Yes its back! Vince McMahon just announced an 8 team leaguge something I predicted a few weeks ago. More football is a no brainer I’m defintely going to a game just to check it out. But today Vince McMahon put back together my broken heart that shattered when the O.G. XFL folded. So for that thank you Mr McMahon.
Views From The 315 — Ep. 3
We’re back for our best podcast yet (humble brag) featuring NFL Playoff Divisional round recap, AFC/NFC Championship preview, Mel Kiper’s first NFL Draft, NBA Fight Club and MLB’s potential pitch clock.
New segments including: Five Holin’ With Frank, What Pissed Me Off This Week, and Story Time With Mike.
The XFL is coming back…..maybe
So Vince McMahon sells 100 million dollars of WWE stock and now people are talking about a new XFL. I say hell yes. I will always remember those Saturdays in March when Papa Lach would turn on the XFL because the only thing else to do was freeze our ass off in the cold Wisconsin winter. Who can forget the white trash gimmicks, awful football and Jeff Brohm being a G.
Views From The 315 — Episode 2
The hottest podcast on the block is back for another 42 minutes of shenanigans.
Check it out here and make sure to like, comment, and sucsricbe.
West Side Story Part 2
Everyone remembers the classic 1961 film, we were forced to watch in 6th grade. Two gangs, the sharks and the jets, battle not only with weapons, but with their vocals as they sing their way to control of a Manhattan neighborhood. Well its 2018 now and the Sharks and the Jets are once again brawling. The San Jose Sharks and the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL that is. So with such a long and murderous history between these two, it should come as no surprise that some San Jose Sharks said that Winnipeg was their least favorite city to visit. Sharks forward Tomas Hertl and defense men Justin Braun and Tim Heed, called the city dark and cold and Braun even said that the hotel wifi is debatable.
So after the Sharks would go on to lose 4-1 to the Jets, the city of Winnipeg rallied to defend itself from these comments:
Dayna Spiring, president and CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg had some great knowledge to drop on the subject of weather by stating “Winnipeg is actually the second most sunny city in Canada with an annual average of 2,353 hours of sunshine.” And also stating that she “can understand that they don’t like Winnipeg. It’s never fun to lose.”
The mayor of Winnipeg Brian Bowman even got in on the fun by tweeting a nice “How to” guide to connect to the wifi in Winnipeg.
So naturally these two teams are both currently in playoff positions, so we can all hope that a playoff series between them is in the future.
Hulk Hogan wants you to stop talking brother
Chris Fowler better watch out brother less he wants those 24 inch pythons to get you brother. I mean Terry thats his job but you do you brother also don’t do us like Gawker we don’t have millions to spend on a lawsuit.
The NCAA Shot Their Shot When it Came to Beer Prices
$42 for a Redds $36 for a Miller Lite. That’s what the NCAA expected you to shell out for the NCAA college football championship tonight. Holy shit if a bartender ever said that’ll be 42 bucks for a beer idk if I would laugh or just immediately cry/vomit. Oh and 0 dollars goes to you know the guys actually playing. Don’t believe me see below.
BREAKING NEWS
I’m excited to announce that my friends Mike and Frank have hopped on the Bench and are now authors on this electrifying blog. You’ll get to learn more about them and their scorching hot takes on not only the blog, but….
(Drum Roll Please)
We started a podcast! Now instead of wasting brain cells reading our work, you can waste even more by listening to our shenanigans once a week on Views From The 315.
The weekly show will feature all kinds of hot takes, plenty of sports talk, and, my personal favorite, weekly stories from Mike.
I’m not saying this is the hottest new podcast of 2018, but that’s exactly what I’m saying.
You can listen to our first episode and follow the pod on SoundCloud by clicking the link below:
NFL Week 15 Picks and Preview
Welcome back to NFL Picks and Preview. After another one week hiatus, I have returned again, hopefully for good this time (honestly, no promises). I’ll quick recap my last couple weeks and dig into Week 15.
Last Week:
Week 13 Pick ‘Em: 10-6
Week 14 Pick ‘Em: 8-8
Week 13 Spread: 9-7
Season:
Pick ‘Em: 127-81
Spread: 42-38-5
Week 13 Bonus Bets:
-IND v JAX — Under — W
-LAR v ARZ — Over — W
Bonus bets are as up and down as your favorite Disney World rollercoaster but being 8-6 isn’t the worst thing. I’ll take what I can get.
DEN@IND
Here we are, we finally made it. The last installment of Thursday Night Football in 2017 and boy, did the NFL really set us up with a doozy. Both teams rank in the bottom seven in terms of points per game among the NFL, and bottom nine in scoring defense per game. Like I said before, a real doozy for the Thursday night finale this season. I have a little more faith in Denver here, as their defense got the shutout against the Jets last week.
If Madden predicted it, it has to be true right?
Pick ‘Em: Denver Broncos
Spread: Denver Broncos (-2.5)
CHI@DET
Thursday Night Football wrapping up means the return of Saturday games.
Ps. Can the Bears stop saying “da”. It’s not 1985 anymore.
2017’s first regular-season Saturday game picks up right where Thursday Night Football left off with another barn-burner. Chicago appears to be hitting their stride after blowing out Cincinnati last week, and narrowly losing to San Francisco the week before that. Detroit has been up and down in recent weeks, so a coin flip could probably predict this game better than I could (but I’m picking Chicago).
Pick ‘Em: Chicago Bears
Spread: Chicago Bears (+5.5)
LAC@KC
Speaking of teams hitting their strides, the Chargers have won four in-a-row. With the Chiefs losing four of their last five, the AFC West race has suddenly heated up with these two 7-6 teams. Eric Berry would have owned this game and shut down Phillip Rivers but he’s sitting on IR. I don’t see Kansas City’s pass rush or secondary slowing down Phillip Rivers. Chargers in a close one.
Pick ‘Em: Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Los Angeles Chargers (-1)
GB@CAR
After 8 weeks of agony, he has returned. Aaron Rodgers is healthy and back starting for the Packers.
Even more intriguing, he’s not listed on the injury report, meaning he’s 100% healthy. Will I still shudder in fear when he takes his first hit on Sunday? Yes, but I’m still pumped for the king of the north to return. That being said, they have a tough task ahead going to Carolina to keep their playoff hopes alive. But, do you think I’m gonna pick against the GOAT?
Pick ‘Em: Green Bay Packers
Spread: Green Bay Packers (+3)
MIA@BUF
Miami has a nice little two-game win streak going including an impressive home win against New England on Monday night. Now they travel to the north where Buffalo is still fighting for their playoff lives. The Bills got an ugly, snow-filled win without Tyrod Taylor last week, and it was a high-quality snow game. If you don’t love a good snow game you’re not a true football fan.
I’ll give Buffalo the home advantage this week, but the result could be different when they meet in the regular season-finale in two weeks.
Pick ‘Em: Buffalo Bills
Spread: Miami Dolphins (+3.5)
BAL@CLE
As if not having a win was bad enough, Browns fans had their hearts ripped out again last week after blowing a fourth-quarter lead, and then eventually losing the game in overtime to Green Bay last week.
Now they’ll get right back on the horse against Baltimore, who is still in the crowded AFC wildcard picture. The Ravens put up quite the fight in Pittsburgh on Sunday night, and I expect the same energy in Cleveland this weekend.
Pick ‘Em: Baltimore Ravens
Spread: Baltimore Ravens (-7)
CIN@MIN
Getting blown out in Chicago does not bode well for Cincinnati as they travel to Minnesota to play the NFC North leading Vikings. If the Bears defense held the Bengals to seven points last week, imagine what the Vikings will be capable of. Are you picturing a shutout? I am. That won’t stop Cincinnati’s front seven from flying around the field trying to dish out concussions. They’re easily the dirtiest players in the game, a la Ric Flair.
Pick ‘Em: Minnesota Vikings
Spread: Minnesota Vikings (-10.5)
NYJ@NO
The New York Jets had a slim chance to win this game, but with their starting quarterback Josh McCown being placed on IR with a broken hand, their chances are nearly zero. New Orleans is coming off of a mini-bye, having 10 days of rest after their Thursday night loss to Atlanta. That means rookie sensation Alvin Kamara has recovered from his concussion, which ironically will give the Jets a major headache.
Pick ‘Em: New Orleans Saints
Spread: New Orleans Saints (-15.5)
PHI@NYG
Carson Wentz’ ACL is officially torn along with the hearts of Philadelphia fans. For pride’s sake, it would be best for New York to show up and give their best effort this game. A 61-yard field goal won the game for the Eagles the last time these two teams met, and I’m sure the Giants haven’t forgotten about that, but just in case….
While I think Philadelphia pulls off the win, it’ll be another close affair.
Pick ‘Em: Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: New York Giants (+7.5)
ARZ@WSH
Both Arizona and Washington are coming in to this game short-handed with players on both sides of the ball injured for both teams. Neither team is in playoff contention, so this game has NFL draft order implications, and that’s about it. Washington at home is the only slight advantage I give them, don’t expect too many points in this one.
Pick ‘Em: Washington Redskins
Spread: Arizona Cardinals (+4.5)
HOU@JAX
With a win, Jacksonville clinches their first playoff birth in a decade. That’s some heavy stakes for a team that was bad for that long. I never thought I’d see the day, but the Jaguars are the real deal this season with wins over Pittsburgh, Los Angeles (Chargers), and Seattle. Leonard Fournette had 100 yards in his pro debut week one against Houston, expect more of the same this time around. Just hope that the Jaguar fans in attendance don’t throw things at Jadaveon Clowney…
Pick ‘Em: Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jacksonville Jaguars (-11)
LAR@SEA
The Rams traveling to Seattle will have the most impact on the NFC playoff picture this week, regardless of outcome. Playing in Seattle is tough business, just ask the Eagles. Los Angeles hasn’t had a win against a quality road opponent since taking care of business in Jacksonville week six. They’re looking to send a message in Seattle this weekend, and they will.
Pick ‘Em: Los Angeles Rams
Spread: Los Angeles Rams (+2.5)
NE@PIT
While Los Angeles and Seattle has the biggest impact on the NFC playoff picture, this game has the biggest impact on the AFC playoffs in terms of home-field advantage. That’s gonna be a big deal for Pittsburgh who has notoriously sputtered against New England in the AFC Championship game. The Steelers need this one, bad. They’ll use the extra motivation from Ryan Shazier to bring this one home.
Pick ‘Em: Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers (+3)
TEN@SF
San Francisco would love nothing more than to make the road to the playoffs difficult for Marcus Mariota and the Titans. Both teams are stringing together wins late in the season, but it’s too late for the 49ers. Tennessee should bounce back from an ugly loss last week at Arizona and firmly plant themselves in the AFC playoff picture.
Pick ‘Em: Tennessee Titans
Spread: Tennessee Titans (+1.5)
DAL@OAK
The Sunday night-cap features two teams fighting for their playoff lives. Both teams have struggled against quality opponents so this is the perfect late-season matchup to gauge where both teams stand. With the AFC playoff picture more open than the NFC, this game should mean more for Oakland, meaning they’ll get the win.
Pick ‘Em: Oakland Raiders
Spread: Oakland Raiders (+3)
ATL@TB
Three one-possession losses in a row is a tough pill to swallow for Tampa Bay, especially with Atlanta winning four of their last five and entering this game with 10 days of rest. It’ll be a tough mountain for Tampa Bay to climb, and I see them coming up short. Packer fans should be rooting for the Bucs if they want an easier path to the playoffs, but I don’t see it happening.
Pick ‘Em: Atlanta Falcons
Spread: Atlanta Falcons (-6)
Bonus Bets:
– I’ll keep it short and sweet this week. Cincinnati @ Minnesota, Under 42.
-New York Jets @ New Orleans Saints, Under 47.
NFL Week 13 Picks and Preview
After an unannounced Thanksgiving hiatus, I have returned. Because i’m not as committed as some of you may think I am, I only did pick ’em last week, no spread or bonus bets. So I posted pick ’em results from the previous two weeks, and spread/bonus bets from two weeks ago. Sound good? Great. Let’s get to Week 13.
Last Week:
Pick ‘Em:
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 13-3
Week 11 Spread: 8-4-2
Season:
Pick ‘Em: 109-67
Spread: 33-31-5
Week 11 Bonus Bets:
-KC v NYG — Over — L
-BAL v GB — Over — L
No more betting on the Packers. It never goes well for me. An 0-2 week of bonus bets leaves me at 6-6 with four weeks remaining in the season.
WSH@DAL
The NFC East is all but wrapped up for Philadelphia so these two teams are on the outside looking in. Sure, there’s still playoff hopes, but with the NFC over performing, it’s now or never for both teams. The Cowboys have lost three in-a-row and Dak Prescott has been exposed without Zeke. Washington should pounce on this opportunity as Kirk Cousins still aims to impress and finally earn his big-money contract.
Pick ‘Em: Washington Redskins
Spread: Washington Redskins (+2)
TB@GB
Green Bay had their hopes crushed last week on the field in Pittsburgh, but hope was restored when Aaron Rodgers was dropping dimes in pregame.
Speaking of injured players, Jameis Winston is returning for Tampa Bay this week. Despite that, I have hopes that Green Bay is finally turning the corner and becoming a decent team without Aaron Rodgers. Here’s to Brett Hundley’s first win at Lambeau.
Pick ‘Em: Green Bay Packers
Spread: Green Bay Packers (PK)
MIN@ATL
The Falcons FINALLY took my advice and threw it up to Julio Jones….a lot. This was the Julio Jones that I missed. Torching defenses and breaking ankles on the regular.
Jones and the Falcon offense will have a tougher test when they host the Vikings on Sunday, but I think they’re up to the task. Atlanta is sick of hearing about the Super Bowl hangover and have put themselves in a decent position to make the playoffs.
Pick ‘Em: Atlanta Falcons
Spread: Atlanta Falcons (-3)
NE@BUF
Remember this?
That seems like a lifetime ago for both teams. Matt Patricia has worked his magic again and has the Pats D on track to win the AFC. But first they have to survive a divisional matchup with Buffalo who looks to have righted their ship after a three-game losing streak. However, Bill Belichick doesn’t lose the AFC East.
Pick ‘Em: New England Patriots
Spread: Buffalo Bills (+8.5)
SF@CHI
San Fran fans are acting like Jimmy G is the second coming of God. I suppose when you’re team is 1-10 a decent quarterback may seem that way. Garoppolo hasn’t won me over just yet, and I think he could be a letdown in his first start with his new team. In a shocking twist, I think the Bears come away with the W. The 49ers have been kings of covering this year, expect it to be close.
Pick ‘Em: Chicago Bears
Spread: San Francisco 49ers (+3.5)
HOU@TEN
In a crowded AFC playoff picture, the Titans are still in control of the AFC South. They’ve won five out of their last six and their only home loss came in week one. Houston is on the exact opposite end of the spectrum losing four out of their last five and haven’t had a road win since week two. All signs point to Tennessee.
Pick ‘Em: Tennessee Titans
Spread: Houston Texans (+7)
DEN@MIA
Denver and Miami have both played hot potato at the quarterback position due to injury and incompetence. The defenses haven’t performed that well either. These cellar dwellers don’t have much to play for besides pride and the fear of losing a job. Denver has more at stake with John Elway breathing down the back of the organization. I think they can handle the heat (PUNS!).
Pick ‘Em: Denver Broncos
Spread: Denver Broncos (-1)
KC@NYJ
Revis island returns to New York, but this time he’ll be facing his former team as a member of the Chiefs.
Kansas City needs him to perform immediately if they want to stop their three-game skid. The New York Jets are the perfect team to end a skid against, however, the Jets have been tough to knock off at home. The Chiefs should squeak out a close one.
Pick ‘Em: Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: New York Jets (+4.5)
IND@JAX
After narrowly losing to Arizona last week, Jacksonville looks to bounce back. Indianapolis got blanked 27-0 at home when these teams met just over a month ago and gave up ten sacks in the contest. TEN. In case you don’t watch football often, that’s a lot. Expect a very similar result this time around.
Pick ‘Em: Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Jacksonville Jaguars (-9.5)
DET@BAL
Detroit is 4-1 on the road this season, but they have notoriously collapsed in December. Here’s a representation of what football looks like in December at Ford Field.
Both teams need to win now if they plan on making the playoffs this season. The Lions will build themselves up with one more win before the collapse comes.
Pick ‘Em: Detroit Lions
Spread: Detroit Lions (+3)
CLE@LAC
With the AFC West in shambles, the Los Angeles Chargers have stepped up and are getting hot at the right time. Things only get easier as they host the winless Cleveland Browns. The big story in Cleveland is the return of Josh Gordon. It wasn’t pretty getting back, and finding out what he did in high school and college? It’s incredible he performed the way he did.
Now clean (hopefully), Gordon should tear up the league again, but Los Angeles has the fire power to keep up with him.
Pick ‘Em: Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Cleveland Browns (+14)
NYG@OAK
Before I can even offer predictions let’s review the storylines coming into this game:
So this game should be fun. Will Eli Manning even be active? Will Ben McAdoo get fired mid-game? Will the Raiders miss Michael Crabtree? STAY TUNED!
Pick ‘Em: Oakland Raiders
Spread: Oakland Raiders (-6.5)
CAR@NO
After the mess I described above, it’s nice to get back to a game with playoff implications. Cam Newton and Greg Olsen are both expected to suit up, but how much they’ll impact the game remains to be seen. New Orleans on the other hand is relatively healthy compared to the Panthers and need to take care of business at home, as the winner take control in the NFC South.
Pick ‘Em: New Orleans Saints
Spread: Carolina Panthers (+3)
LAR@ARZ
When these two met in week seven, it was all Rams, 33-0. Since then, each team has had their share of ups and downs (mostly up for the Rams and mostly down for the Cardinals), but Arizona is still technically in the NFC playoff hunt. That being said, they have Blaine Gabbert starting under center on Sunday. Not the best option for a turnover-forcing defense. Meanwhile, the Rams high-powered offense continues to chug along, averaging just under 30 points per game. Los Angeles should not only win, but cover the spread.
Pick ‘Em: Los Angeles Rams
Spread: Los Angeles Rams (-7)
PHI@SEA
Here’s how I feel about this potential NFC playoff matchup:
This game should be fun all-around, and prime time games in Seattle always deliver…
(Still very mad about this game, time doesn’t heal all wounds)
In their last five games, Philadelphia has not come across a formidable team, while Seattle has only faced one potential playoff team. This will be a great measuring stick for both teams coming down the stretch.
Pick ‘Em: Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Seattle Seahawks (+5)
PIT@CIN
The bad blood between these two teams is always must-see television, so having the game in the national spotlight to cap off week 13 is perfect. Pittsburgh will have their eye on New England’s game Sunday as each team is vying for home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs. Pittsburgh won’t squander their chance to keep pace or leap frog the Patriots in the race for first place in the AFC.
Pick ‘Em: Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Cincinnati Bengals (+5)
Bonus Bets:
-Since betting the overs didn’t do me any justice last week, I’ll take the under with Indianapolis at Jacksonville (41).
-Who am I kidding? A wise blogger once said, “Life is too short to bet the under.” The Rams and Cardinals will hit the over (45.5).
View From The Bench 