Too early to talk about 2013 NFL eliminator pools? Not for me and not for all of you either.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Also known as suicide and survival pools, the rules of these pools are very simple for anyone who is unaware. Every week of the NFL season you pick one team to win straight-up (no point spreads). For example: If you pick New England one week and they win, then you advance to the next week, but you can no longer pick New England for the rest of the season. However, let’s say New England loses (like they did last year in Week 2), then you’re done, finished, history.
Since we’re all about fun here, I’m going to map out the whole 2013 season as it pertains to selecting eliminator pool teams. Is it a little silly to do this so early? No sillier than Titus Young breaking into an impound lot. Let’s get it started in here!
Week 1: Pittsburgh over Tennessee
My first instinct was to pick Indy over the Raiders at home, but I was slightly concerned over the fact that Matt Flynn might be good, while the Colts’ defense is still questionable. Pittsburgh will be playing their home opener against a team they should beat, and they’ll actually be healthy. I don’t trust Jake Locker playing at Heinz field, do you?
Other options to consider: Colts over Raiders, Redskins over Eagles, or Patriots over Bills.
Week 2: Baltimore over Cleveland
A little red flag to worry about is that the Browns usually play a tough game against the Ravens; they have lost ten in a row to them, so you’ve got to assume that they’re due for a win. However, this time is a little different. By winning the Superbowl, the Ravens should have earned the right to host the opening Thursday night game, but were robbed of that right. Instead, they have to travel to play against the heavy favorite to win the AFC, which are the same heavy favorite that the Ravens eliminated in the playoffs thanks to a miracle play. Basically, there’s a slight chance the Ravens come in 0-1 with a few extra day’s rest to play at home in front of an extra rabid crowd against Brandon Weeden or Jason Campbell. How could you not like the Ravens here?
Other options to consider: Patriots over Jets, Packers over Redskins, or Texans over Titans.
Week 3: Seattle over Jacksonville
I was almost scared-off by the fact that Seattle could have a letdown game after playing San Francisco the week before. I was almost scared-off by the fact that Seattle’s former defensive coordinator is now the Jaguars’ coach. Then, I thought about the possibility of Blaine Gabbart or Chad Henne winning in Seattle, and I immediately laughed my ass off.
Other options to consider: Broncos over Raiders, Vikings over Browns, or 49’ers over Colts.
Week 4: New Orleans over Miami
This was a tough week to pick; I didn’t really see one slam-dunk game. The Saints are usually a good bet at home, especially with night games. Um, yeah, that’s about all I have for this one… On to Week 5.
Other options to consider: Broncos over Eagles, Buccaneers over Cardinals, or Titans over Jets (if you’re feeling a little ballsy).
Week 5: Atlanta over New York Jets
I do think Atlanta will be a little on the decline this season, but the Jets are still a joke. Atlanta is a great home team and this is a Monday night game, so I’m really struggling on making any kind of case for the clown show Jets to win this game. Sanchez or Geno? It doesn’t matter; I pick the Falcons with confidence here.
Other options to consider: Rams over Jaguars, Packers over Lions, or Browns over Bills (once again, if you’re feeling ballsy).
Week 6: Denver over Jacksonville
Oh, poor Jacksonville; they’ll be on the losing end a few more times by the end of this list. The funny thing is, is that if the Jags had Tebow for this game, I probably would have been scared-off. However, Blaine Gabbart and Chad Henne scare me in different ways – like if they were playing for my team. Sorry Jag fans, but bringing back a 40-year-old retired Mark Brunell would be a better option than these clowns. I pick Denver here to cover whatever the double-digit spread will be for this game.
Other options to consider: 49’ers over Cardinals, or Seahawks over Titans.
Week 7: Green Bay over Cleveland
This is where things start to get tricky for me; I was originally going to pick San Fran over Tennessee, but San Fran is really my only good option for the next week (spoiler alert). Not that I don’t think the Packers are better than the Browns, but I think the Browns have a punchers-chance at Lambeau. Trent Richardson could have some success on the ground and the Browns pass rush could frustrate Rodgers. Still, the Packers had a habit last year of surviving home games against the bottom dwellers.
Other options to consider: 49’ers over Titans, Texans over Chiefs (at KC), or Broncos over Colts (at Indy).
Week 8: San Francisco over Jacksonville (London)
That’s number three for Jacksonville; I’m sure I don’t need to explain why I’m picking them to lose to the 49’ers, right? Good.
Other options to consider: Bengals over Jets, or Saints over Bills.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back for Week 9-17. Stay tuned my friends!
