SPORTS: Pittsburgh Penguins Doomed;Tony Romo, Michelle Wie and Steve Nash Aren't

NHL - Penguins Plight... Leads to Flight?
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board unanimously awarded Pittsburgh's lone slot machine gambling license to a group that promised to build a casino, rather than the Penguins ownership group. This group, led by Mario Lemieux, promised to build a new $290 million arena if it won the license. Now, it appears increasingly likely the Penguins will move, rather than continue to play at the 45-year-old Mellon Arena.

NFL - Romo Rules Roost, Bangs Celebrity
San Diego will send nine players to the Pro Bowl, Chicago seven. Despite both teams individual dominance, the biggest selection was Dallas QB Tony Romo--the first Cowboy QB to be selected since Troy Aikman in 1996. With rumors of involvement with Jessica Simpson false, Romo admitted he is dating former American Idol hotty Carrie Underwood.
Talk about a huge year for Romo.

LPGA - Wie Brings Winless Streak to Stanford
Michelle Wie announced she will continue her education at Stanford University, following in her family footsteps. Her grandfather, aunt and uncle attended Stanford. She is leaning towards majoring in business, economics or marketing. Considering she made almost $20 million last year in golf and endorsement related endeavors, I'd recommend finance. The smart business move would be to wait for college, as she lost her amateur status.

NBA - Nash (& Co.) Dominates Despite Pre-Season Haircut
Phoenix won their 15th straight game Tuesday, a franchise record. "What does it really mean?" Two-time league MVP Steve Nash asked. "Not Much, but I think it's fun and I think it's an accomplishment, nonetheless. We should probably be proud of ourselves. But at the same time, we realize it doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot, either." Nash is among the great team leaders in professional sports, which shows in comments like this.

NFL: DegenerateGambler’s Week 7 Picks

After 6 weeks, we are starting to get a feel for what all of the teams are about. Everyone has played at least 5 games, including at least one divisional game. Predicting the outcome of an NFL game is definitely not an exact science, so it is always nice to have that info in your back pocket. This is a tough week, but let’s take a look at what I went with –

(Home teams in CAPS; Picks are in Red)
Lines as of 12:01 a.m., Thursday October 19th

Lockdown Picks

Chargers -5 CHIEFS

With a top-tier offense and arguably the best defense in the league, the Chargers look to put the Chiefs in a deep hole in the AFC West. San Diego’s front seven is a nightmare for any opposing offense, and this is magnified when that offense is in Kansas City. The losses of Al Saunders at offensive coordinator and Trent Green under center have been quite apparent, going from a top scoring offense to only managing 17 points per contest in 2006. With an inexperienced QB in Huard and a pedestrian offensive line, the Chargers D could have a field day. The O-Line will be forced to stay inside to contain two of the best defensive players in the league in Merriman and Castillo. This should mean Tony Gonzalez will act as a sixth lineman for most of the game to protect the outside rush of an underrated linebacker crew. Oh… and did I mention a man named L.T.?

Bottom line: I’m looking no further than the defense. The Chargers are holding their opponents to nearly 70 rushing ypg. Once they shut down Larry Johnson and if they take an early lead, they should have no problem tormenting Huard.

The Pick: Lay the 5 points and take the CHARGERS




Eagles -4.5 BUCS

Coming off an emotional loss to the upstart Saints, the Eagles can’t waste any time getting back in the win column. Starting QB Donavan McNabb is having a career year, while Tampa Bay’s opening day QB is having a hard time holding onto his organs. The Bucs will likely put the rest of their season on the shoulders of rookie QB Bruce Gradkowski, who led the team to their first win of the season just a week ago. With a defense that is showing it’s age, the Bucs could have a hard time controlling an Eagles attack that is racking up over 400 total ypg.

Bottom line: With the scoring defenses nearly identical, I am focusing on offense. The Eagles are scoring about 30 ppg to the Bucs 12.5 ppg.

The Pick: I don’t think this one is close. Give up the points and take the EAGLES.




Panthers +3 BENGALS

This is a tale of two cities. Cincinnati is coming off two straight losses, each of which they have scored only 13 points. Carolina, on the other hand, has won 4 straight since getting Steve Smith back from his hammy problem. Rudi Johnson can’t find any running lanes, rushing for an average of 55 yards over the last three games. With Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals always pose a big threat through the air, yet they are only putting up 183 passing ypg. The Panthers on the other hand have a very balanced offense, making plays through the air and rushing for 165 ypg.

Bottom line: The Panthers need a win this week to keep pace with the Saints in the NFC South. They have one of the best teams top to bottom in the NFL and can play just about any style game that they are faced with.

The Pick: I would take them straight up, so if you are going to give me 3 points, I will take the PANTHERS every time.



Jaguars -9.5 TEXANS
Patriots -5.5 BILLS
Steelers -3 FALCONS
Packers +5 DOLPHINS
Lions +4 N.Y. JETS
Broncos -4.5 BROWNS
Redskins +9.5 COLTS
Vikings +6.5 SEAHAWKS
Cardinals -3 RAIDERS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Giants +3 COWBOYS

Sorry Bill… stop yelling at me!!! There is a link at the bottom if you have a comment about my picks… Some guys have no respect.


In any case, good luck to everyone this week and don't forget to check back every Thursday.