Week 17 Picks

My new favorite website!

In looking ahead to Week 17, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. Do-or-Die Games – The playoffs don’t technically start until next week, but there are several ‘playoff’ games happening already. Cowboys-Giants will determine the winner of the NFC East, while the loser will miss the playoffs altogether and be subjected to an offseason of criticism and second-guessing. Other teams facing do-or-die scenarios include the Jets, Titans, and Raiders; while the Broncos and Bengals could find themselves on the outside looking in should they lose and certain other teams win. Should make for an exciting week!  

The BDT Podcast (Dec 29)

Since I couldn't find a picture of Flacco throwing it to a RB, I figured I'd just use one of him handing it to the RB. Seriously, what difference does it make?

Jon and Prince make some "Bold Predictions" for Week 17.


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The Flicker Between the Frames: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Yet another original Hollywood idea!

Written by: Kristian Depue

Kristian Depue is the newest addition to Boris Diaw Time. He will be chipping in periodically with his movie reviews. Like everyone else, Kristian is a good friend of mine from back in our college days. Unlike everyone else, Kristian actually has some writing experience and is not a complete hack. Thank goodness, because reading my boring stuff has to be getting old for everyone! 

Recently, Rise of the Planet of the Apes came out on DVD in mid-December after being released to movie theaters the previous summer. I just watched the film on DVD and found it enjoyable, although the film left me wanting.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a reboot, sort of like JJ Abrams’ Star Trek film - it’s a prequel and a re-imagining of the Apes franchise or “mythology.” The original Planet of the Apes film came out in 1968, starring Charlton Heston. There were four more films in succession, with the last coming out in the early 1970s. In 2001, a remake and re-imagining of the original Planet of the Apes was released, directed by Tim Burton. No sequels were made for the Burton film. Now, ten years later, another Apes movie is out, setting up the possibility of a new series of Apes films, like Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.

*Spoiler Warning*

The BDT Podcast (Dec 28)

This can only turn out well...

Jon and Prince pick the Week 17 games/lines.


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NFL Power Rankings (Through Week 16)

Somehow, I feel confident Rodgers threw this pass 60 yards downfield, on a perfect spiral, for a TD.

One more week.

After 16 grueling weeks of NFL regular season football, a stretch that left us with far more questions than answers, one week is all that remains for the NFL’s best and brightest to make a statement. Three divisions, one wildcard spot, three first round byes, and overall homefield in the AFC remain up for grabs heading into the last slate of games, making Week 17 an excellent primer for the upcoming playoffs. It should be fascinating to watch…unless, of course, you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, in which case you enter Sunday night’s game with a morbid sense of dread and foreboding.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 27)

Not. Good. At. All. Sorry, Prince.

Jon and Prince recap the Week 16 games.


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Week 16 Picks

Uh-oh! Andy must've spotted the hot dog vendor!

In looking ahead to Week 16, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. An Improbably Comeback – I’ve been alluding to it for weeks now, and my worst fears are seemingly coming to life. The Eagles, presumed dead by nearly everyone, find themselves right back in the division race thanks to the predictable collapses of the Giants and Cowboys. A win this week over Dallas will give them 7 wins, placing them one back of Dallas (with the tie break). They’ll need some help, of course, as a Giants victory eliminates them. If the Giants lose, however, they’ll enter Week 17 playing the Redskins (easy win) and needing a Giants win to give them the division (they have the tie-break). Not necessarily likely, but very possible. If the Eagles do make it, then they could be VERY dangerous.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 23)

If you thought I had crazy conspiracy theories, just wait till you hear Prince's theory on why the above won't happen.

Jon and Prince make some "Bold Predictions" for Week 16.


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The BDT Podcast - Part II (Dec 22)

We're not sure either, Dwight.

Jon and Laney continue their giant preview of the upcoming NBA season.


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The BDT Podcast - Part I (Dec 22)

Is this the year Roy Hibbert finally averages a 30/20 with 10 blocks per game? I think so!

Jon and Laney preview the upcoming NBA season.


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The BDT Podcast (Dec 21)

Is there anyone in the NFL you feel worse for than Maurice Jones-Drew?

Jon and Prince pick the Week 16 games/lines.


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Ohio State's Punishment: Fair, Foul, or Just Right?

"Great. A few weeks on the job and we're already under NCAA sanctions!"

Nearly a year ago to the day, Ohio State Athletic Director, Gene Smith, stood in front of a group of reporters to announce that five Buckeyes would be suspended for violating NCAA rules. It seems strange now that this happened only one year ago, as so much has changed since that day. The chaos that would soon engulf the program cost Ohio State their coach, their best players, an entire seasons worth of victories, their first Bowl win over an SEC team, the opportunity to compete in 2011, and much of the integrity and goodwill the program had built up over the years. All of it, gone. Just like that. And to think, most Ohio State fans scoffed at the notion that a few cheap tattoos could cost so much.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 20)

Apparently Jed York forgot to pay his utility bill this month...

Jon and Prince recap the Week 15 games.


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The BDT Podcast (Dec 16)

Way to come through for me, Roddy!

Jon and Prince make some "Bold Predictions" for Week 15.



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Week 15 Picks

What's that, you think you're an actual horse? Yep, you're fine! No concussion here! Get on out there and play, kid!

In looking ahead to Week 15, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. A Ruined Monday Night – This week’s matchup of Pittsburgh vs. San Francisco was such a breath of fresh air from the usual Jags-Chargers MNF affairs, but it appears as if the Steelers are trying to ruin that through a variety of injuries and stupid attacks. Specifically, if Ben Roethlisberger is out or severely limited, then the game could very well lose a lot of its luster.

The Clippers Are Still the Clippers

Does this mean the Clippers are finally a real NBA franchise?

Three trades, nearly a dozen players, and an endless array of crappy draft picks later, the Chris Paul saga is finally over. (Hopefully.)

Barring a bizarre and totally unforeseen twist from the commissioner’s office (can’t rule that out!), the league has avoided a potentially devastating PR disaster, accomplishing its goal of keeping Paul away from the “Big Boys” of the NBA while also receiving a sizable package of young, cost effective assets. While the massive conflict of interest created by the league’s ownership of the franchise still hangs like a giant black cloud over the proceedings, the anger and outrage stirred up by it has greatly subsided. The fact that there was very little mention of the now-infamous ‘Chris Paul Trade Veto’ in today’s headlines is proof of that. For the time being, it appears as if the league has dodged a major bullet.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 13)

If you're tired of hearing people go crazy about Tebow, then this might not be the podcast for you

Jon and Prince pick the Week 15 games/lines.


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NFL Power Rankings (Through Week 14)

Yes, Cris. We heard you the first hundred times. We get it. Eli is good. Thank you.

Much to the delight of everyone, we’ll take a break from our normally scheduled “lashing of the NBA” to talk some football.

With only three weeks left in the regular season, it seems like we should have a pretty solid idea of where each team stands. Unfortunately, a bunch of conflicting results and a muddled group of 10 win teams makes determining the NFL’s landscape fairly tough. Thankfully, the measuring stick for each team is far clearer than in most seasons. For example, figuring out last year’s contenders was an exercise in sifting through seeding, matchups, and scenarios. This year, the only consideration is how a team matches up against Green Bay. Simple enough. Let’s see where things stand after Week 14:

The BDT Podcast (Dec 12)

Nobody can comprehend just how happy this made me

Jon, Prince, and Casey recap the Week 14 games.

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The Biggest Joke in Sports

Wait, I'm going to the Clippers?!

One of my favorite techniques in surviving “arguments” with my wife is the art of distraction. When she wants to take a critical look at one of my many faults, I simply bring up a total red herring and attempt to steer the discussion away from the true problem. Granted, this is no longer effective after nearly four years of marriage, but it was absolutely killer at one point.

Much like I was once able to take the spotlight off my inexplicable inability to put dirty dishes in the sink, the NBA has been able to take the spotlight off the most embarrassing period in league history.

Fantasy Fragments: Who to Sit for Week 14

Tebow is coming after you, Gale!!!

Written by: Jon Gale

Six players TO AVOID for Fantasy Football Week 14:

QB:

Tim Tebow, DEN- Much to the dismay of the John’s (Fox and Elway), that Tebow guy keeps winning football games, making the decision to go in another direction for the franchise that much more difficult and unpopular in the eyes of the fans. However, you can’t blame them. Tebow is a glorified wildcat quarterback. His ability to make plays with his feet is phenomenal, so he deserves much credit for that, but let’s admit the fact that his passing game is like playing darts in the dark. He plays the Bears this week, an average pass defense, but a very good run defense. If Tebow is to have much success this week, he’s going to have to be effective in the passing game, and I have a hard time seeing how that will happen. Proj. 8-18, 95 yards, 0 TD, 9 carries, 56 yards, 0 TD.

Week 14 Picks

Tom Brandstater...on MNF...wow

In looking ahead to Week 14, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. Cowboys Collapse vs. Giants Collapse – Two NFC East teams that are noted for their ability to take a good situation and flush it down the toilet. Something has to give in this one! If the Giants win, then they’ll likely have an opportunity to clinch the division at home against the Cowboys in Week 17. If Dallas wins, then their ensuing two game division lead might be too much to overcome. Not even the Cowboys could throw that away, right? Right? No? Crap!

The BDT Podcast (Dec 8)

What can one man do with $254 million? I know a sports blog that could use some help...

Jon and Prince talk about Albert Pujols, Chris Paul, and the state of the NBA...finally concluding with some "Bold Predictions" for Week 14.



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Fantasy Fragments: Who to Start for Week 14

Bigger surprise: The 49ers incredible season, or the fact that a Mike Shanahan RB can be considered a "safe play?"

Written by: Jon Gale

Six players screaming “START ME” for Fantasy Football Week 14:

QB:

Philip Rivers, SD- Oddly enough, December seems to be a month that keeps on giving for Rivers and his fantasy owners, as it has been a month in which he has compiled a 19-2 record since taking over every week duties in 2006. Although I predicted him to further extend his abysmal season last week, Malcolm Floyd’s healthy reemergence seemed to take him back to the days of 2010 in which he compiled 30 TD’s and over 4700 yards. Look for him to have another useful week as he goes against a Buffalo defense that has been the 12^th friendliest to opposing QB’s. Proj. 24-37, 315 yards, 2 TD’s.

NBA Offseason Preview: Part III -- The Chris Paul and Dwight Howard Problem

Oh yay, we get to do this again...

This is Part III of my three part NBA Offseason Preview. In Part I, we examined the potential impact of the amnesty clause. In Part II, we looked at the free agent and ranked the bad contracts that will soon be given out. In Part III, we're going to break down the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard "hostage" situations, figuring out the best strategy for dealing with these types of situations and picking the best available deal for each team.

Just a few short weeks ago, NBA owners had the players union (what was left of it) by the throat. The league was resolute in what it wanted from the new CBA, and they were not willing to be denied. Of course, their resolution was greatly aided by the fact that the players had little to no leverage. As hard as it is for us to imagine how much money some of the players make, it’s unfathomable how deep the pockets are on some of these owners. Needless to say, the owners were far more able to withstand a lengthy standoff than a players association notorious for blowing their money on a lavish life of luxury.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 6)

Wow, the Texans must really be desperate...

Jon and Prince pick the Week 14 games/lines.



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NBA Offseason Preview: Part II -- Free Agent Insanity

Don't get into the limo, Jamal!!!

Carlos Boozer – 5yrs $80mil

David Lee – 6yrs $80mil

Tyrus Thomas – 5yrs $40mil

Brendan Haywood – 6yrs $55mil

Travis Outlaw – 5yrs $35mil

Amir Johnson – 5yrs $32mil

Al Harrington – 5yrs $34mil

Drew Gooden – 5yrs $32mil

The above is just a partial listing of the insanity that overtook the NBA last summer, when the most high profile group of free agents in league history stirred up a hornet’s nest of free-wheeling fever amongst personnel guys. While Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and Amare Stoudemire were all worthy of being considered free agent “prizes,” the vast majority of the players signed were much more like the candy bar that gets stuck in the machine. You paid way too much for it, and you get basically nothing in return.

One Year Anniversary!

One year, and we're still here!

 In case you weren't aware, yesterday was Boris Diaw Time's 1 year anniversary!

Hard to believe that we've been up and running for a year now...even harder to believe that people actually stuck around with us!

As I've mentioned before, there will be some changes going forward, starting with the name. We will officially be changing to 'The Checkdown' by the new year and we're all very excited about this change.

In reflecting on our first year I'd like to thank everyone who made contributions to the site, especially Prince, Casey, Laney, Frankie, Cutter, Gale, Nate Dunlevy, Pat Lee, and everyone else who either appeared on a podcast or submitted a blog post.

Most importantly, a big thanks goes out to our readers/listeners. I have no idea why you choose to spend time here, but please keep doing it.

Lastly, we would love your suggestions on how to improve the site. If you have an idea for us, whether its related to podcasts or writing, feel free to comment on this post or shoot me an email at borisdiawtime@gmail.com. Please note, once the name change happens, the new email will be thecheckdown@gmail.com. Thanks again, and here's hoping we make it through another year!

The BDT Podcast (Dec 5)

A lot of NFL coaches ice the kicker...just, not their OWN kicker!

 Jon and Prince recap the Week 13 games.



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NBA Offseason Preview: Part I -- Amnesty Clause

Welcome back to sports relevance, Allan Houston! Shy of committing a major crime, this was the only way possible.

With the NBA offseason almost underway, I decided to do a full preview of what will/should happen. Thanks to the lockout, a lot of stuff will be crammed into a very short period of time. In a matter of weeks, there will be countless number of players either amnested, traded, signed, or some combination of the three.  In Part I, we'll look at how each team might use its amnesty clause. In Part II, we'll examine the free agent market and see who is and who isn't worth paying. Finally, in Part III, we'll examine the trade market and figure out some possible scenarios for various teams and players, with an obvious focus on Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Thank goodness the NBA is back! Enjoy!

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Imagine if you could take a big, giant Magic Eraser to all your financial problems. What would your life be like? That house you just paid too much for and the $1100/month mortgage? Gone. That nice SUV you stupidly financed for 72 months? No more. Maybe you splurged for a giant TV that you really couldn’t afford. Perhaps you spent a couple grand on furniture that you had no business buying. Or, maybe you went the more conventional route and maxed out three credits buying things you can’t even remember buying anymore. Yes, imagine that all those horrendous financial decision could simply go away, like that.

Selling the New CBA

Fail. Fail. Fail.

There is a little thing in consumerism called buyer’s remorse. We’ve all felt it at one time or another, some more than others. In fact, many people, such as myself, deal with some level of buyer’s remorse on a constant basis. It sucks, and its effects turn even the easiest decision into a life-altering conundrum.

Buyer’s remorse is defined as the sense of regret after having made a purchase. People will typically experience it after making a major purchase, such as buying a car or buying a house. Whether it’s the sudden feeling that you made the wrong choice, that you paid too much money, or that you made the purchase from undue pressure; buyer’s remorse can be a crippling after effect to what should be a new and exciting part of one’s life. All of the positive thoughts and emotions that stemmed from the early stages of the purchase are quickly replaced with an unnerving obsession with the negative aspects of the purchase. To use technical terms, the buyer becomes overwhelmed with the potential opportunity costs of the purchase. “Maybe I could have gotten a better deal.” “Maybe the other one is actually better.”

Fantasy Fragments: Who To Sit for Week 13

"Of course I'm bad! Have you seen me play?"

 Written by: Jon Gale

Six players TO AVOID for Fantasy Football Week 13:

QB:

Philip Rivers, SD- It’s not often that one would steer clear of a match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, even with the house cleaning that has recently occurred, one thing has remained surprisingly constant all year: the Jaguars superb pass defense. The Jags pass defense ranks among the top 5 stingiest towards opposing QB’s, allowing just 13 passing touchdowns and a measly 15 points per game in standard leagues. I think it’s safe to say you can chalk up another repulsive outing for the top-tier bust. Proj. 23-42, 270 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s.

The BDT Podcast (Dec 2)

What does JaMarcus Russel and me have in common? PURPLE DRANK!!!

Jon coughs and wheezes his way through "Bold Predictions" with Prince, followed by some college hoops talk with Laney.



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Week 13 Picks

An accurate representation of every Bears fan once they saw how awful Caleb Hanie is...

In looking ahead to Week 13, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. Giants Collapse – Just three short weeks ago the Giants were standing at 6-2, coming off a huge comeback victory at New England, and holding a decisive edge in the NFC East. Since then, they’ve dropped heartbreakers to San Francisco and Philadelphia and gotten blown out by New Orleans on Monday Night. That leaves the Giants just one game over .500 heading into their tilt with the undefeated Packers, staring at a potential 2 game deficit in the NFC East should they lose and Dallas win. This, and Tom Coughlin’s job status, will quickly become a national story should they get blown out by the Packers.

Fantasy Fragments: Who To Start for Week 13

No Vince, no it's not.

 Written by: Jon Gale

I am excited to announce that Jon Gale will be joining the BDT writing staff, chipping in with his weekly fantasy thoughts. Like everyone else at BDT, Gale is a good friend of mine. From personal experience, I can attest to Gale's fantasy acumen, and I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you he was in more fantasy leagues than any one man has a right to be in. Safe to say, it's a miracle any of us are married. As always, any reader feedback is welcome.

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Six players screaming “START ME” for Fantasy Football Week 13:

QB:

Vince Young, PHI- Coming off a week where Young hoisted up 48 attempts for a fantasy-friendly 400 passing yards and a score, Philadelphia is set to aerate a Seattle secondary that couldn’t stop Rex Grossman (314 yds for 2 TD, 8.97 YPA). With Vick still struggling to get healthy, look for Young to go to the air early and often en route to another eye-popping performance. Proj. 23-38, 300 total yards, 2 TD’s.

The BDT Podcast (Nov 29)

Well now that I look at it from this angle, I can definitely understand why Suh would appeal his suspension! He clearly didn't do anything wrong!

Jon and Prince pick the Week 13 games/lines.



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NFL Second Trimester Awards

This is a picture of Gary Kubiak when he played for the Broncos...and they say Tebow has an unorthodox delivery!

 Hard to believe, but the NFL season is more than two-thirds of the way done.  With the playoffs very much in sight, there is still a lot left to be determined. Several divisions are still in play, the wild card spots are very much up in the air, the Packers are still chasing a perfect season, and Tim Tebow is attempting to force every football “expert” into early retirement.

With plenty left to figure out, it’s important to step back and see where we are at this moment. Here are the award winners after the NFL’s second trimester:

The BDT Podcast (Nov 28)

So...umm...T.J. Yates, heh? This is awkward.

 Jon and Prince recap the Week 12 games.



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The Fictional NBA Replacement Players Fantasy League: What Could Have Been

Eddie Winslow=Zach Randolph?

THE NBA IS BACK! THE NBA IS BACK! THE NBA IS BACK!

Waking up to the end of the dumbest professional sports work stoppage of my lifetime was very much like the proverbial "early Christmas present." In fact, if that were the only gift I receive this holiday season, I think I'd be happy. No, I KNOW I'd be happy.

In case you weren't aware of this, let me fill you in on a little secret. I LOVE THE NBA! I love it even more than the NFL. Yes, it's true. While the NFL most certainly has a better top to bottom product than the NBA, it just doesn't thrill my soul like watching Lebron crash and bun in the playoffs. Fact is, basketball is my absolute favorite sport and watching the game at its highest form means a lot to me. That's why this lockout was so painful, and that's why I'm so happy it's finally over.

Week 12 Picks

The only thing better would be a postgame fight between the two...

In looking ahead to Week 12, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. The Replacements – Keanu Reeves might not be suiting up for either the Texans or  Bears, but there’s a solid chance that one or both of them would be very open to a Shane Falco appearance after this week. It’s certainly a shame to see them lose their QB’s, especially after the seasons both teams were having, but those are the breaks in the NFL. My guess is that neither team can be taken serious as a contender at this point, but it will definitely be interesting to see how each team copes with their loss.

The BDT Podcast - Part I (Nov 22)

It appears as if Prince and I have reached the point where we illogically pick Tebow every week...

Jon and Prince pick the Week 12 games/lines.



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The BDT Podcast - Part II (Nov 22)

Madden Curse, meet the Prince's Bold Prediction Curse!

Jon and Prince make some "Bold Predictions" for Week 12.




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NFL Power Rankings (Through Week 11)

Poor Jay! Just when everybody in Chicago was finally starting to not hate you...

At this point in an NFL season, crying over injuries is like complaining about getting your nose broken in a fight. You play football for 11 weeks and guys are gonna get hurt. By this point, your team has probably lost a key offensive lineman, productive linebacker, a hard hitting safety, or some combination of those three. Heck, you might have lost a star running back or receiver as well!

The BDT Podcast (Nov 21)

KILL HIM!!!!!!

Jon and Prince recap the Week 11 games.



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The BDT Podcast (Nov 18)

Is it actually Tim Tebow Time, or are we all going insane?

Jon and Laney review the early college basketball results, and Prince joins the fray to help make sense of "Tebow-mania."



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The BDT Podcast (Nov 17)

You know things have gotten bad when Kyle Rudolph is featured prominently in a podcast.

Jon and Prince make some "Bold Predictions" for Week 11.



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Week 11 Picks

Sure can't wait to watch me some Tyler Palko on Monday Night!!!

 In looking ahead to Week 11, here are three things that stand out to me…

1. A Potential Ravens Collapse – You might not realize it at this point, but Baltimore-Cincinnati could have huge and shocking playoff implications. A Ravens loss would them behind both Cincy and Pittsburgh in the division, with a re-match at Cincinnati in Week 17. As crazy as it sounds, a loss this week could be the first domino in a Ravens collapse. Not saying it’s going to happen, just pointing out the possibility.

The Andrew Luck Sweepstakes -- A Sad Farewell

At least the Colts won something...

 The Dolphins win.

The Rams win.

The Colts lose. To Jacksonville. At home. By two touchdowns.

I know there’s still plenty of football to be played, but the Colts leave me no choice. I’m calling the race. It’s officially over. Colts win.

The BDT Podcast (Nov 16)

Oh yeah...the Texans have got to be feeling good about the Matt Leinart era...

Jon and Prince pick the Week 11 games/lines.



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The BDT Podcast (Nov 14)

Wait...so, there's no rule about going down as soon as a defender touches you? What has Felix Jones been doing all these years?!

Jon and Prince recap the Week 10 games.



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