Dart Board Methodology for Week 9 Pick’em?
By John Hendrix
Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls out an audible in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em keeps on truckin’ with a weekly edition of picks. Overall, the staff had another successful week, but it was Andrew who once again dominated the pick’em with a 13-2 record.. Andrew continues to hold on the top spot, and is now up six games over John, MacGyver, and Barry. Let’s look at the overall standings after Week Eight:
- Andrew (@ShootsMcGavin), 85-35-1
- John (@JohnJHendrix), 79-41-1
- MacGyver (@SaintsTailgate), 79-41-1
- Barry (@HarahanWhoDat), 79-41-1
- Simon (@Daugulis), 77-43-1
- Federico (@FedeFerrari10), 75-45-1
- Ryne (@RHancock19), 72-48-1
- Ian (@IDear_Sports), 68-52-1
There’s a ton of teams on the bye this week: Falcons, Bills, Bears, Lions, Packers, Titans. We’ve got another thirteen total games to pick from this week, and here’s how Week Nine plays out. I have to be honest with you, there’s so many picks that can go either way. C’est la vie.
Disclaimer: Picks against the Saints
Thoughts from John
New Orleans at Carolina
Something has to give in this matchup, as Carolina hasn’t won a game in nearly a month, and the Saints haven’t won a road contest since Week 12 of last season. This is for the division lead, and you have to say New Orleans is playing better football at this point.
Tampa Bay at Cleveland
Tampa went into fire sale mode before the trade deadline, but didn’t part ways with Doug Martin (who was in a walking boot) or Vincent Jackson. This team has a lot of soul searching to do, and has a tough one on their hands playing Cleveland. The Browns will be 5-3 after it’s all said and done.
Arizona at Dallas
Regardless whether Tony Romo plays or not, this is the point where Dallas starts to dip. The mere fact that he is hurting tips off the Cardinals defense that DeMarco Murray will muster the bulk of the production on Sunday. True, Murray is playing exceptional these days, but the Cards are poised to pull off an upset, in what should be a thrilling contest.
Philadelphia at Houston
This is another good matchup, and is a bit hard to figure out. The Texans won last week against the Titans, but I can’t say I believe that makes them the better team. After all, they beat a rookie quarterback making his first start. The defense is fierce, but the Eagles can take notes from what Andrew Luck and the Colts did earlier in the year, and make this an aerial assault to pick up a victory.
New York Jets at Kansas City
Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick (1) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Bills won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Vick in Kansas City to turn the hapless Jets into winners? Not so much.
Jacksonville at Cincinnati
I know the Bengals will win, but I’m just curious to see if Denard Robinson churns out another 100-yard rushing performance.
San Diego at Miami
It’s a polar opposite atmosphere with these two teams right now. The Bolts have lost their last two, while the Dolphins have won their last two. The Chargers were playing some of their best football, but were defeated by two AFC West foes. I look for Philip Rivers to get this club back into the win column, but it will be a tough one.
Washington at Minnesota
The return of RGIII makes me feel pretty strong about picking the Redskins, although the Vikings defense is fairly strong. It’s a road game, which makes it tough for any team to pick of a victory, but I believe a ‘fully healthy’ RGIII will spell the difference for the Redskins. Then again, we could be saying ‘Why didn’t Colt McCoy play again?’ after it’s over with.
St. Louis at San Francisco
The Rams have lost so much of their talent to injuries, you’d swear they were the Buffalo Bills. The 49ers have had a bye week to prepare for the Rams, and should roll with ease in this one.
Denver at New England
All we hear about is the ‘Manning-Brady’ Bowl this week. It’s going to be a helluva game. Aside from last year’s championship game, Brady has had Manning’s number, especially at home. For that reason, and the whole weather aspect favoring them, I have to choose the Pats.
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) meets with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the 2013 AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland at Seattle
After three weeks of tough contests, it’s a breath of fresh air for the Seahawks to host the Raiders this week. I do believe this will be a game that helps them get their ‘swagger’ back, as they’ll blow out the Raiders with ease.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Plain and simple, the Steelers are looking avenge themselves of the Week 2 beating suffered at the hands of the Ravens in Baltimore (26-6). Big Ben is playing some of his best football right now, and when push comes to shove, I like his ability to put points up on the board versus Joe Flacco. Dare I say this game could be a shootout?
Indianapolis at New York Giants
The Colts suffered a humilating defeat at the hands of the Steelers, and suddenly we’re wondering if the defense is going to spoil Andrew Luck’s terrific season. The Giants have had a week to prepare for the Colts, but without a proper running attack from Rashad Jennings, it looks as though we’ll have to rely on Eli Manning’s arm to beat the Colts. Let me know how well that’s worked out for the Giants.
Continue on for analysis from Ian Mitchell-Dear!