I shared a story last week of my greatest gambling win of all time but how since that year, I’ve been under .500 on NFL Playoff Picks.
It’s been almost 20 years.
This year? You guessed it. I’m 5-5 going into the Super Bowl.
Last week: 0-2
So this one for all intents and purposes is a shot at redemption.
Except one problem.
I don’t care!!!
On the one hand you have the Philadelphia Eagles – a team that if not for its terrifyingly obscene and ruthless fan base – SHOULD be a lovable underdog, but because of the generally horrific and grotesque displays of poor sportsmanship by said fanbase, has become a tremendous villain.
And yes, I know it’s not fair to generalize a whole fan base based on a couple of social media posts of fans fighting and looting, but I honestly have never seen anything like it. What is more, I ascribe to Malcolm Gladwell’s tipping point theory that states that 10% of a general population, if passionate enough can sway the whole population.
Well consider the Eagles tipped and let us never forget, the Philadelphia Eagles once threw snowballs at…Santa Clause.
On the other hand you have the New England Patriots – a team that is so polarizing, it’s almost more faux pas to not have an opinion than to be for or against them.
I’m at a loss.
The line is currently New England -4.5 and that might as well be a coin flip.
My reasoning:
- Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars, moved the ball at will against the New England defense for 3 quarters.
- The Philadelphia Eagles offense manhandled the vaunted Minnesota defense.
- Rob Gronkowski is still in the concussion protocol.
- The Philadelphia Eagles have managed to stay quiet and not give the Patriots any “bulletin” board material. This may not seem like anything but maturity goes a long way in the Super Bowl.
With that, here’s the pick and 45% of this pick has everything to do with the fact that Nick Foles went to high school at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas where my wife teaches.
Philadelphia +4.5
The Fun Bets
Every year, I’ve tried to provide the marginal fan with some information that can increase rooting interest.
Here we go: My picks are in Bold, Italic.
Coin Flip:
Heads. Care to take a guess on Heads vs. Tails in the past 51 Super Bowls? 27 Tails, 25 Heads (including New England’s choice of Heads in Overtime of Super Bowl LI). Worth noting: the coin has turned up tails four years in a row.
O/U National Anthem Length: 2:00:
Under. This year, Pink (Eagles fan) has the pleasure of singing the anthem and while she has a flare for the dramatic, I believe one thing may play in favor of a shorter anthem and that is that even though the game is in a domed stadium, the game is in Minnesota where game time temperature outside is expected to be around 22 degrees. This isn’t ideal for singers. On the other hand, all bets are off if there’s some demonstration or the NFL stops the song to scan the crowd and players for demonstrations. #2018
Pink’s Hair Color: Yes, this is really something you can bet on.
- Pink/red +150
- White/blond +175
- Brown/black +400
- Blue/purple +500
- Green +500
Mistake in the Anthem: Again, yes, something you can bet on
- YES +300
- NO -500
First Cutaway during Anthem:
- Tom Brady -100
- Bill Belichik -150
- Nick Foles +200
- James Harrison +500
- Robert Kraft +550
First Team to Score
- Philadelphia Eagles +115
- New England Patriots -145
Janet Jackson / Wardrobe Malfunction Mentions:
- OVER 1.5 EVEN
- UNDER 1.5 -140
First Justin Timberlake Song:
- Rock Your Body
- Filthy
- Senorita
- Can’t Stop The Feeling – Throw out the odds, take this one to the bank.
Gatorade Color during Gatorade Bath
- Lime/green/yellow +225
- Orange +250
- Red +275
- Clear/water +375
- Blue +1000
- Purple +1000
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