family and friends, as it was Serbian Orthodox Christmas.
So… Mir Bozi and Hristos Se Rodi!
Week 21
Against All Odds Lines as of 1/5/2026
NCAA Football Semifinals
Thursday, January 8th
Fiesta Bowl
#10 Miami (12-2) at #6 Ole Miss (13-1)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.
Vegas Line: Miami -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Miami | MJD: Miami
Ole Miss has one hell of an offense. Miami has one hell of a defense. Something is gonna have to break in this game. The advantage goes to the Hurricanes, who can also light up the scoreboard, scoring 31.6 points per game. The Canes will head to the National Championship with a convincing win over the Rebels.
Friday, January 9th
Peach Bowl
#5 Oregon (13-1) at #1 Indiana (14-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
Vegas Line: Indiana -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Indiana | MJD: Oregon
The Hoosiers won the first meeting up in Eugene by ten. This one might be closer, but Indiana will still cover and advance to the National Championship. Fernando Mendoza gets the job done again.
NFL Wildcard
Saturday, January 10th
#5 LA Rams (12-5) at #4 Carolina (8-9)
Game Time: 4:30 PM
Vegas Line: LA Rams -9.5
The Pick: MPD: LA Rams | MJD: LA Rams
Carolina stunned the Rams earlier this season. They won’t be as fortunate this time around. Puka Nacua and LA roll in this one.
#7 Green Bay (9-7-1) at #2 Chicago (11-6)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Chicago -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Chicago | MJD: Green Bay
A great rivalry resumes in the playoffs. If the Packers had a fully healthy team, I’d probably be going with them, but I think the Bears will be just efficient enough to pull this one out by a field goal.
Sunday, January 1th
#6 Buffalo (12-5) at #3 Jacksonville (13-4)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Buffalo -1.5
The Pick: MPD: Jacksonville | MJD: Buffalo
Buffalo and Josh Allen finally get a playoffs without Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Lamar Jackson, but unfortunately for them, the end result will be what could have been. Trevor Lawrence and the Jags are playing pretty good right now, and they’ll keep that momentum going by sending the Bills to an early playoff exit.
#6 San Francisco (12-5) at #3 Philadelphia (11-6)
Game Time: 4:30 PM
Vegas Line: Philadelphia -4.5
The Pick: MPD: San Francisco | MJD: Philadelphia
Two teams that can be capable of great play, or wanting to pull your hair out figuring out why they are playing so badly.
I think Christian McCaffrey is going to put the 49ers on his back and stun the Eagles at home here.
#7 LA Chargers (11-6) at #2 New England (14-3)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: New England -3.5
The Pick: MPD: New England | MJD: New England
This should be a game that comes down to the 4th quarter. Drake Maye is playing like a MVP, but he might have some nerves in his first playoff game. The Chargers have plenty of talent, but also have some key guys missing. Ultimately, the injuries to LA’s offensive line will be the factor in the Patriots squeezing out a close victory.
Monday, January 12th
#5 Houston (12-5) at #4 Pittsburgh (10-7)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: Houston -3.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers will enter this game pretty much at full strength. Not many teams have that luxury this time of year. As awesome as the Texans defense is, I can see Aaron Rodgers and the offense finding enough plays to pull off the “upset” at home on Monday night. The Pittsburgh defense will take advantage of a poor Houston offensive line and create a few turnovers for the offense to convert into points. Let’s not forget about the Steelers, who have won 23 straight Monday Night games at home.
Against All Odds Results
MPD: Last Week: 8-2 | Overall: 102-98 — | (.510)
MJD: Last Week: 5-5 | Overall: 101-99 -1 | (.505)
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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