- 04:23 AM
- 12/11/25
My picks:
Thunder by 14 (slam dunk)
Lakers by 8
I should read my email more often. Didn't know the pick 'em was up until 10 pm.
posted by Howard_T at 10:05 PM on December 09, 2025
My picks:
Seahawks by 13
Bills by 9
Browns by 10
Vikings by 6
Dolphins by 12
Buccaneers by 7
Jaguars by 3
Ravens by 11
Broncos by 9
Packers by 6
Rams by 10
Chiefs by 12
Chargers by 3
Last week was crazy. I was out all day Thursday redeeming my truck from the shop, then I had other things that had backed up because I didn't have wheels. Friday night was Celtics vs Lakers, and there's no way I miss that. I finally got to sit down and do my picks at 1130 today.
posted by Howard_T at 11:47 AM on December 07, 2025
My picks:
Celtics by 7
Thunder by 12 (slam dunk)
Warriors without Curry are seriously weakened. (Thank you, Captain Obvious.) Meanwhile, Celtics are reporting as all available, less Tatum, and the Knicks are missing Anunoby and Shamet. Should be a good one at TD Garden, but there will be about 6 or 8 inches of snow on the ground by the time we're on our way home, so the tickets are up for sale.
posted by Howard_T at 03:33 PM on December 02, 2025
The story about the Flying Elvis that I remember having heard is that the Pat Patriot logo was difficult to reproduce via print, embroidery, or other mass reproduction means, and it would be more costly. The cynics among us harrumphed and said that it was all about money.
posted by Howard_T at 03:19 PM on December 02, 2025
My picks:
Lions by 9
Cowboys by 7
Ravens by 13 (lock)
Eagles by 10
49ers by 13 (lock)
Jaguars by 16 (lock)
Texans by 3
Dolphins by 3
Jets by 6
Buccaneers by 7
Rams by 9 (lock)
Seahawks by 11
Steelers by 6
Chargers by 8
Broncos by 4
Patriots by 7
posted by Howard_T at 08:22 AM on November 27, 2025
I'm late with this, but it still comes with best wishes. Take care of yourself, do what the physicians tell you, and get well soon. Praying for your recovery.
posted by Howard_T at 01:41 AM on November 25, 2025
My picks:
Magic by 8
Lakers by 11
Pistons by 9
Thunder by 14
Rockets by 10
Can't go with my Celtics against Pistons. With Queeta out for injury (ankle) C's bigs are now Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman, and Chris Boucher. This is not a trio which strikes fear into the opposition. I won't be at the game. Going to family in CT for Thanksgiving, so we go on Wednesday to try to avoid the traffic. I put the Celtics tickets up for auction at a fundraiser for my church, and they brought in about $300.
posted by Howard_T at 01:29 AM on November 25, 2025
My picks:
Bills by 8 (lock)
Bears by 6
Patriots by 9
Lions by 11
Packers by 12
Seahawks by 12 (lock)
Chiefs by 9
Ravens by 13 (lock)
Raiders by 7
Jaguars by 5
Eagles by 6
Falcons by 3
49ers by 12 (lock)
In some of the games, picking a winner between 2 good teams is difficult. In others, picking the loser is even more difficult.
posted by Howard_T at 05:07 PM on November 20, 2025
My picks:
Cavaliers by 16 (slam dunk)
Rockets by 11
Didn't get to my email until late last night, so I missed the reminder for the pick 'em. Probably a good thing because I might have been tempted to put a dunk on a loser. I'm in 1st place? It's a long season.
posted by Howard_T at 04:57 PM on November 20, 2025
The grumpy old man in me needs to vent about a football rule that needs to be changed, or at least modified. I'm talking about the fair catch. OK, receiver waves his arm, catches the ball, no problem. What bothers me is a receiver, deep in his own territory, waves his arm and jumps out of the way as the ball bounces into the end zone for a touchback. To me this is illegal procedure whereby the receiving team gains an advantage. I would like to make it a penalty for a faked fair catch. If you signal for it, you catch it. If you don't, make it a dead ball at the spot where the ball first lands, unless it is in the end zone on the fly, and a 5 yard penalty from the spot at which the receiver waved his arm. That would give kicking teams a reward for a well-executed kick.
I have another rule that I would like to see changed, but I'll save that for later.
posted by Howard_T at 11:05 PM on November 15, 2025
My picks:
Patriots by 16 (lock)
Dolphins by 6
Falcons by 8
Bills by 9
Texans by 10
Vikings by 12
Packers by 6
Steelers by 12 (lock)
Chargers by 10
Seahawks by 7
49ers by 12
Ravens by 15 (lock)
Chiefs by 14
Eagles by 3
Cowboys by 11 (lock)
I have locked the Patriots, but it's the dog-ass Jets. Look out for a blown lock here.
posted by Howard_T at 01:24 PM on November 13, 2025
My picks:
Knicks by 7
Thunder by 9
Knicks by 6
Spurs by 12
I did well enough last week without picking a dunk that I will continue the practice for now. It's mid-range jumpers for me.
posted by Howard_T at 01:16 PM on November 12, 2025
Somewhere there is a player named Godot for whom they patiently await.
posted by Howard_T at 07:24 PM on November 10, 2025
Revised picks:
Patriots by 3
Buccaneers have 2 receivers and a running back that have not been in practice for the last two days. Add to that having Mabel Bakersfield as your QB, and I really think Patriots can pull off the win.
posted by Howard_T at 12:01 AM on November 07, 2025
My picks:
Broncos by 21 (lock)
Colts by 6
Bears by 9
Bills by 14 (lock)
Ravens by 6
Browns by 13 (lock)
Buccaneers by 10
Saints by 6
Texans by 7
Seahawks by 11
49ers by 12
Lions by 10
Chargers by 9
Packers by 6
Patriots were inactive at the trade deadline. Seems like they believe in their motto: "We all we got. We all we need."
posted by Howard_T at 02:49 PM on November 06, 2025
My picks:
Knicks by 11
Spurs by 5
Spurs by 9
Nuggets by 12
No slams this week. I can't jump that high for several reasons.
posted by Howard_T at 11:25 AM on November 05, 2025
My picks:
Ravens by 18 (lock)
Bengals by 4
Lions by 9
Packers by 23 (lock)
Chargers by 10
Patriots by 6
49ers by 7
Colts by 5
Texans by 6
Jaguars by 11 (lock)
Rams by 13 (lock)
Chiefs by 9
Seahawks by 3
Cowboys by 4
Can Patriots make it 6 in a row? They just might be able to.
posted by Howard_T at 12:23 AM on October 30, 2025
My picks:
Cavaliers by 11 (slam dunk)
Timberwolves by 9
Celtics by 5
Lakers by 12 (slam dunk)
On our way to Cavs at Celtics. I really hope I have picked it wrong, but the realist in me says no way.
posted by Howard_T at 03:30 PM on October 29, 2025
On October 9, rcade posted, For the Love of God Stop Betting Parlays:
Is rcade gifted with powers of seeing the future? If so, can we talk before the world series starts?
It looks like law enforcement has decided to try to do something about gambling. The illegal poker games apparently relied on the cooperation of several people, and they could be infiltrated. Abuse or fraud in the on line gambling services will be much harder to detect and prove, but sooner or later someone or some group will get greedy, push too hard, and will get caught. The effect on sports in general will be bad, and the effect upon whatever league is involved could be catastrophic.
posted by Howard_T at 03:02 PM on October 23, 2025
My picks:
Chargers by 7
Falcons by 14 (lock)
Bengals by 13 (lock)
Patriots by 6 (lock)
Eagles by 9
Bills by 17 (lock)
Bears by 3
49ers by 6
Buccaneers by 10 (lock)
Broncos by 7
Colts by 16 (lock)
Packers by 9
Chiefs by 12 (lock)
As bad as I am at picking these things, at least I'm still in the top 10 in the standings. That's something anyway.
posted by Howard_T at 02:39 PM on October 23, 2025
Don't include Peacock. That number of additional games will make things unwieldy. My bold prediction for the season is that about half of the league winds up within 2 or 3 games of .500. Something around 6 or 8 teams will finish with more than 50 wins, while about that many don't make it to 30 wins. Picking the winners early in the season will be dicey.
posted by Howard_T at 11:44 PM on October 20, 2025
My picks:
Thunder by 8
Lakers by 4
Cavaliers by 9 (slam dunk)
Spurs by 11 (slam dunk)
Thunder by 11 (slam dunk)
Warriors by 5
Knicks by 4
Lakers by 6
Cavaliers by 8
Timberwolves by 8
posted by Howard_T at 11:37 PM on October 20, 2025
My picks:
Rams by 8
Bears by 3
Browns by 5
Patriots by 10
Chiefs by 9 (lock)
Vikings by 7
Panthers by 11 (lock)
Broncos by 13 (lock)
Chargers by 6
Commanders by 3
Packers by 4
49ers by 9
Lions by 7
Seahawks by 3
How did Thursday get here so quickly? At least I didn't wait until Sunday afternoon.
posted by Howard_T at 12:41 AM on October 17, 2025
Welcome to Cincinnati! Would you like a 3- 4- or 5-way?
Welcome to Boston. I'll trade you straight up for a lobster roll and a side of cole slaw.
posted by Howard_T at 07:52 PM on October 14, 2025
I love the game of baseball, but the way it is being played in the major leagues is rapidly turning me off. The sole strategy has become "the certain outcome" of a strikeout or a long ball. Most pitching has become a succession of 4-seam fastball mixed with sliders and sinkers. The ability to upset timing in order to induce weak contact is nearly gone. Rather than trying to put balls into play where fielders cannot make a play, batters will wait for the mistake, and if it doesn't come, the strikeout is often the result. Getting a ball into play with runners in scoring position is being replaced by searching for the long ball. While watching the ball disappear into the stands is exciting, too often the sequence becomes a lead off double being followed by 2 strikeouts and an easy fly ball.
posted by Howard_T at 04:05 PM on October 14, 2025
[Tiny] Cape Verde clinches country's first-ever World Cup spot
The city of Brocton, MA, and the south coast region of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut have been called the "Eleventh Island" because of the large number of immigrants from Cabo Verde. They form the largest population of Cabo Verdeans in the US. If Cabo Verde can make it to a game played in Gillette Stadium, the place will be rocking.
posted by Howard_T at 03:46 PM on October 14, 2025
Someone in Howard's family may have lit an extra votive candle this morning.
My son spent the weekend with one of his Penn State buddies in Connecticut. Their reaction to the Northwestern debacle was one of disgust. The curses and evil thoughts were accompanied by repeated stabbing of a doll in Franklin's image. No need for a votive candle.
My understanding of the buyout is that he is owed around $49 million, but there is no time stated in which it's due. It wouldn't surprise me if they pay him off in small installments equal to his annual salary, and offer him a single payment less than the full amount owed. Penn State has one of the largest alumni associations among colleges in the USA, and a lot of them have some heavy money. An example is Pegula who funded the transition of the hockey program from club to varsity. On top of which he bought the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres with his pocket change.
posted by Howard_T at 12:45 AM on October 13, 2025
With my background in engineering and the associated mathematics, I once felt that I could correctly calculate my probability of winning and the amount of profit. Parlay betting is much more complicated. It's no longer a matter of simple choice, like the perfecta or trifecta at the race track. Parlays in team sports are too dependent upon the action of the other players on both teams. Even a single prop bet, such as Player A scores more or less than X points, is not a good idea. The line is set by those who have a lot more to gain or lose than we do, and they have a lot more expertise and data too.
While in between jobs a few years ago, my son interviewed with FanDuel for a user research position. He was a finalist, but he didn't get the job. Now he is a senior manager for user experience research at Trip Advisor. We were talking about it recently, and he says that he is awfully glad that he has no part in anything that tries to make money from the gullibility of people.
posted by Howard_T at 04:08 PM on October 09, 2025
My picks:
Eagles by 16 (lock)
Broncos by 10 (lock)
Colts by 9
Chargers by 7
Patriots by 6
Steelers by 4
Cowboys by 3
Jaguars by 6
Rams by 12 (lock)
Raiders by 3
Packers by 17 (lock)
Buccaneers by 6
Chiefs by 7
Bills by 16 (lock)
Commanders by 6
Had I not fallen asleep last week and missed picking all of the 1:00 PM games, I might have have had a worse week. Undaunted, we continue making a fool of ourself.
posted by Howard_T at 03:44 PM on October 09, 2025
Former Boston Red Sox left fielder Mike Greenwell has passed away. Another who has gone way too soon.
posted by Howard_T at 03:23 PM on October 09, 2025
Lessons for Mr. Sanchez:
1. A man with a gun is a man to watch, but a man with a knife is a man to fear.
2. Never piss off an old guy. Not only are we usually ill tempered and crotchety but also once we have passed a certain age, we really don't care about possible consequences.
posted by Howard_T at 03:23 PM on October 05, 2025
Revised picks:
Cardinals by 12 (lock)
Seahawks by 9
Lions by 15 (lock)
Chargers by 8
Bills by 6 (lock)
Chiefs by 8 (lock)
Up early for church, slept badly, so really tired when I got home. Forgot about the overseas game. Started to make picks, but wanted to comment about Penn State first. Fell asleep while writing that. Picked all that had not yet started.
posted by Howard_T at 01:49 PM on October 05, 2025
Who had a worse Saturday, Belichick & North Carolina or Franklin & Penn State?
My son, the Penn State grad, has informed me that he is going to go to grad school somewhere that doesn't have athletics. By doing so he will remove all of the odor attached to this season's Nittany Lions. Franklin should be asked to leave, preferably at the business end of a well-aimed foot. He can take both of his coordinators with him. I saw an unimaginative offense, verging at times on flat out stupid. I also saw a defense that didn't know how to adjust to what the opponent was doing. Can you not spy on a quarterback who is very capable running through the middle of the field?
posted by Howard_T at 01:33 PM on October 05, 2025
For no other reason than the constant attention given to betting lines during game broadcasts, I am against sports wagering. If I am watching a game on tv, the last thing I want to know is where any particular player stands in relation to the prop bets on his performance. Tell me what he or she is doing in relation to the game, the opponent, or the record book. I really don't care about the over - under. The other reason I dislike sports betting is the real potential for scandal. It will not be much longer before we learn of games lost due to the deliberate action of one or more players to ensure an outcome that favors one group of bettors. It could destroy not only the players and their team but also the entire league. The leagues claim to be able to police themselves, but they cannot cover everything.
posted by Howard_T at 06:34 PM on October 02, 2025
My picks:
Rams by 14 (lock)
posted by Howard_T at 06:03 PM on October 02, 2025
My picks:
Cardinals by 8
Vikings by 14 (lock)
Chargers by 12 (lock)
Texans by 6 (lock)
Commanders by 10 (lock)
Bills by 4
Eagles by 7
Lions by 12 (lock)
Patriots by 9
Rams by 13 (lock)
49ers by 10
Ravens by 5
Raiders by 6
Packers by 9
Dolphins by 4
Broncos by 8
Hoping Patriots have run out of feet in which to shoot themselves.
Hoping Matthew Stafford will avoid another ball injury. (Perhaps a reinforced cup might help.)
Cajun food vs wings is a difficult choice. I'm taking wings, but I make a passable jambalaya.
posted by Howard_T at 02:41 PM on September 25, 2025
Did you miss Eddie Giacomin?
I saw the post, but I was in a place where the wifi was questionable. I remember something about Giacomin while riding on a moving train caught a piece of debris that flew through the window, saving the person next to him from injury. I can find no reference to this, so it might be something that crawled into an 84-year-old mind.
posted by Howard_T at 04:07 PM on September 22, 2025
My picks:
Bills by 9 (lock)
Packers by 11 (lock)
Colts by 6
Vikings by 7
Patriots by 4
Eagles by 3
Buccaneers by 12 (lock)
Commanders by 6
Falcons by 10 (lock)
Texans by 3
Chargers by 8
Seahawks by 6
Cowboys by 4
Cardinals by 7
Chiefs by 10 (lock)
Ravens by 9
posted by Howard_T at 06:42 PM on September 17, 2025
The results so far prove that I am in over my head. This week should verify that.
posted by Howard_T at 06:32 PM on September 11, 2025
My picks:
Packers by 6
Bengals by 8
Cowboys by 11 (lock)
Lions by 9
Rams by 7
Patriots by 3
Saints by 6
Bills by 14 (lock)
Steelers by 8
Ravens by 16 (lock)
Colts by 4
Cardinals by 3
Chiefs by 6
Vikings by 7 (lock)
Buccaneers by 9 (lock)
Chargers by 11 (lock)
posted by Howard_T at 06:29 PM on September 11, 2025
I first saw Ken Dryden play in the 1967 ECAC tournament in Boston Garden. This was in the bronze age when the original Boston Garden still stood and Hockey East had not been conceived. My then girlfriend was a hockey fan, and although neither of us had a serious rooting interest, it was something to do (and fairly cheap too). It was Dryden's Cornell vs Boston University, so we naturally cheered for the home team BU. Dryden was excellent, but not noteworthy in a 4 - 3 win.
I really began to dislike Dryden in 1971, when he basically stole a Stanley Cup repeat from the Bruins. Boston was a heavy favorite to win the series, what with Orr, Esposito, Sanderson, and company, but Dryden took it away. I remember an interview before game 1 with some writer or TV personality who when asked for a prediction replied, "Montreal in 6 on sentiment". Deciding game 6, in the Montreal Forum, does Boston really have a chance?
Dryden's career off the ice could be considered to have been far more significant than what he did in goal, but he will always be remembered as he stood in goal.
posted by Howard_T at 03:47 PM on September 07, 2025
My picks:
Chiefs by 11 (lock)
Buccaneers by 6
Bengals by 16 (lock)
Dolphins by 7
Raiders by 3
Saints by 6
Steelers by 12 (lock)
Commanders by 16 (lock)
Panthers by 4
Broncos by 10 (lock)
49ers by 8
Packers by 6
Rams by 13 (lock)
Ravens by 9
Bears by 3
Picked the Iggles on the post last night but didn't get it onto the form. If it doesn't count, that's ok, I'll just spit at someone. Meanwhile we here in the land of the former king will wait to see if the Patriots have moved forward at all.
posted by Howard_T at 07:00 PM on September 05, 2025
Iggles by 13
I'll get the rest later.
posted by Howard_T at 06:04 PM on September 04, 2025
OK beaverboard, you owe me for the half a cup of coffee which is now sprayed and spilled in various locations around the kitchen. I hope that they aren't thinking about test cricket at the intercollegiate level. Can you imagine the logistics needed for a 3-day event once per week.
I would like to see cricket become more exposed. I have followed it to a minor extent for quite a while. One of my mother's older brothers was a pace bowler who was good enough to be on the Barbados side. Not good enough to make the West Indies side.
posted by Howard_T at 02:24 PM on July 31, 2025
Sad to hear this about one who dared gravity. I would like to hear more details about his accident.
...but Icarus flew too close to the Sun. The wax holding the feathers to his wings melted, and he fell to his death in the sea.
posted by Howard_T at 10:33 PM on July 17, 2025
Both way too soon. Lyndon Byers was the epitome of 'Big, Bad Bruins' hockey, very much in the school of "if you can't beat them in the alley, you won't beat them on the ice". (Wish I could remember the source of that saying.) He was a joy to listen to when he was doing color on the Bruins broadcast.
posted by Howard_T at 01:21 PM on July 06, 2025
May I echo tommybiden in wishing all a happy Canada Day. I guess that Confederation thing worked out ok. 10 more paydays for Bobby Bonilla. He'll need to start putting away some of that money for a rainy day. I can suggest a good financial advisor.
posted by Howard_T at 02:45 PM on July 01, 2025
...and did anyone watch the UEFA Nations League final? Spain vs Portugal in what is always an emotional match. Ronaldo leveled things at 2 in the 61st minute, and there it stood through an overtime session with Spain besieging the Portuguese net for most of the extra time. With Ronaldo on the bench with injury, the teams traded shootout goals for 2 rounds. Portugal scored on their 3rd attempt, and the Portuguese keeper saved the 3rd Spanish attempt. Portugal scored the winner on their next shot to claim the match. Some wonderful soccer between two highly talented teams.
posted by Howard_T at 08:09 PM on June 08, 2025
My picks:
Thunder in 5
Top point scorer: Siakam
Top rebounder: Hartenstein
Game 1 winner: Thunder
Team scoring most points in game: Thunder
Series MVP: Gilgeous-Alexander
Top fouler: Turner
Top three-point shooter: Nesmith
Looking at the numbers, there is no way Pacers win game 1. The difference was offensive rebounds and rebounds in general. That made up for Pacers turnovers. Still, shot attempts were 98 to 82 in favor of OKC. So much for foregone conclusions. I stubbornly cling to my original thoughts and stay with Thunder in 5.
posted by Howard_T at 09:46 AM on June 08, 2025
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has passed away. The Irsay family will forever be hated in Baltimore, since Robert Irsay, father of Jim Irsay, moved the team and every bit of its equipment to Indianapolis in 1984. The move was done secretly in the dead of the night, and the Irsays left behind some amount of debt held by the city. My wife, a Baltimore girl since her graduation from Towson University, was once a rabid Colts fan. No longer; if a Colts game is on TV, she will either change the channel or loudly root for the opponent.
posted by Howard_T at 12:05 AM on May 22, 2025
My picks:
Thunder in 6
Pacers in 7
Top point scorer: Edwards
Top rebounder: Holmgren
Most points per game: Thunder
Least opponent points per game: Pacers
posted by Howard_T at 08:45 PM on May 20, 2025
Red Sox - Yankees, Bruins - Rangers, Patriots - Jets, and now for the 17th time in the playoffs it's Celtics - Knicks. This is more than just a series, it borders on war. Wife and I are in our usual place in Section 316, and even 40 minutes before tip off, the tension is building. This will be fun.
posted by Howard_T at 06:39 PM on May 05, 2025
My picks:
Celtics in 5
Thunder in 5
Cavaliers in 7
Timberwolves in 5
Top point scorer: Tatum
Top rebounder: Holmgren
Most points per game: Thunder
Least opponent points per game: Celtics
Pacers will scare the bleep out of Cavs, but sadly will not finish the job. The rest of the several series should go pretty much as most see it. The wild card for all is injuries.
posted by Howard_T at 03:52 PM on May 05, 2025
Celtics vs Knicks (the only 2 NBA franchises that remain in their original cities) don't tip off until tomorrow (Monday) at 1900. As far as Cavs - Pacers are concerned, Cavs in 6 is my choice as well. Cavs are more dependent on the 3 point ball than Pacers, and on a night when the 3s just don't fall, there can be trouble.
posted by Howard_T at 01:52 PM on May 04, 2025
Well done, rcade, a nice slightly belated birthday gift for you.
posted by Howard_T at 09:33 PM on April 18, 2025
My picks:
Pacers in 6
Nuggets in 5
Pistons in 6
Lakers in 5
Thunder in 4
Celtics in 5
Cavaliers in 4
Warriors in 6
Top point scorer: Curry
Top rebounder: Mobley
Most points per game: Thunder
Least opponent points per game: Magic
posted by Howard_T at 09:30 PM on April 18, 2025
I never got around to making my picks for Friday. Too busy in the afternoon, then at TD Garden for the game blowout. Maybe my lead to avoid the Costanza will hold up.
posted by Howard_T at 06:23 PM on April 12, 2025
Last Sunday, April 6, rcade asked if "Luke Kornet is always this funny?". There's a definite answer to be found, but first it needs a bit of explanation.
After each Celtics game, on the NBC Sports Boston post-game broadcast, the "Tommy Award" winner is announced. This award is named after the late Tommy Heinsohn, a hall of fame coach and player, and a long time broadcast analyst for the Celtics. During games, Heinsohn would give out "Tommy Points" to players who made exceptional hustle plays. This eventually grew into the Tommy Award, given to the player who showed the outstanding hustle performance, over and above the norm, during the game. It has now become an informal annual award, and Luke Kornet wants it. Go to YouTube and search for "Luke Kornet Tommy Award ad". Kornet's whimsical nature is revealed.
There are a number of Luke Kornet clips on YouTube that reveal his carefree attitude. He's naturally funny.
posted by Howard_T at 06:12 PM on April 12, 2025
SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle
Howard and I are the next men up.
No way I will report unless I am guaranteed to start. I plan a new strategy for the rushing attack. I remove my helmet, showing what's left of my snow white hair, and begin to run. More like hobble on 2 bad knees. Would be tacklers begin to laugh at the spectacle, and will not touch me. It shouldn't take me more than 2 or 3 minutes to run the length of the field, assuming that I don't collapse on the way. Forget about a passing attack. My rheumatoid arthritis has progressed to the point where I would have difficulty holding a football. Getting old but still having fun.