o Analyze results, identify trends and predict outcomes for NFL, NBA, WTA and ATP matches.

o Assign player fantasy sports value, measure player efficiency, and compare and rank teams across eras.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

New York Mets To Sign Jason Bay

The Mike Francesa Show (WFAN, YES) reported the New York Mets will sign JasonBay. The deal is contingent on Bay passing his physical next week. Though terms of the deal was not discussed, the San Francisco Gate wrote that the Mets had offered a four-year deal for up to $65 million.

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Even Money’s NFL Power Rankings – Week 17 - Colts vs Jets; Saints vs Bucs

Heading into NFL Week 17 of the 2009 season, I am nearly certain this has been one of the worst seasons in a long time. Putting together this week’s NFL Power Rankings made me wonder whether any of these teams really care about this coming week or even winning the Super Bowl. The two main stories we followed all year fizzled.
Fans had a chance to see two undefeated teams in the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints fade over the past two weeks.

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 16: Favre, Vikings vs Bears, Monday Night Football

Vikings vs Bears is the matchup for NFL Picks Week 16 Monday Night Football and we get a peek at Brett Favre days after he usurped all power from Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress. Tonight’s battle against the Chicago Bears has more playoff implications because of the New Orleans Saints’ second loss of the season.

The Minnesota Vikings had been a steady ship all season until their loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 16 Sunday – Eagles vs Broncos

Eagles vs Broncos is the marquee match-up for NFL Picks Week 16 All Sunday Games. Simply put, the Philadelphia Eagles have been brutalizing opponents and making a strong push for the NFC Playoffs 2nd seed. Their opponent, the Denver Broncos come off a loss to the Oakland Raiders, and are barely holding on to their AFC Playoffs Wild Card hopes. They dropped from 9 to 13 in our Power Rankings this past week.
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All HOME teams are favored for this Sunday’s games, except for the Washington Redskins. This might sound like an easy week to be picking but the favored Titans lost yesterday.
EVEN MONEY’S NFL PICKS WEEK 16 All Games:
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Thursday, December 24, 2009

LeBron Triple-Double Leads Right Into NBA Christmas Tradition vs. Kobe

The NBA Christmas Tradition of pitting top stars against each other, or featuring team rivalries got a major push last night. For LeBron James against the Sacramento Kings, last night was a Good Day as he “messed around and got a triple double”, just in time to send a warning to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. It reminded me of their puppet commercial:

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 16 Christmas Day – Chargers vs Titans

Chargers vs Titans is the Christmas Day match-up for NFL Picks Week 16 – the regular NFL Thursday Night game pushed back a day. The San Diego Chargers capture the AFC 2nd seed and a first-round bye with a win. For the Tennessee Titans, it keeps their AFC Wild Card playoffs hope alive. They are 1 of the 8 AFC teams vying for a wild card seeding.
The Titans moved up from 16 to 12 in our Power Rankings this past week. They had an impressive start against the Miami Dolphins and almost faltered down the line, if not for a misguided penalty against their opponent.

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Even Money's NFL Playoffs Scenarios 2010, NFL Power Rankings

The NFL Playoffs Picture is clear on one side and muddy on the other. For the NFC playoffs, three teams are vying for 2 Wild Card seeds: Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. While the AFC playoffs have 8 teams that are still mathematically capable of getting the 2 Wild Card Seeds. The Power Rankings below gives you a snapshot of who we think clear the hurdle, not based on tiebreaker. Eliminated teams are ranked below "Next Year".

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Cashman, New York Yankees Trade Melky Cabrera, Will Not Re-Sign Hideki Matsui

The New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman does not seem to be giving enough credit to those who deserve it, for helping the Yankees win their 27th World Series title. Cashman has decided not to re-sign Hikeki Matusi, and the Yankees most recent trade sends Melky Cabrera to the Atlanta Braves. For Cashman, it is basically out with the old, and in with the old.

In a move that reminds me of how Cashman dealt with Tino Martinez and Bernie Williams, the Yankees have allowed the Los Angeles Angels to sign Matsui, and with not much of a fight for his services.

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Even Money’s Week 15 Monday Night Football; NFL Playoffs Update

Giants vs. Redskins is tonight’s match-up for NFL Picks Week 15 Monday Night Football and will give a clearer NFL Playoffs update for the NFC. The New York Giants’ playoffs hope hangs in the balance tonight as they travel to face the Washington Redskins. The NFC playoffs picture got clearer in recent days as the Dallas Cowboys beat the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, and then the Carolina Panthers defeated the Minnesota Vikings last night.

These two outcomes clinched a playoff spot for the Philadelphia Eagles and give the Eagles an outside chance of a bye week.

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 15 – Chargers vs Bengals, RIP Chris Henry

Chargers vs Bengals is one of my marquee match-ups for NFL Picks Week 15. This one was slated to be a fierce and emotional battle between two divisional leaders because of this past summer’s Twitter spat between San Diego Chargers Line Backer Shawn Merriman, and Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco. The recent death of Bengals Wide Receiver Chris Henry (RIP) adds to the emotions but might temper any possible bad blood.

Though Henry had not been a model citizen or teammate, Owner Mike Brown gave him another chance to play for the Bengals this season.

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Friday, December 18, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 15 Saturday Night Football – Cowboys vs. Saints

Cowboys vs. Saints is the featured game for the first Saturday Night Football match-up and the focus of NFL Picks Week 15. This is a battle between neighbors: America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys vs. the New Orleans Saints who struggled for years in infamy as the ‘Aints. The Cowboys’ December slide has been discussed and documented in this chart add one more loss to this season’s number, for last week's loss.
In our Week 15 Power Rankings the Dallas Cowboys did not crack the Top 10.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Even Money’s NFL Power Rankings – December 15, 2009

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RANK
TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
COMMENT
CONTENDERS




1
Indianapolis
13
0
Colts Defense and steadiness as exhibited by being 9-3-1 ATS puts them ahead of the other undefeated Team, New Orleans Saints.
2
New Orleans
13
0
Saints have not covered for 2 straight weeks and won by only 3 points each time. They are 8-5-0 ATS.
3
San Diego
10
3
Chargers have an 8-game winning streak and are 7-1 ATS during that stretch with wins over the Giants, Eagles, Broncos and Cowboys.

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Monday Night Football – Cardinals vs 49ers – Even Money’s NFL Picks

Cardinals vs 49ers is tonight’s match-up for NFL Picks Week 14 Monday Night Football. The Arizona Cardinals can clinch the NFC West division tonight with a win over the San Francisco 49ers. When last we saw the Cardinals, they kicked the Vikings all over the field and showed a renewed focus to end the season.

Last season, though the Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl, they limped their way through the December games. They also have that luxury this season because the NFC West is arguably the worst in the NFL. No other team is at or above .500.

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Saturday, December 12, 2009

FREE NFL PICKS Week 14 Sunday by Even Money – ALL GAMES

Here is a complete listing for all the NFL Week 14 games that are taking place on Sunday. Last week's NFL picks saw 11 HOME teams protected their turf Against The Spread, while only 7 FAVORITES won. Key games with playoff implications are: Colts vs Broncos; Saints vs Falcons; Jaguars vs Dolphins; and Giants vs Eagles.
We did a full write up for our two marquee match-ups yesterday:Vikings vs Bengals; and Cowboys vs. Chargers.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 14 Sunday – Cowboys vs. Chargers

Cowboys vs. Chargers is one of my marquee match-ups for NFL Picks Week 14. Two consecutive weeks that I have not been able to put my finger on the Dallas Cowboys pulse but I am hoping I get it right for this game against a surging San Diego Chargers squad. The Chargers have won 7 games in a row, and are 9-3 for the season.

During this 7 game, stretch the Chargers have averaged 31.14 points, while holding their opponents to 15.14 points. They have been dominating and during this stretch the Chargers beat two of Dallas’ NFC East division rivals – Giants and Eagles. In those two games the Chargers averaged 26 points and gave up 21.5 points. These totals mirror the Cowboys’ output against the two teams: scoring 24 and 20; and giving up 31 and 16 - winning one and losing the other.

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Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 14 Sunday – Vikings vs Bengals

Vikings vs Bengals is one of my marquee match-ups for NFL Picks Week 14. There are two inter-conference battles with huge playoff implications for all 4 teams. The Minnesota Vikings welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to the Metrodome where the Vikings are undefeated and the offense led by Brett Favre averages 31.33 points per game.

In these 6 contests the Vikings have won by an average point differential of 13.5 but that figure is a bit misleading. Recent games against the Bears, Rams and Lions skew the numbers, as the Vikings won them by 26, 27, and 26 respectively. In the early part of seasons, the wins against the Ravens, Packers and 49ers averaged a 4-point differential, and with the Vikings needing last second scores in two of them.

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 14 Thursday Night Football – Steelers vs. Browns

Steelers vs Browns is Thursday’s match-up for NFL Picks Week 14. The battle features a Pittsburgh Steelers team reeling after 4 straight losses, and a Cleveland Browns team that has won only 1 game in 12 tries this season.
The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers still have playoff hopes and a 6-6 record for the season, with 2 of their recent losses coming in overtime. They are 2-5 without Pro Bowl Safety, Troy Polamalu.

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Monday, December 07, 2009

Cowboys Losing In December Boosts Packers vs. Ravens on Monday Night Football – NFL Picks

The Dallas Cowboys losing in December has become part of the landscape, no matter how much team owner Jerry Jones wants to downplay it. Sunday’s loss to the Giants furthers the importance of tonight’s Packers vs. Ravens match-up on Monday Night Football.
Before Sunday’s Cowboys’ loss, the common stance was that of a physical game in wintry Wisconsin. The Packers can now aim for a first round bye if they win at least 4 of their next 5 games. They have reason to be optimistic based on the following chart which shows how the Dallas Cowboys fare in December games.

Iverson Answers 76ers Call To Start Resurgence, Against Nuggets – NBA Picks (12/07/09)

Allen Iverson is coming out of retirement. In the tearful press conference video below, Iverson answers reporters’ questions on why he has answered the Philadelphia 76ers call to help restart a franchise which not long ago complied and traded him. Iverson’s return means that he will, not only, start games but also the 76ers resurgence at the box office.

The Denver Nuggets come into town to face a Philadelphia team that has lost 8 straight games, and 10 out of 11. Iverson’s return changes this path in the sense that he provides something the team is missing: leadership. The Sixers lost it when they refused to re-sign Andre Miller this past summer. It was a confusing move, not to offer him the same type of deal that he got from the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Sunday, December 06, 2009

Oden Injury To Open Up Trail Blazers Trade Talks – NBA Picks (12/06/09)

Last night’s injury to Center Greg Oden dampened the mood on an impressive Portland Trail Blazers' win against the Houston Rockets. But, look for the Oden injury to open up Trail Blazers trade talks. Many will talk of a jinx that has befallen the team when it comes to injury to Portland big men: Bill Walton, Sam Bowie and Greg Oden.

When GMs call to offer their sympathy for the Oden injury, theywill also make their pitch as to why they are Portland’s best trade partner Look for the New York Knicks and Philadelphia76’ers to be first in the mix. The Knicks are looking for young players on cheap contracts and might be willing to offer David Lee, especially if it helps them unload Jared Jeffries.

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Saturday, December 05, 2009

LeBron Dancing Is Bulls’ Shot – NBA Picks (12/05/09)

Getting embarrassed on national television is one thing. LeBron dancing to the rhythm of the beating they were taking is another. The Bulls’ shot to right the ship is tonight against the Toronto Raptors. That is why it is my marquee match-up for tonight Even Money’s NBA Picks.

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Friday, December 04, 2009

Even Money’s NBA Picks: ESPN, LeBron vs. Rose; Kobe vs. Wade (12/04/09)

Tonight the player match-ups are more intriguing than the team ones as the LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) faces Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls). Then, later Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) welcomes Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) to the Staples Center. Both games are televised nationally on ESPN.

NBA PICKS:
Cleveland, Over

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Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 13– All Sunday Games, Vikings Full Speed

Vikings vs Cardinals is my other my marquee match-ups for NFL Picks Week 13. The question is whether Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota offense can run over the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota (-3.5), Over (48) – Vikings have one focus - the Superbowl - and they, along with Peterson, are full speed ahead.
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Thursday, December 03, 2009

Even Money’s NBA Picks: NBA ON TNT, KG vs. Duncan (12/03/09)

Even Money’s NBA Picks: NBA ON TNT, KG vs. Duncan (12/03/09)

Celtics vs. Spurs is my marquee match-up for today’s NBA Picks. The game is tonight's nationally televised NBA ON TNT opener, featuring KG vs. Duncan Since losing two in a row and the last one to the Indiana Pacers, the Boston Celtics have won 5 out 6 games. The one loss comes at the hands of the most dominant of the teams they faced – the Orlando Magic. Celtics are a very balanced team that lets opponents dictate flow. Three of four losses are to upper-echelon teams and come on the front end of a back to back.

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Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 13– Cowboys, Giants: Standing Tall or Coming Up Short?



Cowboys vs. Giants is one of my marquee match-ups for NFL Picks Week 13. The playoff implications are clear for Dallas and New York. Dallas still has an outside shot of a bye but at worse can host a home playoff game by winning 4 of the next 5 games. For New York, winning 4 of the next 5 games give them a mathematical chance at a playoff Wild Card seeding.

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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Even Money’s NBA Picks December 2, 2009: Raptors vs Hawks



Raptors vs Hawks is my marquee match-up for today’s NBA Picks. It is the battle of two players – Chris Bosh and Joe Johnson - who are playing for the “Maximum”, and to the possible detriment of their team. Though nothing in their individual numbers indicate a “me-first” disposition, recent losses show that the teams are not focused.

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Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 13 Thursday Night Football – Jets, Bills: Not Legal Tender

Even Money’s NFL PICKS Week 13 Thursday Night Football – Jets, Bills: Not Legal Tender
Jets vs Bills is Thursday’s match-up for NFL Picks Week 13. The battle features two New York teams that will most likely be left out in the cold when playoffs are slotted. The New York Jets are favored by 3 points. Since the home team normally gets up to 3 points, then the odds are-makers have the Jets winning by up to 6 points.

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