Upon leaving 2023 behind, I won’t be somber. Our home going up in flames on Easter Sunday wasn’t stellar, but on the grand scale of disasters that have unfolded within this time span, it pales in comparison.
For the past couple of years, we’ve been proudly boasting of our victories, and you know what? We’ll be doing the same next year because it’s no easy feat. This season, we took the same approach, but encountered unfavorable results. I always preach optimism, because it doesn’t cost anything. But when it comes to the “Winners” portion of the show, the price of optimism has become steep. Nevertheless, we continue to march forward with these gems.
Odds by ESPN BET
Friday’s pick
Pac-12 Championship
No. 5 Oregon Ducks (-9.5, 65.5) vs. No. 3 Washington Huskies
8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN3, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Van Pelt’s pick: Washington +9.5
Let’s kick off the Conference of Champions Friday in Vegas. While everyone is talking about the games this week, this one is being treated like it’s a foregone conclusion. Not a soul is giving Washington a chance, but I will. Taking the underdog with a significant number is my choice.
SVP: 4-3 all-time when picking Washington
Saturday’s picks
SEC Championship
No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (-5.5, 55.5) vs. No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide
4 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Van Pelt’s pick: Alabama +5.5
It just occurred to me that I haven’t given out GPG games this year. Maybe that’s been the issue. But if Alabama is being given some candy, it must be taken on general principle, and we shall.
SVP: 4-1 all-time when picking the SEC title game
ACC Championship
No. 14 Louisville Cardinals vs. No. 4 Florida State Seminoles (-2, 46.5)
8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN3, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
Van Pelt’s pick: Louisville +2
Not the ideal spot to take Louisville, as this number has been shrinking, which means we are getting a lousy number relative to where it began. Also, Florida State knows it needs to show off a bit to be sure they get a spot at the table. That said — on the Cards.
SVP: 4-2 all-time when picking Louisville
Big Ten Championship
No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (-22, 34.5) vs. No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes
8 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Van Pelt’s pick: Iowa +22
This makes me laugh because I knew I would do it. Steve knew I would do it. We’ve done it the last couple of Big Ten title games and it hasn’t worked once, but it’s been CLOSE. Let’s take Iowa to not get debacled. Ugly it up Hawkeyes — you excel at that. That’s all I ask.
SVP: 5-2 all-time when picking Iowa
Sunday’s picks
Detroit Lions (-4.5, 46.5) at New Orleans Saints
1 p.m. ET, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Van Pelt’s pick: Saints +4.5
‘Bout that time of year when we start taking some Sunday lines, and a couple home ‘dogs are appealing. New Orleans at home against a Detroit team who is struggling a bit on defense — we like the Saints plus.
SVP: 2-0 all-time when picking Saints as an underdog
Kansas City Chiefs (-6, 42.5) at Green Bay Packers
8:20 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.
Van Pelt’s pick: Packers +6
Also on Green Bay at home vs. Kansas City getting less than a TD. Back end of the NFC is wide open. Not sure the Packers can win it, but a close game is likely in my mind.
SVP: 8-2 all-time when picking Sunday Night Football games
So that’s six games. I don’t know what else to say about them. There they are. OK, good talk.
ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.
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