Teach me to pick against the Brownies...

no way, real men play RUGBY! (football is an inferior sport, involves pads, improper/dangerous tackling techniques and players are more specialized and less well rounded than rugby)

*both UMD's men's and women's rugby teams beat the opposition this weekend. I scored our 2 tries (like touchdowns...actually touch the ball down is what you do in rugby not football...lots of football terms come from its parent sport Rugby. Line of scrummage is another one...the meeting of the big guys, in rugby they actually interlock, is called a scrum). Another interesting fact is that rugby kickers have to kick from where the ball was placed down in the endzone as opposed to football where they always kick center.`

In college football news Maryland beat Clemson this Saturday... yay!



edit:
I thought I'd add this link which describes all the different forms of "football" that are played worldwide and their differences.
types of football link

That's the 4th game in a row Hall has returned a kick for a TD, don't think it is all luck. KC would have one bigger if it had not been for George W. Bush.

yeah, it was more then luck. the guy can run!! I've never seen someone cut and dodge like that!! he avoid TEN broncos! (Knoor not included)


what??



yeah, rugby is tough, but it isn'y big in america for some reason.

Great MNF game tonight...

A tale of two halfs...(actually, A tale of three quarters and one quarter...)

OT right now, I am still pulling for the Bucs...

THE COLTS ARE GOING TO DO IT THIS YEAR....
ANYONE ELSE THINK SO?

DRATS!!! second again

at least I picked indy to win



They still have to go through the broncos.

Here are the TRUE standings, after 5 weeks (4 weeks of competition), taking tiebreakers into account.

Number of Wins:

1 Mons Marauders 36 (-8 for Monday night total)
2 Still Clueless 36 (-32 for Monday night total)
3 Unabomber 35
4 Sleeper 33
5 Sunday Savior 32 (-36 for Monday night total)
6 Amlord 32 (-33 for Monday night total)
7 GraySeal 32 (-46 for Monday night total)
8 Rancid Uncle 31
9 Night Train 27
10 MightyAsianThunder 19
11 Belas_Boys 14
12 Americas Debate 8
13 hrm 0 (who are you, hrm?)


Win percentage top five:

1 MightyAsianThunder - .68 (19/28)
2 Night Train - .64 (27/42)
3 Mons Marauders - .62 (36/58)
3 Still Clueless - .62 (36/58)
5 Unabomber - .60 (35/58)



With my stellar prediction for the Monday night game's score, I leap into first place, edging out Wertz (who actually bested me in 2 of the 3 tiebreaks where we had different answers, but I got the one that counts ). I had 34-31 IND, score was 38-35 (not too shabby). We both had close guesses for the total points in Sunday night's game (though both picking the losing team and with a bigger point spread). Wertz was +2, I was -5.

Tough week all around, though not at all surprising considering the matchups! Good job everyone. And YAY me



um...oh yeah, GIRLS rule, BOYS drool

Congratulations, km - but watch your back.

They certainly have the capability to do so, but I'm not prepared to jump to conclusions just yet with all the other fantastic teams in the league. As amazing of a comeback as the Colts put forth in the fourth quarter, I think they were aided in large part by the loss of Michael Pittman and Keyshawn Johnson before the improbable 3:52 march back.

Aaron Stecker provided no help for the Bucs at any time he rushed the ball, much less in the last minutes of the fourth quarter. Pittman, on the other hand, was averaging about six yards per carry. Assuming then that he couldn't pick up a first down, the loss of Keyshawn Johnson allowed Colts defenders to key in on McCardell, Johnson's lone reliable receiver at the end of the game. Had both Pittman and Johnson remained in the game late, I doubt seriously if the Colts would have gotten the ball back after the second onside attempt failed. Having both players also would have helped in OT assuming the game would have proceeded as such in spite of their hypothetical presence in the fourth.

I don't say this to belittle what the Colts achieved, but rather to point out that they had several additional factors which contributed to their ability to rebound late in the game. It also didn't hurt that Harrison was defended by a nickelback who had little chance in keeping him silent for the entire game. All that being said, I would, in spite of my hopes for Tennessee, love to see a Super Bowl rematch between the Colts and Bucs. Their game Monday night is what last year's Super Bowl should have been.

I am looking forward to next week's matchup between the Colts and Panthers to see how credible Carolina really is. They have to be the undefeated team flying the lowest under the radar. I hear talk about every running back except Stephen Davis it seems this season... despite the fact that he is averaging 141 rushing yards per game. Their defense is also ranked second in the league behind Tampa (who they beat in week 2), though the 38 points posted by the Colts may propel them to top of the charts in time for their crack at Manning.

Considering their dominating performance over the previously undefeated Seahawks, I'm looking to the Packers game against the Chiefs to be the game of the week. The Monday night game between the Rams and Falcons could usurp that matchup for game of the week honors if, and only if, Falcons QB Michael Vick somehow came back. They have the ability to win with Peerless Price, but excluding this past Sunday's performance, stand-in Doug Johnson simply isn't getting him the ball.

At any rate... I look forward to another great week of football games and prediction standings. Hopefully everyone's teams do well, unless anyone happens to support the Texans this week...

KC, after their manhandling of the Broncos, is the team to beat in the AFC.

I have to agree with earlier posts about the "manhandling" of the Broncos by the Chiefs. Were it not for excellent special teams blocking and Dante Hall, the Chiefs would likely be 3-2 with two consecutive losses to both the Ravens and Broncos. That Hall has returned kicks for TDs four weeks in a row certainly bodes well for the future, but the fact that he has had to do it at least two in a row for a victory is important to pay attention to.

Kansas City 17
Baltimore 10

Kansas City 24
Denver 23

In both games the Chiefs were either tied or losing prior to Hall's TD, which in both games was the final score of the game. For two weeks in a row the Chiefs offense has been contained, making Kansas City dependant on Dante Hall returning a kick for a score each week. Whatever moves and talent Hall possesses, he can't bail them out every single week of the season.

More to the point about Kansas City "manhandling" Denver, the Broncos outgained the Chiefs on offense 469 yards to 262 and forced one more turnover than the Chiefs did. Before Hall's TD return they were still down six points with less than 10 minutes on the clock. They haven't manhandled a team for two weeks straight, and they needed Hall to bail them out of each of those two. Of the three teams they did dominate, those teams have a combined record of 4-9.

I would say Kansas City is a team to beat, but I wouldn't say they are the team to beat anymore than the Broncos. They have been too inconsistent offensively and did little defensively against Denver. Hall can't carry the team alone week in and week out. Denver appears to be more consistent on both sides of the ball, playing well without being spectacular. I think both the Broncos and the Chiefs have a way to go before they edge out the Colts in the AFC.

I think Priest Holmes averaging 96 yards a game has quite a bit to do with KC's success. Almost every close football game is decided by one or two big plays. KC has arguably the best return man and the best running back in football. A disadvantage at quarterback compared to Indianapolis, but not Denver. Whichever of the three teams defense steps up will be the key. I would not count Tennessee out either.

Well McNabb is definitely showing how overrated he is this year by going 11/26 for 146 yards, 1 TD, and 2 fumbles(1 lost).

On the other hand, is Carolina for real or what this season, WOW.

AND... WOW nice win Jets heh

the best I can do this week is stay at third

the denver game was tense!!! it came down to the last 5 seconds. good game. Pittsburgh is the number 1 defense though.

Bears Fan. Just shoot me now!

Kordell Stewart will never take you (or anyone) to the promised land...

If only the Niners could have pulled it off...

Still holding Fourth place, I sure hope the Falcons can come thru for me tonight.

This week's pool results:

1 Still Clueless 47
2 Mons Marauders 46
3 Unabomber 45
4 GraySeal 43
5 Amlord 41
5 Rancid Uncle 41
5 Sunday Savior 41
8 Sleeper 40
9 Night Train 37
10 MightyAsianThunder 28
11 Belas_Boys 23
12 Americas Debate 8
13 hrm 0

Sorry about the Falcons, Amlord. Well, not really. I'll leave it to km to come up with the TRUE ongoing results . Regarding tie-breakers and so on, I remain, well... clueless. It should be noted that MightyAsianThunder and Belas_Boys have both missed two weeks and Night Train has missed one week. Americas Debate has missed four weeks .

If the Niners and the Falcons could play AT ALL, I would be in this...

Did anyone see my boys - the Cowboys, that is? Ahhhh, gotta love em'

stop picking them then. atlanta is 1-5 and san fran 2-4

Well, I got my wish this week with Carolina upsetting the Colts in the RCA Dome. Of course, now Tennessee gets to contend with the undefeated Panthers on their own turf in North Carolina.

The Titans were ranked 5th in run defense before this week, but the Panthers are averaging over 160 yards per game rushing. If ever Tennessee was going to test their reputation for stopping the run, next Sunday will be it. As powerful of an offense as the Colts possess, I think Tennessee might be a little better off with Steve passing to several receivers all throughout the season. Though Mason had a big game against the Texans (6 rec. 177 yds 3TDs), McNair is making great use of rookie Tyrone Calico, Justin McCareins and Drew Bennett. The Panthers won't have just one or two receivers they can focus on like they were able to do with the Colts.

Here's hoping anyway...

It's a shame about the Falcons. I picked them to lose of course, but I was really hoping they could pull it off to be 2-4. I thought if they only had 4 losses when Vick came back that they might have a chance. Now I'm not so sure. However their season ends, I'll still look forward to the return of Michael Vick.

Regarding the 49ers, there's a curse on California this year. They're suffering the same way Oakland is. They have more than enough talent to win games, but they just aren't doing it. While I wouldn't say San Diego has the same level of talent on both sides of the ball as those two do, they certainly aren't having any better luck with a winless season thus far. Until any of them show any consistency, I won't be picking them to win (excluding games against the Cardinals or one another).

Along the east coast, what happened to the Bills? Their offense has been flat-lined for the last few weeks, and now it looks as though they took their defense with them! They don't resemble the team we saw the first two weeks at all. As much as I might like to see them rebound, I won't be at all surprised to see them drop their next three against Washington, Kansas City and Dallas. I had actually expected their Sunday Night game against Kansas City in two weeks to be a great game until their melt down.

Dallas has been pretty impressive when comparing them to last year's team, Bela, but I'm not sold on their 4-1 record when considering their past opponents' records:
Atlanta Falcons 1-5
New York Giants 2-3
New York Jets 1-4
Arizona Cardinals 1-5
Philadelphia Eagles 2-3

So far they are playing losing teams, with another one coming up in Detroit. I think it will be a true measure of their team when they face Tampa Bay, Carolina, Miami and possibly Washington. Of course, with teams playing as they are now, it looks like the rest of their schedule could easily escort them into the post season with a division title.


Despite their loss to the Panthers, I still have to say the Colts are playing more consistent ball right now. The Chiefs did resurrect their offense though, and I have to give them credit for that. If they can keep their offense rolling like last week and the first two weeks of the season, I think they would be the best in the AFC. As big a part of the offense as Holmes is, they'll need Trent Green to continue playing well and getting the balls to receivers as well as to Holmes if they want to truly dominate.

While they have a very good chance of going into their bye week at 8-0, I would be wary of their next two games against Oakland and the Bills. When a team is playing as poorly as those two, it's hard to accurately gauge a team's ability in wins over them.

Another wacky week in the NFL. Way to go Bengals

And what's with all the McNabb commercials? He's stinking up the field and he has more airtime than any other NFL player.

So many toss up games this week. I bet no one picked Cinncinnati.

Im not a Chiefs fan but I predict them to win the super bowl.. or atleast go. Mark my words..

Titans roll to 5-2. Look for them to lose or at least lose to the line next week. They don't handle success well.

Are the 49ers seriously going to beat the Bucs. Oh please give me one moment ofzen. Bama losing to everybody is sucking the life out of my football appreciation.
Go USC!

Have I ever mentioned how STUPID I think the unsportsmanlike conduct calls are getting lately? Taking off a helmet should NOT earn the opposing team 15 yds/automatic first down. That is just NUTS. I can understand serious infractions like shoving someone or some such idiocy, but taking off a helmet? These calls are especially ridiculous when it's a game-winning situation. Let them play for goodness sake!

And I am SO mad for second guessing myself in the Pats/Fins game. Grrrrrr

WERTZ...where are you? I PMed you to remind you to make your picks AND tried to get you through yahoo messenger, to no avail. Like Unabomber said before, I want to win, but I don't want to win cause people forget to make their picks...it's just not the same. But we can still have a games won winner in addition to a win percentage winner, so, no worries. Hope nothing serious kept you from making your picks this week...

Preliminary congrats to Abs and Bela, who will be the weekly winners (everyone picked KC tomorrow, so...).

Well, it appears that I've extended my lead a bit with Unabomber's untimely demise this week with just 3 points (likely 4 come tomorrow). This was just a BAD week for almost all of us...who'da thunk the Bengals would beat (and REALLY beat) the Ravens? Apparently Abs and Mighty Asian Thunder

Since the "games behind" stats won't change at all regardless of the outcome of tomorrow's game, here are the current "games behind" standings.



Team.............................................. Games Behind

Mons Marauders ........................... -
Sunday Savior .............................. 3
Gray Seal ..................................... 5
Unabomber .................................. 5
Still Clueless ................................. 7 (missed week 7 picks)
Amlord .......................................... 7
Rancid Uncle ................................. 7
Sleeper ......................................... 7
NightTrain ..................................... 9 (missed week 2 picks)
MightyAsianThunder .................... 20 (missed first 3 weeks)
Belas Boys ................................... 22 (missed first 3 weeks)
America’s Debate ......................... 45 (only played in first week)



Let's hope we all fare better next week!

Do you guys have a pool going on or what? If so, I want to join!

Blarsted work schedule! I was intending to make my picks last night - and just went unconscious before I could even log on. That does it - no more eighty-hour work weeks. Never mind - I shall rise again!

yes, we do. you are free to join, though we started it in week two. the lowest active members (in the pool) score is bela's, at 23.

anyway, here is the link to it: Pro Football Pick'em
Group ID#: 41078
Password: debatable

added:

it got only THREE this week, I got destroyed. at least I'm in third still.

here are this week's stats*:


1) Mons Marauders (KMsouthern) - 53
2) Sunday Savior (abs like jesus) - 49
3) Unabomber - 48
3) GraySeal 48
4) Clueless/Still Clueless (wertz) - 47
5) Amlord 46
5) Rancid Uncle 46
5) Sleeper 46
6) Night Train (nighttimer) - 44
7) MightyAsianThunder 33
8) Belas_Boys (beladonna) - 31
9) Americas Debate 8
14) hrm 0


*(add one if KC wins tommorow. everyone picked them)

This NFL season has been quite humbling. I am guessing that if we had a couple of participants named "Flip of the Coin" that one of them would be ahead of me.

I was actually at that game and very surprised when the Bengals scored 27 straight unanswered points. I figured they would be good for the win with the defense they had been playing and the one dimensional game play of the Ravens relying on nothing but Jamal Lewis. Even in losing he was impressive with a couple of runs over 20 yards for his 5th straight 100 yard rushing game.

Even more surprising than the Bengals' sudden offesive power yesterday was watching the scoreboards around the league and seeing Tennessee up on Carolina with scores like 20-0 in the first half and 30-3 in the fourth quarter. I'm still amazed that Steve only had to go 12 of 22 on the day for a mere 190 yards and that the Titans defense held Carolina -- a team averaging over 160 yards rushing per game -- to a mere 44 yards on the ground.

It was nice to see Buffalo find an offensive pulse again. I'd like to think they might at least try to give Kansas City a game next week on Sunday night. Dallas racked up a pretty impressive win even if it was against Detroit. I'm still itching to see them take on a serious challenge, but I do still expect them to take the division. New England is looking more impressive each week winning despite injuries. They've surprised me three weeks in a row against Tennessee, New York and Miami.

Even though the Bucs dropped their game yesterday to the Niners, I still consider them a Super Bowl contender. They had as many turnovers yesterday as they had the entire season before kickoff. I expect them to really return to form when they get over injuries on defense and get Joe Jurivicius back on offense. Staying with the NFC and defense, I'm wondering if their loss to Tennessee doesn't mark a turning point for Carolina this season. I think they are a great team, but the Titans have laid the blueprint to beating them. That being said I don't see New Orleans holding Davis and Foster under 100 next week.

Tonight's game between Kansas City and Oakland could be better than I originally would have expected. While I still think the Chiefs will win it, I'm curious to see if Oakland can play any better with Jerry Porter back at wide receiver. If they can't put up 20 or more points with a legitimate third receiver I don't think they'll have any other excuses for their poor play this season.


I agree they have a poor history of handling success, but they haven't done all that bad this season. Their two losses came to a really good team in the Colts and an inventive team in the Patriots. While the Colts game was completely terrible, they still demonstrated a potent offense against the Patriots in spite of New England's recent defensive prowess. Next week's game against Jacksonville may be closer than many would expect, but I don't see them losing to Leftwich. My concern for them is coming out of their bye week against a tough Miami squad.

Congrats and condolences to everyone on their picks this past week!

Another easy win for KC.

Are we watching the same games, Hugo? As well as the Chiefs played in the first half of the game, they struggled considerably in the second, scoring only off a botched play from Buchanon. While turnovers clearly factor into a game, the Chiefs also only won by 36 inches after allowing Marques Tuiasosopo to rally the Raiders to nearly two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

It was a good game and Kansas City looked alright for the most part, but I don't know that I would consider 36 inches from a second consecutive overtime an easy win.

J-E-T-S, JETS! JETS! JETS!
Wow, a nailbiter in Houston and the Jets win, I'm starting to gain some hope, but, like the Redsox, the Jets tend to set you up for a fall, so I won't get too excited.

CP

Just a reminder for everyone to make their picks this week...

Add one point when (I guess I should say "if") Miami wins tonight, but here are the weekly results for active players:


1 Mons Marauders (kmsouthern) 64
2 Still Clueless (Wertz) 57
2 Sunday Savior (Abs) 57
2 GraySeal 57
2 Unabomber 57
6 Rancid Uncle 55
7 Night Train (nighttimer) 54
7 Amlord 54
9 Sleeper 51
10 MightyAsianThunder 42
11 Belas_Boys 37
12 Hundred Aker Woods (??? 19yearsNcounting ???) 8

Well, another week of extending my lead , which is now 7. Wertz is back in the game this week (if he hadn't missed last week, he'd probably still be winning) and is in a four-way tie for 2nd place with Abs, GraySeal, and Unabomber (order is random right now, will figure ties tomorrow). Nighttimer continues to impress and would likely be closer to the top of the leaderboard had he started out with us. And we have a new player this week, Hundred Aker Woods, who I am guessing is a new AD member, 19yearsNcounting, though maybe it's our gloomy old pal Eeyore, who's been seen posting in this thread on occasion... Welcome to the league, whoever you are

Since we've had several players miss a week or more, I'm keeping track of win percentage in addition to weekly points. Wertz remains king with respect to winning percentage. Win percentage placement won't change after tonight's game as we've all selected KC, so I'm figuring this assuming we all win tomorrow (after the end of W8, there will have been 100 games in our league - remember we didn't start till W2). Easier to base it off 100 games (rather than 99) for obvious reasons, so I'm figuring it that way

1 Wertz 67.4% (better than most of the analysts)
2 nighttimer 65.4% (about the same as the analysts)
3 kmsouthern 65% (about the same as the analysts)
4 new member (?19yearsNcounting/Eeyore?) 64.2%
5 MightyAsianThunder 61.4%
6 Abs Like Jesus 58%
6 GraySeal 58%
6 Unabomber 58%
9 Rancid Uncle 56%
10 Beladonna 54.2%
11 Amlord 54%
12 Sleeper 52%

Congrats to everyone...this was a better week for most everyone than last week. Here's to an even better week next week (but not too good so I can keep extending my lead)

I was thinking of picking baltimore instead of denver, but am too much of a diehard fan to do so. I would be undisputed for second place had I not picked denver. man we need plummer back!!

I may not get very many right from week to week, but at least I am consistent. Geeze, assuming Miami wins this week I'll have had nine correct every week save one. I think Wertz is just looking at my picks and carefully selecting which five I took too big of a gamble with...

How about those BENGALS?
I expected more of them out of their bye week, but the highlights look pretty good from their game over the Seahawks! With Arizona next week they could become a serious playoff contender by moving up in the ranks of their division. Maybe it's true what they say about Marvin Lewis in Cincinatti... he's the "Black Jesus."

Hugo... we can agree this week that last night's game was definitely an easy win for the Chiefs. While I typically dislike the Sunday night commentating, I couldn't help but laugh when they advised Bledsoe to take the bench before he got himself killed. An impressive win for the Chiefs. Here's to hoping they don't come out flat in two weeks after the bye!

Titans made me happy yesterday, as did ESPN poll results placing McNair atop the list of potential MVP candidates. As much as I'd love to see Steve take that award later this year, I'm not sure Stephen Davis won't deserve it more by the time the season is over. I don't think there is any doubt in Carolina or the rest of the NFC as to who the leader of that team is.

Bucs rebounded nicely and finally won a home game for the season. I figured they were good for the win, but I still take Dallas to win their division. They still have plenty of soft spots on their schedule to exploit to take the title. I'm hoping for an entertaining game next week between Dallas and Washington!

Congrats to everyone on their picks this week and hopefully those of us who watch will be treated to a good game tonight!

Eeyore here from the from the 100 Aker Woods. I belatedly joined.

Titans survived what I thought would be a let down week. My wife is happy. Woo Hoo.

Does any body else think that the Miami-Chargers game at the last minute will outdraw a the Cardinals season average in attendance.

Speaking of a let down. GO Niners! Go directly to the free agent pool and find someone with a foot.

At this point, barring injuries, I foresee the Titans and Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I still have a soft spot for McNair, and the Titans, from when they were in Houston. I would have mixed emotions on that game. Better watch the Patriots.

The Texans came up a bit short. I think Carr has potential to be a great quarterback, good players at the skills positions, decent defense, offensive line is looking better. Next year they may break .500.

NFC, I still expect Tampa Bay to catch fire. This week may have started it. We will see how the Vikings comeback after a loss.

Most improved player, Quincy Carter. I have been wondering for three years why he was playing, now I see why.

The only good thing about the 2003 edition of the San Francisco 49ers is that a lot of these stiffs, losers and chokers won't be on the 2004 edition.

How in the heck do you beat the Bucs and lose to the Cardinals the next. Maybe they were looking past them toward the Rams coming in next week? Sure looks like it.

Looks like I picked the wrong weekend to stop drinking.

No, my name is Ryan. So that guy who entered was not me. But look for me next week


Yeah.. how 'bout them bengals?

Also, who do I PM my picks to?

Yea, what about Eddie in the first half? He looked as if he was back at Ohio State again, and acutally ran the ball like I know he should. Is it me, or does it seem that the Titans are a lot more aggresive on offense this year than in the past? I like it though, takes me back to my days at UK when Tim Couch was at the helm: All O and no D! But the Titans defense is pretty good too. Maybe the Titans will draft Lorenzen as a backup QB after he graduates this year.

The Giants have suddenly snapped out of that 2-4 trance they were in, watch for Shockey in the Superbowl. That may seem a little premature but these Giants are as good as anybody in the NFC. They should be 5-2, too.

Standings as of 10/28/03 (to include tie-breakers)


1 Mons Marauders (kmsouthern) 65
2 Sunday Savior (Abs) 58 (-3 Monday night score)
3 GraySeal 58 (+8 Monday night score)
4 Unabomber 58 (+9 Monday night score)
5 Still Clueless (Wertz) 58 (+15 Monday night score)
6 Rancid Uncle 56
7 Night Train (nighttimer) 55 (+4 Monday night score)
8 Amlord 55 (-6 Monday night score)
9 Sleeper 52
10 MightyAsianThunder 43
11 Belas_Boys (Beladonna) 38
12 Hundred Aker Woods (Eeyore) 9


Good luck next week and don't forget to make your picks. 19Years...you don't have to PM anyone your picks, there's an actual yahoo private group pool that we've created.

Instructions:

You have been invited to join kmsouthern's Private Group in Yahoo! Sports Pro Football Pick'em.
In order to join the group, just go to http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/pickem, click the Sign Up Now! button and choose to Join a Private Group. Then, when prompted, enter the following information...

Group ID#: 41078
Password: debatable

Hope to see you there next week. I think the cutoff for winning percentage should be next week (i.e., if you enter next week it's the last week you can sign up to still be eligible for "winning percentage" victory). I think having at least 9 weekly picks should be enough to determine the "percentage"winner. So as long as you've got 9 weeks worth of regular season picks (majority of the season) under your belt, you're eligible for the winning percentage title Sound good to everyone? THe game ends with the regular season, btw (Dec. 28th).

Thanks for the invite.

Im picking my picks right now, and I noticed that Huston is favored over Carolina..

What? Anyone care to explain?

actually, KM, I think tiebreakers are only for weekly ties, not total ties. that is how I understood it, and how yahoo seems to calcuate it. according to the pool page:



the way a tiebreaker works is let's say I scored 10 for next week, and you scored 3. every one else scored 9 or less. at that point me and you would be tied for first place in the pool, if the tie breaker was in my favor, I would be in first, despite both of us having 68, if you had the tiebreaker, you would be in first. every rank below 1st isn't that important, thus doesn't need the tie breaker. that's how I understand how pool tiebreakers.

Just a friendly reminder...

1. Active members: Don't forget to make your picks! You've got about 3 hours!

2. If you aren't a member and want to join, this is the last week you can join and still be eligible for the weekly win percentage portion of our league. It's nothing within the league itself, but we've had a number of members miss a week or more, so I decided to tally up winning percentages at the end of the season and so long as you've got no less than 9 games under your belt, you are eligible.

Scroll up a bit to see the instructions for joining.

Good luck


UGH! - I went to change my pick in the TB/NO game at 6:53 CET (2 minutes before the deadline), but I was too late! Grrrrrr...

Looks to be another low scoring week! Quite a few upsets so far!

Another ugly week of picks for me... 7/14

But how about some of the games from this weekend? I'm not a Chargers fan by any stretch, but I love when Doug Flutie gets a chance to silence his critics. And while LaDanian Tomlinson may have had another spectacular day, I don't think there is any doubt that Flutie led that team to victory over the Vikings.

And then there is Atlanta and Jacksonville. The quarterback situation in Atlanta is as dismal as ever without Vick, but yet another prospect who was considered too small (like Flutie) had a day as Warrick Dunn carried the ball and his team to only their second victory of the season. With only two wins their season is almost certainly over, but if they continue their level of play they will certainly upset the hopes of some teams as the season goes on. Getting Michael Vick back in a few weeks won't hurt.

Personally, I'm mailing a gift package to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the executives at CBS. They both made my day. Jacksonville's victory over the Colts puts Indianapolis into a tie with my favorite team, the Tennessee Titans, and CBS was kind enough to give me both the Tennessee game and the Colts game Sunday afternoon. They determined that the Titans' [size=1][then] 28-0 dominance of the Dolphins was no longer entertaining (lack of competition) and switched broadcasts just in time to see the Colts lose in the final seconds on a Peyton Manning INT.

I haven't checked yet, but I believe Manning's INT may help Steve McNair retain the highest current passer rating in the league, which may help him in his bid for MVP.

For all the excitement Sunday afternoon games provided, both the Sunday and Monday night games were ugly. I think there ended up being 11 turnovers in the Rams/Ravens game on Sunday, setting a league record for the 2003 season. And as though that weren't enough, the Rams didn't even gain 130 total yards in scoring 33 points. The Packers/Eagles game got a little better toward the end with some flashes of offense, but I don't recall that bad of a MNF game since the opener when Philly stunk it up against the Bucs.

Here's looking forward to even better games and highlights for the coming weekend.