Steelersforever.org
0
0
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?
It was a bounce back week for myself, and just another above average week for my dad, as I was able to procure an 8-2 record to his 6-4 record.
For the season, I am now at 50-30, good for a four game lead over my dad who comes in at 46-34.
This week, Pitt, Penn State, and WVU are all back in action, with Pitt playing an early week game on Thursday against Syracuse, so we figured, what the hell, lets add an NFL Thursday Night Football game, too!
Out of the ten games this week, me and dad are on opposite sides in just two games.
Week 9
Against All Odds Lines as of 10/22/2024
NCAA Football
Thursday, October 24th
Syracuse (5-1) at #19 Pitt (6-0)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Pitt -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Pitt | MJD: Pitt
The Panthers offense won’t falter for a 2nd game in a row, and even though the Orange have a pretty stout offense themselves behind Kyle McCord, it will be Eli Holstein and the Panthers who will prevail and improve to 7-0 on the season.
Saturday, October 25th
#12 Notre Dame (6-1) at #24 Navy (6-0)
Game Time: 12:00 PM | Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ.
Vegas Line: Notre Dame -12.5
The Pick: MPD: Navy | MJD: Notre Dame
Navy faces their toughest test of the season, and I think they will give Notre Dame everything they can handle, and keep this game close, if not steal one at MetLife Stadium.
West Virginia (3-4) at Arizona (3-4)
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Vegas Line: Arizona -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Arizona | MJD: Arizona
Pretty much a toss up game that could go any way, but my feeling is the Wildcats will find a way to win a close game at home. Neal Brown’s hot seat is getting hotter by the week.
#3 Penn State (6-0) at Wisconsin (5-2)
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Vegas Line: Penn State -6.5
The Pick: MPD: Penn State | MJD: Penn State
Not an easy game for Penn State, but the Nittany Lions should have enough offensive power to take down the Badgers by a touchdown.
#22 SMU (6-1) at Duke (6-1)
Game Time: 8:00 PM
Vegas Line: SMU -11.5
The Pick: MPD: SMU | MJD: Duke
Duke is out to prove their worth, but won’t be able keep up with the ranked Mustangs, who won’t get caught looking ahead, despite having a big game coming up next week at home vs Pitt.
NFL
Thursday, October 24th
Minnesota (5-1) at LA Rams (2-4)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Minnesota -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Minnesota | MJD: Minnesota
The Rams should have Cooper Kupp back, but overall, LA looks in disarray, and Minnesota should be able to do enough to win this game by a field goal.
Sunday, October 27th
Baltimore (5-2) at Cleveland (1-6)
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Vegas Line: Baltimore -8.5
The Pick: MPD: Baltimore | MJD: Baltimore
Baltimore’s offense looks unstoppable right now, and they get a Cleveland team that is falling faster than Wile E. Coyote off a cliff.
Chicago (4-2) at Washington (5-2)
Game Time: 4:25 PM
Vegas Line: Chicago -2.5
The Pick: MPD: Washington | MJD: Washington
It’s a good possibility that Commander’s QB Jayden Daniels misses this game, but I think Washington has enough left in the tank to take down Chicago by a field goal at home. Look for a big game out of Brian Robinson.
Dallas (3-3) at San Francisco (3-4)
Game Time: 8:20 PM
Vegas Line: San Francisco -4.5
The Pick: MPD: San Francisco | MJD: San Francisco
San Francisco is suffering injury after injury, but even while wounded, the 49ers will find a way to take down a faltering Dallas team that is coming off a 47-9 beating by Detroit two weeks ago.
Monday, October 28th
NY Giants (2-5) at Pittsburgh (5-2)
Game Time: 8:15 PM
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh -5.5
The Pick: MPD: Pittsburgh | MJD: Pittsburgh
The Steelers offense looked sharp with Russell Wilson under center, and now get a Giants team that is a complete mess. Pittsburgh always plays well in Prime Time, as the Jets found out last week. This time it’s the other New York’s turn to get a beat down.
Against All Odds Pick Results
MPD: Last Week: 8-2 | Overall: 50-30 —
MJD: Last Week: 6-4 | Overall: 46-34 -4
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!
-
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!
Latest entries
NFLDecember 13, 2025Pittsburgh Steelers vs Miami Dolphins GameDay Preview
BonusDecember 10, 2025Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks
NFLDecember 5, 2025Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens GameDay Preview
BonusDecember 2, 2025Against All Odds: NCAA and NFL Picks
About the Author
