Macca

I can see an NFC Championship match-up involving the Rams & Eagles but that might mean that New Orleans fall away. There are so many factors at play including of course, home field advantage & the seedings. The Panthers are my dark horse in the NFC. With Chancellor out now as well as Sherman, Seattle could start losing games they would ordinarily win. Over in the AFC I wouldn't bet against the Pats not making the SB unless they end up not being the 1 or 2 seed. The Pats have to visit Pittsburgh and that might decide things ... however, KC do not have a tough schedule on their run in either. It's out of those 3 teams unless something extraordinary happens. I'd like to see the Jags do well but the other 3 teams probably have their measure.

I've got Seattle going out in week 2 of the playoffs so it's no biggie. The real question is which teams make the overall last 4 (NFC & AFC Championship games) It's out of 5 teams for the SB winner as I see it ... Pats, Saints, Eagles, Steelers & Rams ... the Panthers, KC might surprise. But another team or 2 could get on a roll ... the winner of the NFC North could win a couple of playoff games. I'm not sure we're going to see a wild-card team that can progress to the SB ... the Panthers maybe but that's a stretch.

All the form goes out the window if your horse doesn't get a decent run or is held up for a run. Or, in the case of Petition, the horse gets too far back. That's racing. And sometimes in order to win one needs bad luck to befall other horses.

The 'Perth' Ascot ... ha ha. There's about 20 group races in Ascot right throughout the year. As always, the better horses are involved so the form lines are reasonably clear. A few of the Eastern States horses make the trip over there (for the Group races) so there's some familiarity. I don't often bet at Ascot but will do when there's not much prime action in the Eastern states. Time span is about 4pm to 9pm (AEDT) Good luck with Petition ... it should be in the finish if given a reasonable run.

I broke even on the day Wadda but would have won a lot if Snitzepeg had have won or even if it placed. The horse (Snitzepeg) got knocked rotten at the turn (after being well placed) The race was a willing affair but these things happen. It's on to Ascot next week for me ... a Group 1 & a Group 2 race are on the card and I'll stick to my plan of just focusing on 2 races. How did you go? Or are you still in the running?

Well I'm a Green Bay fan as well but I'm right into it. There's a number of us on the NFL thread and we even run a tipping comp! The sport is a real slow-burn though and definitely an acquired taste. It's a stop-start game but every play is a potential highlight. There are ways to watch the sport without all the breaks (the fast-forward button on your remote or if you can afford it, the league pass allows one to watch a whole game in about 45 minutes) And you're right, it's probably best to leave all things punting* to this thread. And that was an excellent win just then by 'Fanatic'. Running up that straight twice takes some doing. *Always gamble responsibly

Yep ... bet small to win big. It's the safest and most interesting way to bet. I bet that way with NBA, NHL, MLB, soccer & the NFL (often in a combo) Never outlaying more than an expendable amount. I've got a couple of mates who's maximum bet is only ever $3. It's terrific fun putting it all together too ... I'm always on the lookout to bet against 'road' teams in the NBA or NHL (who are also playing back-to-back games) West Coast NFL teams playing early Sunday games in the East often struggle. Historical head-to-head results in soccer based on home or away is worth noting. Dominant pitchers on home field in baseball is another good heads-up Risking a higher line in any of the above circumstances is often a lower risk. With the horses, I've had better luck when I just concentrate on 2 races (3 races max) And those races are often the better Group races on tracks where the good horses can more often than not get a decent run. I sometimes do a 4, 5, or 6 leg parlay but often it's each way or place only. Crystal dreamer was also suggested to me along with Rock 'N' Gold in the same race. And Burning Front looks a real chance as you've indicated.

Very good point ... the lightly raced horses may come to the fore then. After having another gander I still like Snitzepeg but Icon of Dubai, Octabello and the Weir horse (Peaceful State) may feature. Villermont also has claims. As you stated, it's a good field leg in the quaddie if none of the top 3 salute. What's that saying ... 'The more you know, the more confusing it all gets!'

I generally take note and record about 6 games on any given weekend. Finding the time to watch all the recorded games is always an issue though GV! The North London derby is high on the list this weekend but beIN sports coverage of the other league's is first rate. Other games to look out for this weekend ... Sat 7.00am Stuttgart vs Dortmund Sun 2.00am Leicester vs Man City 4.00am Roma vs Lazio 6.45am Napoli vs AC Milan 6.45am Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid West Ham are away to Watford (3am Monday morning) and it will be interesting to see how the team performs first up for Moyes. Unfortunately for Bilic, things started going pear-shaped as soon as Payet left. The change, when it came, was inevitable. Man Utd vs Newcastle (Sun 4.30am) is a must win for Man United too (in order for them to keep in touch)

G'day Wadda ... I'll have a go at the two group 2 races at Sandown tomorrow (races 7 & 8) In the Zipping Classic (race 7) I like 'The Taj Mahal' from Big Duke & Almandin ... 'So Si Bon' may run on as it was only 3.8 lengths behind Tosen Stardum last start. And in the Guineas (race 8) I'll give 'Snitzepeg' another chance ... Beau Geste & Black Sails should be in the finish as well. 'I'll Have a Bit' could run on if anyone is contemplating a first 4 bet. Went 2 from 2 (winners) on Emirates Stakes day but just missed the first 4 in both races. I'll back both horses (The Taj Mahal & Snitzepeg) each-way tomorrow. The running double last week paid $33 but always remember, I'm often the world's worst tipster! Its buyer beware. There are a few Group races at Ascot tomorrow as well but I haven't perused the form there yet. Those 2 races at Sandown might do me. Good punting to all!

Detroit Philadelphia Jacksonville

Here are the games again ... hopefully, the image works. Otherwise, go here

What has previously happened (by default?) is that we tend to put our tips in at the time that we normally do. JV & Gorgo generally go early and I more often than not post my tips up on Thursday. Gentlemen's agreement should be the order of the day. We're not playing for a sheep station (unless we are ) If they stopped the season now and went straight to the playoffs, this is my finishing order (see below) I don't fully trust the Rams & Eagles yet but I do like what I'm seeing from the Saints. The Pats are the Pats and they have the best coach. I've included 6 teams from each conference but on pure form & the ability to find good form, I'd replace Tennessee & Baltimore with Atlanta & Detroit. Dallas have just lost too many games and I can't see them recovering in time. Zeke being out isn't going to help the Cowboys cause either. And it's line-ball between the Eagles & Saints. The Rams, Panthers & Seattle are thereabouts. The Vikings would need Keenum to maintain his excellent form but I'm not convinced he can. And Bridgewater may or may not return to his best. Regardless, Detroit can push the Vikings for the NFC North. Green Bay's season is over if we lose to the Ravens. Atlanta need to defeat the Seahawks for similar reasons. Both teams would need to win 5 of 6 to get to 10 wins if they both lose on the weekend. A big ask. The Pats should cruise through in the AFC. In fact, they probably will. The Raiders might make a late run and snag a wild-card spot (8 wins might be sufficient for 1 of those AFC wild-cards) However, I favour the Ravens for the last wild-card spot in the AFC. Was a difficult assignment though as I feel I'm putting a lot of trust in the Saints and to a lesser degree, the Jags. But there is always a team or 2 that can make a late run ... similarly, 1 or 2 well performed teams can often fall away. 1 - New England 2 - New Orleans 3 - Philadelphia 4 - Pittsburgh 5 - LA Rams 6 - KC 7 - Seattle (wild-card) 8 - Jacksonville 9 - Carolina (wild-card) 10 - Minnesota 11 - Tennessee (wild-card) 12 - Baltimore (wild-card)

I thought we played really well ... our passing game is really coming on and we won the disputed ball all night. We'll acquit ourselves well in Russia although we need to get stronger up front. To advance out of our group we'll need a kind draw. Although .... we won't have to concern ourselves with Italy, the Netherlands, Chile or the USA!

3-0! All over bar the shouting.

We score and go to a 1-0 lead and then the tension increases!

I'd say so but I introduced a couple more bonus weeks in the 4th year of the comp ... I could scroll back but I reckon Gorgo has put up the highest overall score (is it 12 points?) But Clint has certainly set a hot pace ... Go the Biff is nicely placed and Dappa is not far behind. One thing I do know is that more points tend to be scored in the back half of the season. Anyway, there's still 12 points available so there is hope for us stragglers yet! We probably need to go a bit rogue/left field in order to catch the top 3.

Leaderboard in the comp 9 - Clintosaurus 7 - Go the Biff 6 - Dappa Dan 3 - JV7 2 - Gorgoroth, Macca 0 - The usual suspects Guess the Lines Week 11 With Bill Simmons & Cousin Sal 2 points on offer this week ... there are a number of possible road wins there but can any of us put 3 of them together? Time will tell. n.b. The Pats/Raiders game is being played in Mexico but New England are the designated 'road' team and can therefore be included in your tips. All 3 of the night games are good match-ups but the Rams/Vikings might be the pick of the games.

The Saints are fast becoming a team that is built on a strong defence with a multi-pronged running game. They might be scary to play anywhere. Their coach has reinvented himself but what he is doing makes perfect sense to me ... and he's still got Brees to lean on (whenever) I'll do my top 12 teams soon ... I might have to include 7 or 8 NFC teams though! Either that or just include 6 teams from each conference.

The Panthers can go all the way but they always seem to be 1 loss away from being an also-ran. Newton has absolute star quality (as he showed last night) but he also doesn't handle himself very well when his team loses. The game after that loss (which invariably will happen) therefore becomes difficult to predict. They are an odd team to get a handle on. .

Yep, if we had the likes of Viduka, Kewell & a 26 year old Cahill, we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with a do or die clash with Honduras. Italy have just found out the hard way that in order to win, you have to score goals. To be kept goalless for 2 games against Sweden is unacceptable for a powerhouse like the Azzurri. And we need to score early tomorrow night ... the good news is that that is entirely possible with the way the team is coached and with Cahill back. Leckie returning is a huge plus as well. It's all to play for DJ. I want to see the team go at Honduras, especially early. If we don't, we're asking for trouble.

Huge story ... on a par with England missing out in 1974. Italy lack quality experienced strikers according to the pundits

The salary cap being what it is in the NFL and a lot of the salaries not being guaranteed often leads to the parity that we see. The teams that get themselves into trouble often commit too much money to a player or 2 who aren't elite. Or have incompetent GM's or poor coaching. The heat is currently on the Giants ... The word is that McAdoo may be let go soon but teams usually wait until the end of the season (Black Monday) But the Giants are a poor team and something has to give. Their GM (Jerry Reese) has been there since '07 and has overseen 2 SB's so parting ways with him won't be easy. Has he lost it?

Yes, I've heard that too ... hundreds here have said in fact. So it must be true. You could have got any sort of odds that the Saints, Eagles, Rams & Vikings would all be the standout teams in their respective divisions. A lot different in the AFC where only the Jags have stood out amongst the less fancied teams. KC, the Pats & Steelers were all popular picks to win their divisions. That's what is great about the league ... it can often only take 2 or 3 years for a team to make big strides. And other teams like the Giants can fall away dramatically. Not many saw the Falcons & Dallas not making the playoffs either - both teams need to get moving in order to make it.

It's yours to lose now (the NFC East) ... Dallas can't win games, Washington are just average and the Giants are well & truly cooked. .