A Bettor's Rant - Week 10    
November 10th 2008

Game #1: Panthers (-8.5) at Raiders

Here we go again right?  It is never easy picking an NFL game. You've taken the Panthers and Jake Delhomme has thrown 4 interceptions and only completed 7 out of 27 passes.  The Panthers offense has virtually kept the Raiders in the game but the one thing you having going for you is that the Raiders offense is even more pathetic.  The score is 17-6 and the Raiders have finally mounted a drive all the way to the Carolina 40 yard line with just a minute to go.  You start to get nervous and get the feeling that something strange is going to happen, maybe a Hail Mary pass.  It's now 4th down and looking good with only 9 seconds left, but wait here comes Janikowski on the field to attempt a 58 yard field goal.  He made one from 57 yards just a few weeks ago against the Jets. What is going on here? The Raiders are trying to cover the spread!! Yeah Yeah, kick the FG, get the onside kick and throw a Hail Mary. Give me a break, they were trying to cost me my pick! Janikowski misses the field goal!  Finally, we are on the right side of a play.

Game #2: Giants (+3) at Eagles

Giants ball, 3rd down and 1 on their own 40 yard line with just under 4 minutes to left in the game.  They lead 36-31 and if they just get this first down, this game is over.  Wait! Ward just fumbled the ball.  Phew! Giants recovered.  However his knee looked down, I don't think it was a fumble. Maybe the Giants should review it so that they don't lose the 4 yards. Nope and sure enough an Eagles defensive lineman jumps offside on 4th down. However, because of the 4 yard loss on the prior play, it is 4th and inches and the Giants still have to punt.  I now cringe thinking about McNabb and the Eagles marching down the field and scoring a game winning TD plus a 2 point conversion to completely spoil the underdog pick of the week.  However, the Eagles can't gain a yard on 4th down and we win the game!

Yes it is can still be called ranting even when the outcome is in your favor. If you took the Chiefs or 49ers straight up in week 10 then you have much more to rant about on the losing side.