NFL Wildcard Weekend Review
No good this week as the Natural posts his first losing week of the season (I think). Here’s how I got on with my big bets:
Houston -3 (vs Cincinnati)
HOU 31 – 10 CIN
WIN
Even my lone winning bet wasn’t as good as it looked as this game was closer than the 21 point margin of victory suggests. The Red Rifle Andy Dalton couldn’t quite cope with the raucous Houston crowd and the Texans did just enough to win, setting up a trip to Baltimore next week.
Denver vs Pittsburgh: Conclusion No Bet
DEN 29 – 23 PIT
No Bet
In last week’s preview I worried that “a banged up Big Ben, no RB and a missing Ryan Clark” might prove too much for the Steelers and they ended up losing on the road. I had a small saver on them to protect my Pittsburgh outright position but it was scant consolation as my big ante-post cheer went out with a whimper. Denver earns a trip to number 1 seed New England next week.
Atlanta +3 (vs NY Giants)
ATL 2 – 24 NYG
LOSE
An absolutely disgraceful showing from the Falcons, mustering only two points from an early safety. Head Coach Mike Smith looked like he was about to burst into tears every team his team left him with 4th and short. The Giants are beginning to attract ‘2007 all over again’ whispers and they get a chance to knock off Aaron Rodgers and his Packers in Lambeau next week.
Detroit +11 (vs New Orleans)
SET 28 – 45 NO
LOSE
From my preview last week: “Yes I know New Orleans seem to win every game by 40 points and yes I know Detroit just allowed 500 yards to a backup QB…” I should have listened to myself. The Lions hung tough for a half but ended up blown out. New Orleans earn a trip to the Fo’ Real 49ers in the Natural’s Game of the Decade (TM).
