Bleacher Report - Articles by Educated Bet

Browns News: Cleveland Picks Up Shaun Rogers

Educated Bet — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:51:25 -0500

The Cleveland Browns moved quickly to acquire former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers after a trade with the Bengals was nixed, and moved just as fast in securing him to a long-term contract.

Rogers and the Browns agreed to a six-year, $42 million deal on Wednesday, a reconstructured contract that will keep him in Cleveland until 2013.

With his existing contract scheduled to expire in 2010, three years and a guaranteed $20 million were included to make the deal work.

Under terms of the new contract, Rogers will make $23 million over the first three years.

The Browns acquired Rogers on Saturday in exchange for a third-round draft choice and cornerback Leigh Bodden.

Rogers was originally supposed to be traded to the Bengals but the league stopped that trade.

Here's what I think about Shaun Rogers.

I only got to see him play twice last year, once on Thanksgiving and then when the Lions played the Cowboys. In both games, when he felt like trying, he was a dominant force in the middle and could not be stopped.

When he seemed to be tired or didn't really feel like playing, he ran to the sideline and took a knee.

This was on some crucial 2nd and 3rd and short situations.

And now that he has all this guaranteed money, what will keep him motivated?

I do like the deal because he can help a horrible Browns defense, but which Shaun Rogers will they get?

Super Bowl XLII: Looking Ahead to a Patriots Victory

Educated Bet — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:17:00 -0500

So this is most likely the second last time that I will talk about the Patriots and Tom Brady. This second last article is going to talk about how the Patriots are going to win and and cover the spread. Right now the spread is Pats +12 and I believe that they are going to win by at least 2 scores. I am sure the spread will pretty much stay at 12 until kickoff. Here's what will happen, I am going to give you the score for each quarter.

At the end of the first the score will be 7-3 Pats, with the Giants winning the toss, taking the ball and going 3 and out on there first super bowl drive. At the end of the second quarter the score will be 21-10 Pats, so already the Plax’s guarantee is wrong sorry bud. And then in the beginning of the second half with the Pats getting the ball to start the half they will march right down the field and score and never look back. That will put them up 28-10 and from the there the Giants wont run the ball, they will be forced to pass and might score to more touchdowns. I no your probably thinking that wait a minute that means they will cover…no no no the pats will also score two more times as well. But at the end of the third the score will be 31-17.

Heading into the fourth the Giants will score first to make it 31-24, and it will give them some hope but the very next possession the Pats will drive right back down the field and score to make the final score 38-24. That is what is going to happen, so remember to keep checking back to see how close I am and I can bet that I will be pretty close. I am sure that you all can guess who I will pick to be the MVP…Mr. Brady!

College BB: Kansas Defeated; Memphis Lonely on Top

Educated Bet — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:46:00 -0500

Well, well, well...

If you remember correctly, I believe I said that no NCAA basketball team will enter the tournament undefeated. After last night's upset on Kansas, Kansas State has helped to prove my point.

K-State beat Kansas by nine last night, but it really was not that close. I am not saying that Kansas St. is better than Kansas, but home court advantage is huge in college basketball.

Do I think that K-State will beat them in a couple weeks? Hell no! But it is just too tough to win every game in college basketball because the fans are nuts everywhere you go.

A little side note about K. State—they probably have the best player in the country on their team (besides Hansbrough) in Michael Beasley.

I am not going to lie to you, I had no idea who this guy was until about 5:30 last night while I was watching PTI and they started talking about him. I watched the highlights of this kid play and I think that he is very good. He has range from the outside, can hit numerous threes, and can slash to the lane if needed. Kansas was sending two guys to him every time he touched the ball and he still took over the game. I was very impressed!

Now, onto the lonely unbeaten team—the Memphis Tigers.

This team, if you remember correctly, had the best chance of going undefeated throughout the regular season. They are in the weakest conference and are one of the top three teams this year, but still I don't think they will run the table until the tourney.

That means they will have to win Conference USA, win their tourney, and then, if they want to win the whole thing, win six more games...

Not gonna happen.

I think they will end up with one loss. I am going to give you two games and one of them will be that loss. It's not going to be for a while though. Their next four games are at home so the date I am looking at for them to lose one is either Feb. 20 @ Tulane or the following game against SEC powerhouse Tennessee.

Even though this game is at home, Memphis will have to be on their A-game to beat the Vols who, I might add, I picked to go to the Final Four.

Either way, Memphis will lose one of those two games...BELIEVE IT!

Sports Betting: Daily Update

Educated Bet — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:03:00 -0500

Today’s Sports Betting Menu

and Yesterday’s EducatedBet.com Results:

Here’s Today’s Menu:

PREMIUM SERVICE: Available after 3:00 PM EST

No Premium Pick Plays today. “The Man’s” formula for selecting picks does not guarantee that our subscribers will be lucky enough to get these games every day. So, on occasion there will be days the Premium and/or A la Carte Pick service have no plays.

A LA CARTE SERVICE: ONLY $25, Available after 3:00 PM EST

5 Basketball Plays

Here’s Yesterday’s Results:

PREMIUM SERVICE: 1-0 +0.50 units (This was a late play added last night.)

ALA CARTE SERVICE: 1-1

Definition of Premium Service: This is the service for the smart investor. All plays are generated from The Man’s formula that has a $100 player, profiting a average of 69 units a year. Take this formula, work in our money management expertise, and follow our rating system. You will be in an excellent position to show a profit over the course of 365 days.

Too Much Super Bowl Talk

Educated Bet — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:37:00 -0500

Forget about the sports betting spread talk, just start the game...

This week is just about over, but we still have four days left of listening to the so-called experts' educated opinions on all things Super Bowl. Every sports radio and TV show in the world will be centered around this big event.

Don’t you get sick and tired of listening to and watching all of the predictions? The same analyst who has a losing record of 40-45 for the year is going to tell us who he thinks will win in the big one.

What I am trying to say is this: Former coaches and players know as much as you do when it comes to who is going to win and what you should bet on. I have a very close friend who is a wide receiver coach with a D I College...

NBA All-Star Game: Steve Nash Is Clearly West's Best PG

Educated Bet — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:22:00 -0500

With all the talk around the All-Star balloting and which players should be in or out, I am going to focus on one position, that of the point guard.

This is the first year that almost every point guard from the West could be on the All-Star team.

Let's go through them: Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Allen Iverson, Baron Davis, and Deron Williams.

That's seven players with only two roster spots and a reserve player. The West is stacked with point guards and a little side note: Allen Iverson is not even a true point guard.

We will start off with the man who I think is the best point guard in the game right now and has been for the past three seasons…Steve Nash.

The Phoenix Suns are always in a game because of Nash and they always put up a million and one points because of him; every time he has the ball he is looking to push it up the court.

Tom Brady News: He's Fine

Educated Bet — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:42:00 -0500

He’s OK…just like I told you he would be… Tom Brady returned. His boot didn’t. Brady walked beautifully Sunday without a limp while addressing the Patriots fans before they headed to Glendale to get ready for the Super Bowl. This is the first time since last Sunday that Brady was filmed by the media. What did I say, I believe that I said that exact same thing. The Patriots were just playing mind games with the media and anyone who would listen and they did a hell of a job. I love the way they did it…LOVE IT!! Brady was in the news every day for the past week and was never seen on camera that entire week. But now the golden boy is perfect and looking good in that suit.

A sign in the crowd clears the whole boot incident up…BRADY- GIVE THE GIANTS THE BOOT. And like I also said before they will beat the giants by at least two scores. Attention everyone who is stupid enough to believe that Brady would really be hurt…HE’S NOT! He just went up to NYC for a little bit got with his super hot chick and now is on his way to win his 4th super bowl. And he will also be the MVP of this game and his team will go down in NFL history as the BEST TEAM EVER!

After Tiger Woods, Everyone Else Is Playing for Second

Educated Bet — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:24:00 -0500

Well as the first big golf tourney of the year is just about to come to a close, who else but Tiger Woods has an 11 stroke lead.

This is really unfair for all those other “professional golfers” (i use that term lightly) who show up each week just pretty much trying to take second place. He makes these golfers look like little 13 year old boys out there and he is toying with them. I think in order for someone to actually make a move to try and over take his throne we are going to have to do one of two things…either clone the golden bear in his prime (by doing this jack would still have to play his absolute best to keep up with Tiger) or the other thing is we are going to have to make him play left handed and blind folded, just to make it fair. That would be a pretty good tourney to watch just to see Tiger win it left handed and win it by probably 5 strokes at least!

If there is anyone out there who can tell me that he is not THE BEST GOLFER EVER TO PLAY THE GAME, please do and give me some examples…I will be waiting.

So could this be the year that we actually see a Grand Slam in golf. I am starting to believe so. If Tiger plays even half as good as he played this week then we are going to see it this year. Now I already picked him to win at least 2 majors, that was before I got to watch him play this weekend…but now I am going to say that he will win 3 at least. A message to all other golfers time to step up your game because the Tiger is here to stay!

Miami Woes: The Heat Is On...Against the Spread

Educated Bet — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:49:00 -0500

Actually the Heat are off, really off. But the sports bettors who took our advice last night were thrilled because they covered the spread.

They Miami Heat are having a terrible season and they can’t seem to do anything right. Is this going to be another end to Pat Riley's coaching career? Because if it were any other professional sports team, the questions about the coaching or lack of, would be in serious question. I am sure all options are on the table for the Heat.

The problem is that Pat Riley thinks he is a basketball GOD, and has been given to much power. His egocentric mind will not allow him to think anyone else is good enough to coach the team, especially someone younger, more capable of relating to the players. The Heat need someone able to pull them out of this funk.

Yes injuries are always an excuse, but not really. Last night I watched the end of the game, while Wade made his way down the lane for what he and Miami fans hoped would be the game winning shot. However, four other players just watched as San Antonio collapsed on him. Not one of them crashed in an dove on the floor for the ball. All four of them just watched, maybe two of them were thinking they might get a kick-out for a shot, but none of the four even rotated on the perimeter.

This is sad. After all, Pat Riley is supposed to be some great motivator? I think what I witnessed last night was clear….time for a new coach….time to shake things up in Miami.

With all that said, if you were smart enough to use our Free Pick from yesterday you made money! The Heat were good enough to cover the spread baby!!!

Today’s Free Pick will be posted before 1 pm

Tiger Woods: Simply the Best

Educated Bet — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:43:00 -0500

When you think of the best in sports, some of the names that come up are Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Tiger Woods.

But since the first two are retired, lets talk about Tiger.

In the past month he has been talked about non-stop and he hasn't even played a stroke yet...anywhere!

Woods was lauded by some for his comments about Golfweek and the anchor who made the comment. I think the people who are blowing this out of proportion should shut it! If Tiger says he has forgot about and it's old news, everyone else should move on too. I know that will be really tough for some people because they are lame and have no lives, but let's start talking about actual golf.

Tiger will begin his three-time title defense at the Buick Invitational in La Jolla, CA. Now that's something to talk about! He is the best in the game and no one is even going to challenge him. Let's look at some things that have happened in the past couple years.

So some people think that Phil is gaining ground on Tiger...Hell no! In every single major last year Tiger either won or was in the final pairing on Sunday. Can Phil say that? I think not!

Another unique thing Tiger has is that he is all JACKED UP! Next time you watch him play take a look at his biceps—they are huge. He is in good enough shape to play in the NFL! After you look at how jacked he is take a look at his playing partner and see how fat and overweight that guy is.

Tiger will not lose his number one player in the world seeding this year and he will win at least two majors—the Masters and the British Open—and you can bet a lot of money that he will be in the running at the US and the PGA.

A little side note about Tiger: He is the first professional athlete I would meet if given the opportunity. He seems like a nice solid dude and I am sure partying with him would be a good time. BELIEVE IT!!

Does Anyone Really Care About the NHL Anymore?

Educated Bet — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:09:00 -0500

Does anyone really care about the NHL, or that Sidney Crosby, the adopted son of Bill Cosby, (that was a little joke, ha, but it's not true) is out for up to eight weeks?

I know I don’t! The NHL is brutal, and now this injury to its best player and biggest superstar just puts an exclamation point on the half-ass 2007-08 season.

I am from Buffalo and I'm not going to lie, for the past two years everyone in this area (particularly western New York) had a huge boner for the Sabres, because we were good.

I was a Sabres guy, but not until May (for all of you who are wondering why May, that's when the playoffs start in the NHL.) However, during the regular season for the past two years I could care less, although there were people here that were going nuts for the Sabres.

At one point last season the Sabres had the No. 1 selling jersey in the NHL: Goalie Ryan Miller, who is a very nice guy. This is understandable and everyone jumped on the band wagon.

My point is that if you were not from Buffalo, you could not name four guys on our team, which was the best team in the NHL last season.

If I were to say, name four guys on the best teams in the three other major sports (football, basketball, and baseball) I would bet alot of money that says you could spout off plenty athletes on the Patriots, Red Sox, and Spurs.

That is my point; the NHL does not market its teams or players very well anymore. I mean now they have some really good players that can be marketed to do a whole lot for the sport and hopefully bring it up to where it used to be.

The NHL is right above soccer in American fan interest and we all know how much we care about soccer in America.

The recent outdoor hockey game between the Sabres and New York Rangers was amazing.

I did not go but from the stories I heard, people were going nuts despite the fact that we (the Sabres) lost. But there were people tailgating and just going shit crazy.

Now if the NHL would use this to its advantage, it could regain a fan base. Let's say the NHL did that once a month on say a Sunday night; the ratings would go through the roof. This blog is for all you NHL fanatics out there, all four of you. Let's think of ways to get the NHL back to its glory days because I used to be a fan back when NHL 94 was out for Sega Genisis.

P.S. Lets see some more fights! BELIEVE IT!

Stunner Down Under: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Knocks Off Rafael Nadal at Australian Open

Educated Bet — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:45:00 -0500

No, all you wrestling fans out there I am not talking about Stone Cold Steve Austin, whose special move is the stunner.

I am talking about Jo-Wilfried Tsonga upsetting the number 2 seed in the world Rafael Nadal.

Tsonga did not barely squeak by him—he owned Nadal in straight sets.

He dominated Nadal in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory that carried Tsonga to his first Grand Slam final. All I can say is WOW! I did not see this one coming at all. If you would have bet this, you can't tell me that you would have taken Nadal to lose in five or even worse in straight sets. This dude was ranked 38th in the world and this is by far his best victory ever. Tsonga has never been past the fourth round in a Grand Slam event and now he will most likely face Roger Federer in the Aussie Open finals. To show how good this guy is playing right now, he has beaten thee of the top 12 players in the world.

Now I no that not a lot of people can name anyone other then the top three and the Americans but still this no name dude beat 3 of the top 12!!! GOOD FOR YOU BROTHER!…But after what I just told you…his odds against the best in the world and maybe the most dominant tennis player of all time are slim to none. If you have been reading any of my blogs then you would no that I picked Roger Federer to win this Grand Slam, I honestly thought that his only tough competitor would have been Nadal but since he is gone Federer should win the final in straight sets (I know he still has to get by third-ranked Novak Djokovic but he should have no trouble.)

Now the real question is does this guy have any chance to beat Federer or Djokovic at all…well I no I said earlier that he has no chance to beat Federer but if he plays like he did organist Nadal and smashes serves left and right...as Ranch Wilder greatly put it in Angels in the Outfield, "you never know what might happen."

Terrell Owens Signing: Cowboys Making The Right Moves

Educated Bet — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:30:00 -0500

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday he plans to pay Terrell Owens’ $3 million roster bonus, which means the wide receiver will be back for the final season of his three-year, $25 million contract. So its been a couple days since I talked about my Cowboys and this is the type of news that really makes me very happy to talk about! TO is coming back to big D…which means he and Tony Romo will have another huge season next year…I am guaranteeing it.

He and Romo blew up this year and if they both were not injured late in the season the playoffs would have been much different…I no they would be. Jones also added that a contract extension is also something that they will talk about down the road…that’s why you have to love Jerry Jones because he is willing to spend the money when he has to. So far this offseason he has done just that. As this off season is progressing for my Cowboys, they are making the right moves to win next season and hopefully go far into the playoffs.

With TO back and Romo under center and that young talented defense a year older and wiser, o and don’t forget about Jason Witten and Marion Barber the Cowboys will be in the running for another NFC East title (even if the Giants upset the Pats)…which they wont, but that’s neither here or there. So my pick for next season…Dallas Cowboys 12-4 winning the NFC again and making it to the Super Bowl…BELIEVE IT!

Roger Federer: Still Gonna Bet Him

Educated Bet — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:08:00 -0500

Top-ranked Roger Federer ran his record against the only American left James Blake to 8-0 and advanced to the Australian Open semifinals with a 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory Wednesday. If you have been reading my blogs daily you would see that I think it was me that gave you a special pick and I think that pick was to bet Roger Federer to win the Australian Open. I am not gonna lie I was a little nervous watching his 5 set match the other night, against someone who he should have beat in 3 sets. But that guy gave him his best game that he has ever played and still lost…by the way that was one of the best matches I have ever seen!

But listen to some of these records that Federer has and is would accomplish by winning the Aussie Open…he is seeking to win here for the third straight year and pull within one of Pete Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slam titles. He’s also one step away from his 11th consecutive Grand Slam final and has won 19 matches in a row at Melbourne Park. WOW!! Novak Djokovic is the man that will be facing Federer in the semi’s and these two are beginning to start a little rivalry of there own…They had a great battle to close out the year last year at the US Open, but as you probably already know Federer won. So it sets up what is going to be a very nice semi final match between the two…Assuming Federer wins, which since I told you all to bet him to win the tourney, he will it sets up for an even better final with Nadal.

Now these two men have had some great matches against each other. But the only time Nadal can beat Federer is on clay and as we all no there is no clay in Australia…and I don’t want to here it that at Wimbledon last year Nadal was hurt…no no no, here’s what would have happened…the match would have went to 5 sets and Federer would have won in 5…BELIEVE IT! It should be a great rest of the tourney for Federer and who ever faces him! BELIEVE IT!

YOUR EDUCATED FREE SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY... take the Cavs -3.5

Super Bowl XLII: Upset Special…Maybe Not

Educated Bet — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:36:00 -0500

Patriots, Giants Patriots, Giants Patriots, Giants and for the next two weeks every time you turn on ESPN or go online you will see something new or there will be talk of these two teams. So I will go with the flow. From now until the Super Bowl I will try to talk about something different with these two teams. I would first like to say that as I am reading some articles on these teams and some of the analysts are already picking the Giants in an upset…I am here to tell you that there will not be an upset at all! Do I think that Giants will be in the game yes but I don’t think they will cover. The Patriots will get a last minute touchdown to win by about 2 scores.

Everyone is talking about how well Eli Manning is playing and those great defensive ends for the Giants but since there is a bye week before the Super Bowl I am sure that by giving Bill Belichick that extra week off will not hurt his team. Let’s talk about Bill for a bit, he is a huge prick and a even bigger jerk to the media but he is a great great coach. He will do something to stop the pass rush of the Giants, whether it be to keep in an extra TE or a running back but he will do something. I am 100 percent positive! As we saw in the championship game Belichick is not afraid to take the ball out of Brady’s hands if he is not to doing well. And by running the ball against the Giants it will contain the pass rush and make the ends play run first, which will open up the deep ball to Moss and that stupid play to Welker that is always open.

Now speaking about that little 6 yard out that no one covers…why does one ever cover that. I will tell you why, I have a pet peeve for corners in the NFL, I hate when they play 8 yards off the line…HATE IT! Now Welker is usually in the slot and that corner or linebacker who is covering him is always 10 yards off so all he has to do is take 5 steps and run out and Brady hits him in the numbers. Play press coverage throw him off his route, mess up the timing of the route, and give your amazing pass rushers time to get to Brady…If they do that and establish the run game that is the only way they will even have a chance at winning the game. But they won’t win over cover! BELIEVE IT!

YOUR FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY… take the Rangers -170m

AFC Championship Game Fallout: Broken Chargers

Educated Bet — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:08:00 -0500

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers needed surgery to get his right knee through the AFC Championship Game, and now needs a more extensive operation to repair a torn ligament in the same knee. His rehab could last six months. But he said that he will be ready by training camp next season. He had arthroscopic surgery to clean out the joint a week earlier in order to play in the AFC Championship Game. All right first off I applaud you Philip Rivers, you had surgery less then a week before just to make sure you play in the biggest game of your life. Good for you..my hat is off to you, and you did not play that bad for having one leg. Now that I think about it, he really was limping around all game but still managed to move outside of the pocket. Gutsy effort Phil…I call him Phil because were buds. But even if Rivers had two good legs and a jet pack on his back they would not have been able to beat the Pats without LT and a heathy Antonio Gates.

Which brings me to those two gentlemen…Mr. Gates, here’s to you, you played through an injury and did the best you could of on that injury throughout the game. Even if you were not 100 percent you still made the defense plan around you, opening things up for Chambers and Jackson.

Now with that being said…LT, LT, LT…I would first like to say that I am a huge huge LT fan, I think he is the best athlete in the NFL today. But now I understand that you would have been playing on a sprained MCL but I would rather have a 75% healthy LT then both Michael Turner and Darren Sproles. But both of those guys played real well but please there no LT. Even if he would have stayed out there for as a diversion of some sort, I mean they could have run some play-action to him or fake a screen, but it would have opened up so many things for that offense. I mean even if you just put him in, in the red zone situation, maybe you would have got a touchdown or two and made the game interesting. I was very upset when every time the camera would go to the sideline and you would see LT in his helmet and a parka…for all we know that might not even have been LT…it could have been a body double…that's just me thinking out loud. But he must have been in some serious pain, not to play that in the rest of that game. One little side note on LT, if he does not sit out the pro bowl, he will have many many questions to answer! BELIEVE IT!

YOUR FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY… take the Nets +5.5

Maria Sharapova: She’s Not Just Hot

Educated Bet — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:45:00 -0500

Today we are going to talk about something that I really don’t talk about a lot or pretty much ever…women’s tennis. Last night probably when you were sleeping down under around 3:30 in the morning over here there was a great tennis match between two of the top women’s tennis players in the world. Maria Sharapova who was ranked #5 in the world taking on Justine Henin’s who is like the Roger Federer of women’s tennis. Well not anymore! Henin went into her match against Sharapova winning 32 straight matches but was handled by Maria (I would also let her handle me if she wanted to) Sharapova won convincingly 6-4, six love, that's sweet love Maria! This would have been a great Aussie final to see these two compete but we got to see it in the quarterfinals. But now Maria moves on to the semi’s for the fourth straight year. Going into the match it was kind of one sided with Sharapova having just a 2-6 record against the Belgian. So she was not favored to win at all…but if I was a betting man I am almost 100% positive I would have bet Sharapova because she is SUPER HOT!

Even though this was a great match that nobody got to see, there is one problem that I have with women’s tennis…all the grunting. Now I have played a little tennis in my day and I understand that you like to put a little force behind a fore or back hand but is there any need to grunt so loudly that they can here you from the parking lot outside Rod Laver Arena…I DON’ THINK SO! The one women’s tennis player who is brutal when it comes to this would have to be Serena Williams. Watching her matches is like watching a soft core porn with a super huge chick, I mean she is kinda hot with outfits she wears but she has massive legs. But god bless her. Like I said I can understand a little grunt to put some extra mustard on the forehand but is there no call for a grunt on a drop shot when she is playing at the net. I think its time these grunters is what we will call them, take sometime after there match to actually watch it and see how ridiculous they sound.

But now back to Maria. She is hot and played really well last night or so I read, but she is now most likely the favorite to win the whole tourney and I would say bet her to do so. Congrats Maria…now take off your shirt…just kidding just kidding but seriously!

YOUR FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY... take the Suns -7.5

AFC Championship Game: No Chance In Hell for Chargers

Educated Bet — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:35:00 -0500

So your looking at the AFC Championship game and wondering who to bet…Do I take the Pats, who are giving 14 or the Chargers who are getting 14. Well if I were a betting man which I am not but I do pick um and I am pretty damn good at…I would take the Pats in a blowout. Lets look at some facts, Brady has never lost a home playoff game and the Patriots have not lost one at home since about 1919. Plus the Chargers have to travel across the country with the big three on offense all having some sort of injury. The Pats will put at least 8 in the box to stuff the run, so that Rivers or Billy Volek have to beat them, which I dont think either of them can do.

Now your probably thinking that this whole little incident with Moss and that girl this week will slow the Patriots offense down, but last week the Jags held Moss to one catch and they still put up 31 points. Brady does not make mistakes and you get him to make at least one you must get pressure in his face and the only person on that D-line is Merriman and they will most likely double team him, so he really should be a no factor. The Patriots just have to many offensive weapons that they know how use very well. If you shut down Moss Brady will go to Welker, Stallworth, Watson, Maroney, Faulk and the list goes on and on and on.

This is the best offense that the NFL has ever seen and there is no way possible that the injured Chargers can go point for point with them. In the past it was says that DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHPS, but this year I think that we will have to make an exception.

FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY… take Portland -3.5

http://educatedbet.com/images/uploads/new_england_patriots.jpg

Editor Wanted: Golfweek Magazine Caught in Own Noose

Educated Bet — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:10:00 -0500

Golfweek magazine replaced the editor responsible for choosing the illustration of a noose on the current cover and apologized Friday for its depiction of a Golf Channel anchor’s use of “lynch” in a comment about Tiger Woods.

"We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country," Turnstile Publishing Co. president William P. Kupper Jr. said.

I think that this was the right thing to do for Golfweek to fire there editor. Now I am not gonna lie, I think that the media ways a lot of things far to heavy on race. Race is not a huge factor anymore like it used to be and the media always brings it up. STOP IT! But this cover was just a little to far. This incident occured about 2 weeks with the comment about Tiger, that Tiger did not even care about and everyone wanted to just forget about it. But now this magazine cover comes out and we are talking about it again. Now this gives the media reasons to talk about race and what a big effect it has in sports.

I watch alot of sports shows and every time they start talking about race I usually just change the channel. This incident should have been put to rest a while ago and I am getting sick of listening to this. The original comment was about Tiger and the very next day the comment came out he said it did not bother him. Then the next day the women who said it also apologized, so if the man who the so called racist comment was about does not care about it why would this stupid editor go and do something like that. Now we will have to listen to more talks about race for weeks and weeks. BRUTAL BRUTALBRUTAL…thanks editor man for being a huge jerk.

FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY... take Golden State -1.5

Goodnight, Andy: Roddick Falls at Australian Open

Educated Bet — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:45:00 -0500

Well lets head down under to see where top American Andy Roddick ran out of ways to vent his anger. He yelled at the umpire, screamed at the Aussie fans, and broke a few rackets.

But on a good note he broke off 42 straight aces which is unbelievable, but it was still not enough to beat 24 year old Philipp Kohlschreiber. This was a 5 set match that Roddick was most likely favored to win in just 3. Other then the 42 aces in a row Roddick also put up some great numbers, only had 3 double faults and made 72 percent of his first serves.

If I were a betting man I would have definitly bet Roddick to win this match easily and set up for a nice quaterfinal match with Nadal which again I think he might have won but we will never know. Roddick came into this Grand Slam the highest he has been since his 2003 US open win, he led the US to there first Davis Cup win since 1995 and then won the Aussie Open tuneup event. So this loss comes as a big surprise to some people but not many.

What can you expect from American tennis players now a days. They can not really do much anymore. There are only two American players that even have a chance to beat Roger Federer, Roddick and James Blake, but the only way they have a chance is if Fed plays blind folded. I think Roddick is something like 1-8 agansit Federer. Not to promising for the American fans. So what is next for American tennis, not to much I would say. But hey thats why I am a huge Roger Federer guy.

Now with the EDUCATED FREE SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY, were going to do something a little different…take FEDERER to win the Aussie Open. BELIEVE IT!

Make a Move: Time for Bengals to Dump Chad Johnson

Educated Bet — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:28:00 -0500

Head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals Marvin Lewis has made one big move to help is very very bad defense by bringing in Mike Zimmer who was the Cowboys defensive coordinator a few season ago. But one of the things that I think he should do to help his very very bad defense is try and trade Chad Johnson, but he says over and over again that he is not trading his all pro receiver. Johnson appeared on ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning and did not have to many nice things to say about the Bengals front office…he said that he did not think that they had his back. He intimated that if he were considered a distraction and the reason for the Bengals’ disappointing season, the organization should trade him.

All right lets think about this you have two great receivers in Cincy right now who both catch about 80 passes a year, your QB is top 5 in the league, and you score about 25 to 30 points a game but your very very bad defense lets up about 30 to 35 a game. Why not trade Chad for a dominant pass rusher and few draft picks or trade him for a shut down corner…but I think they must do something to help out there very very bad defense. Lets think of some teams that really need a great receiver and that have something in return on the defensive end of it.

The Dolphins, Johnson for Jason Taylor and there first overall pick…lets see with that first overall they could grab Glen Dorsey…just thinking out loud…The Titans, Kyle Vanden Bosch had a break out season at DE and then throw in some draft picks…The Jags, you could just pick one of the guys that was hurt in there game aganisit New England, trade him to Cincy and some picks. These are just some teams that the Bengals should think about to help get there defense up to at least the middle of the pack. If they have just an average defense they can at least make a wild card spot and as we all no anything can happen in the playoffs. So Marv think about it and let me no! BELIEVE IT!!

YOUR FREE EDUCATED PICK OF THE DAY... take Buffalo +4.5

Betting He’ll Be There: Bud Selig's Contract Extension

Educated Bet — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:04:00 -0500

Bud Selig was given a three-year extension as baseball commissioner through the 2012 season.

This decision came just two days after Seelig and Donald Fehr testified before Congress that pretty much just ripped Major League Baseball apart for there investigation of steriods. Selig will become baseball’s second-longest-serving leader behind Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who was the first commissioner from 1920-44.

Selig repeatedly said last December that he would retire after his contract expired in 2009 but many people did not beleive him and nor did I. Especially now, Selig will not be going anywhere until this steriod scandal is stopped or at least in check. He wants to the guy that is known for putting a stop to cheating in baseball and i cant say that I blame him at all. If I was the commisioner during the so called steriod years (like he was) I would not want to go anywhere until I put a stop to it.

All in all I think that Bud has done a pretty good job in his first 15 years as commish, but he will most be remembered for what he does in his next 5 years during this steriod era. If he ends it and catches a lot of big names in the process then he could go down as one of the most influential people in baseball history. I think that he has stepped up his game in the past 2 years but before that he kind of swept everything under the carpet and prayed that he would not be found, but guess what Bud it was…NOW FIX IT! And I think he will but only time will tell! BELIEVE IT!

YOUR FREE EDUCATED PICK OF THE DAY... take the Suns -1.5

Jason Garrett Staying Home

Educated Bet — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:32:00 -0500

After looking into two coaching jobs, Jason Garrett decided to remain offensive coordinator of the Cowboys after Dallas made him the highest-paid assistant coach in the NFL.

Now if you are up to date with my blogs and you read yesterdays, (you should have bet that this was going to happen) you would have already known that I called Jason Garrett staying in Big D. I believe I said that it was really a no brainer…I would like to be the first to say welcome back Jason and you just made me and all the Cowboys fan very very happy.

The Cowboys promoted Garrett to assistant head coach and gave him a new contract and will pay him around 3 million dollars a year. This was Garrett’s first year calling plays and it was a huge success, he had 8 players that are going to the pro bowl. Like I said yesterday this move makes perfect sense for Garrett, he has a great releationship with owner Jerry Jones and is almost guranteed to be the next head coach of the Cowboys. This is the best thing that has happened so far in the little off season that the Cowboys have had. I also said yesterday that Jones would be willing to spend the money to keep his guys and he did.

You know what you would think that I am actually working for the Cowboys staff, which I should be but I am not. That would be pretty sweet though! But now that the Cowboys have kept Garrett and still have there head coach Wade Phillips, they pretty much kept there two best coaches and should have a great season, with a super bowl in there sights. I LOVE THE COWBOYS!

And now its time for you FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY Arizona State +6

Who Ya Got: Tom Brady or Brett Favre?

Educated Bet — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:32:00 -0500

Who Ya Got Tom Brady or Brett Farve…Well for me its honestly a very simple question…give me Tom Brady over Brett Farve anyday of the week. Its really not even a contest. This not just because I don’t like Farve, lets compare some things. Farve has been playing in the league for like a million years and has one super bowl ring…Tom Brady has been a starting QB in the league for about 7 or 8 years now and I think that he has 3. Thats just me thinking out loud. And the only reason that Farve came back this year was because he wanted to break Marino’s records, there is no one in the world that can tell me that they thought the Packers would be in the championship game. So dont tell me he came back because he thought they had a chance to win the super bowl.

All though Farve has all the records now but I think that Brady will eventually reach them and not just Brady, we could even throw in Peyton as well. If you are in a must win or a playoff game home or away and you can have any QB you want, you can give me Brady and I am pretty confident that my team will win. He does not lose big games, ever! Like I said earlier Brady is the best right now and one day after it is all said and done it will be between him and not Brett Farve as the best QB ever but I believe him and Peyton Manning…BELIEVE IT!

Your FREE EDUCATED SPORTS PICK Golden State +2

Wanted Man: Jason Garrett

Educated Bet — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:07:00 -0500

Wanted: Jason Garrett…Jason Garrett has been interviewed for two head coaching jobs in the last 3 days. He has been offered the head coaching job in Baltimore and just today had his second interview in Atlanta. But what I really want to happen and this is why I am a huge Jerry Jones fan, is that he is doing everything in his power to keep Garrett in Dallas as the offensive coordinator. By doing this Jones has already told Garrett that he will be the next head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I think that Garrett should just wait this out and stay around in big D for a while, and I am not just saying this because I am a huge Cowboys fan but, lets look at the teams.

The Ravens so called great defense is getting real old real fast, they have no QB, and besides Derrick Mason no receivers. So that is a no go for Garrett, I hope. Lets move on to the Falcons, WOW, poor Arthur Blank…can he get some help please. This organization is in shambles and we can blame there prison bound QB and there runaway coach. They have absolultly nothing going for them no run game, no defense, and no QB. Garrett will most likely fun the offense so why would he want to go to these two teams with no offensive help. Now lets get to Big D…all Garrett has to do is wait for about 2-3 years, run the offense and probably get a super bowl ring. Then the team will be his. He already has a great franchise QB in Tony Romo! A franchise WR in TO a great solid running back in Marion Barber, and a fresh young defense.

To me its a real no brainer for Garrett. Plus I think that he will get the same amount of money from Jerry Jones to stay on his staff! Its not like Jones does not have it or like to spend it! So stick around for a couple years and help this great franchise win a super bowl! BELIEVE IT!

My next EDUCATED FREE SPORTS PICK is Texas Tech +5

Welcome to Miami: Tony Sparano Arrives

Educated Bet — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:37:00 -0500

As rapper Will Smith so gladly put it in his song Miami…Welcome to Miami…Tony Sparano. Sparano was named the Miami Dolphins head coach this morning signing a 4 year contract worth up to about 2.5 million per year. Sparano becomes the 8th head coach in Dolphins history. This is his first year as a head coach after 9 seasons as an assistant and spending the past 5 years in Dallas. A little note about Sparano, he was brought into Dallas by BILL PARCELLS! So that might have something to do with him coming to Miami…Thats just me thinking out loud. In the 2006 season in Dallas, Sparano was not given the title of coordinator but Parcells had so much trust and respect for this man that he let him call the offensive plays for the team. The Dolphins and Parcells have already ripped apart some of the Cowboys staff and Sparano was the last key they needed.

Now for my thoughts on this move…I think that its a brilliant move, first by bringing in Parcells who will whip this one win team into shape and then by bringing in Sparano as the head coach. Tony is a Parcell guy and will run that team as if it were Bill standing on the sidelines. I am not gonna lie to you at all but I am a huge Cowboy fan and most of my football articles about them will be one sided, so deal with it. But by bringing in Parcells and having him take away all the guys that he brought into Dallas and bringing them into Miami will make the Dolphins just like the Cowboys in Parcell’s time there. Will this move hurt the Cowboys team in the 08 season, I dont think so they should be just fine!

But back to Sparano, do I think that he will make this team a playoff team this upcoming season…if I was a betting man I would say NO…but they will definitly have more then one win. I am looking at anywhere between 4-6 wins. BELIEVE IT! So here is to you Tony Sparano, I like you and I think that you will do an excellent job in Miami!

This next thing is a new thing that you will find at the end of my blogs from now on it is…YOUR EDUCATED FREE SPORTS PICK OF THE DAY, the pick is the Magic -1