PIKER PICKS: WEEK 8
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/26 1:00 PM EST
(5-2) Denver
(3-3) BALTIMORE -2
(1-5) Detroit
(1-5) CHICAGO -3
(5-1) Seattle -1.5
(2-4) CINCINNATI
(5-2) Tennessee -3.5
(1-5) JACKSONVILLE
(2-4) N.Y. Giants
(6-0) MINNESOTA -5.5
(3-4) Cleveland
(5-2) NEW ENGLAND -5.5
(5-1) Carolina
(3-4) NEW ORLEANS -2
(4-2) St. Louis
(2-4) PITTSBURGH -1.5
(5-1) Dallas
(3-3) TAMPA BAY -6.5
10/26 4:05 PM EST
(3-4) San Francisco -6.5
(1-5) ARIZONA
10/26 4:15 PM EST
(2-4) Houston
(5-1) INDIANAPOLIS -13
(2-4) N.Y. Jets
(3-3) PHILADELPHIA -3
10/26 8:30 PM EST
(4-3) Buffalo
(7-0) KANSAS CITY -6.5
10/27 9:00 PM EST
(4-2) Miami -3
(1-5) SAN DIEGO
Friday, October 24, 2003
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 7 RESULTS
Craps... Piker had a 7-7 record in Week 7. Still can't figure out the teams from Ohio. Piker bet against the Bengals and with the Browns and got burned by both of them. Kelly Holcombe is a winner, but the Browns simply cannot stop the run, which makes them the most unpredictable team in the league from week to week. Then there's the Bengals, who are actually kinda tough for a 2-4 team. The Bills and Niners have a Jeckyl and Hyde thing going on as well. Tennessee finally seems like they're playing up to their capability, ending Carolina's undefeated run at 5. And "Oh no, Olindo!" I don't care if the Marlins are in the World Series and you have to kick off second base to bang a field goal through the friggin' uprights, you hit one of the two game winners at the end of regulation and the beginning of overtime. Terrible loss for the Phins at home. Besides the Marlins, it was not a good week overall for the Florida teams, as the Bucs lost on the road to level their record at 3-3. The Super Bowl champs are not only vulnerable, they're flat out beatable. If the Super Bowl were today, the matchup would be unquestionable -- the only two undefeated teams left -- Chiefs vs. Vikings. Congrats to San Diego for being the last team in the league to get their first win of the season. And kudos to Piker's own Johnny Silbs, whose 12-2 record was the single week high for the season.
WON: New Orleans, Tennessee, Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City
LOST: Baltimore, Cleveland, Miami, Houston, Washington, Tampa Bay, Seattle
Piker's season mark now stands at: 46-37-3. After Week 8, Piker will present a special segment, projecting the final records of each of the teams in the NFL. Until then, enjoy my dream World Series -- Yanks and Marlins -- and, in keeping with the theme, let's hope it goes 7 games.
Craps... Piker had a 7-7 record in Week 7. Still can't figure out the teams from Ohio. Piker bet against the Bengals and with the Browns and got burned by both of them. Kelly Holcombe is a winner, but the Browns simply cannot stop the run, which makes them the most unpredictable team in the league from week to week. Then there's the Bengals, who are actually kinda tough for a 2-4 team. The Bills and Niners have a Jeckyl and Hyde thing going on as well. Tennessee finally seems like they're playing up to their capability, ending Carolina's undefeated run at 5. And "Oh no, Olindo!" I don't care if the Marlins are in the World Series and you have to kick off second base to bang a field goal through the friggin' uprights, you hit one of the two game winners at the end of regulation and the beginning of overtime. Terrible loss for the Phins at home. Besides the Marlins, it was not a good week overall for the Florida teams, as the Bucs lost on the road to level their record at 3-3. The Super Bowl champs are not only vulnerable, they're flat out beatable. If the Super Bowl were today, the matchup would be unquestionable -- the only two undefeated teams left -- Chiefs vs. Vikings. Congrats to San Diego for being the last team in the league to get their first win of the season. And kudos to Piker's own Johnny Silbs, whose 12-2 record was the single week high for the season.
WON: New Orleans, Tennessee, Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City
LOST: Baltimore, Cleveland, Miami, Houston, Washington, Tampa Bay, Seattle
Piker's season mark now stands at: 46-37-3. After Week 8, Piker will present a special segment, projecting the final records of each of the teams in the NFL. Until then, enjoy my dream World Series -- Yanks and Marlins -- and, in keeping with the theme, let's hope it goes 7 games.
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
After Week 7
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2)
3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4)
4. TENNESSEE TITANS (9)
5. CAROLINA PANTHERS (3)
6. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8)
7. MIAMI DOLPHINS (5)
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10)
9. DENVER BRONCOS (7)
10. ST. LOUIS RAMS (11)
11. TAMPA BAY BUCS (6)
12. DALLAS COWBOYS (13)
13. GREEN BAY PACKERS (12)
14. BUFFALO BILLS (17)
15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (16)
16. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (20)
17. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (14)
18. BALTIMORE RAVENS (15)
19. CLEVELAND BROWNS (18)
20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (19)
21. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (25)
22. CINCINNATI BENGALS (23)
23. NEW YORK GIANTS (21)
24. NEW YORK JETS (26)
25. OAKLAND RAIDERS (22)
26. HOUSTON TEXANS (24)
27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (32)
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (28)
29. CHICAGO BEARS (30)
30. DETROIT LIONS (27)
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS (31)
32. ATLANTA FALCONS (29)
After Week 7
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2)
3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4)
4. TENNESSEE TITANS (9)
5. CAROLINA PANTHERS (3)
6. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8)
7. MIAMI DOLPHINS (5)
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10)
9. DENVER BRONCOS (7)
10. ST. LOUIS RAMS (11)
11. TAMPA BAY BUCS (6)
12. DALLAS COWBOYS (13)
13. GREEN BAY PACKERS (12)
14. BUFFALO BILLS (17)
15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (16)
16. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (20)
17. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (14)
18. BALTIMORE RAVENS (15)
19. CLEVELAND BROWNS (18)
20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (19)
21. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (25)
22. CINCINNATI BENGALS (23)
23. NEW YORK GIANTS (21)
24. NEW YORK JETS (26)
25. OAKLAND RAIDERS (22)
26. HOUSTON TEXANS (24)
27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (32)
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (28)
29. CHICAGO BEARS (30)
30. DETROIT LIONS (27)
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS (31)
32. ATLANTA FALCONS (29)
Friday, October 17, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 7
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/19 1:00 PM EST
(2-4) New Orleans -1.5
(1-5) ATLANTA
(4-2) Tennessee
(5-0) CAROLINA -1.5
(3-2) Baltimore -2
(1-4) CINCINNATI
(0-5) San Diego
(3-3) CLEVELAND -5
(4-1) Dallas -3
(1-4) DETROIT
(4-2) New England
(4-1) MIAMI -5
(5-1) Denver
(5-0) MINNESOTA -3.5
(2-3) Philadelphia
(2-3) N.Y. GIANTS -3
(3-3) Green Bay
(3-2) ST. LOUIS -3.5
10/19 4:05 PM EST
(1-4) N.Y. Jets -3
(2-3) HOUSTON
10/19 4:15 PM EST
(3-3) Washington
(3-3) BUFFALO -3
(3-2) Tampa Bay -3.5
(2-4) SAN FRANCISCO
(1-4) Chicago
(4-1) SEATTLE -11
10/20 9:00 PM EST
(6-0) Kansas City -3.5
(2-4) OAKLAND
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/19 1:00 PM EST
(2-4) New Orleans -1.5
(1-5) ATLANTA
(4-2) Tennessee
(5-0) CAROLINA -1.5
(3-2) Baltimore -2
(1-4) CINCINNATI
(0-5) San Diego
(3-3) CLEVELAND -5
(4-1) Dallas -3
(1-4) DETROIT
(4-2) New England
(4-1) MIAMI -5
(5-1) Denver
(5-0) MINNESOTA -3.5
(2-3) Philadelphia
(2-3) N.Y. GIANTS -3
(3-3) Green Bay
(3-2) ST. LOUIS -3.5
10/19 4:05 PM EST
(1-4) N.Y. Jets -3
(2-3) HOUSTON
10/19 4:15 PM EST
(3-3) Washington
(3-3) BUFFALO -3
(3-2) Tampa Bay -3.5
(2-4) SAN FRANCISCO
(1-4) Chicago
(4-1) SEATTLE -11
10/20 9:00 PM EST
(6-0) Kansas City -3.5
(2-4) OAKLAND
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 6 RESULTS
It is not yet apparent whether the Piker staff is improving in its ability to pick games or NFL teams are starting to show their true colors. Piker kicked some gridiron ass this weekend, going 10-4 against the spread. One of our unaminous picks, Philadelphia, lost to Dallas and let us down in a big way, showing that they are currently not a very good football team. Thus far, Donovan McNabb has failed to silence the critics. Is Dallas for real? If you look at their schedule so far, it's been soft and they haven't really faced a big test yet. The 'Boys are likely to go to 5-1 after Week 7, as they are on the road at lowly Detroit. After that, Dallas has six games in a row against opponents with .500 records or better, including Tampa Bay, New England, Carolina, and Miami. But, looking down the road, it's not unthinkable that the Cowboys can get into the playoffs with a 10-6 mark. The Carolina Panthers are for real. They hung tough and beat the Colts in OT at Indy and earned themselves a spot in the league's Top 5. KC is definitely for real. Another Alcoa Fantastic Finish in OT at Lambeau. The Pack let that game slip away, but they're still in the top half of the NFL. When you glance at this week's Piker Power Rankings, take note of the fact that there really are only 15 or so teams playing well right now. And if you make it all the way down to the bottom of the list, check out how many truly pathetic teams are celler dwelling. The J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets are on the board after blowing out the sinking Bills. Huge AFC East matchup this weekend between the Dolphins and the Patriots. Winner takes control of the division.
WON: Cleveland, Carolina, Miami, New England, New Orleans, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, San Francisco, St. Louis
LOST: Philadelphia, Green Bay, Denver, Buffalo
Posting a 10-4 record for Week 6 brings Piker's season tally to 39-30-3. Not too shabby.
It is not yet apparent whether the Piker staff is improving in its ability to pick games or NFL teams are starting to show their true colors. Piker kicked some gridiron ass this weekend, going 10-4 against the spread. One of our unaminous picks, Philadelphia, lost to Dallas and let us down in a big way, showing that they are currently not a very good football team. Thus far, Donovan McNabb has failed to silence the critics. Is Dallas for real? If you look at their schedule so far, it's been soft and they haven't really faced a big test yet. The 'Boys are likely to go to 5-1 after Week 7, as they are on the road at lowly Detroit. After that, Dallas has six games in a row against opponents with .500 records or better, including Tampa Bay, New England, Carolina, and Miami. But, looking down the road, it's not unthinkable that the Cowboys can get into the playoffs with a 10-6 mark. The Carolina Panthers are for real. They hung tough and beat the Colts in OT at Indy and earned themselves a spot in the league's Top 5. KC is definitely for real. Another Alcoa Fantastic Finish in OT at Lambeau. The Pack let that game slip away, but they're still in the top half of the NFL. When you glance at this week's Piker Power Rankings, take note of the fact that there really are only 15 or so teams playing well right now. And if you make it all the way down to the bottom of the list, check out how many truly pathetic teams are celler dwelling. The J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets are on the board after blowing out the sinking Bills. Huge AFC East matchup this weekend between the Dolphins and the Patriots. Winner takes control of the division.
WON: Cleveland, Carolina, Miami, New England, New Orleans, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, San Francisco, St. Louis
LOST: Philadelphia, Green Bay, Denver, Buffalo
Posting a 10-4 record for Week 6 brings Piker's season tally to 39-30-3. Not too shabby.
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
After Week 6
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3)
3. CAROLINA PANTHERS (6)
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2)
5. MIAMI DOLPHINS (4)
6. TAMPA BAY BUCS (7)
7. DENVER BRONCOS (5)
8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8)
9. TENNESSEE TITANS (9)
10. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (13)
11. ST. LOUIS RAMS (14)
12. GREEN BAY PACKERS (15)
13. DALLAS COWBOYS (17)
14. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (11)
15. BALTIMORE RAVENS (16)
16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10)
17. BUFFALO BILLS (12)
18. CLEVELAND BROWNS (22)
19. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (19)
20. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (20)
21. NEW YORK GIANTS (18)
22. OAKLAND RAIDERS (21)
23. CINCINNATI BENGALS (24)
24. HOUSTON TEXANS (23)
25. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (28)
26. NEW YORK JETS (31)
27. DETROIT LIONS (25)
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (27)
29. ATLANTA FALCONS (26)
30. CHICAGO BEARS (29)
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS (30)
32. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (32)
After Week 6
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3)
3. CAROLINA PANTHERS (6)
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2)
5. MIAMI DOLPHINS (4)
6. TAMPA BAY BUCS (7)
7. DENVER BRONCOS (5)
8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8)
9. TENNESSEE TITANS (9)
10. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (13)
11. ST. LOUIS RAMS (14)
12. GREEN BAY PACKERS (15)
13. DALLAS COWBOYS (17)
14. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (11)
15. BALTIMORE RAVENS (16)
16. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10)
17. BUFFALO BILLS (12)
18. CLEVELAND BROWNS (22)
19. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (19)
20. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (20)
21. NEW YORK GIANTS (18)
22. OAKLAND RAIDERS (21)
23. CINCINNATI BENGALS (24)
24. HOUSTON TEXANS (23)
25. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (28)
26. NEW YORK JETS (31)
27. DETROIT LIONS (25)
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (27)
29. ATLANTA FALCONS (26)
30. CHICAGO BEARS (29)
31. ARIZONA CARDINALS (30)
32. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (32)
Thursday, October 09, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 6
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/12 1:00 PM EST
Oakland
CLEVELAND -3
Philadephia
DALLAS -1
Kansas City
GREEN BAY -1.5
Carolina
INDIANAPOLIS -5
Miami -3
JACKSONVILLE
N.Y. Giants
NEW ENGLAND -2.5
Chicago
NEW ORLEANS -5.5
Houston
TENNESSEE -10
Tampa Bay -3
Washington
10/12 4:15 PM EST
Baltimore -5.5
ARIZONA
Pittsburgh
DENVER -6.5
Buffalo -3
N.Y. JETS
10/12 8:30 PM EST
San Francisco
SEATTLE -3.5
10/13 9:00 PM EST
Atlanta
ST. LOUIS -11
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/12 1:00 PM EST
Oakland
CLEVELAND -3
Philadephia
DALLAS -1
Kansas City
GREEN BAY -1.5
Carolina
INDIANAPOLIS -5
Miami -3
JACKSONVILLE
N.Y. Giants
NEW ENGLAND -2.5
Chicago
NEW ORLEANS -5.5
Houston
TENNESSEE -10
Tampa Bay -3
Washington
10/12 4:15 PM EST
Baltimore -5.5
ARIZONA
Pittsburgh
DENVER -6.5
Buffalo -3
N.Y. JETS
10/12 8:30 PM EST
San Francisco
SEATTLE -3.5
10/13 9:00 PM EST
Atlanta
ST. LOUIS -11
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
After Week 5
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4)
3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5)
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS (6)
5. DENVER BRONCOS (3)
6. CAROLINA PANTHERS (9)
7. TAMPA BAY BUCS (2)
8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14)
9. TENNESSEE TITANS (7)
10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (17)
11. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (10)
12. BUFFALO BILLS (11)
13. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8)
14. ST. LOUIS RAMS (16)
15. GREEN BAY PACKERS (19)
16. BALTIMORE RAVENS (15)
17. DALLAS COWBOYS (20)
18. NEW YORK GIANTS (13)
19. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12)
20. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (21)
21. OAKLAND RAIDERS (18)
22. CLEVELAND BROWNS (26)
23. HOUSTON TEXANS (22)
24. CINCINNATI BENGALS (25)
25. DETROIT LIONS (24)
26. ATLANTA FALCONS (23)
27. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (31)
28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (27)
29. CHICAGO BEARS (32)
30. ARIZONA CARDINALS (28)
31. NEW YORK JETS (30)
32. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (29)
After Week 5
(Rank Last Week in Parentheses)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1)
2. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4)
3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5)
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS (6)
5. DENVER BRONCOS (3)
6. CAROLINA PANTHERS (9)
7. TAMPA BAY BUCS (2)
8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14)
9. TENNESSEE TITANS (7)
10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (17)
11. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (10)
12. BUFFALO BILLS (11)
13. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8)
14. ST. LOUIS RAMS (16)
15. GREEN BAY PACKERS (19)
16. BALTIMORE RAVENS (15)
17. DALLAS COWBOYS (20)
18. NEW YORK GIANTS (13)
19. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12)
20. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (21)
21. OAKLAND RAIDERS (18)
22. CLEVELAND BROWNS (26)
23. HOUSTON TEXANS (22)
24. CINCINNATI BENGALS (25)
25. DETROIT LIONS (24)
26. ATLANTA FALCONS (23)
27. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (31)
28. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (27)
29. CHICAGO BEARS (32)
30. ARIZONA CARDINALS (28)
31. NEW YORK JETS (30)
32. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (29)
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 5 RESULTS
It was a miserable week for the pack of Piker prognosticators. Going into the staff meeting, our four resident "experts" were split on 7 of the 14 games. After much deliberation and debate, the deadlocks were broken and a consensus agreed upon. In those 7 games, our record wound up 1-6-1. The staff could come to a unanimous decision on only two games. Lost both of 'em. Overall, Piker went 5-8-1 against the spread in Week 5, to bleed into the red for the first time. (On a personal side note: I was the only one on solid ground with an 8-5-1 record for the weekend.) Altogether, Piker's record for the season teeters on the edge of .500 at 29-26-3. Well, at least the Dolphins looked good in soundly defeating the New York football Giants, the Monday night matchup contained a phenomenal and improbable comeback -- one that definitely would have been featured on Alcoa's Fantastic Finishes segment back in the day -- and that punt return by KC's Dante Hall may have been the best I've ever seen.
WON: Minnesota, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, Washington
LOST: Buffalo, Carolina, Oakland, Seattle, Kansas City, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay
PUSHED: San Francisco
It was a miserable week for the pack of Piker prognosticators. Going into the staff meeting, our four resident "experts" were split on 7 of the 14 games. After much deliberation and debate, the deadlocks were broken and a consensus agreed upon. In those 7 games, our record wound up 1-6-1. The staff could come to a unanimous decision on only two games. Lost both of 'em. Overall, Piker went 5-8-1 against the spread in Week 5, to bleed into the red for the first time. (On a personal side note: I was the only one on solid ground with an 8-5-1 record for the weekend.) Altogether, Piker's record for the season teeters on the edge of .500 at 29-26-3. Well, at least the Dolphins looked good in soundly defeating the New York football Giants, the Monday night matchup contained a phenomenal and improbable comeback -- one that definitely would have been featured on Alcoa's Fantastic Finishes segment back in the day -- and that punt return by KC's Dante Hall may have been the best I've ever seen.
WON: Minnesota, Dallas, Miami, Jacksonville, Washington
LOST: Buffalo, Carolina, Oakland, Seattle, Kansas City, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay
PUSHED: San Francisco
Friday, October 03, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 5
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/5 1:00 PM EST
Minnesota -4.5
ATLANTA
Cincinnati
BUFFALO -8
New Orleans
CAROLINA -6.5
Oakland -4
CHICAGO
Arizona
DALLAS -7
Seattle
GREEN BAY -2
Denver
KANSAS CITY -3
Tennessee -1
NEW ENGLAND
Miami Pick 'em
N.Y. GIANTS
10/5 4:05 PM EST
San Diego
JACKSONVILLE -3
10/5 4:15 PM EST
Washington
PHILADELPHIA -5.5
Detroit
SAN FRANCISCO -7
10/5 8:30 PM EST
Cleveland
PITTSBURGH -7
10/6 9:00 PM EST
Indianapolis
TAMPA BAY -4
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
10/5 1:00 PM EST
Minnesota -4.5
ATLANTA
Cincinnati
BUFFALO -8
New Orleans
CAROLINA -6.5
Oakland -4
CHICAGO
Arizona
DALLAS -7
Seattle
GREEN BAY -2
Denver
KANSAS CITY -3
Tennessee -1
NEW ENGLAND
Miami Pick 'em
N.Y. GIANTS
10/5 4:05 PM EST
San Diego
JACKSONVILLE -3
10/5 4:15 PM EST
Washington
PHILADELPHIA -5.5
Detroit
SAN FRANCISCO -7
10/5 8:30 PM EST
Cleveland
PITTSBURGH -7
10/6 9:00 PM EST
Indianapolis
TAMPA BAY -4
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
(After Week 4)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2. TAMPA BAY BUCS
3. DENVER BRONCOS
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
5. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
6. MIAMI DOLPHINS
7. TENNESSEE TITANS
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
9. CAROLINA PANTHERS
10. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
11. BUFFALO BILLS
12. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
15. BALTIMORE RAVENS
16. ST. LOUIS RAMS
17. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
18. OAKLAND RAIDERS
19. GREEN BAY PACKERS
20. DALLAS COWBOYS
21. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
22. HOUSTON TEXANS
23. ATLANTA FALCONS
24. DETROIT LIONS
25. CINCINNATI BENGALS
26. CLEVELAND BROWNS
27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
28. ARIZONA CARDINALS
29. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
30. NEW YORK JETS
31. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
32. CHICAGO BEARS
(After Week 4)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2. TAMPA BAY BUCS
3. DENVER BRONCOS
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
5. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
6. MIAMI DOLPHINS
7. TENNESSEE TITANS
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
9. CAROLINA PANTHERS
10. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
11. BUFFALO BILLS
12. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
15. BALTIMORE RAVENS
16. ST. LOUIS RAMS
17. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
18. OAKLAND RAIDERS
19. GREEN BAY PACKERS
20. DALLAS COWBOYS
21. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
22. HOUSTON TEXANS
23. ATLANTA FALCONS
24. DETROIT LIONS
25. CINCINNATI BENGALS
26. CLEVELAND BROWNS
27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
28. ARIZONA CARDINALS
29. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
30. NEW YORK JETS
31. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
32. CHICAGO BEARS
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 4 RESULTS
Piker was in serious danger of losing some theoretical cash, but thanks to the Green Bay Packers covering against the Chicago Bears, Piker's crack staff of football experts avoided dipping under the .500 mark for the week. With Piker's beloved Miami Dolphins sitting on the sidelines on Sunday, coupled with the fact that Piker had to work on Sunday, Piker was not able to see any of the games. However, Piker saw all the highlights on SportsCenter and PrimeTime and is keenly aware of what's happening in the NFL. What's happening is it's damn near impossible to pick games with any consistency. Buffalo looked like the best team in the league a couple of weeks ago, now they've lost two straight and when it's all said and done, they might not even make the playoffs. Cleveland lost to Cincy at home, the Steelers lost to the Titans at home, the Ravens couldn't hang with the Chiefs, Detroit hung in with Denver, the Chargers should have beaten the Raiders, and the Jets flat out suck. In the end, Piker went 7-6-1 for in Week 4. It broke down like this:
WON: Houston, Minnesota, St. Louis, Carolina, Dallas, Indianapolis, Green Bay
LOST: Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Oakland, Denver
PUSHED: Washington
Piker's overall record for the year now stands at 24-18-2. If it gets any worse, we're going to have to haul the jug full of change down to the supermarket and give the CoinStar seven cents on the dollar for some cold hard cash.
Piker was in serious danger of losing some theoretical cash, but thanks to the Green Bay Packers covering against the Chicago Bears, Piker's crack staff of football experts avoided dipping under the .500 mark for the week. With Piker's beloved Miami Dolphins sitting on the sidelines on Sunday, coupled with the fact that Piker had to work on Sunday, Piker was not able to see any of the games. However, Piker saw all the highlights on SportsCenter and PrimeTime and is keenly aware of what's happening in the NFL. What's happening is it's damn near impossible to pick games with any consistency. Buffalo looked like the best team in the league a couple of weeks ago, now they've lost two straight and when it's all said and done, they might not even make the playoffs. Cleveland lost to Cincy at home, the Steelers lost to the Titans at home, the Ravens couldn't hang with the Chiefs, Detroit hung in with Denver, the Chargers should have beaten the Raiders, and the Jets flat out suck. In the end, Piker went 7-6-1 for in Week 4. It broke down like this:
WON: Houston, Minnesota, St. Louis, Carolina, Dallas, Indianapolis, Green Bay
LOST: Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Oakland, Denver
PUSHED: Washington
Piker's overall record for the year now stands at 24-18-2. If it gets any worse, we're going to have to haul the jug full of change down to the supermarket and give the CoinStar seven cents on the dollar for some cold hard cash.
Friday, September 26, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 4
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
9/28 1:00 PM ET
Philadelphia
BUFFALO -3
Cincinnati
CLEVELAND -4.5
Jacksonville -3
HOUSTON
San Francisco
MINNESOTA Pick 'em
Tennessee
PITTSBURGH -3
Arizona
ST. LOUIS -10.5
New England
WASHINGTON -3
9/28 4:05 PM ET
Kansas City -3
BALTIMORE
San Diego
OAKLAND -7
9/28 4:15 PM ET
Atlanta
CAROLINA -6
Detroit
DENVER -12.5
Dallas
N.Y. JETS -3
9/28 8:30 PM ET
Indianapolis -2
NEW ORLEANS
9/29 9:00 PM ET
Green Bay -4
CHICAGO
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
9/28 1:00 PM ET
Philadelphia
BUFFALO -3
Cincinnati
CLEVELAND -4.5
Jacksonville -3
HOUSTON
San Francisco
MINNESOTA Pick 'em
Tennessee
PITTSBURGH -3
Arizona
ST. LOUIS -10.5
New England
WASHINGTON -3
9/28 4:05 PM ET
Kansas City -3
BALTIMORE
San Diego
OAKLAND -7
9/28 4:15 PM ET
Atlanta
CAROLINA -6
Detroit
DENVER -12.5
Dallas
N.Y. JETS -3
9/28 8:30 PM ET
Indianapolis -2
NEW ORLEANS
9/29 9:00 PM ET
Green Bay -4
CHICAGO
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 3 RESULTS
The mighty Miami Dolphins finally showed their true Aqua and Orange colors on Sunday night, riding a heroic performance by Ricky Williams and a dominant defense to a resounding victory over the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills. Williams was the consummate workhorse, carrying 42 times for 153 yards and a late, game-clinching touchdown that wasn't signaled until the replay officials concluded that his knee was never down and his forward progress was never stopped. The Dolphin D came up big all night, stymying Drew Bledsoe and the high-powered Bills offense all night until a meaningless drive at the end of the game. The only points Miami allowed came on an interception return for a touchdown that was third receiver James McKnight's fault more than it was Jay Fiedler's. Now the Dolphins can be counted among the best teams in the NFL, most of which reside in the AFC at the moment. (See Piker's Power Rankings Below)
Piker picked pretty profoundly this past week, going 9 and 5 against the spread. On a strange, but not particularly difficult Sunday wager-wise, all the favorites covered in the early games, then all the dogs covered except San Diego in the afternoon. Then the favorites took over again, with Miami covering the three points on Sunday night and Denver easily covering the five points on Monday night.
WON: Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Tennessee, St. Louis, N.Y. Giants, Cleveland, Miami
LOST: Detroit, N.Y. Jets, Green Bay, San Diego, Oakland
Piker's overall record for the season now stands at: 17-12-1. Not successful enough to give up the day job, but respectable enough to buy a stack of CD's at Amoeba or Aron's.
The mighty Miami Dolphins finally showed their true Aqua and Orange colors on Sunday night, riding a heroic performance by Ricky Williams and a dominant defense to a resounding victory over the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills. Williams was the consummate workhorse, carrying 42 times for 153 yards and a late, game-clinching touchdown that wasn't signaled until the replay officials concluded that his knee was never down and his forward progress was never stopped. The Dolphin D came up big all night, stymying Drew Bledsoe and the high-powered Bills offense all night until a meaningless drive at the end of the game. The only points Miami allowed came on an interception return for a touchdown that was third receiver James McKnight's fault more than it was Jay Fiedler's. Now the Dolphins can be counted among the best teams in the NFL, most of which reside in the AFC at the moment. (See Piker's Power Rankings Below)
Piker picked pretty profoundly this past week, going 9 and 5 against the spread. On a strange, but not particularly difficult Sunday wager-wise, all the favorites covered in the early games, then all the dogs covered except San Diego in the afternoon. Then the favorites took over again, with Miami covering the three points on Sunday night and Denver easily covering the five points on Monday night.
WON: Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Tennessee, St. Louis, N.Y. Giants, Cleveland, Miami
LOST: Detroit, N.Y. Jets, Green Bay, San Diego, Oakland
Piker's overall record for the season now stands at: 17-12-1. Not successful enough to give up the day job, but respectable enough to buy a stack of CD's at Amoeba or Aron's.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
(After Week 3)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2. TAMPA BAY BUCS
3. DENVER BRONCOS
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS
5. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
6. BUFFALO BILLS
7. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
9. TENNESSEE TITANS
10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
11. CAROLINA PANTHERS
12. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
14. BALTIMORE RAVENS
15. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
16. OAKLAND RAIDERS
17. ST. LOUIS RAMS
18. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
20. ATLANTA FALCONS
21. CLEVELAND BROWNS
22. GREEN BAY PACKERS
23. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
24. DALLAS COWBOYS
25. HOUSTON TEXANS
26. NEW YORK JETS
27. ARIZONA CARDINALS
28. CINCINNATI BENGALS
29. DETROIT LIONS
30. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
31. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
32. CHICAGO BEARS
(After Week 3)
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2. TAMPA BAY BUCS
3. DENVER BRONCOS
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS
5. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
6. BUFFALO BILLS
7. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
9. TENNESSEE TITANS
10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
11. CAROLINA PANTHERS
12. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
13. NEW YORK GIANTS
14. BALTIMORE RAVENS
15. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
16. OAKLAND RAIDERS
17. ST. LOUIS RAMS
18. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
20. ATLANTA FALCONS
21. CLEVELAND BROWNS
22. GREEN BAY PACKERS
23. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
24. DALLAS COWBOYS
25. HOUSTON TEXANS
26. NEW YORK JETS
27. ARIZONA CARDINALS
28. CINCINNATI BENGALS
29. DETROIT LIONS
30. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
31. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
32. CHICAGO BEARS
Friday, September 19, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 3
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
9/21 1:00 PM ET
Tampa Bay -4
ATLANTA
Pittsburgh -4.5
CINCINNATI
Minnesota -3.5
DETROIT
Kansas City -7.5
HOUSTON
Jacksonville
INDY -7.5
N.Y. Jets
NEW ENGLAND -6.5
New Orleans
TENNESSEE -4.5
9/21 4:05 PM ET
Green Bay -7.5
ARIZONA
St. Louis
SEATTLE -3
N.Y. Giants
WASHINGTON -2.5
9/21 4:15 PM ET
Baltimore -1
SAN DIEGO
Cleveland
SAN FRANCISCO -7
9/21 8:30 PM ET
Buffalo
MIAMI -3
9/22 9:00 PM ET
Oakland
DENVER -5
Home Team in CAPS
Piker Picks in Bold
9/21 1:00 PM ET
Tampa Bay -4
ATLANTA
Pittsburgh -4.5
CINCINNATI
Minnesota -3.5
DETROIT
Kansas City -7.5
HOUSTON
Jacksonville
INDY -7.5
N.Y. Jets
NEW ENGLAND -6.5
New Orleans
TENNESSEE -4.5
9/21 4:05 PM ET
Green Bay -7.5
ARIZONA
St. Louis
SEATTLE -3
N.Y. Giants
WASHINGTON -2.5
9/21 4:15 PM ET
Baltimore -1
SAN DIEGO
Cleveland
SAN FRANCISCO -7
9/21 8:30 PM ET
Buffalo
MIAMI -3
9/22 9:00 PM ET
Oakland
DENVER -5
PIKER'S PRIDE
Can we talk TV for a moment? All summer long, Salon's intrepid TV correspondent has been writing her cottontail off in a virtual vacuum. Well, it's autumn again, baby. And that means back to school, the return of football, Fall TV, and a chance for my favorite hare to hop back into the spotlight with her preview of the season's new sitcoms, ingeniously entitled "Why Can't We Be Friends?"
Can we talk TV for a moment? All summer long, Salon's intrepid TV correspondent has been writing her cottontail off in a virtual vacuum. Well, it's autumn again, baby. And that means back to school, the return of football, Fall TV, and a chance for my favorite hare to hop back into the spotlight with her preview of the season's new sitcoms, ingeniously entitled "Why Can't We Be Friends?"
PIKER PICTURES
I was toying with the idea of naming my production company Piker Pictures. Or Piker Productions. I think Piker Pictures is the stronger of the two. I guess this discussion is in vain unless I actually find myself in the position where I have to form a production company. Until then... Here is a list of movies on my current must-see list:
1. LOST IN TRANSLATION
2. AMERICAN SPLENDOR
3. SCHOOL OF ROCK
4. THE RUNDOWN
5. MATCHSTICK MEN
I was toying with the idea of naming my production company Piker Pictures. Or Piker Productions. I think Piker Pictures is the stronger of the two. I guess this discussion is in vain unless I actually find myself in the position where I have to form a production company. Until then... Here is a list of movies on my current must-see list:
1. LOST IN TRANSLATION
2. AMERICAN SPLENDOR
3. SCHOOL OF ROCK
4. THE RUNDOWN
5. MATCHSTICK MEN
PIKER'S POWER RANKINGS
1. BUFFALO BILLS
2. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
3. TAMPA BAY BUCS
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
5. DENVER BRONCOS
6. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
7. MIAMI DOLPHINS
8. TENNESSEE TITANS
9. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
11. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
12. CAROLINA PANTHERS
13. OAKLAND RAIDERS
14. ST. LOUIS RAMS
15. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
16. GREEN BAY PACKERS
17. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
18. NEW YORK GIANTS
19. BALTIMORE RAVENS
20. ATLANTA FALCONS
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
22. CLEVELAND BROWNS
23. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
24. HOUSTON TEXANS
25. DALLAS COWBOYS
26. NEW YORK JETS
27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
29. DETROIT LIONS
30. CINCINNATI BENGALS
31. CHICAGO BEARS
32. ARIZONA CARDINALS
1. BUFFALO BILLS
2. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
3. TAMPA BAY BUCS
4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
5. DENVER BRONCOS
6. MINNESOTA VIKINGS
7. MIAMI DOLPHINS
8. TENNESSEE TITANS
9. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
11. WASHINGTON REDSKINS
12. CAROLINA PANTHERS
13. OAKLAND RAIDERS
14. ST. LOUIS RAMS
15. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
16. GREEN BAY PACKERS
17. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
18. NEW YORK GIANTS
19. BALTIMORE RAVENS
20. ATLANTA FALCONS
21. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
22. CLEVELAND BROWNS
23. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
24. HOUSTON TEXANS
25. DALLAS COWBOYS
26. NEW YORK JETS
27. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
28. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
29. DETROIT LIONS
30. CINCINNATI BENGALS
31. CHICAGO BEARS
32. ARIZONA CARDINALS
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
PIKER PICKS: WEEK 2 RESULTS
Man, it's hard to bet football. Especially in the early part of the season. The Patriots beat the crap out of Philly in Philly? Carolina blocked an extra point at the end of regulation and beat Tampa Bay in overtime? Indy blew out the mighty Titans? Cincy almost beat the Raiders? Yeah, right... Next thing you're going to tell me is the Dolphins went up to the Meadowlands and rerouted the Jets. Are you kidding me? As Johnny Mac would yell with complete incredulity, "You cannot be serious!" Well, Piker may not have proven himself a particularly prescient prognosticator in Week 2 of the NFL season, but at least the 'Phins swam in the right direction and managed to save Wannestadt's giant scalp. For the time being.
Tabulating the results of Piker's first week of picks, we arrive at a final figure of 8-7-1 against the spread. With that record, Piker'll miss the playoffs by a half game in the AFC.
WON: Washington, Green Bay, Kansas City, New Orleans, Seattle, Carolina, Denver, Minnesota
LOST: Cleveland, Tennessee, Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets, Oakland, Philadelphia, N.Y. Giants
PUSHED: San Francisco
Look for Piker's Week 3 Picks on Friday. But, now you know not to follow them too closely before handing your betting card to the no-nonsense guy at the window of the Sports Book at the Bellagio.
Man, it's hard to bet football. Especially in the early part of the season. The Patriots beat the crap out of Philly in Philly? Carolina blocked an extra point at the end of regulation and beat Tampa Bay in overtime? Indy blew out the mighty Titans? Cincy almost beat the Raiders? Yeah, right... Next thing you're going to tell me is the Dolphins went up to the Meadowlands and rerouted the Jets. Are you kidding me? As Johnny Mac would yell with complete incredulity, "You cannot be serious!" Well, Piker may not have proven himself a particularly prescient prognosticator in Week 2 of the NFL season, but at least the 'Phins swam in the right direction and managed to save Wannestadt's giant scalp. For the time being.
Tabulating the results of Piker's first week of picks, we arrive at a final figure of 8-7-1 against the spread. With that record, Piker'll miss the playoffs by a half game in the AFC.
WON: Washington, Green Bay, Kansas City, New Orleans, Seattle, Carolina, Denver, Minnesota
LOST: Cleveland, Tennessee, Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets, Oakland, Philadelphia, N.Y. Giants
PUSHED: San Francisco
Look for Piker's Week 3 Picks on Friday. But, now you know not to follow them too closely before handing your betting card to the no-nonsense guy at the window of the Sports Book at the Bellagio.