The Magnificent Mismanagement of Caleb Campbell's Career

The blogosphere has erupted since news broke that NFL draftee Caleb Campbell was being recalled to a position within the US Army rather than pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL, which he was told he could do. The talk has exploded and rightly so! Now this is neither the time nor place to comment on the way the US Army's treatment of its troops in the past in terms of recalls, but it is a place to discuss the negative PR that will result from this situation. And it's also a place to make mention of the ordeal this young and promising athlete was put through by the organization he served loyally for the past few years.

Deadspin wrote an article that reveals Campbell was completely unaware of what was transpiring:

I spoke to Campbell last night, after all this went down. He had spent the past
week at West Point, and says the Army's decision “left me in the complete dark.
No one said a thing to me on campus last week about anything changing. Nothing.”

It is great to see though that despite the outrageous misstep on the part of the Army here, Campbell has played his cards right through this whole situation. Stating that, “I’m a soldier first and foremost and I go where they order me to go", it's clear this is a young man who does not deserve the kind of treatment he's going through right now.

On the Dan Patrick Show this morning it was reported Campbell said these orders came from further up the chain of command than West Point, more like Capitol Hill, that they had apparently changed the 2005 policy which allowed soliders "with unique talents and abilities" to choose a different route, in exchange to recruit in the process. However what I'm still lost and trying to figure out is why Campbell is then not reporting back to serve as a troop on the battlefield, but rather assuming the role of graduate assistant with the Army football team or the West Point Prep School team...really?? According to Campbell anyhow this is the case, however as (unfortunately) proven recently, Campbell is not necessarily given the full details of what he will be doing at any given time by the Army.

If this comes down to a staffing issue I feel that the matter grows into something larger than it already is. Athletes have been allowed to function under this policy in the past, to play professional sports while recruiting for the Army, and generally that's the best PR the Service could ever receive! For the sake of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Liba anyways I hope that Campbell is wrong in his understanding, as the Colonel reportedly wrote how Caleb was ordered to return for "full-time traditional military duties." I'm pretty sure there's many capable graduate assistants out there the Army could pursue, but hey maybe that's just me. One blog makes some great insight into the whole situation and sums it up quite nicely:

Two baseball players and a hockey player went pro under the policy before
Campbell did. Perhaps no one noticed, so there wasn’t a controversy, so there
wasn’t a reason to examine the policy and revise it. I suppose they now will
have to give up their pro sports careers, too. It’s only fair.

Or unfair.

The U.S. Army looks bad after this one, and really there's no reason they shouldn't either!

NFL PICKS WEEK 17

These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Saturday night
N.Y. GIANTS (-2.5) vs. WASHINGTON (over-under 43)
Acharya: Giants 23-16; Sager: Giants 31-14
WINNER: Giants 34-28

Sunday, 1 p.m.
PITTSBURGH (+6) vs. CINCINNATI (o/u 44)
Acharya: Cincy 30-13; Sager: Cincy 20-17 (Pittsburgh covers)
WINNER: Pittsburgh 23-17 (overtime)

DETROIT (+12.5) vs. DALLAS (o/u 44)
Acharya: Dallas 24-3; Sager: Dallas 25-12
WINNER: Detroit 39-31

CLEVELAND (+4) vs. HOUSTON (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Houston 16-6; Sager: Houston 19-16 (Cleveland covers)
WINNER: Houston 14-6

ST. LOUIS (-3) vs. MINNESOTA (o/u 43)
Acharya: St. Louis 26-21; Sager: St. Louis 27-13
WINNER: St. Louis 41-21

CAROLINA (-3) vs. NEW ORLEANS (o/u 37)
Acharya: Carolina 19-14; Sager: Carolina 31-13
WINNER: Carolina 31-21

OAKLAND (+11) vs. N.Y. JETS (o/u 34)
Acharya: Jets 21-13 (Oakland covers); Sager: Jets 30-7
WINNER: Jets 23-3

SEATTLE (-3.5) vs. TAMPA BAY (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Seattle 24-10; Sager: Seattle 21-16
WINNER: Seattle 23-7

NEW ENGLAND (+3) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 43)
Acharya: Tennessee 17-16 (Nouvelle-Angleterre covers); Sager: Nouvelle-Angleterre 14-10
WINNER: Nouvelle-Angleterre 40-23

Sunday, 4 p.m.
BUFFALO (+9.5) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 35)
Acharya: Baltimore 26-14; Sager: Baltimore 24-17 (Bills cover)
WINNER: Baltimore 19-7

MIAMI (+9) vs. INDIANAPOLIS (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: Indy 33-20; Sager: Indy 30-14
WINNER: Indy 27-22 (Miami covers)

ATLANTA (+8) vs. PHILADELPHIA (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Philly 21-17 (Atlanta covers); Sager: Philly 27-13
WINNER: Philly 24-17 (Atlanta covers)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (+10.5) vs. DENVER (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Denver 19-6; Sager: Denver 27-7
WINNER: San Francisco 26-23 (overtime)

ARIZONA (+14) vs. SAN DIEGO (o/u 44)
Acharya: San Diego 31-3; Sager: San Diego 23-15 (Arizona covers)
WINNER: San Diego 27-20 (Arizona covers)

Sunday nighter
GREEN BAY (+3) vs. CHICAGO (o/u 36)
Acharya: Chicago 37-23; Sager: Chicago 20-10
WINNER: Green goddamn Bay 26-7

Week 17 Results (pending 4 p.m./night games)
Acharya: 8-7 ATS, 9-6 straight up, 7-8 O/U
Sager: 8-7 ATS, 11-4 straight up, 7-8 O/U

Year to date:
Acharya: 110-119-3 ATS (48.1%), 140-91-1 SU (60.6%), 112-115-7 O/U (49.8%)
Sager: 121-125-2 ATS (49.2%), 143-104-1 SU (57.9%), 116-123-9 O/U (48.6%)

(Note: Jacksonville-Kansas City was off the board we use.)

NFL PICKS WEEK 16

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Thursday, 8 p.m.
MINNESOTA (+4) vs. GREEN BAY (over/under 37)
Acharya: Green Bay 36-27; Sager: Green Bay 23-20 (Minny covers)
WINNER: Green Bay 9-7 (Minny covers)

Saturday, 8 p.m.
KANSAS CITY (-7) vs. OAKLAND (o/u 36)
Acharya: K.C. 20-9; Sager: K.C. 27-10
WINNER: K.C. 20-9

Sunday, 1 p.m.
CAROLINA (+6.5) vs. ATLANTA (o/u 42)
Acharya: Atlanta 26-10; Sager: Atlanta 17-13 (Carolina covers)
WINNER: Carolina 10-3

TENNESSEE (+4.5) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Tennessee 23-17 (In Vince, they trust); Sager: Bills 20-13
WINNER: Tennessee 30-29

NEW ORLEANS (+3) vs. N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 47.5)
Acharya: Saints 23-22; Sager: Giants 24-20
WINNER: Saints 30-7

WASHINGTON (+2) vs. ST. LOUIS (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: St. Louis 30-20; Sager: St. Louis 27-24
WINNER: St. Louis 37-31 (overtime)

INDIANAPOLIS (-9) vs. HOUSTON (o/u 47)
Acharya: Indy 29-0; Sager: Indy 30-10
WINNER: Houston 27-24

BALTIMORE (+3.5) vs. PITTSBURGH (o/u 36)
Acharya Baltimore 17-14; Sager: Baltimore 17-13
WINNER: Baltimore 31-7

TAMPA BAY (+3) vs. CLEVELAND (o/u 36)
Acharya: Cleveland 30-16; Sager: Cleveland 24-10
WINNER: Tampa Bay 22-7

CHICAGO (-6) vs. DETROIT (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: Chicago 38-15; Sager: Chicago 24-7
WINNER: Chicago 26-21 (Detroit covers)

NOUVELLE-ANGLETERRE (+2.5) vs. JACKSONVILLE (o/u 37)
Acharya: Nouvelle-Angleterre 13-9; Sager: Nouvelle-Angleterre 23-13
WINNER: Nouvelle-Angleterre 24-21

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
ARIZONA (+4) vs. SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 45)
Acharya: Frisco 28-23; Sager: Frisco 30-24 (in overtime)
WINNER: Arizona 26-20

CINCINNATI (+3) vs. DENVER (o/u 44.5)
Acharya: Cincy 26-20; Sager: Denver 14-10
WINNER: Denver 24-23 (Cincy covers)

SAN DIEGO (-4.5) vs. SEATTLE (o/u 46.5)
Acharya: San Diego 40-30; Sager: San Diego 28-21
WINNER: San Diego 20-17 (Seattle covers)

Monday, 5 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (+7) vs. DALLAS (o/u 46.5)
Acharya: Dallas 26-21 (Philly covers); Sager: Dallas 28-24 (Philly covers)
WINNER: Philly 27-13

Monday, 8:30 p.m.
N.Y. JETS (+2.5) vs. MIAMI (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Miami 10-7; Sager: Jets 20-17
WINNER: Jets 13-10

Week 16 Results
Neil Acharya: 8-8 against the spread, 9-7 straight up, 8-8 over-under
Neate Sager: 8-8 against the spread, 8-8 straight up, 5-11 over-under

NFL PICKS WEEK 15

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Thursday, 8 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO (+10) vs. SEATTLE (over/under 41)
Acharya: Seattle 21-10
Sager: Seattle 27-20 (San Fran covers)
WINNER: San Francisco 24-14

Saturday, 8 p.m.
DALLAS (-4.5) vs. ATLANTA (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Dallas 23-20 (Atlanta covers)
Sager: Dallas 28-21
WINNER: Dallas 38-28

Sunday, 1 p.m.
N.Y. JETS (+3) vs. MINNESOTA (o/u 41)
Acharya: Minny 17-13
Sager: Minny 23-14
WINNER: Jets 26-13

CLEVELAND (+11) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 34)
Acharya: Baltimore 20-6
Sager: Baltimore 21-7
WINNER: Baltimore 24-17 (Cleveland covers)

HOUSTON (+11.5) vs. NEW ENGLAND ((o/u 37.5)
Acharya: New England 16-0
Sager: New England 31-19
WINNER: New England 40-7

MIAMI (+1) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 35)
Acharya: Bills 20-19
Sager: Miami 20-17
WINNER: Bills 21-0

WASHINGTON (+11) vs. NEW ORLEANS (o/u 45)
Acharya: New Orleans 35-17
Sager: New Orleans 27-17 (Washington covers)
WINNER: Washington 16-10

JACKSONVILLE (-3.5) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 40.5)
Acharya: Jacksonville 17-16 (Tennessee covers)
Sager: Jacksonville 21-17
WINNER: Tennessee 24-17

TAMPA BAY (+14) vs. CHICAGO (o/u 33)
Acharya: Chicago 13-3 (Tampa covers)
Sager: Chicago 23-0
WINNER: Chicago 34-31 (Tampa covers)

DETROIT (+6) vs. GREEN BAY (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Green Bay 24-20 (Detroit covers; Favre factors in every touchdown, including Detroit's)
Sager: Green Bay 27-17
WINNER: Green Bay 17-9

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
DENVER (-3.5) vs. ARIZONA (o/u 42)
Acharya: Denver 10-7 (Arizona covers)
Sager: Arizona 31-28
WINNER: Denver 37-20

PHILADELPHIA (+6) vs. N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Giants 28-17
Sager: Giants 23-20 (Philly covers)
WINNER: Philly 36-22

ST. LOUIS (Pick 'em) vs. OAKLAND (o/u 38.5)
Acharya: St. Louis 30-10
Sager: Oakland 20-17
WINNER: St. Louis 20-0

Sunday nighter
KANSAS CITY (+10) vs. SAN DIEGO (o/u 48)
Acharya: San Diego 24-21 (K.C. covers)
Sager: San Diego 35-21

Monday nighter
CINCINNATI (+3) vs. INDIANAPOLIS (o/u 55.5)
Acharya: Indy 38-30
Sager: Cincy 27-24

Week 15 results:
Neil: 5-8 ATS, 7-6 SU, 1-1 over-under
Neate: 6-7 ATS, 5-8 SU, 6-7 over-under

Season to date:
Neil Acharya: 94-104-3 ATS (48%), 122-78-1 SU (61%), 97-99-7 O/U (49%)*
Neate Sager: 105-110-2 ATS (49%), 124-92-1 SU (59%), 104-104-9 O/U (50%)
*did not pick until Week 2 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 14

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Thursday, 8 p.m.
CLEVELAND (+7) vs. PITTSBURGH (over-under 34.5)
Acharya: Pittsburgh 23-17 (Cleveland covers)
Sager: Pittsburgh 21-10
WINNER: Pittsburgh 27-7

Sunday, 1 p.m.
BALTIMORE (+3) vs. KANSAS CITY (o/u 36)
Acharya: Baltimore 13-10
Sager: Kansas City 24-17
WINNER: Baltimore 20-10

ATLANTA (-3.5) vs. TAMPA BAY (o/u 38)
Acharya: Atlanta 27-6
Sager: Atlanta 20-16
WINNER: Atlanta 17-6

MINNESOTA (+1.5) vs. DETROIT (o/u 39)
Acharya: Minny 20-17
Sager: Minny 24-10
WINNER: Minny 30-20

TENNESSEE (Pick 'em) vs. HOUSTON (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: Tennessee 38-10
Sager: Tennessee 20-17
WINNER: Tennessee 26-20 (overtime; VY all the way)

INDIANAPOLIS (-2.5) vs. JACKSONVILLE (o/u 44)
Acharya: Indy 20-16
Sager: Jags 21-17
WINNER: Jags 44-17

PHILADELPHIA (-1.5) vs. WASHINGTON (o/u 40.5)
Acharya: Philly 24-14
Sager: Philly 27-20
WINNER: Philly 21-19

OAKLAND (+11) vs. CINCINNATI (o/u 39)
Acharya: Cincy 33-17
Sager: Cincy 30-20 (Oakland covers)
WINNER: Cincy 27-10

NEW ENGLAND (-4) vs. MIAMI (o/u 37)
Acharya: New England 17-10
Sager: New England 20-17 (Miami covers)
WINNER: Miami 21-0

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
GREEN BAY (+4) vs. SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 44)
Acharya: Green Bay 28-20
Sager: San Francisco 24-17
WINNER: Green Bay 30-19

SAN DIEGO (-7) vs. DENVER (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: San Diego 23-16
Sager: San Diego 31-20
WINNER: San Diego 48-20

SEATTLE (-3.5) vs. ARIZONA (o/u 45)
Acharya: Seattle 29-25
Sager: Arizona 24-23 (official WhatTheHell pick)
WINNER: Arizona 27-21

BUFFALO (+4) vs. N.Y. JETS (o/u 37)
Acharya: J... E... T... S... 21-20 (Bills cover)
Sager: J... E... T... S... 23-10
WINNER: Bills 31-13

Sunday nighter
NEW ORLEANS (+7) vs. DALLAS (o/u 48)
Acharya: Dallas 30-27 (Saints cover)
Sager: Dallas 31-21
WINNER: Saints 42-17

Monday nighter
CHICAGO (-6.5) vs. ST. LOUIS (o/u 40.5)
Acharya: Chicago 23-12 (Bears receivers ask to play defence so they can actually score)
Sager: Chicago 20-10
WINNER: Chicago 42-27

Week to date:
Neil: 10-5 ATS, 10-5 SU, 8-7 O/U
Neate: 10-5 ATS, 9-6 SU, 7-8 O/U

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 89-96-3 ATS (48%), 115-72-1 SU (61%), 93-88-7 O/U (51%)*
Neate Sager: 99-103-2 ATS (49%), 119-84-1 SU (59%), 98-97-9 O/U (50%)
*did not pick until Week 2 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 13

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Thursday, 8 p.m.
BALTIMORE (+3) vs. CINCINNATI (over-under 41.5)
Acharya: Baltimore 21-20
Sager: Cincy 23-13
WINNER: Cincy 13-7

Sunday, 1 p.m.
MINNESOTA (+9.5) vs. CHICAGO (o/u 36)
Acharya: Chicago 17-0
Sager: Chicago 19-14 (Minny covers)
WINNER: Chicago 23-13

ARIZONA (+7) vs. ST. LOUIS (o/u 46.5)
Acharya: St. Louis 23-17 (Arizona covers)
Sager: St. Louis 28-17
WINNER: Arizona 34-20

INDIANAPOLIS (-8.5) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 48)
Acharya: Indy 35-33 (Tennessee covers)
Sager: Indy 34-17
WINNER: Tennessee 20-17

SAN FRANCISCO (+7) vs. NEW ORLEANS (o/u 45)
Acharya: New Orleans 28-17
Sager: New Orleans 30-27 (San Fran covers)
WINNER: New Orleans 34-10

ATLANTA (+2) vs. WASHINGTON (o/u 38)
Acharya: Atlanta 27-17
Sager: Atlanta 20-16
WINNER: Atlanta 24-14

KANSAS CITY (-6) vs. CLEVELAND (o/u 36)
Acharya: K.C. 30-26 (Cleveland covers)
Sager: K.C. 24-17
WINNER: Cleveland 31-28 (overtime)

DETROIT (+14.5) vs. NEW ENGLAND (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: New England 20-3
Sager: New England 31-6
WINNER: New England 28-21 (Detroit covers)

SAN DIEGO (-7) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: San Diego 20-15 (Buffalo covers)
Sager: San Diego 28-17
WINNER: San Diego 24-21 (Buffalo covers)

N.Y. JETS (-1.5) vs. GREEN BAY (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: J... E... T... S... 29-22
Sager: J... E... T... S... 31-10
WINNER: J... E... T... S... 38-10

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
JACKSONVILLE (Pick 'em) vs. MIAMI (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Miami 13-9
Sager: Jacksonville 19-16
WINNER: Jacksonville 24-10

HOUSTON (+3) vs. OAKLAND (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Oakland 30-10
Sager: Oakland 20-13
WINNER: Houston 23-14

TAMPA BAY (-7.5) vs. PITTSBURGH (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: Pittsburgh 16-10 (Tampa Bay covers)
Sager: Pittsburgh 24-10
WINNER: Pittsburgh 20-3

DALLAS (-4) vs. N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Dallas 21-20 (Giants cover)
Sager: Dallas 31-20
WINNER: Dallas 24-21 (Giants cover)

Sunday nighter
SEATTLE (+3) vs. DENVER (o/u 40)
Acharya: Seattle 24-14
Sager: Seattle 26-23
WINNER: Seattle 23-20

Monday nighter
CAROLINA (-3) vs. PHILADELPHIA (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Carolina 28-17
Sager: Philly 23-20 (a "What the Hell" pick if there ever was)
WINNER: Philly 27-24

Week 13 results
Neil Acharya: 10-6 ATS, 9-7 SU, 7-7-2 OU
Neate Sager: 7-9 ATS, 10-6 SU, 9-5-2 OU

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 79-91-3 ATS (47%), 105-67-1 SU (61%), 85-81-7 O/U (51%)*
Neate Sager: 89-98-2 ATS (48%), 110-78-1 SU (58%), 91-89-9 O/U (51%)
*did not pick until Week 2 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 12

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Turkey Day games
MIAMI (-3.5) vs. DETROIT (over/under 39)
Acharya: Miami 23-17
Sager: Detroit 27-20
WINNER: Miami 27-10

TAMPA BAY (+12.5) vs. DALLAS (o/u 39)
Acharya: Dallas 24-17 (Tampa Bay covers)
Sager: Dallas 27-10
WINNER: Dallas 38-10

DENVER (Pick 'em) at KANSAS CITY (o/u 38)
Acharya: K.C. 24-23
Sager: Denver 17-16
WINNER: K.C. 19-10

Sunday, 1 p.m
JACKSONVILLE (-4) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 35)
Acharya: Jacksonville 20-7
Sager: Jacksonville 19-16 (Bills cover)
WINNER: Buffalo 27-24

HOUSTON (+6) vs. N.Y. JETS (o/u 39.5)
Acharya: Jets 13-3
Sager: Jets 30-2
WINNER: Jets 26-11

PITTSBURGH (+3) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 38)
Acharya: Baltimore 27-17
Sager: Baltimore 20-13
WINNER: Baltimore 27-0

CINCINNATI (-4) vs. CLEVELAND (o/u 38)
Acharya: Cincy 33-20
Sager: Cincy 27-20
WINNER: Cincy 30-0

ARIZONA (+6) vs. MINNESOTA (o/u 38.5)
Acharya: Minnesota 20-17 (Arizona covers; Dennis Green: "This is where I thought I was, once")
Sager: Minnesota 24-17
WINNER: Minnesota 31-26 (Arizona covers)

SAN FRANCISCO (+5.5) vs. ST. LOUIS (o/u 45)
Acharya: St. Louis 30-23
Sager: St. Louis 27-24 (San Fran covers)
WINNER: St. Louis 20-17 (San Fran covers)

NEW ORLEANS (+3) vs. ATLANTA (o/u 47.5)
Acharya: Atlanta 23-19
Sager: New Orleans 34-24
WINNER: New Orleans 31-13

CAROLINA (-4.5) vs. WASHINGTON (o/u 36)
Acharya: Carolina 20-0
Sager: Carolina 31-7
WINNER: Washington 17-13

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
OAKLAND (+14.5) vs. SAN DIEGO (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: San Diego 36-10
Sager: San Diego 31-17 (Oakland covers)
WINNER: San Diego 21-14 (Oakland covers)

N.Y. GIANTS (-3) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: Giants 30-27
Sager: Tennessee 19-14
WINNER: Tennessee 24-21

CHICAGO (+3) vs. NEW ENGLAND (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: New England 17-7 ("With that said, Go Bears")
Sager: New England 20-16
WINNER: New England 17-13

Sunday nighter
PHILADELPHIA (+10.5) vs. INDIANAPOLIS (o/u 44)
Acharya: Indy 30-17
Sager: Indy 33-10
WINNER: Indy 45-21

Monday nighter
GREEN BAY (-9.5) vs. SEATTLE (o/u 46)
Acharya: Seattle 27-13
Sager: Seattle 31-10
WINNER: Seattle 34-24

Week's results
Neil Acharya: 9-7 ATS, 12-4 SU, 8-8 OU
Neate Sager: 12-4 ATS, 12-4 SU, 5-11 OU

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 69-85-3 ATS (45%), 96-60-1 SU (61%), 78-74-5 O/U (51%)*
Neate Sager: 82-89-2 ATS (48%), 100-72-1 SU (58%), 82-84-7 O/U (49%)
*did not pick until Week 2 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS, WEEK 11

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Co-blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
OAKLAND (+9) vs. KANSAS CITY (over/under 36)
Acharya: K.C. 20-14 (Oakland covers)
Sager: K.C. 31-10
WINNER: K.C. 17-13 (Oakland covers)

CINCINNATI (+3) vs. NEW ORLEANS (o/u 53)
Acharya: New Orleans 36-26
Sager: New Orleans 27-25 (Cincy covers)
WINNER: Cincy 31-16

PITTSBURGH (-4.5) vs. CLEVELAND (o/u 38)
Acharya: Pittsburgh 23-19 (Cleveland covers)
Sager: Pittsburgh 24-10
WINNER: Pittsburgh 24-20 (Cleveland covers)

TENNESSEE (+13) vs. PHILADELPHIA (o/u 45)
Acharya: Philly 30-23 (Tennessee covers)
Sager: Philly 28-14
WINNER: Tennessee 24-6

ATLANTA (+3.5) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 41)
Acharya: Baltimore 24-21 (Atlanta covers)
Sager: Baltimore 14-10
WINNER: Baltimore 24-10

ST. LOUIS (+6) vs. CAROLINA (o/u 45)
Acharya: Carolina 24-20 (St. Louis covers)
Sager: Carolina 31-20
WINNER: Carolina 15-0

BUFFALO (+3) vs. HOUSTON (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Buffalo 10-6
Sager: Houston 17-13
WINNER: Buffalo 24-21

NEW ENGLAND (-6.5) vs. GREEN BAY (o/u 47)
Acharya: New England 24-23 (Green Bay covers)
Sager: New England 27-20
WINNER: New England 35-0

WASHINGTON (+3) vs. TAMPA BAY (o/u 33.5)
Acharya: Tampa Bay 20-7
Sager: Tampa Bay 23-16
WINNER: Tampa Bay 20-17

CHICAGO (-6) vs. N.Y. JETS (o/u 39.5)
Acharya: Chicago 32-14
Sager: Chicago 17-10
WINNER: Chicago 10-0

MINNESOTA (+3) vs. MIAMI (o/u 34)
Acharya: Miami 7-6 (Minny covers)
Sager: Minny 15-13
WINNER: Miami 24-20

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
DETROIT (+2) vs. ARIZONA (o/u 45.5)
Acharya: Arizona 27-17
Sager: Detroit 26-24
WINNER: Arizona 17-10

SEATTLE (-3.5) vs. SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 43)
Acharya: Seattle 20-10
Sager: Seattle 24-22 (San Fran covers)
WINNER: San Fran 20-14

INDIANAPOLIS (-1.5) vs. DALLAS (o/u 49.5)
Acharya: Indy 36-33
Sager: Indy 27-14
WINNER: Dallas 24-21

Sunday nighter
SAN DIEGO (+2.5) vs. DENVER (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: San Diego 20-19
Sager: Denver 20-17
WINNER: San Diego 35-27

Monday nighter
N.Y. GIANTS (+3.5) vs. JACKSONVILLE (o/u 38)
Acharya: Jacksonville 17-10
Sager: Jacksonville 16-13 (Giants cover)
WINNER: Jacksonville 26-10

Week's results
Neil Acharya: 8-7-1 against the spread, 12-4 straight up, 4-12 over/under
Neate Sager: 5-10-1 ATS, 8-8 SU, 7-9 OU

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 60-78-3 ATS (44%), 84-56-1 SU (60%), 70-66-5 O/U (51%)*
Neate Sager: 70-85-2 ATS (46%), 88-68-1 SU (56%), 77-73-7 O/U (51%)
*did not pick in Week 1 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 10

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
KANSAS CITY (-1.5) vs. MIAMI (over/under 41)
Acharya: K.C. 26-20
Sager: Miami 23-16
WINNER: Miami 13-10

HOUSTON (+10) vs. JACKSONVILLE (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Jax 20-0
Sager: Jax 30-7
WINNER: Houston 13-10

SAN DIEGO (-1.5) vs. CINCINNATI (o/u 48)
Acharya: San Diego 23-21
Sager: Cincy 35-31
WINNER: San Diego 49-41

CLEVELAND (+8) vs. ATLANTA (o/u 42)
Acharya: Atlanta 17-3
Sager: Atlanta 30-23 (Cleveland covers)
WINNER: Cleveland 17-13

BALTIMORE (-7.5) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 38)
Acharya: Baltimore 16-6
Sager: Baltimore 19-14 (Tennessee covers)
WINNER: Baltimore 27-26 (Tennessee covers)

INDIANAPOLIS (-13.5) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 46)
Acharya: Indy 36-16
Sager: Indy 33-21 (Bills cover)
WINNER: Indy 17-16 (Bills cover)

WASHINGTON (-7) vs. PHILADELPHIA (o/u 42)
Acharya: Philly 20-14 (Washington covers)
Sager: Philly 23-14
WINNER: Philly 27-3

GREEN BAY (-5) vs. MINNESOTA (o/u 39.5)
Acharya: Minny 21-20 (Green Bay covers)
Sager: Minny 19-13
WINNER: Green Bay 23-14

N.Y. JETS (+10.5) vs. NEW ENGLAND (o/u 38.5)
Acharya: New England 26-17 (Jets cover)
Sager: New England 24-13
WINNER: Jets 17-14

SAN FRANCISCO (+7) vs. DETROIT (o/u 46)
Acharya: Detroit 27-13
Sager: Detroit 23-20 ("Santa Clara" 49ers cover)
WINNER: "Santa Clara" 19-13

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
DENVER (-10) vs. OAKLAND (o/u 34)
Acharya: Denver 26-9
Sager: Denver 17-3
WINNER: Denver 17-13 (Oakland covers)

NEW ORLEANS (+5) vs. PITTSBURGH (o/u 46)
Acharya: New Orleans 20-17
Sager: Pittsburgh 20-13
WINNER: Pittsburgh 38-31

ST. LOUIS (+3) vs. SEATTLE (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: St. Louis 30-20
Sager: Seattle 26-24
WINNER: Seattle 24-22

DALLAS (-7) vs. ARIZONA (o/u 44)
Acharya: Dallas 20-10
Sager: Dallas 37-22
WINNER: Dallas 27-10

Sunday nighter
CHICAGO (+1) vs. N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 37)
Acharya: Chicago 31-28
Sager: Giants 26-23
WINNER: Chicago 38-20

Monday nighter
TAMPA BAY (+9.5) vs. CAROLINA (o/u 37)
Acharya: Carolina 16-13 (Tampa covers)
Sager: Carolina 25-13
WINNER: Carolina 24-10

Week's results
Neil Acharya: 5-11 against the spread, 8-8 straight up, 8-8 over/under
Neate Sager: 10-6 ATS, 9-7 SU, 10-6O/U

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 52-71-2 ATS (42%), 72-52-1 SU (58%), 66-54-5 O/U (55%)*
Neate Sager: 65-75-1 ATS (46%), 80-60-1 SU (57%), 70-64-7 O/U (52%)
*did not pick in Week 1 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 9

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also making picks. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
KANSAS CITY (+3) vs. ST. LOUIS (over/under 48)
Acharya: St. Louis 26-24 (Chiefs cover)
Sager: K.C. 28-17
WINNER: K.C. 31-17

CINCINNATI (+3) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: Cincy 20-17
Sager: Baltimore 17-16 (Cincy covers)
WINNER: Baltimore 26-20

N.Y. GIANTS (-13.5) vs. HOUSTON (o/u 43)
Acharya: Giants 30-6
Sager: Giants 27-13
WINNER: Giants 14-10

JACKSONVILLE (-9) vs. TENNESSEE (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Jax 27-24 (Tennessee covers)
Sager: Jax 23-6
WINNER: Jax 37-7

DALLAS (-3.5) vs. WASHINGTON (o/u 41)
Acharya: Dallas 17-13
Sager: Dallas 27-17
WINNER: Washington 22-19

GREEN BAY (+4) vs. BUFFALO (o/u 40/5)
Acharya: Green Bay 29-21
Sager: Green Bay 23-20 (Buffalo covers)
WINNER: Buffalo 24-10

NEW ORLEANS (Pick 'em) vs. TAMPA BAY (o/u 38.5)
Acharya: New Orleans 21-18
Sager: Tampa Bay 17-15
WINNER: New Orleans 31-14

ATLANTA (-6.5) vs. DETROIT (o/u 37)
Acharya: Atlanta 36-17
Sager: Atlanta 26-10
WINNER: Detroit 30-14

MIAMI (+14.5) vs. CHICAGO (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Chicago 50-0
Sager: Chicago 27-14 (Miami covers)
WINNER: Miami 31-14

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
MINNESOTA (-4.5) vs. SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 43)
Acharya: Minnesota 28-20
Sager: Minnesota 20-13
WINNER: San Fran 9-3 (and no, Neate does not want to talk about it)

(By the way, that Monday nighter the Vikings played in last week? Never happened.)

SAN DIEGO (-14) vs. CLEVELAND (o/u 41)
Acharya: San Diego 30-7
Sager: San Diego 23-10 (Cleveland covers)
WINNER: San Diego 32-25

DENVER (+2) vs. PITTSBURGH (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Denver 26-12
Sager: Denver 13-10
WINNER: Denver 31-20

Sunday nighter
INDIANAPOLIS (+3) vs. NEW ENGLAND (o/u 49.5)
Acharya: New England 24-23
Sager: Indy 30-26
WINNER: Indy 27-20

Monday nighter
SEATTLE (-7) VS. OAKLAND (o/u 37)
Acharya: Seattle 20-10
Sager: Seattle 24-14
WINNER: Seattle 16-0

Last week's results
Neil Acharya: 4-10 against the spread, 6-8 straight up, 8-4-2 over/under
Neate Sager: 8-6 ATS, 8-6 SU, 4-8-2 over/under

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 47-60-2 ATS (44%), 64-44-1 SU (59%), 58-46-5 O/U (56%)*
Neate Sager: 55-69-1 ATS (44.4%), 71-53-1 SU (57%), 60-58-7 O/U (51%)
*did not pick in Week 1 of season

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neil__acharya@hotmail.com and/or neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS: WEEK 8

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also dispensing advice his week. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
HOUSTON (+3) at TENNESSEE (over-under 42)
Acharya: Tennessee 24-0
Sager: Houston 16-13
WINNER: Tennessee 28-22

JACKSONVILLE (+8) at PHILADELPHIA (40)
Acharya: Philly 28-14
Sager: Philly 24-13
WINNER: Jax 13-6

ATLANTA (+3.5) at CINCINNATI (44)
Acharya: Cincy 23-21 (Atlanta covers; Michael Vick can play in the cold)
Sager: Cincy 27-20
WINNER: Atlanta 29-27

TAMPA BAY (+9) at N.Y. GIANTS (38.5)
Acharya: Giants 42-13
Sager: Giants 27-10
WINNER: Giants 17-3

SAN FRANCISCO (+17) at CHICAGO (41.5)
Acharya: Bears 21-6 (49ers cover)
Sager: Bears 27-3
WINNER: Bears 41-10

ARIZONA (+4) at GREEN BAY (44.5)
Acharya: Green Bay 20-17 (Arizona covers)
Sager: Green Bay 30-10
WINNER: Green Bay 31-14

(Dennis Green's post-game comment: "It's as cold as we thought it was!)

SEATTLE (+4) at KANSAS CITY (37)
Acharya: K.C. 17-10
Sager: Seattle 20-17
WINNER: K.C. 35-28

BALTIMORE (+1.5) at NEW ORLEANS (37)
Acharya: New Orleans 17-14
Sager: New Orleans 28-0
WINNER: Baltimore 35-22

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
ST. LOUIS (+9) at SAN DIEGO (46)
Acharya: San Diego 26-20 (St. Louis covers)
Sager: San Diego 27-13
WINNER: San Diego 38-24

PITTSBURGH (-9.5) at OAKLAND (38.5)
Acharya: Pittsburgh 20-10
Sager: Pittsburgh 20-13 (Oakland covers)
WINNER: Oakland 20-13

N.Y. JETS (pick) at CLEVELAND (37)
Acharya: Jets 28-13
Sager: Jets 19-16
WINNER: Browns 20-13

INDIANAPOLIS (+1.5) at DENVER (40)
Acharya: Indy 21-17
Sager: Denver 20-12
WINNER: Indy 34-31

Sunday nighter
DALLAS (+6.5) at CAROLINA (41)
Acharya: Carolina 20-14 (Dallas covers)
Sager: Carolina 23-13
WINNER: Dallas 35-14

Monday nighter
NEW ENGLAND (-3) at MINNESOTA (40)
Acharya: New England 15-14 (Minnesota covers)
Sager: Minnesota 20-17
WINNER: New England 31-7

Week's Results
Neil Acharya: 6-7 ATS, 8-5 straight up, 3-9-1 over/under
Neate Sager: 5-8 ATS, 4-9 straight up, 6-6-1 over/under

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 43-50-2 ATS (46%), 58-36-1 SU (62%), 50-42-3 O/U (54%)
Neate Sager: 47-63-1 ATS (43%), 63-47-1 SU (57%), 56-50-5 O/U (53%)

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 7

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also dispensing advice his week. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook.

1 p.m. games
SAN DIEGO (-6) vs. KANSAS CITY (over/under 42)
Acharya: Chargers 24-20 (Chiefs covers)
Sager: Chargers 31-7
WINNER: Chiefs 30-27

NEW ENGLAND (-7) vs. BUFFALO (37)
Acharya: Pats 26-6
Sager: Pats 19-14 (Bills cover)
WINNER: Pats 28-6

PITTSBURGH (-3) vs. ATLANTA (37.5)
Acharya: Falcons 20-17
Sager: Steelers 24-17
WINNER: Steelers 41-38 (OT)

GREEN BAY (-5) vs. MIAMI (40)
Acharya: Dolphins 26-17
Sager: Dolphins 23-20 (Packers cover)
WINNER: Packers 34-24

PHILLY (-6.5) vs. TAMPA BAY (42.5)
Acharya: Eagles 28-10
Sager: Eagles 34-10
WINNER: Bucs 23-21

DETROIT (+4.5) vs. N.Y. JETS (43)
Acharya: J... E... T... S... 24-6
Sager: Jets 20-10
WINNER: Jets 31-24

CAROLINA (+3) vs. CINCINNATI (44.5)
Acharya: Bengals 30-24
Sager: Bengals 17-13
WINNER: Bengals 17-14

DENVER (-6.5) vs. CLEVELAND (31.5)
Acharya: Broncos 13-3
Sager: Broncos 24-7
WINNER: Broncos 17-7

WASHINGTON (+8.5) vs. INDIANAPOLIS (48.5)
Acharya: Colts 40-10
Sager: Colts 31-17
WINNER: Colts 36-22

4:15 p.m. games
MINNESOTA (-7) vs. SEATTLE (41)
Acharya: Seahawks 17-16 (Vikings cover)
Sager: Vikings 20-17
WINNER: Vikings 31-13

ARIZONA (-4) vs. OAKLAND (39.5)
Acharya: Cardinals 26-0
Sager: Cardinals 31-10
WINNER: Raiders 22-9

Monday nighter
N.Y. GIANTS (+3) vs. DALLAS (45)
Acharya: Cowboys 33-27
Sager: Giants 24-21
WINNER:

Week 7 tally
Neil: 7-5-1 ATS, 5-7-1 straight-up, 7-5-1 over-under
Neate: 8-4-1 ATS, 8-4-1 straight-up, 6-5-2 over-under

Season to date
Neil Acharya: 37-43-2 ATS (46%), 50-31-1 SU (62%), 47-32-3 O/U (59%)
Neate Sager: 42-55-1 ATS (43%), 59-38-1 SU (61%), 50-44-4 O/U (53%)

NFL PICKS WEEK 6

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also dispensing advice his week. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook as of this morning. Oh, and check out the weekly CIS football picks, where Neate is having significantly better luck.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
CINCINNATI (-7) vs. TAMPA BAY (o/u 43)
Acharya: Bengals 28-7
Sager: Bengals 38-14
WINNER: Bucs 14-13

TENNESSEE (+10.5) vs. WASHINGTON (o/u 39)
Acharya: Redskins 20-14 (Titans cover)
Sager: Redskins 31-10
WINNER: Titans 25-22

HOUSTON (+13.5) vs. DALLAS (o/u 43)
Acharya: Cowboys 30-9
Sager: Cowboys 27-17 (Texans cover)
WINNER: Cowboys 34-6

BUFFALO (-1.5) vs. DETROIT (o/u 40.5)
Acharya: Bills 24-17
Sager: Bills 26-10
WINNER: Lions 20-17

SEATTLE (-3.5) vs. ST. LOUIS (o/u 44.5)
Acharya: Seahawks 25-24 (Rams cover)
Sager: Rams 27-23
WINNER: Seahawks 30-28 (Rams cover)

N.Y. GIANTS (+3) vs. ATLANTA (o/u 41.5)
Acharya: Falcons 24-10
Sager: Falcons 17-13
WINNER: Giants 27-14

PHILADELPHIA (-4.5) vs. NEW ORLEANS (o/u 46)
Acharya: Eagles 30-10
Sager: Eagles 23-21 (Saints cover)
WINNER: Saints 27-24

CAROLINA (+3) vs. BALTIMORE (o/u 33)
Acharya: Ravens 13-7
Sager: Panthers 20-10
WINNER: Panthers 23-21

Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
MIAMI (+2) vs. N.Y. JETS (o/u 36)
Acharya: Jets 21-13
Sager: Jets 23-10
WINNER: Jets 20-17

SAN DIEGO (-11.5) vs. SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 42.5)
Acharya: Chargers 35-10
Sager: Chargers 28-17 (49ers cover)
WINNER: Chargers 48-19

KANSAS CITY (+7) vs. PITTSBURGH (o/u 36.5)
Acharya: Steelers 20-17 (Chiefs cover)
Sager: Steelers 20-10
WINNER: Steelers 45-7

Sunday night
OAKLAND (+16) vs. DENVER (o/u 36)
Acharya: Broncos 21-7 (Raiders cover)
Sager: Broncos 31-10
WINNER: Broncos 13-3 (Raiders cover)

Monday night
CHICAGO (-13.5) vs. ARIZONA (o/u 39)
Acharya: Bears 38-0 (with a mini-Lovie Smith)
Sager: Bears 30-13
WINNER: Bears 24-23 ("They are who we thought they were")

Neil Acharya's season to date (missed Week 1)
26-29-1 (46%) ATS, 39-17 (70%) SU, 33-21-2 (61%) OVER/UNDER
Neate Sager's season to date
29-43 (40%) ATS, 44-28 (61%) SU, 38-32-2 (54%) OVER/UNDER

Previous:
NFL Picks Week 5 (Oct. 8)
NFL Picks Week 4 (Sept. 28)

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS WEEK 5

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also dispensing advice his week. All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook as of Friday morning. Neil made his picks earlier, but presumably while stone-cold sober and relatively lucid... Neate, not so much.

TENNESSEE (+20) at INDIANAPOLIS (over/under 49)
Acharya: Indy 28-7
Sager: Indy 38-17
WINNER: Indy 14-13 (Tennessee covers)

WASHINGTON (+5) at N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 46)
Acharya: New York 17-16 (Washington covers)
Sager: Washington 27-17
WINNER: New York 19-3

DETROIT (+7.5) at MINNESOTA (o/u 40)
Acharya: Minny 20-10
Sager: Minny 23-20 (Lions cover)
WINNER: Minny 26-17

TAMPA BAY (+7.5) at NEW ORLEANS (o/u 35)
Acharya: N'Awlins 23-13
Sager: N'Awlins 24-17 (Tampa covers)
WINNER: N'Awlins 24-21 (Tampa covers)

ST. LOUIS (-3.5) at GREEN BAY (o/u 47)
Acharya: St. Louis 30-27 (Green Bay covers)
Sager: St. Louis 38-24
WINNER: St. Louis 23-20 (Green Bay covers)

BUFFALO (+11) at CHICAGO (o/u 35)
Acharya: Bears 17-9 (Bills cover)
Sager: Bears 26-13
WINNER: Bears 40-7

CLEVELAND (+9) at CAROLINA (o/u 37.5)
Acharya: Carolina 26-14
Sager: Carolina 24-7
WINNER: Carolina 20-12 (Cleveland covers)

N.Y. JETS (+7) at JACKSONVILLE (o/u 37)
Acharya: Jax 26-24 (Jets cover)
Sager: Jax 23-10
WINNER: Jax 41-0

KANSAS CITY (-4.5) at ARIZONA (o/u 40)
Acharya: K.C. 24-21 (Arizona covers)
Sager: Arizona 27-24.
WINNER: K.C. 23-20 (Arizona covers)

OAKLAND (+3) at SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 40)
Acharya: Oakland 17-16
Sager: 49ers 27-10
WINNER: 49ers 34-20

DALLAS (+1.5) at PHILADELPHIA (o/u 43.5)
Acharya: Philly 33-30
Sager: Philly 24-14
WINNER: Philly 38-24

PITTSBURGH (+3) at SAN DIEGO (o/u 37)
Acharya: Pittsburgh 21-17
Sager: San Diego 21-13
WINNER: San Diego 23-13

Monday night
BALTIMORE (+4) at DENVER (o/u 33)
Acharya: Baltimore 16-14
Sager: Denver 20-17 (Baltimore covers)
WINNER: Denver 13-3

Neil Acharya's season to date (missed Week 1)
Against the spread: 22-20-1 (52%)
Straight up: 30-13 (70%)
Over/Under: 26-15-2 (66%)

Neate Sager's season to date
Against the spread: 22-37 (37%)
Straight up: 34-25 (58%)
Over/Under: 31-26-2 (54%)

Previous:
NFL Picks Week 4 (Sept. 28)

Back with more later. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL PICKS, WEEK 4

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya is also dispensing the best kind of advice -- free advice -- this week.

(All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook as of 2:30 a.m. Eastern. Oh, and please check out this week's CIS picks.)

Sunday, 1 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (-10) at N.Y. JETS (over/under 46½)
If Peyton Manning and Chad Pennington competed in the 100-metre dash, it would replace the Kentucky Derby as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Acharya: Indy 28-20 (Jets cover).
Sager: Indy 31-10.
SCORE: Indy 31-28 (Jets cover)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-3) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (o/u 33)
West Coast team against an East Coast team -- the 3-hour time difference can be a factor. But Baltimore is not good enough to be a 4-0 team.
Acharya: Chargers 13-7.
Sager: Chargers 23-13.
SCORE: Baltimore 16-13.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (pick) at BUFFALO BILLS (o/u 34½)
Once again, the Vikes get no respect from the oddsmakers or media -- and this is Neil talking, not Neate, the Vikings fan.
Acharya: Vikings 17-16.
Sager: Vikings 24-13.
SCORE: Bills 17-12.

DALLAS COWBOYS (-11) at TENNESSEE TITANS (o/u 37)
As noted in the T-Emo post, "I'm trying to get my team ready for Tennessee" is the new "I want to focus on my salad."
Acharya: Cowboys 24-14 (Titans cover).
Sager: Cowboys 31-10.
SCORE: Cowboys 45-14.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (+7) at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (o/u 40)
San Francisco still makes way too many mistakes in the secondary, and the Chiefs are coming off a bye week.
Acharya: 49ers 21-17.
Sager: Chiefs 34-24.
SCORE: Chiefs 41-0.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (+7½) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (o/u 41½)
Carolina is finally getting untracked; Saints' success in the first three weeks will prove ephemeral in the long run.
Acharya: Panthers 23-16 (Saints cover).
Sager: Panthers 30-20.
SCORE: Panthers 21-18.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (+7) at ATLANTA FALCONS (o/u 40½)
Still don't trust the Buzzsaw, even as a big underdog. Atlanta's front four will make this a long day for Kurt Warner, playing behind 'Zona's porous offensive line.
Acharya: Falcons 24-23 (Cardinals cover).
Sager: Falcons 20-10.
SCORE: Falcons 32-10.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (-3½) at HOUSTON TEXANS (o/u 40½)
Neil says Mario Williams will finally get his first sack. Neate wonders which blocker's foot Daunte Culpepper will have to trip over to help to happen.
Acharya: Texans 16-12.
Sager: Dolphins 17-6.
SCORE: Texans 17-15.

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
NEW ENGLAND (+7) at CINCINNATI BENGALS (o/u 45½)
The Bengals are headed for the playoffs -- and a new single-season record for player arrests.
Acharya: Bengals 24-20 (Patriots cover).
Sager: Bengals 27-17.
SCORE: Pats 38-13.

ST. LOUIS (-3) at DETROIT (o/u 48)
Acharya: Rams 35-21.
Sager: Rams 34-27.
SCORE: Rams 41-34.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (-3½) at WASHINGTON REDSKINS (o/u 34½)
Inclined to take Washington at home, but they may just be the softest team in the NFL.
Acharya: Jaguars 26-19.
Sager: Jaguars 23-7.
SCORE: Washington 36-30.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (-3) at OAKLAND RAIDERS (o/u 33½)
Worst matchup of the week, by far, but the Raiders are bound to win a game eventually. They're one touchdown from getting rolling, we swear. (Yeah, right.)
Acharya: Browns 14-9.
Sager: Raiders 24-21.
SCORE: Browns 24-21.

Sunday nighter
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (+3½) at CHICAGO BEARS (o/u 34½)
Shaun Alexander is out for Seattle, but the Seahawks passing game and defence will make up for it.
Acharya: Bears 20-7.
Sager: Seahawks 23-16.
SCORE: Bears 34-6.

Monday nighter
GREEN BAY PACKERS (-11) at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (o/u 48)
Why is Green Bay still playing in prime time? With the season Brett Favre's having, count on the Eagles for at least one defensive touchdown.
Acharya: Eagles 40-32 (Packers cover).
Sager: Eagles 35-17.
SCORE: Eagles 31-9.

Neil Acharya's season to date (missed Week 1)
Against the spread: 15-15 (50%)
Straight up: 22-8 (73.3%)
Over/Under: 17-11-2 (60%)

Neate Sager's season to date
Against the spread: 18-28 (39.1%)
Straight up: 27-19 (58.7%)
Over/Under: 25-19-2 (56.5%)

Related:
NFL Picks Week 3 (originally posted Sept. 21)

That's for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL WEEK 3 PICKS

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to us when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Associate Blogger Neil Acharya and View From The Nosebleeds' Pat Pearce are also dispensing the best kind of advice -- free advice -- throughout the season.

(All lines are from Bet US Sportsbook as of 3 a.m. Eastern. For Canadian readers, please take a moment to peruse the weekly CIS picks.)

Sunday, 1 p.m.
CHICAGO (-4½) at MINNESOTA (over/under 35½)
We haveto separate head from heart since these are our favourite teams. The Bears have the better defensive front and will be fine offensively if they can keep Rex Grossman healthy.
Acharya: Chicago 17-14 (Vikings cover).
Sager: Chicago 27-13.
WINNER: Chicago 19-16 (Vikings cover).

CAROLINA (-3½) at TAMPA BAY (o/u 34)
Both teams have been underwhelming so far, and Carolina has covered in its last three visits to City of Tampa, so the Panthers are a safe choice, with or without Steve Smith on the field.
Acharya: Carolina 21-16.
Sager: Carolina 24-6.
WINNER: Carolina 26-24 (Tampa covers).

CINCINNATI (Pick 'em) at PITTSBURGH (o/u 43)
Where you at, 85? Bengals receiver Chad Johnson seems to have no idea where he is during this post-game interview scrum after a big hit in last Sunday's game.
Acharya: Cincinnati 26-20.
Sager: Cincinnati 24-10.
WINNER: Cincinnati 28-17.

GREEN BAY (+6½) at DETROIT (o/u 39)
Only the diehards and degenerates are going to go bother with this suckfest.
Acharya: Detroit 21-17 (Green Bay covers).
Sager: Detroit 24-13.
WINNER: Green Bay 31-24.

JACKSONVILLE (+7) at INDIANAPOLIS (o/u 42)
Good rule of thumb with the Jags: Take the under, even against high-scoring Indianapolis.
Acharya: Indianapolis 17-12 (Jacksonville covers).
Sager: Indianapolis 27-14.
WINNER: Indianapolis 21-14.

N.Y. JETS (+5½) at BUFFALO (o/u 34½)
Chad Pennington might be in for a long day against Buffalo's defensive pressure.
Acharya: Buffalo 24-20 (N.Y. Jets cover).
Sager: Buffalo 19-10.
WINNER: N.Y. Jets 28-20.

TENNESSEE (+10½) at MIAMI (o/u 35½)
First touchdown wins.
Acharya: Miami 31-24 (Tennessee covers).
Sager: Miami 20-3.
WINNER: Miami 13-10.

WASHINGTON (-4½) at HOUSTON (o/u 37½)
Texans quarterback David Carr spent a day this week teaching fourth-grade gym at suburban Houston school. He only got sacked three times.
Acharya: Washington 23-16.
Sager: Washington 23-20 (Houston covers).
WINNER: Washington 31-15.

Sunday, 4 p.m.-ish
BALTIMORE (-7½) at CLEVELAND (o/u 33.5)
Damn, the first touchdown wins line has already been used, hasn't it? hhh
Acharya: Baltimore 30-6
Sager: Baltimore 20-13.
WINNER: Baltimore 15-14.

N.Y. GIANTS (+3) at SEATTLE (o/u 43)
What are the chances that Eli Manning has two good games in a row? Has a team ever been flukier than the Giants were last week?
Acharya: Seattle 20-18 (Giants cover).
Sager: Seattle 24-13.
WINNER: Seattle 42-30.

PHILADELPHIA (-7) at SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 41½)
Philly should bounce back from last week's calamitous fourth quarter against the New York Giants; the 49ers are still peeing their pants over actually winning a game.
Acharya: Philadelphia 24-20.
Sager: Philadelphia 31-7.
WINNER: Philadelphia 38-24.

ST. LOUIS (+4.5) at ARIZONA (o/u 44.5)
Still hard to put a lot of faith in the Cardinals until they develop a running game and some reasonable facsimile of a defence.
Acharya: Arizona 28-21.
Sager: St. Louis 27-23.
WINNER: St. Louis 16-14.

Sunday nighter
DENVER (+7) at NEW ENGLAND (o/u 38½)
This game is right up the Pats' alley.
Acharya: New England 20-17 (Denver).
Sager: New England 30-20.
WINNER: Denver 17-7.

Monday nighter
ATLANTA (-4½) at NEW ORLEANS (o/u 44)
The Falcons are just 3-11 against the spread when coming off a home win over the past three years.
Acharya: Atlanta 30-16.
Sager: Atlanta 27-24 (New Orleans covers).
WINNER: New Orleans 23-3.

Neil Acharya's season to date (missed Week 1)
Against the spread: 8-8 (.500)
Straight up: 13-3 (.813)
Over/Under: 9-5-2 (.625)

Pat Pearce's season to date
Against the spread: 20-12 (.625)
Straight up: 22-10 (.688)
Over/Under: 10-20-2 (.344)

Neate Sager's season to date
Against the spread: 12-20 (.375)
Straight up: 18-14 (.588)
Over/Under: 17-13-2 (.588)

Related:
NFL Picks Week 2 (originally posted Sept. 14)

That's for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

NFL WEEK 2 PICKS: BEWARE OF THE DOUBLE-DIGIT UNDERDOGS

(Originally posted Thurs., Sept. 14.)

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to me when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs. Beginning this week, Associate Blogger Neil Acharya and View From The Nosebleeds' Pat Pearce join in on the fun. It's an Eastern Ontario/East Coast thing.

(See Week 1's gadawful picks. All lines are from covers.com as of 2 p.m. Eastern.)

Sunday, 1 p.m.
BUFFALO (plus 6½) at MIAMI (over/under 37)
Miami should rebound, but the Bills tend to be a good against-the-spread team.
Acharya: Dolphins 20-16 (Bills cover).
Pearce: Dolphins 24-21 (Bills cover).
Sager: Dolphins 23-20 (Bills cover).
WINNER: Bills 16-6.

CAROLINA (minus 1) at MINNESOTA (o/u 37)
Doing the reverse-psychology tactic this week by picking against the Vikes. May they pull another shocker.
Acharya: Panthers 16-14.
Pearce: Vikings 21-17.
Sager: Panthers 24-17.
WINNER: Vikings 16-13 (in OT).

CLEVELAND (plus 10) at CINCINNATI (o/u 42)
Very tempted to pick the Browns here due to the big spread. Make this the What The Hell pick, since one of these double-digit underdogs has to cover the spread.
Acharya: Bengals 30-17.
Pearce: Bengals 30-17.
Sager: Bengals 28-20 (Browns cover).
WINNER: Bengals 34-17.

DETROIT (plus 9½) at CHICAGO (o/u 32)
Is anyone taking the over on this game? It might take two or three pass-interference calls on one drive to produce a touchdown.
Acharya: Bears 13-6 (Lions cover).
Pearce: Bears 17-10 (Lions cover).
Sager: Bears 19-9.
WINNER: Bears 34-7.

HOUSTON (plus 13½) at INDIANAPOLIS (o/u 47)
In these teams' last three meetings at Indy, the "over" has won every time, but Houston is 2-2 against the spread all-time at the RCA Dome.
Acharya:Colts 37-20.
Pearce: Colts 42-17.
Sager: Colts 31-17.
WINNER: Colts 43-24.

NEW ORLEANS (minus 2) at GREEN BAY (o/u 38)
The Saints lost 52-3 at Lambeau last season, but that was a different team under trying circumstances. Still, they typically don't do well in the second of back-to-back road games, although Brett Favre could deliver them a victory with some ill-timed interceptions.
Acharya: Saints 17-16 (Packers cover).
Pearce: Saints 24-7.
Sager: Packers 24-20.
WINNER: Saints 34-27.

N.Y. GIANTS (plus 3) at PHILADEPHIA (o/u 42)
The Eagles should be fired up to play a team that beat them twice when they were in disarray last season thanks to you-know-who's general jackassery.
Acharya: Giants 20-17.
Pearce: Eagles 35-33 (Giants cover).
Sager: Eagles 23-13.
WINNER: Giants 30-24 (in OT).

OAKLAND (plus 12) at BALTIMORE (o/u 34)
No more What The Hell picks on the Raiders. They can't be worse than they were against the Chargers since that would be frickin' next to impossible, but it's going to take a while to sort out their problems.
Acharya: Ravens 27-17.
Pearce: Ravens 24-10.
Sager: Ravens 26-3.
WINNER: Ravens 28-6.

TAMPA BAY (plus 5½) at ATLANTA (o/u 36)
The Bucs blew chunks last week, but have covered in three of their past four trips to Atlanta. They should bounce back from last week and play a half-decent game.
Acharya: Falcons 24-23 (Bucs cover).
Pearce: Falcons 20-10.
Sager: Falcons 17-14 (Bucs cover).
WINNER: Falcons 14-3.

Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
ARIZONA (plus 7) at SEATTLE (o/u 47)
The number of points scored should more closely resemble Arizona's opener (34-27) than Seattle's (9-6). Neither team covered last week.
Acharya: Seahawks 26-20 (Cardinals cover).
Pearce: Seahawks 27-14.
Sager: Seahawks 28-24 (Cardinals cover).
WINNER: Seahawks 21-10.

ST. LOUIS (minus 3) at SAN FRANCISCO (o/u 43)
The Rams are sure to be a more popular choice this week.
Acharya: Rams 19-14.
Pearce: Rams 17-10.
Sager: Rams 27-10.
WINNER: 49ers 17-10.

Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
KANSAS CITY (plus 10½) at DENVER (o/u 40)
The play sheet for Chiefs QB Damon Huard says, "Take a knee."
Acharya: Broncos 31-24 (Chiefs cover).
Pearce: Broncos 27-17 (Chiefs cover).
Sager: Broncos 27-7.
WINNER: Broncos 9-6.

NEW ENGLAND (minus 6) at N.Y. JETS (o/u 37)
After failing to cover last week, New England should recover.
Acharya: Patriots 25-13.
Pearce: Jets 17-14.
Sager: Patriots 26-14.
WINNER: Patriots 24-17.

TENNESSEE (plus 11½) at SAN DIEGO (o/u 38)
There are five 10-plus point underdogs this week (and Detroit could become a sixth if the line moves before kickoff). You have to believe that chances are one or two will cover the spread, but the Titans are unlikely to be among them. They're not very good.
Acharya: Chargers 30-9.
Pearce: Chargers 32-14.
Sager: Chargers 31-17.
WINNER: Chargers 40-7.

Sunday nighter
WASHINGTON (plus 6) at DALLAS (o/u 37)
Man, it's tough to determine which of these franchises is more contemptible.
Acharya: Dallas 24-23 (Redskins cover).
Pearce: Dallas 24-21 (Redskins cover)
Sager: Dallas 20-16 (Redskins cover).
WINNER: Dallas 27-10.

Monday nighter
PITTSBURGH (plus 1½) at JACKSONVILLE (o/u 36½)
When did an overgrown retirement village like Jacksonville start thinking it was big-league? Acharya: Jags 20-16.
Pearce: Steelers 23-19.
Sager: Steelers 28-17.
WINNER: Jags 9-0.

Neil Acharya's season to date: First week

Pat Pearce's season to date:
Straight up: 11-5 (.688)
Against the spread: 9-7 (.538)
Over/Under: 3-13 (.188)

Neate Sager's season to date
Straight up: 8-8 (.500)
Against the spread: 6-10 (.375)
Over/Under: 8-8 (.500)

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.

WEEKLY NFL PICKS

Yes, Out of Left Field is obliged to provide weekly NFL picks that are guaranteed to be no more, or no less accurate than some of the various experts out there. These picks are for recreational use only, so don't come crying to me when you're 64 grand in the hole and they're threatening to take your thumbs.

(All betting lines are from Covers.com as of 2 p.m. Eastern today.)

(UPDATE, Monday 4:45 p.m.: Sure hope no one followed my advice. I suck!)

Tonight, 8:30 p.m.
MIAMI (plus 1) at PITTSBURGH (over/under 34½)
Pick: Miami, 20-10. Dolphins clinch it with a late interception return for a TD.
WINNER: Pittsburgh 28-17.

Sunday, 1 p.m.
BUFFALO (plus 9½) at NEW ENGLAND (o/u 41)
Pick: New England, 28-10. Gonna be a long year, Buffalo.
WINNER: New England 19-17.

NEW ORLEANS (plus 3) at CLEVELAND (o/u 35)
Pick: New Orleans, 23-20. That's two road underdogs so far.
WINNER: New Orleans 19-14.

N.Y. JETS (plus 2½) at TENNESSEE (o/u 36)
Pick: Tennessee, 16-13. Only true diehards will be watching this game.
WINNER: N.Y. Jets 23-16.

DENVER (minus 3½) at ST. LOUIS (o/u 46)
Pick: Denver, 34-21.
WINNER: St. Louis 18-10.

CINCINNATI (minus 2) at KANSAS CITY (o/u 46)
Pick: Kansas City, 34-31.
WINNER: Cincinnati 23-10.

ATLANTA (plus 5) at CAROLINA (o/u 39)
Pick: Carolina 20-17. Atlanta will keep this one close.
WINNER: Atlanta 20-6.

BALTIMORE (plus 3) at TAMPA BAY (o/u 34)
Pick: Tampa Bay, 24-6. With Brian Billick and Jon Gruden coaching, call this the Smug Jerk Bowl.
WINNER: Baltimore 27-0 (not even close).

PHILADELPHIA (minus 5½) at HOUSTON (o/u 38)
Pick: Philadelphia 23-14.
WINNER: Philadephia 24-10.

SEATTLE (minus 6) at DETROIT (o/u 45½)
Pick: Seattle, 31-17. Said it before and will say it again: Given what is to come, an assistant coach getting caught driving drunk and naked will be one of the more dignified events of Detroit's season.
WINNER: Seattle 9-6.

Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
CHICAGO (plus 3½) at GREEN BAY (o/u 35)
Pick: Chicago, 20-3. The Bears score on an interception and a blocked kick return; fans say, "Our offence played great getting us those two field goals."
WINNER: Chicago 26-0.

SAN FRANCISCO (plus 9) at ARIZONA (o/u 42½)
Pick: Arizona, 34-17. Beware the Buzzsaw until they play real teams.
WINNER: The Buzzsaw, 34-27.

DALLAS (plus 2) at JACKSONVILLE (o/u 36½)
Pick: Dallas, 24-7.
WINNER: Jacksonville 24-17.

Sunday nighter
INDIANAPOLIS (minus 3) at N.Y. GIANTS (o/u 48)
Pick: Indianapolis, 28-18.
WINNER: Indianapolis 26-21.

Monday nighters
MINNESOTA (plus 4½) at WASHINGTON (o/u 35)
Pick: Minnesota, 19-17. You all know I'm a Vikings fan, right? (And yes, the good Lord willing, this game will be live-blogged.)
WINNER: Minnesota, 19-16.

SAN DIEGO (minus 3) at OAKLAND (o/u 43)
Pick: Oakland, 24-23. An official What The Hell pick.
WINNER: San Diego, 27-0.

Season to date
Straight up: 8-8
Against the spread: 6-10
Over/Under: 8-8

Related:
Toronto Wants The NFL (Again) (earlier today)
NFL Preview In 30 Minutes, Or It's Free (Wed., Sept. 6)

That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.