With
one game to go, Gus is in the driver’s seat.
The
beginning-to-end selections are done. None of us have Green Bay
or Pittsburgh winning this Sunday. None of us finished over .500.
So
we turn our attention to the week-to-week efforts… against the
spread and just picking the winners. Those find me enjoying a
one-game advantage over Mike Jr. heading in to the final game
against the spreads, and Gus tied with me for the lead in simply
picking winners. Molly, Mike and Mike Jr. are a game behind us
there.
In
my mind, that means the story revolves around Gus. And as you
will see… in order to defeat me, he’s going to need to pick the
Steelers. What did he do? Can one of us win? Will it be a tie
at the top? Read on and find out…
Pittsburgh
against Green Bay (2½)
– About the only way I like Pittsburgh in this game is if it becomes
a low-scoring and incredibly boring battle. Say 16-13… or something
with even less points being scored. And with these two defenses…
under 20 scored seems very possible for both clubs. The reality
for me is simple… give Ben Roethlisberger his due since this is
his third Super Bowl and he has two championships, but in neither
of the other games did he do anything impressive. Here we find
his offensive line is battered and damaged, and incredibly, it’s
even weaker heading in to this game than it was at any other time
in the playoffs. Lining up against that weakened line is one of
the most explosive and dominating defenses in the league. Tip
of the cap there to Green Bay. When the Packers have the ball,
you will find a quarterback looking to overcome some incredible
history… Brett Favre’s shadow… his draft-day slide… and create
a reputation as a big-game player. I understand people want to
place some faith in experience when it comes to this game. I won’t
discount that overall… knowing what to expect helps you turn off
the phone when friends want tickets and keep calling… knowing
what to expect helps you budget time, organize activities, and
plan for details of all kind… knowing what to expect can help
you get some rest because it eliminates the mind chatter in those
quiet hours as you try to sleep. But the experience the Steelers
bring to the field didn’t destroy the Seahawks or pound the Cardinals.
And in those games, I thought Pittsburgh was the better club.
I don’t think they’re better in this game.
Bob: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
Terry: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
Mike: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
Mike Jr: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
Molly: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
Gus: Green Bay (both with and without the spread)
~ ~
~ ~ ~
With
spread –
Bob: Last week 2-0, overall 7-3
Mike Jr: Last week 2-0, overall 6-4
Mike: Last week 1-1, overall 5-5
Gus: Last week 1-1, overall 5-5
Terry: Last week 0-2, overall 3-7
Molly: Last week 0-2, overall 3-7
Without
spread –
Gus: Last week 1-1, overall 7-3
Bob: Last week 2-0, overall 7-3
Molly: Last week 1-1, overall 6-4
Mike: Last week 1-1, overall 6-4
Mike Jr: last week 2-0, overall 6-4
Terry: Last week 0-2, overall 3-7