Pink Slip Monday

Editors Notes: A couple of things we would like to let everyone know about:

1. We are switching to a different host for our podcasts to increase the speed of downloading for everyone.  The site we currently use is just too slow for us, and if we’re getting frustrated, I can’t imagine the frustration for someone that is interested in hearing one of our shows.

2. We are no longer going to embed the audio file right here on our site.  Again, it’s just too slow.  It could sit there and buffer FOR-EV-ER and that does nothing but drive people away.  Instead, we’re going to give you a multitude of options:

• Provide you a link to the site that actually hosts the podcast – which has a very fast player right on it.
• Give you a link to download our podcasts directly to your computer.
• Present you the opportunity to subscribe to our podcast via itunes.

Now – back to your regularly scheduled programming…

It happens every year. If there were Monday Night Football in Week 17, it would be called Black Tuesday (not to be confused with the day the Great Depression began). Less than 12 hours after the last snap of the regular season, NFL head coaches get a call early in the morning informing them that they can reset the alarm clock and sleep in a few extra hours…because they’re out of job.

That’s precisely what we’re talking about in Episode 5 of the TOUTS Network Podcast. Four coaches fired already, a couple more that probably will, and some big names waiting in the wings to take a stab at a major job (Bill Cowher).

Oh, and we’re fairly positive that the firing of Mike Shanahan (picture below) is going to be the most talked about firing among fantasy team owners in the history of FFL.

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And fantasy owners rejoice! No more revolving door of running backs in Denver!

Merry Yankee Christmas

Not only did Justin win our fantasy football league crown (thanks to something like 12 touchdowns by Deangelo Williams during our playoffs), but the Steinbrenners gave him and the rest of Yankee nation a $180 million gift in the form of Mark Teixeira – the premier hitter/defender on the free agent market.

A lot of people were upset about the signing because the Bronx Bombers have now spent nearly $425 million dollars in this off-season during a economic recession.  Justin and I discuss that, salary caps, and why everything is the Yankees fault in Episode 4.

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Race For The Jersey – Week 17 Picks

Here are the Week 17 Picks for J and myself. As you notice – I crept ever-so-much-closer to not having to wear a Patrick Willis jersey!

A quick note to everyone, with a shortened work week for me, we’ll crank out a few (probably between 3-4) podcasts this week involving many different topics – so stay tuned!

Yankees Sign Mark Teixeira

I was wondering what that pin stripped present was underneath my tree.

Christmas has come early!

I have to admit that this Christmas season was beginning to bum me out.   There’s nothing like hours of shoveling snow and a day of getting your car started to suck the Christmas spirit right out of you.  I was starting to think that perhaps Santa didn’t even exist until I headed over to ESPN.com tonight and saw the news.   

Apparently Santa is a Yankees fan.  I’m guessing it’s the trimming effect of the vertical stripes.

So here are the numbers that matter:

- 8 years / $180 million

- $5 million dollar signing bonus

- no opt-out clause

-No trade clause

You can ask just about any informed Yankees fan and they’d tell you that they were all hoping that the Yankees would find a a way to steal Teixeira from Boston, but most of us were resigned to the fact that the Red Sox were going to spend the extra dollars to land the sweet hitting first baseman.   Both the Yankees and the Red Sox needed another big bat in their line-up to go along with their Megastar hitters.   Now, with Tex in pinstripes, the Yankees have someone who can hit 30 home runs a year and get on base at a good clip, and he’ll be able to see good pitches being that A-Rod will more-than-likely be hitting behind him in the batting order.  

The word on streets is that New York will now try to trade one of their extra bats in order to bring back a draft pick or a pitcher, but they are really just trying to get their line-up under control.  We’ll see which direction they go in, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see either Damon or Matsui playing for a different team before the start of the season.

It’s been a busy off season for the Bronx Bombers, they’ve spent over $430 million in the last month and being they still need to round out their starting rotation, they will probably end up spending over $450 million before spring training rolls around.  No doubt there will be bitching and moaning about how the Yankees have an unfair advantage when it comes ot signing free agents (duh), but until the league  creates a salary cap, it would be stupid for the Yanks to not exploit their advantage in this area.  

The Yankees were desperate to get starting pitching and a big bat this off season, and they had the money to grab both, so they did.  It’s nothing personal, it’s just business.  With a new stadium packed with luxury box seats, and around 90 million coming off the books from last year, New York was in a position to go out and get starting pitchers CC Sabathia (7 yrs/$161 million) and AJ Burnett (5 yrs/$82.5 million), which were both logical signings, but it’s the singing of Tex that makes me feel like a eight year old getting a Puppy on Christmas.  Teixeira is only 28 years old and hit .308 last year with the Braves and Angels with 33 HRs and 120 RBIs.  His .410 OBP is great and his .552 slugging percentage is nothing to sneeze at either.   In a word the guy is money, and that’s what the Yankees shelled out in truckloads for the guy.   At the end of the day, this is why I love the Yankees, and why most of the rest of the world despises them.   Even in a recession the Evil Empire grows stronger.   Long live the Yankees.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3790141

Week 16 Picks & Podcast Episode 3 – Hot Stove Report

Can Sabathia and Burnett take the Yankees to the promise land?

 

The baseball Hot Stove keeps us warm during these 10 degree days in Northern Illinois – and that’s what this episode is all about. That, and the celebration of having 50,000 people visit our website in less than a year of being on the internet!!  Justin’s Yankees made some big signings, and Chad’s Cubs made a really idiotic decision. Listen to it all on the TOUTS Network Podcast.

Oh, and check out our Week 16 Picks below!

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Editors Note:  We forgot to pick tonights game in the orginal post, but we both have Dallas -4 against Baltimore tonight.  It should be a good game, so enjoy everyone and we’ll be back next week with some new stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NBA Power Rankings

Writers Note: I want to take this time to clear up a couple of things.  If you haven’t checked out the second episode of the TOUTS podcast please do so.   We have it setup so you can either listen to the podcast on the page, download the episode or subscribe to us on iTunes.   We’d really appreciate it if you guys take the time to give us a listen, we’re going to try to keep the shows under 15 minutes in the future and we plan on recording the next show on Thursday.   Now to the rankings…

It’s been an interesting season so far, and unfortunately due to finals - amongst other things – I haven’t had a chance to watch as much basketball as I’d like, but that should change now that I’m on break.  From what I have seen it looks like we have a three team race going on for the best team in basketball.  The NBA is a league that thrives when there are a couple of great teams making noise and garnering the general publics interest.   It’s not like the NFL where parity can keep every ones interest, the NBA is a league of stars.   It’s important for the league to have it’s marquee stars playing for its marquee teams, and that is most certainly the case this year.  

1. Boston Celtics – (23-2)

The Big 3 are leading a scary good Celtics squad into the recordbooks this year.

I have to give credit where credit is due.  The Celtics are on a run that would impress even the staunchest of critics.  What impresses me so much about this Celtics team is how well they defend the ball on a day-to-day basis.  This is a team that has played a ton of games over the course of the last year, but they still seem to be playing harder than just about any team in the league.  Of course you have to give the lions share of the credit to the “Big Three” but it’s players like Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins that make this team perhaps the most complete team in the league.  It’s entirely possible that the Celts will be carrying a 19 game winning streak into their Christmas Day showdown in LA against the Lakers.   

Note: I found it hilarious when my grandmother, who I assure you knows more about the NBA than your grandmother, thinks that Paul Pierce is too smug for his own good.  There are a lot of things that I love about my grandma, but the fact that she doesn’t like Paul Pierce just makes her that much cooler in my mind.  

2. Los Angeles Lakers – (20-3)

I’m sure I’m going to get pouned by any Cleveland fans that happen across this post, but I still think the Lakers are the second best team in basketball.   I know that the Cavaliers are winning games by huge margins, but they’ve been beating up on some pretty lousy teams lately including a couple of Ws against the Knicks, Bucks and Sixers.  The Lakers schedule has been pretty easy as well this year, but I have to go with my gut in saying that if both of these teams played tonight, the Lakers would come out on top.    What has me worried with the Lakers is that they haven’t had to try that hard in a lot of these early games.  It looks as if they will get a couple of good tests in Orlando and New Orleans in the days leading up to their big game against the Celtics.   I cannot wait to watch that game in beautiful HD TV.   

3. Cleveland Cavaliers – (20-4)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the LeBrons, it’s just that I don’t think they can beat either of the top two teams in a seven game series.  That said, the Cavs have the highest margin of victory in the NBA and they’ve been able to rest King James in the fourth quarter of most of their games.  It’ll be interesting to see how the Cavs perform on their big Western Conference road trip starting on January 19th when they have to play the Lakers, Blazers, Warriors, and Jazz in a five day span.  The Cavs play Boston three more times this year, and each of those games will be most see TV.   With a player like LeBron James the Cavs definitely have the potential to beat anyone, but I still want to see them beat some of the leagues best teams before I move them up a notch or two in the rankings.

4.  San Antonio Spurs (18-7)

Ah!  This team is like Frankenstein, they just won’t die!  Sure they started the year off with a few losses, but they were without Manu Ginobli for those games, and now that they are back at full strength they’ve won 10 of their last 12 games.   Here’s a team that is going to be ready for the playoffs, and it’s easy to imagine this team rolling off ten or twelve in a row at some point during the season.  There are teams with more talent in this league,  but none with more experience.   That said, this team is only one big injury away from mediocrity, but Coach Popovich knows how to rest his players down the stretch in order to keep them fresh for the playoffs.

5.  Denver Nuggets (17-7) and New Orleans Hornets (13-7) – TIE

I know this is cheating but I think both of these teams will be a big threat in the Western Conference come playoff time.   The Nuggets look like a different team, team being the important word here, since they traded AI for Billups.   We all know how good Chris Paul is, but it’s guys like like Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic who will need to stay healthy and play well if they want to repeat last years successes.  Both of these teams are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and both of these teams are looking to get over the hump in the Western Conference.  Time will tell if they can step up their games and finally unseat the Spurs/Lakers combo that have represented the Western Conference in the finals nine out of the last 10 years.

MVP – LeBron James

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been arguing with Chad that Dwyane Wade is probably the best player in the league right now.   So far this season the kid is averaging nearly 29 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals a game.  The fact that the Heat are even over .500 (12-11) tells me that Wade is having a career year, because that team is just not good at all.   LeBron’s stats aren’t quite as astronomically high as they have been in years passed but Chad has been quick to remind me that the guy hasn’t been playing in the fourth quarters of a lot of these games.   James is still the MVP of this league because of what he means to his team and the league as a whole, and the time will come when the King will have one of those 30-15-10 games that only LBJ can deliver, and I can’t wait for that day to come

It's still good to be the king.

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Week 15 NFL Picks…Podcasting Style

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Last Week: Justin (7-7), Chad (7-7)

Season-to-Date: Justin (92-80-4), Chad (84-88-4)

Week 14 NFL Picks

I'm going to win the pick'em challenge as long as I don't shoot myself in the... well, I think you get it.

It’s hard to believe that there are only four more weeks left in the regular season.   This year has given us so much to cheer for:  the Brett Favre Saga, Mike Singletary’s pants (or lack thereof), the end of an era in fantasy football, and – of course – the comedy of Plaxico Burress.  When I first heard that Plax shot himself in the leg I laughed, because I find it funny when people shoot themselves.   The media, as it usually does, took most of the humor out of the incident by reminding America how awful it is when professional athletes fail to live up to their role-model status.   Anyone who reads this site knows exactly how I feel about athletes as role models.   Anyway, here’s a clue to anyone who gets mad about people laughing at the Plaxico incident.   It’s always funny when someone shoots themself, if someone else would have gotten hurt it would have been a tragedy.   Yes, comedy and tragedy are that closely related.    It’s a funny world we live in, but it’s also kind of sad.

Before we get to the picks a reminder: at the end of the year the guy with the least amount of correct picks has to get the winner a football jersey of the winners choosing, then wear said jersey for a day in a public setting.   Pictures of the loser in the jersey will be taken and posted on this site.   I don’t want people to think that I’m getting too cocky about winning this challenge, there are still a lot of games to be played, and as playing conditions get rough and teams start benching their star players, everything can change.

And on that note, here are how things stand:

Last Week (Including Thursday Night’s Game): Justin (7-4-1), Chad (6-5-1)

Season-to-Date: Justin (85-73-4), Chad (77-81-4)

Cincinatti vs. Indianapolis (-13.5)

Justin’s Take

As a Reggie Wayne owner in fantasy football, I’ve been very disappointed by the Colts offensive production this year.   How any team’s offense, let alone the Colts, could go scoreless against the Cleveland Browns is beyond me.   Still, something tells me that Peyton and company will figure things our against the Bungles, who gave up on this season 13 weeks ago.

Pick: Colts -13.5

Chad’s Take

Ya wanna know what’s gotten me into this four games under .500 mess?  It’s picking certain teams because I think it’s going to be their breakout week.  Well screw that – It’s time to make  a stand!

Just not in this game…

Pick: Colts -13.5

Jacksonville vs. Chicago (-7)

Justin’s Take

Chicago needs to win this game to salvage their season, and they are going to have home field advantage, which actually matters given the nasty weather conditions, but it’s still hard for me to give them a whole touchdown in this game (or any game for that matter).   Jacksonville has been one of the most disappointing teams of the year, but that’ll happen when you lose the majority of your offensive line.  Call me nuts, but I think the Bears will win by double digits.   The Jags will not have their hearts in this game given the cold and the fact that they have no chance at the playoffs.

Pick:  Chicago -7

Chad’s Take

It’s cold in Chicago right now.  I don’t even want to go outside.  But Kyle Orton is going to be warm – and it’s all because of the neck-beard.  Let’s be real honest here though.  Are the Bears good enough to be seven point favorites?  Are the Jags that bad?  No annnnnnnnnnd no!

Pick: Jacksonville +7

Houston vs. Green Bay (-6)

Justin’s Take

I know Green Bay doesn’t have a winning record, but I still think they are a highly talented team capable of putting a whooping on teams like the Texans.   Speaking of Houston, they are going to be starting Matt Schaub for the first time in weeks against a Packers Defense that is pretty tough against the pass (unless they are playing in New Orleans).   I really like the Packers in this one, which probably means you should go with Houston… we’ll see.

Pick: Green Bay -6

Chad’s Take

I’ve got a feeling that this could be the week that Houston breaks out.  NO CHAD!  NOOOO! DON’T DO IT!

Pick: Houston +6

Cleveland vs. Tennessee (-14)

Justin’s Take

Every time I get scared about the 14 point line in this game I just keep telling myself, “It’s Ken freaking Dorsey out there,” and I instantly feel good with picking the Titans.

Pick: Tennessee -14

Chad’s Take

I hate double-digit lines (except for the 33 point spread that UCLA was getting against USC yesterday.  It’s been documented that I would’ve put big money on the Bruins in that game).  Let’s see…Ken Dorsey vs. the best defense in the NFL.  I have no fear here.

Pick: Tennessee -14

Minnesota vs. Detroit: No Line

Washington vs. Baltimore (-5.5)

Justin’s Take

As a disappointed Clinton Portis owner I can tell you that the Redskins are not much of a team without the stud RB in their backfield (much like my fantasy team).   Baltimore has been beating teams up pretty bad this year, and I wouldn’t want to face them in the playoffs.

Pick:  Baltimore -5.5

Chad’s Take

Now that OJ has gone to jail – is it time for Ray Lewis to actually take a stab at someone again?  Yea…that was bad, I know.

Pick: Baltimore -5.5

Philadelphia vs. New York Giants -7

Justin’s Take

I think the Giants have one more loss in them before the playoffs and the Eagles are just crazy enough to give it to them.   This really isn’t a vote of confidence for Philly, I just think that this whole Plaxico situation has to cost New York a game somewhere.

Pick: Philadelphia +7

Chad’s Take

I was really hoping J would take the Giants here, so I could take Philly.  I even considered taking the Giants, just to be different and try to make a comeback.  Then I saw the next game…

Pick: Philadelphia +7

Atlanta vs. New Orleans (-3)

Justin’s Take

I know the Saints score around 100 points a game at home, but this is Atlanta’s chance to really take a stand in the NFC South and prove they belong in the NFC elite.

Pick: Atlanta +3

Chad’s Take

I’m more than happy to take New Orleans here.  By the way – is Matt Ryan going to be the first rookie to start all 16 games, and literally have no “rookie moments?”

Pick: New Orleans -3

New York Jets vs. San Francisco (+3.5)

Justin’s Take

I know the 49ers have played relatively well over the last few weeks, but I still find this line to be ridiculous.   The Jets are in the midst of a pretty heated playoffs race and San Fran is still not that good.   Sorry guys, but I still can’t bet with ‘em.

Pick: New York -3.5

Chad’s Take

When I see lines like this, I ask myself – what does Vegas know that I don’t?  Probably a lot of things, but I’m still going to take the bait.

Pick: New York -3.5

Miami vs. Buffalo (-1)

Justin’s Take

Buffalo lost to the 49ers at home and Miami is a much better team than San Fran, you add that to the fact that JP Lossman is Buffalo’s starting QB and you have an equation for defeat.

Pick: Miami +1

Chad’s Take

Toronto is not a home game.  If you’re a season ticket holder, and you have to have a passport to watch your team’s home games, it’s a little bit ridiculous.

Pick: The Skydome….errrr…I mean Miami +1

Kansas City vs. Denver (-9)

Justin’s Take

Hey it looks like the Broncos might me interested in winning the AFC West after all, good for them.   Last time these two teams played Larry Johnson had 198 yards rushing, if that stat doesn’t depress Larry Johnson owners, I don’t know what will.   The result of their last game was a 33-19 win for the Chiefs, but they’ve only gone on to win one other game all year.  Still, I can’t help but think Kansas City will find a way to make this game close enough for me to cover, so I give you my regret filled pick of the week!

Pick: Kansas City +9

Chad’s Take

Justin says this is a regret filled pick.  Ya think he’s trying to trap me?  Yea, probably.  Ahhh, what the hell.  If this was his plan, at least I get to pull the “HE TRAPPED ME” line from Rounders.

Pick: Denver -9

St. Louis vs. Arizona (-14)

Justin’s Take

Arizona hasn’t had a big win since the last time they’ve played the Rams in week 9.   I don’t think they will fair quite as well against St. Louis this week given that Steven Jackson will be playing and the Cardinals are basically ensured a playoff spot at this point.   I still think Arizona will win, but I don’t think it will be a blowout.

Pick: Rams +14

Chad’s Take

Does Kurt Warner and Hall of Fame sound OK in the same sentence?  It better, because he could lock up another MVP this season.

Pick: Rams +14

Dallas vs. Pittsburgh (-3)

Justin’s Take

Now this is a game I can get behind.  You have a Dallas team who is just fighting to make the playoffs going up against a Pittsburgh squad who wants to prove they are the best team in the league.  Marion Barber has been questionable all week with bad ribs, but one has to assume he’ll suit up for this one.  Even though I think the Steelers are probably the better team, I think the fact that the Cowboys are so desperate for a win will push them over the top for this game.  I think this is one of those games where TO has a huge game when it matters, as he is prone to do from time to time.

Pick: Dallas +3

Chad’s Take

I have a feeling this is going to be one of  the best games of the year.  Two great teams with differing styles, out in a cold, smash-mouth atmosphere.  This, is the National Football League baby.  Without Marion Barber though, I think the Cowboys could get rolled.

Pick: Pittsburgh -3

New England vs. Seattle (+6.5)

Justin’s Take

I just can’t get over how bad the NFC West was this year, I think that any team didn’t have a chance to play against the NFC West this year should automatically get two wins put on their record, it’s only fair.

Pick: New England -6.5

Chad’s Take

Just because this game is in Seattle, Vegas things they can drop this line below double digits.  Fine then – I have no problem taking New England.

Pick: New England -6.5

Tampa Bay vs. Carolina (-3)

Justin’s Take

You know, it seems like every time I pick against the Bucs in big games I lose.   I’m really not a big fan of Jake Delhomme, so I feel pretty good about going with the points.

Pick: Tampa Bay +3

Chad’s Take

I keep picking against Tampa Bay, and I keep getting burned.  Let’s shake things up a bit, eh?

Pick: Tampa Bay +3

Re: Why I Love Sports

(Writer’s Note: I would like to apologize to Justin and to the readers.  This post was meant to be out much earlier this week.  As my Scoutware brethren can attest – it’s been a very busy week for us, so we’re putting in a few extra hours.   Also, I have my buddy Ryan staying with me this week as he begins his new job [consequently...at Scoutware!].  Basically – it’s all Ryan’s fault!  OK – I’m kidding…time to stop being lazy.)

Everyone that knows me or talks to me for five minutes can tell how much I love sports.  Whether it’s because of the endless Cubs/Bears/Western apparel that I wear, or how I can turn every life situation into an analogy about baseball or golf.

But when Justin and I decided to write the reasoning on why we loved sports, it took quite a bit of thought.

I’ve always loved sports.  I can’t remember a time when I didn’t.  I began watching Cubs and Bears games in the early 90’s, and apparently became addicted because they had the letter “C” on their helmets/caps, which just so happened to match the “C” from Chad (shut up – I know it’s stupid).  Imagine if I was named Gary.  I would’ve probably donned a Packers jersey and attended Grambling State University for college. I’m now thanking God

The fact that I became a sports fan it amazing in itself.  Neither of my parents watch sports, or would fall into a broad category of “sports fan.”  Neither of them even played a single sport in high school.  Throw in the fact that I practically grew up in the cab of a tractor/semi/combine (all farm equipment for those city folk that have never been to the country), and you’ve got yourself a bonafide black sheep.

Maybe the root of my sports love (eww…that sounds kinda creepy) comes from my years of little league baseball.  Our team dominated, finishing first or second every single summer for 13 years. Winning became addicting, which in turn spurred sore losing, which shifted to ultra-competitiveness – making me fun to be around after a win, and a depressing soul to hang with after a loss (except for when the Bears lost the Super Bowl).

Adrenaline plays a big role as well.  There is nothing comparable to the final moments of an important game.  A sports junkie craves for a basketball game to be 98-97 with the trailing team in-bounding in the final seconds; a 4th-and-goal from the one during a five point NFL playoff game; a 3-2 pitch with the bases chucked in the bottom of the ninth of a two run NLDS game; a 15-foot putt to win on the 18th hole of The Masters.  The interest and reaction to those moments, your favorite team or not, judge if someone is a sports junkie.  I surely qualify.

But the question is why.  Why do I love sports?  What makes it more appealing to me than music, cars, or politics?  The answer is simple: there is always a conclusion.

The game itself is a means to an end.  An end that brings a result of either a win or a loss.  In baseball, it’s nine innings.  Football: it’s an hour of game time.  Basketball: 48 minutes.  Hockey: three periods.  Golf: 72 holes.

When the time comes, if you’re not winning, you’ve lost.  There are no second chances.  No sequels.  No ending that leaves you hanging.  No waiting for next week to see a thrilling conclusion.  You’re guaranteed a result for the time and money you spent watching the game.

Sports are fair games in an unfair world.  The battlefield is defined, the whistle blows, the umpire yells, “Play ball!” and the games begin.

Everyone plays by the same rules (except MJ). A touchdown is always worth six, a dunk is two, a goal gives you one, and three shots on a par-4 always equals birdie.

Maybe the best part about it all is that with sports, you can argue about it for endless hours, never get tired of it, and if you’re arguing about which team is better, it can easily be decided.  If two political science majors are fighting about one being a democrat, and the other being republican, the debate can never be decided because there is no battle royale pitting Bill Clinton and John McCain.

The greatest rivalries take place at least once a year – and if you win, may the bragging commence.  There is simply nothing like it.  Name me another facet of life where everything is so black and white?  The only gray area is the strike zone and what constitutes a holding call.

I love the fact that no matter how much despair I felt when the Cubs lost in the playoff this year, that in a few months, we get to start the whole process over again.  The slate is wiped clean.  The past, is the past.

But maybe the best thing about sports is the fraternity of people you meet and interact with to talk about them.  Justin and I creating this site, e-mailing back and forth with guys like Keith Law (from Scouts Inc and espn.com), arguing for endless hours at work with my buddy Derek – that’s the real joy out of it. It never gets old!  One day you look at the sports headlines, and you wonder if there will ever be a new story that would surprise you – then, Plaxico Burress puts a bullet through his leg, and you’ve got plenty to talk about and watch.

Sports are an amazing drug.  They’re a supplement during the great times, and a getaway during the rough times.  After the 9/11 tragedy, the country turned to the baseball field and the gridiron to pull us through it.  They provided a few hours of normalcy at a time of utter uncertainty.

Oh – and one more thing.  Please don’t ever tell me that, “It’s just a game.”  That statement infuriates the hell out of me!  It may just be a game to you, but it’s more than that for me.  I spend countless hours of my life watching, cheering, and rooting my favorite teams on – so when they lose – it hurts.  You may think it’s crazy, but it isn’t to me.  Because I love sports.

Thursday Night NFL Pick

Oakland vs. San Diego (-10)

Justin’s Take

These are perhaps my two least favorite teams in the league to pick against, but as it is Oakland on the road, I’ll go with the Disappointments Chargers.

Pick: Chargers -10

Chad’s Pick: Chargers -10