NFL Picks: Pro Sports Daily

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April 22

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Bob McGinn

"When it comes to defensive tackles and base defensive ends, no one in this draft can begin to compare to Boston College's B.J. Raji and Louisiana State's Tyson Jackson. In an imperfect pool of players, Raji has the possibility of turning out like Warren Sapp if he goes to a team using a 4-3 defense or Vince Wilfork if he goes to a 3-4 team. "Raji can play any way he wants to play," said Bill Polian, president of the Indianapolis Colts. "He's probably more like Sapp in a 350-pound body. Raji isn't that fast, but he's fast. Or he would be a moving-type nose tackle." Many personnel people are of the opinion that Raji has more value than Jackson, who was described by Polian as "made to order" ..."

Falcons trade WR Robinson to Rams

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April 7

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Falcons traded reserve wide receiver Laurent Robinson to the St. Louis Rams on Monday. As part of the trade, the Falcons and the Rams swapped positions in the fifth and sixth rounds of the draft, Atlanta announced in a release. The Falcons sent their fifth round pick (160th overall) and sixth round pick (196th) to the Rams and received the Rams' fifth round pick (138) and their sixth round pick (176). The Falcons moved up 22 spots in the fifth round and 20 in the sixth round. Robinson had a promising rookie season in 2007 after being selected in the third round (75th overall) of the 2007 draft. He had 37 catches, including a 74-yard touchdown catch. Last season, he played in just six ..."

Week 12 NFL picks

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November 23

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"TITANS 27, JETS 20: B-R-E-T-T Favre last squared off against Kerry Collins 12 seasons ago. Favre and Green Bay beat Collins and Carolina to win the 1996 NFC championship at Lambeau Field, 30-13, and the Packers went on to defeat New England 35-21 in Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome. This time around, Collins, 35, has a better supporting cast than Favre, 39, and will move to 11-0. BUCCANEERS 24, LIONS 17: Lions fans are speaking loud and clear, as the third straight home game is being blacked out in the Detroit area. Even without running back Earnest Graham, who is out for the season with an injured ankle, the Buccaneers should have a field day against the defenseless Lions, who have lost ..."

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 12

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November 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"VIKINGS AT JAGUARS (-2 1/2) Brad Childress is set to face off against his predecessor as Vikings coach, Jacksonville tight ends coach Mike Tice. They're easy to tell apart. One is a strategically challenged career assistant proven to be completely overmatched as an NFL head coach ... the other is named Mike Tice. Pick: Jaguars by 4 BUCCANEERS AT LIONS (+8 1/2) Tampa Bay running back Earnest Graham suffered what could be a season-ending injury to his ankle in the first quarter Sunday against the Vikings. Despite being incapacitated, Graham still managed to get as many fourth-quarter carries as Adrian Peterson. Pick: Buccaneers by 3 EAGLES AT RAVENS (-1 1/2) The unbeaten Minnesota Gophers ..."

Week 11 NFL picks

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"SAINTS 27, CHIEFS 21: The Black"

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 11

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November 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"VIKINGS AT BUCCANEERS (-3 1/2) Minnesota cornerback Charles Gordon suffered a season-ending broken leg during Sunday's victory over Green Bay. Vikings fans certainly could relate to the excruciating pain Gordon endured, as they've felt similar pain watching Gus Frerotte the past few weeks. Pick: Buccaneers by 3 BEARS AT PACKERS (-5 1/2) Former Bears quarterback Doug Flutie was honored when a bronze statue of him was unveiled outside Boston College's Alumni Stadium. The statue was life-size, so many fans got to admire the Flutie likeness after tripping over it. Pick: Bears by 3 EAGLES AT BENGALS (+9) Eagles receiver Hank Baskett is getting married to former Playboy pinup Kendra Wilkinson, ..."

Week 8 NFL picks

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October 26

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"SAINTS 24, CHARGERS 20: What can I say? My two Super Bowl teams are in dire straits. But of the two, the Saints need this game more than the Lightnin' Bolts because of the way the NFC South is taking shape. RAVENS 19, RAIDERS 10: If Baltimore continues to play stout defense and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco keeps growing in offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's system, who knows? The Ravens just might have a say in who makes the playoffs in the AFC. JETS 26, CHIEFS 17: It has become painfully clear that the Chiefs should spend their first-round draft pick in April on a quarterback, perhaps Matthew Stafford of Georgia, if he comes out early. The way things are going, they are looking at a ..."

NFL Week 8: Game-by-game previews

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October 26

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"N.Y. GIANTS AT PITTSBURGH3:15 p.m. • 715, DTV • Line: PIT by 3Mark Craig's pick: NYG by 3The Steelers (5-1) have made the Super Bowl champion Giants (5-1) an underdog for the first time this season. Former Steelers WR Plaxico Burress, a 2000 first-round pick, opposes his former club for the first time. Burress owns the Steelers' single-game record with 253 yards receiving. Pittsburgh leads the league with 25 sacks. Steelers RB Willie Parker (sore knee) is doubtful. WR Santonio Holmes (marijuana arrest) will be benched. Our Over/Under: 319 Mewelde Moore fan club members fired up that Willie Parker might miss another game! TAMPA BAY AT DALLASNoon • 709, DTV • Line: DAL by 2 1/2Mark Craig's ..."

Week 8: Dan Caesar's NFL Capsules

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October 26

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"RAIDERS AT RAVENS When: Noon. Line: Ravens by 7 Synopsis: Oakland upset the Jets last week, but that was at home and now has a tall task as it goes on the road vs. a team whose defense is No. 2 in the league and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in the past 25 games. The Raiders have committed 49 penalties, tied for sixth-most in the league. Look for Baltimore to run a lot. The Ravens average 134.3 rushing yards per game (No. 7 NFL) and Oakland gives up 136.2 per outing (No. 24). PICK: Ravens 20, Raiders 12. * * * * * * * CHARGERS vs. SAINTS (in London) When: Noon. Line: Chargers by 3 Synopsis: New Orleans has the NFL's top-ranked passing offense and San Diego has the worst pass defense, ..."

Picturesque play can enliven a humdrum slate

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October 19

Buffalo News

"The NFL’s Week Seven schedule appears as unappetizing as last week’s did. And what did the drab-looking Week Six slate produce? Upsets of the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. One overtime surprise (Arizona over Dallas). Two games decided on the last play of regulation. Two others decided in the last nine seconds. The lesson: You just never know what to expect in the NFL. This week’s slate is far from impressive. Four teams that won last week — Arizona, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Philadelphia — have open dates. There are only three divisional games on the schedule. San Francisco and St. Louis, two of the weakest teams, are matched against the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, two ..."

NFL Week 7: Game-by-game previews

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October 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"INDIANAPOLIS AT GREEN BAY3:15 p.m. • Ch. 4; 713, DTV • Line: IND by 1Mark Craig's pick: G.B. by 3In their past five quarters, the Colts (3-2) have eight takeaways and haven't committed a turnover. In two career games vs. Packers, Peyton Manning has thrown for 687 yards and eight TDs with one INT. The Packers (3-3) have lost their past two home games. Packers WR Greg Jennings leads the league with 653 yards receiving. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown a touchdown pass of at least 40 yards in each of the Packers' past three games. Our Over/Under: 27 Colts fans who can name the team's backup running backs (Chad Simpson and Clifton Dawson). NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINANoon • 708, DTV • Line: CAR ..."

Game-by-game look at Week 7

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October 19

Arizona Republic

"Republic reporter Bob McManaman rates the Sunday schedule, with Valley TV game information and predictions: 4½ football Chargers (3-3) at Bills (4-1): Channel 5, 10 a.m. On the call: Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf. On the field: Potential playoff preview at some point down the road between two of the better teams in the AFC. San Diego has had a rough start, but have the offense and enough talent to get there. The Bills are 13-6 in the week after a bye and will shown San Diego a few new wrinkles on defense. On the scoreboard: Chargers 28, Bills 23. 3½ footballsColts (3-2) at Packers (3-3): Channel 5, 1:15 p.m. On the call: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms. On the field: The Colts are 20-6 under coach ..."

Week 7: Dan Caesar's NFL Capsules

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October 19

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"TITANS AT CHIEFS When: Noon. Line: Titans by 9 Synopsis: KC is without RB Larry Johnson (discipline) but Brodie Croyle is back at QB after having been sidelined since suffering a separated shoulder in the season opener. He'll work against the AFC's only unbeaten team and a defense that is among the league leaders in passing defense (172 yards/game) and total yards permitted (267.8). PICK: Titans 20, Chiefs 16. * * * * * * * CHARGERS AT BILLS When: Noon. Line: Bills by 1 Synopsis: San Diego comes off its lopsided victory at home over New England, and faces a foe that was able to rest last week after suffering its first loss. San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson has just one 100-yard rushing ..."

Terry Bannon's NFL picks

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October 19

Chicago Tribune

"LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 7-7; SEASON TO DATE: 48-26 LAST WEEK'S SPREAD: 4-10; SPREAD SEASON TO DATE: 40-46-2 OFF: Cardinals, Falcons, Jaguars, Eagles. Chargers (3-3) at Bills (4-1) Time: noon Line: Pick 'em. Weather: Partly cloudy, 55 degrees. Chargers: This begins 10-day trip for the Chargers, who play in London next week. Keeping momentum going after big home win over Patriots will be challenging. Bills: AFC East leaders back to work after week off, and quarterback Trent Edwards is healthy again. Bills 2-0 at home, beating Seahawks and Jaguars. Fantasy outlook: Chargers' Philip Rivers moving ball against everybody, with 14 TD passes and NFL-best 109.4 passer rating. Edwards has thrown 4 TD ..."

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 7

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October 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"VIKINGS AT BEARS (-3) Brad Childress feigned deafness Sunday after Vikings fans broke out their "Fire Childress" chant. Things have gotten so bad at Winter Park that, in a surprising turnabout, punter Chris Kluwe brought in four free agents for head coach tryouts. Pick: Bears by 6 TITANS AT CHIEFS (+8) Oliver Stone is offering his provocative take on the Bush presidency this week at your local cinema. It's likely to be the only "W" the Chiefs will see the rest of the year. Pick: Titans by 7 RAVENS AT DOLPHINS (-3) Election officials in Florida were surprised to find a voter registration application with the name "Mickey Mouse." They immediately rejected the paperwork as a fraud, knowing ..."

NFL week 5: Game-by-game previews

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October 5

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"PITTSBURGH AT JACKSONVILLE7:15 p.m. • Ch. 11 • Line: JAX by 5Mark Craig's pick: JAX by 7With Willie Parker (knee) out at least another week and first-round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) out for the season, the Steelers (3-1) will turn to former Vikings RB Mewelde Moore to start. QB Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 15 times and lost guard Kendall Simmons for the season. Jacksonville (2-2) RB Fred Taylor needs 72 yards rushing to reach 11,000 for career. He needs one TD to break Jimmy Smith's franchise record (70). Our Over/Under: 9Fiery halftime speeches Ben Roethlisberger's going to need if the Steelers keep having key injuries. (CM) TENNESSEE AT BALTIMORENoon • 704, DTV • ..."

This week's NFL picks

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October 5

Cincinnati Enquirer

"And you thought the first four weeks were tough. This weekend's slate contains a bevy of toss-ups, such as Indianapolis-Houston, Philadelphia-Washington, Denver-Tampa Bay and even Arizona hosting surprising Buffalo. This is also the week when we start seeing the more outrageous point spreads, such as Dallas giving 17 to the Bengals. Meanwhile, our season has been going a lot like Wall Street as of late - down one week, rallying the next. Week 4 in review: 8-5 straight and against the spread. Season to date: 36-24 straight, 28-31-1 against the spread. Games of the Week Pittsburgh ( 51/2) at JacksonvilleJaguars 20-17: Jacksonville has been a thorn in the side of Pittsburgh, which has dropped ..."

4 and oh, my! At a loss to explain records

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October 5

Denver Post

"A quarter of the way through the NFL season, the Titans and Bills have the best records in the league. Makes sense if you think about it. Because, well, nothing makes sense in the NFL, where power rankings are more like flavors of the week. The Titans, like the Bills, are 4-0, but "we still have a chance to go 4-12," Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck says. Hey, given how the season has played out so far, don't put it past them. Two coaches and one general manager already have been fired, and a handful more are on the endangered-species list. One future Hall of Fame quarterback is gone for the season, and another just threw six touchdown passes in a game. Meanwhile, an owner who already is ..."

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 5

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October 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"VIKINGS AT SAINTS (-3) Jesse Ventura is returning to television this fall as the host of a new investigative series on truTV on which he'll play the role of "detective." In the first episode, the former governor-wrestler will try to help Brad Childress find a clue. Pick: Saints by 8 TITANS AT RAVENS (+3) Tennessee's Kyle Vanden Bosch was accused of dirty play by Gus Frerotte after a low blow Sunday. The star defensive tackle said he'd take the issue up with the Vikings' quarterback once he finished scraping him off the bottom of his shoe. Pick: Titans by 5 FALCONS AT PACKERS (-7) Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers hopes to start Sunday despite a sprained shoulder suffered in the loss to Tampa Bay. ..."

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 4

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September 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"VIKINGS AT TITANS (-3) Brad Childress benched Tarvaris Jackson in favor of Gus Frerotte because he feels "you've got to have the mentality of a serial killer at quarterback." Upon hearing that, a puzzled Jackson wondered what his coach has against Count Chocula and Cap'n Crunch. Pick: Titans by 4 REDSKINS AT COWBOYS (-11 1/2) A new book about the 1990s Cowboys claims that Michael Irvin once stabbed a teammate in the neck. He later apologized after realizing someone else stole his prostitute's cocaine. Pick: Cowboys by 7 CHARGERS AT RAIDERS (+7 1/2) Embattled Oakland coach Lane Kiffin said he hasn't spoken face-to-face with Raiders owner Al Davis since Week 1, in large part because he has ..."

Week 3 NFL picks

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September 21

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"BRONCOS 33, SAINTS 24: The return of CB Mike McKenzie should help, but the Black"

Talking Trash with Tom

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September 21

Charlotte Observer

"I'm 20-10 for the season and went 11-4 last week. Eleven is excellent, you're saying. Gosh, thanks. But one of the losses was my Lock of the Week. New Orleans was a one-point underdog at Washington, a gift of a game. The Saints were pounding the Redskins, too. And then Washington rallied late to win. Many of you want to tell me the game shouldn't count as a loss because of the Redskins Refs. I disagree. A loss is a loss, no matter how tainted. Key stat of Week3: The only road favorite is Dallas. My picks (home team caps): ATLANTA by 6 over Kansas City How bad are the Chiefs? They lost to Oakland. At home. And they start a quarterback Minnesota cut. Collect the whole set. BUFFALO by 9 ..."

Week 3: Dan Caesar's NFL capsules

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September 21

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"CHIEFS AT FALCONS When: Noon. Line: Falcons by 6. Synopsis: Atlanta will be playing with two rookie cornerbacks, but should be able to get away with it here as KC's passing attack is weak and Tyler Thigpen will be at QB and making his first NFL start. Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan will be handing to Michael Turner, and he'll be operating vs. the NFL's second-worst run defense (213 yards/game allowed). PICK: Falcons 26, Chiefs 13 * * * * * * RAIDERS AT BILLS When: Noon. Line: Bills by 9 1/2 Synopsis: Oakland RB Darren McFadden had his coming-out party last week, but his 164 yards came vs. KC and he's banged up a bit. He faces a much better run defense here, and Buffalo's emerging offense ..."

Terry Bannon's NFL picks

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September 21

Chicago Tribune

"Bucs (1-1) at Bears (1-1) Time: Noon Sunday TV/radio: WFLD-Ch. 32, WBBM-AM 780 Line: Bears by 3 Weather: Cloudy, 75 degrees Bucs: Jon Gruden has named Brian Griese his starter ahead of Jeff Garcia, and now he has to live with it. Bears: Offense scored only 1 TD in loss at Carolina, so passing game has to come around. Kyle Orton still working on delivering deep ball. Fantasy outlook: Neither team throws well, so it'll be up to Bucs' Earnest Graham (8.3 yards per carry) and Bears' Matt Forte (4.7) to provide offense. Injuries: Bears' return specialist and WR Devin Hester (ribs) is iffy. ... Bucs WR Joey Galloway is expected to miss game with foot injury Prediction: Bears 20, Bucs 13. Chiefs ..."

Talking Trash with Tom Sorensen

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September 14

Charlotte Observer

"Last week was rough. I went 9-7, and that was straight up, and not against the spread. I gave myself credit for the Giants' win against Washington even though the game was played two days before I made my picks. I don't think Daniel Snyder would have picked the Redskins, and he owns them. Also, I told all my friends the Giants would cover. If you don't believe me, ask both of them. This week's picks: CAROLINA by 8 over Chicago The Panthers are 14-18 at home the past four seasons. Home schedule: Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City, New Orleans, Arizona, Detroit, Tampa Bay and Denver. Atlanta, Kansas City and Detroit means homecoming times three. Carolina ought to go 6-2. K.C. by 1 over Oakland ..."

Week 2: Dan Caesar's NFL Capsules

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September 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"RAIDERS AT CHIEFS When: Noon. Line: Chiefs by 3 1/2 Synopsis: This used to be a marquee matchup in the AFC West, but no more. Oakland was horrid last week in losing at home to Denver. The offense is a long way away. But so is KC's, which did little in New England and now has an unsettled QB system. Brodie Croyle's out and backup Damon Huard takes over but coach Herman Edwards says unknown Tyler Thigpen might get some work. PICK: Chiefs 17, Raiders 12. TITANS AT BENGALS When: Noon. Line: Bengals by 1 Synopsis: Can Cincy be any worse after managing just 154 yards last week vs. Baltimore? This team is a mess, but gets a break in that it will be facing a foe minus its QB (Vince Young, knee ..."

What a fine mess these injuries cause

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September 14

Denver Post

"Tom Brady, gone. Shawne Merriman, gone. The AFC's dominance over the NFC, gone. As typical opening weekends in the NFL go, this one wasn't. That rumbling sensation? It wasn't the bean dip in your stomach, bubba. It was a seismic power shift in the Sunday football league. The season-ending injuries to Brady and Merriman, arguably the best players in the league on their sides of the ball, have knocked down the door of opportunity for any number of teams. And no, it isn't just the Patriots and Chargers who are hurting. Jacksonville's offensive line is a mess, with both starting guards gone for the year. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Vince Young is talking to himself more than to the media. And, ..."

NFL Picks: Thanks go out to the Lions, Rams and Raiders

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September 11

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"The first week of the season is supposed to be the toughest to predict. It is supposed to clear things up for Week 2 and beyond. Instead, the favored Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers lost home games and the New England Patriots lost their quarterback for the season, making this week more difficult than last. That has Your Faithful Picker down in confidence despite coming off a sterling first week and fearing that, like the Atlanta Falcons, he already has reached his season's high point. With fingers crossed and giving thanks for the Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams and Oakland Raiders, here is a stab at this week's games. Green Bay Packers (-3) at Detroit Lions: Packers quarterback ..."

The Loop's NFL picks: Week 2

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September 10

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"COLTS AT VIKINGS (+2) "100 Things To Do Before You Die" author Dave Freeman has died, having visited only half of the exotic destinations on his list. On the bright side, that still gives Freeman a higher completion percentage than Tarvaris Jackson. Pick: Colts by 4 RAVENS AT TEXANS (-4 1/2) Baltimore's Joe Flacco broke no land-speed records in lumbering for a 38-yard touchdown Sunday against Cincinnati. The rookie QB's tortoise-like trek took so long that, by the time he reached the end zone, Barack Obama had dropped another three points in the polls. Pick: Texans by 2 PATRIOTS AT JETS (-2) New England's Matt Cassel takes over for the injured Tom Brady on Sunday despite not having started ..."

Week 1 NFL predictions

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September 7

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"SAINTS 24, BUCCANEERS 20: Made the mistake of picking Atlanta in the Saints' first home game back in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Won't make that mistake again after Gustav. Dome rocks, Black"

Starting off with a bang improves playoff karma

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September 7

Buffalo News

"It would seem that no week on the NFL regular season schedule would be more important than any other, but consider this: Nine of the 12 teams that made it to the playoffs in 2007 started off with a win on kickoff weekend. Winning the first game, obviously, increases the chances of eventually getting to the Super Bowl. The three playoff teams that lost opening games included the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, who started 0-2 with losses to Dallas and Green Bay. We know how that ended up. The other opening day losers were the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who like the Giants lost in Week One to other eventual playoff teams. So, a good, fresh start is important. ..."

Talking Trash withTom

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September 7

Charlotte Observer

"CINCINNATI at BALTIMORE: Baltimore rookie quarterback Joe Flacco gets a break. He gets to begin his NFL career against a terrible defense. The Bengals get a bigger break. They get to begin the season against the abysmal Ravens. Cincinnati by 3. NEW YORK JETS at MIAMI: I've always liked Brett Favre. I just don't like him, at the age of 38, with a new offense, not yet in football shape, in the Miami heat. Miami by 1. KANSAS CITY at NEW ENGLAND: I'll play a hunch and go with the Patriots. That one-game losing streak of theirs has lasted seven months. New England by 26. HOUSTON at PITTSBURGH: I've liked Houston quarterback Matt Schaub since he played for Virginia. But you do not pick against ..."

Week 1: Dan Caesar's NFL Capsules

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September 7

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"BENGALS AT RAVENS When: Noon. Line: Bengals by 1 ½ Cincy has been team turmoil, but WR Chad Ocho Cinco (or whatever name he's using this week) seems to have calmed down and the offense goes against a rebuilding Baltimore defense that allowed 24 points a game last year. The Ravens start rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, and teams with a QB making his first NFL start are 6-16 the past 2 seasons. PICK: Bengals 24, Ravens 16 * * * * * * * JETS AT DOLPHINS When: Noon. Line: Jets by 3 Brett Favre makes his much-hyped debut and faces a team that was 1-15 last year and has undergone a major overhaul. But Miami still seems a long way from turning things around, as it was last in run defense last ..."

Revenge Of The Chad

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September 7

New York Post

"THE PICK DOLPHINS (+3) over Jets: Given the Brett Favre brouhaha, reassert that Jet defense is hardly of championship caliber. Dolphins will start Chad Pennington at QB, and the Marshall product knows plenty about the Jet folks manning the defensive backfield. And Cat will grant Ricky Williams one last chance to demonstrate tangible maturity. Sea Mammals have faced Jets in Florida but once in September during past decade - in 2002, when Miami prevailed 30-3 in Week 3. That win marked only Dolphin ATS cover against Gang Green in the Sunshine State during that span. Today looms 91 degrees and humid. Feeling the Flippers (+3), for one unit. LAST WEEK: 1-0 (Stanford, plus one unit)."

And the Super Bowl champ is . . .

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August 31

Orlando Sentinel

columnist Jerry Greene

"Let's cut straight to Ray-Jay Stadium in Tampa on Feb. 1, 2009. It's Super Bowl XLIII, ending a season that actually had a slogan you probably don't know -- "Believe In Now." And that's what you should do. Believe in right now, because (Spoiler Alert!) you had better look away if you do not want to know the final score of the next Super Bowl: Too late. San Diego 42, New Orleans 21. Take it to the bank. Granted, last year I had the Chargers losing to Dallas in the Big Game -- and let me remind you how close that was. San Diego reached the AFC title game and the Cowboys were upset by the upstart Giants in the NFL divisional round. Thisclose. Every year a friend (I guess he's a friend) ..."

Patriots not the only big losers

February 6

Los Angeles Times

"Actor Todd Thomas is a transplanted New Yorker living in Southern California and he seldom gambles. But once Thomas found out that the Giants were double-digit underdogs to New England in this year's Super Bowl, he jumped at the chance to place his money on New York to win. It turned out to be a great decision when the Giants upset the Patriots, 17-14, on Sunday."

For Pats bettors, losing feeling nothing new

February 4

Boston Herald

"Disappointment surely is running deep this morning, as loyal Patriots fans cope with losing the Super Bowl, the perfect season, their team’s place in history. And the salt in the wound is the fact that they also lost more money."

Brady By A Bunch

February 3

New York Post

"The 1972 Dolphins didn't get a ton of respect from the marketplace, either. The Fins opened a slight (-1) choice over the Redskins in Super Bowl VII. But a couple of days before the game, a concerted market move resulted in the 'Skins achieving marginal favoritism."

Points Aplenty

February 3

New York Post

"The Giants will score their points, as the Eli who throttled the Pack can generate enough offense to provoke sustained Patriots counter-aggression. Over 54, where are you? (For one unit)."

Pats-Giants Generates Highest Over/Under

February 3

New York Post

"The Pats, coupled with the Giants, have generated the highest over/under betting line in Super Bowl history."

Post-Dispatch Super Bowl predictions

February 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning outduel Bill Belichick and Tom Brady? Please. Perfection is achieved in, of all places, Bill Bidwill's house. Patriots 33, Giants 17"

Albom, Sharp, Rosenberg and Cotsonika predict the big game and more

February 3

Detroit Free Press

"The Patriots are the football version of whack-a-mole. You slam them down one way, they beat you another. Too much, even for the courageous Giants."

Gerry Dulac's NFL Forecast: Super Bowl XLII

February 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"But the Patriots will not let this opportunity pass without one last shining moment of greatness. Like Tiger Woods, they will not only accomplish what nobody really thought possible, they will do so with a dominating display that will cap off a perfect season. Great teams do great things on big stages."

Mickelson Putting It On Patriots

February 3

New York Post

"So The Post asked Mickelson to exclusively break down the game and he obliged. He said he's somewhat torn between seeing history unfold with the Patriots completing the circle and finishing 19-0 and rooting for the underdog Giants. In the end, though, Mickelson say he wants to see history unfold."

Smart guys: Our staffers pick today's Super Bowl

February 3

PackersNews.com

"Give Bill Belichick two weeks to game plan for an opponent, and he's bound to come up with something special. He's sure to find a way to disrupt Eli Manning, who has been flawless in the playoffs."

Star-Ledger staff picks the Super Bowl

February 2

Newark Star-Ledger

"Nobody expected the Giants to be here, including some of them -- even if they won't admit it publicly. So the fact that few expect them to win won't faze them. Still, the Patriots have way too many options on offense and a solid offensive line to give Tom Brady time to use them."

Tribune reporters pick 'em: Super Bowl XLII

February 2

Chicago Tribune

"The Giants will put up a great fight, and their pass rush will keep them in the game. As they've done all season, Tom Brady and the Pats' offense will make the plays when needed. Randy Moss hasn't done much in the playoffs, but that changes Sunday night."

Give Brady the boot and take the Giants

February 2

San Francisco Chronicle

"Giants (+12) over Patriots: Defenses seem to have figured out Brady's game. Randy Moss has been neutered in the playoffs by defenses that don't rush the passer near as well as New York."

A prediction from a real expert

February 2

Orange County Register

columnist Randy Youngman

"For the record, as soon as the Super Bowl point spread was published — it opened as high as 14 points in a couple of Las Vegas sports books, 131/2 points at most others and ultimately was bet down to 12 — I knew I liked the New York Giants and the points in Super Bowl XLII."

Winning Super Bowl wagers

February 1

Oakland Tribune

columnist Dave Del Grande

"HERE'S WHAT TO expect Sunday, and a fantasy-style look at some of the Super Bowl props that'll have you lining up at the cashier's window Monday morning. Let's break the game down into four areas, creating 27 rooting interests. When the Patriots have the ball"