Sportsbook.com $100,000 Survivor pool - 13,500 contestestants already down to 5393

[Regul8er]

The good thing about mine, is you never pick 2 games in a week, and it ends with the close of the regular season.

$207,000 would get evenly distributed to everyone that remains!

[Regul8er]

Make your case for and against Miami, Detroit and Oakland this week. If I find out RG3 is out, I'll add Cleveland to this list.

[playersonly69]

How many people in your pool have Houston left?


I am sort of pissed that I saved Houston all year long FOR THIS WEEK, and now Indy is starting to play great and Houston just played like shit.



The best bet of the week for you is New Orleans BY FAR!! I wouldnt touch any of those other games if you still have New Orleans left. New Orleans wins by at least 14 points

[Regul8er]

0 have Houston left.....all 62 entrants have used them.

I used New Orleans week 8 at Tampa Bay. It was my risky pick, which made weeks 9-12 pretty easy!

Im going to have to use one of the teams I listed, or St. Louis/Minny, Cleveland/Washington. That's what it's come down to at this point.

I havent decided on anything yet......still trying to weight the pros and cons. Either way, I'll be on a team that doesn't really know how to win. The good thing is, the opponent doesn't know how either.

[yisman]

Detroit and Oakland are unpickable for this, IMO

I'm going to have to go with Miami

[Regul8er]

Ya, I wouldnt pick Oakland.......your right.

But even though Detroit is horrible, at least they can score. Against Arizona, one TD might be enough. Who is going to start for the Cards? I cannot imagine Skelton getting another opportunity. Lindlay?? He can hardly even complete a pass, and never has time with their banged up line. Coyer who they jus signed???

I know Detroit is lacking a bit in the skill position, but with Stafford, they will possess the ability to move the ball a bit.

I dont know, just what I'm thinking. I'm about 50/50 with Miami and Detroit.

The Henne returning to Miami side worries me a bit. Plus, the Dolphins play bad football at home, and Jax has nothing to lose here.
Very tough decision.

[Regul8er]

yisman....anything else appeal to you more then these games?
Remember, not much left at this point.

My one card up the sleeve is Pittsburgh, who I can use week 17 vs the Browns, in a likely "win and in" game. I just gotta get there first, haha.

[yisman]

yisman....anything else appeal to you more then these games?
Remember, not much left at this point.

My one card up the sleeve is Pittsburgh, who I can use week 17 vs the Browns, in a likely "win and in" game. I just gotta get there first, haha.

there's nothing this week. Miami is the default choice because Houston (most desirable pick) is unavailable.

I don't love picking Miami but I couldn't possibly use any of the other games.

Arizona has been terrible of course but I never like picking against them at home, and I especially wouldn't with the Lions, who are great at finding ways to lose.

[Regul8er]

Thanks for the breakdown.........I'm really on the same page as you, I'm just trying to talk myself into picking against Arizona, but maybe I've gone to the well enough.

If RGIII is out, can the Skins realistically win with Cousins, on the road? Cleveland has been playing inspired football as of late, and I'm sure would like to continue the momentum. Sure there record is much to look at, but theyve lost a few close road games against quality football teams (Dallas, Indy, Baltimore). I'm going to keep my eyes open. I imagine Browns will be -3 or so if RGIII is unavailable.

[RMStanley]

I have to pick two teams. I have Pittsburgh left (at Dallas) but would like to save them. I think my most surefire pick is Seattle (v's Buffalo in Toronto) and then I could use Miami at home over Jacksonville, but that scares the dickens out of me. I also could use Detroit at Arizona and would be tempted to do this if they go back to that god-awful Ryan Lindley. Skelton (although he was horrendous in Seattle) is at least a legit NFL quarterback - Lindley is probably the worst QB I've ever seen on an NFL field. Detroit honestly outplayed Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Youston (3 playoff teams) these last 3 weeks... they just haven't found a way to win for some reason.

Miami at home v's Jacksoville scares me because Jacksonville has the better QB and is playing decent football. Miami is never going to put up more than 20 points and to me that's legitimately an even matchup. Tannehill makes some horrendous decisions still and Henne is definitely more trustworthy (plus Cecil Sharts his pants III is the most dynamic player on either team right now).

[RMStanley]

Thanks for the breakdown.........I'm really on the same page as you, I'm just trying to talk myself into picking against Arizona, but maybe I've gone to the well enough.

If RGIII is out, can the Skins realistically win with Cousins, on the road? Cleveland has been playing inspired football as of late, and I'm sure would like to continue the momentum. Sure there record is much to look at, but theyve lost a few close road games against quality football teams (Dallas, Indy, Baltimore). I'm going to keep my eyes open. I imagine Browns will be -3 or so if RGIII is unavailable.

I have Washington available and I'm not even considering them. Cleveland is too good and as Bill Simmons has pointed out, they are 2 unlucky losses away from being 7-6 right now and legitimately in the wild card hunt (last second loss to Philly in Week 1 and I forget the other - late FG against Baltimore maybe).

[Regul8er]

Stanley.....Shorts missed last week with a concussion, and its unlikely they rush him back, considering the Jags sit at 2-11.

[RMStanley]

Stanley.....Shorts missed last week with a concussion, and its unlikely they rush him back, considering the Jags sit at 2-11.

This week sucks. I've never been so 50/50 before. I honestly think I'll wait until Sunday morning to lock in.

[RMStanley]

Anybody like the Rams at home over Minnesota in a "loser is done" matchup? I've watched the Rams play the 49ers tough as nails for 10 quarters and come away 1-0-1. Fisher is a top 5 coach, his team doesn't make dumb mistakes, and he's willing to strategically roll the dice when needed. Great special teams and very solid defense that managed to hold Gore and Kaepernick in check (not to mention the Bills in Buffalo). The big question mark is their offense - virtually no aerial attack without Danny Amendola... however, it's likely that Danny will be back this week.

I'm leaning right now towards Seattle over Buffalo (neutral field in Toronto and late kickoff that Seattle is used to), and St. Louis over Minnesota. The beauty of St. Louis to me is that virtually NOBODY will be on them so if the Cardinals upset the Lions and the Browns upset the Redskins tons of survivors would fall.

[Trojan]

Anybody like the Rams at home over Minnesota in a "loser is done" matchup? I've watched the Rams play the 49ers tough as nails for 10 quarters and come away 1-0-1. Fisher is a top 5 coach, his team doesn't make dumb mistakes, and he's willing to strategically roll the dice when needed. Great special teams and very solid defense that managed to hold Gore and Kaepernick in check (not to mention the Bills in Buffalo). The big question mark is their offense - virtually no aerial attack without Danny Amendola... however, it's likely that Danny will be back this week.

I'm leaning right now towards Seattle over Buffalo (neutral field in Toronto and late kickoff that Seattle is used to), and St. Louis over Minnesota. The beauty of St. Louis to me is that virtually NOBODY will be on them so if the Cardinals upset the Lions and the Browns upset the Redskins tons of survivors would fall.

I'd be reluctant to go with St. Louis. Minnesota and St. Louis are essentially in the same spot, needing to win out to make the playoffs. I would stay away from either side in what is essentially a pick-em game. Especially if you have other options.

Seattle would be my play. They are motivated with playoffs in sight. The Bills are done and coming off a terrible loss at home. Seattle should roll and there isnt a better chance to use them for the rest of the season. Saving them for week 17 at home vs St. Louis might be a waste as it might be a nothing game at that point.

Take Seattle and move onto week 16

[RMStanley]

I have to pick 2 teams this week b/c they're still 205 contestants. So Seattle is 1 almost certainly. The other pick I'm trying to decide between Detroit, St. Louis, Miami, or even Pittsburgh. Still have Washington as well but Cleveland make that a road pickem without RGIII IMO.

[Trojan]

The best bet of the week for you is New Orleans BY FAR!! I wouldnt touch any of those other games if you still have New Orleans left. New Orleans wins by at least 14 points

Curious as to why you feel this way? I'm looking at taking them this week but I'm struggling with it. They're a better team than their record and I'd take Brees in a 1 game matchup vs almost anyone in the league. But they're are not making the playoffs and I just cant wrap my head around which NO team will show up. Plus Tampa still has an outside shot at the playoffs. Tough choice.

I have Miami, Oakland, Cinci also available but I cant justify taking one of those teams when I still have the Saints on the table.

[Trojan]

I have to pick 2 teams this week b/c they're still 205 contestants. So Seattle is 1 almost certainly. The other pick I'm trying to decide between Detroit, St. Louis, Miami, or even Pittsburgh. Still have Washington as well but Cleveland make that a road pickem without RGIII IMO.

Of those 4 I would go with Detroit. Mostly because Arizona is the worst team in the league, bottom 3 at least, and I'd be stunned if they put up more than 10 points. Detroit should score on that horrble defence.

Use Pittsburgh at home in either week 16 vs cinci or week 17 vs cleve in games that will likely still matter for a playoff spot

[RMStanley]

Of those 4 I would go with Detroit. Mostly because Arizona is the worst team in the league, bottom 3 at least, and I'd be stunned if they put up more than 10 points. Detroit should score on that horrble defence.

Use Pittsburgh at home in either week 16 vs cinci or week 17 vs cleve in games that will likely still matter for a playoff spot

Yeah the only thing is that this Arizona defense is probably top 10 if they're playing hard/well. I think that ultimately I'm crazy if I don't go Seattle / Detroit as both are the better team and their opponents are both in tailspins. Detroit is arguably the best 4-9 team in NFL history. Fairley may be questionable but if he's probable or better by Friday AND if Lindley is starting I suppose I'll go with the "safe" picks.

[RMStanley]

More game discussion needed!

Jags injury report: Seven Jacksonville Jaguars missed practice Wednesday, according to the team'sinjury report. The players who sat out included running back Rashad Jennings(concussion), fullback Greg Jones (thigh), running back Maurice Jones-Drew(foot), defensive back Dwight Lowery (foot), center Brad Meester (foot), cornerbackAaron Ross (calf) and running back Jordan Todman (calf). Two other Jaguars were limited in their practice participation due to concussions. The availability of these players remains uncertain for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver <nobr>Davone Bess</nobr> (back) and linebacker <nobr>Koa Misi</nobr> (ankle) were the only two players that did not practice today. Misi was absent during the portion open to the media and Bess was relegated to the exercise bicycle.

For the Jaguars, there were plenty of more players not practicing for them today, especially in the offensive backfield. Fullback Greg Jones (thigh), running backs Rashad Jennings (concussion) and Maurice Jones-Drew (foot) and Jordan Todman (calf) headed the list. Safety Dwight Lowery (foot), center Brad Meester (foot) and cornerback Aaron Ross (calf) also did not practice.

Miami Dolphins

Did Not Practice
WR Davone Bess (back)
LB Koa Misi (ankle)

Limited
S <nobr>Chris Clemons</nobr> (ribs)
S <nobr>Jimmy Wilson</nobr> (hip)

Full Practice
S <nobr>Jonathon Amaya</nobr> (neck)
LB <nobr>Karlos Dansby</nobr> (biceps)
P <nobr>Brandon Fields</nobr> (right knee)
WR <nobr>Brian Hartline</nobr> (glute)
LB <nobr>Austin Spitler</nobr>) ankle)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Did Not Practice
FB Greg Jones (thigh)
RB Rashad Jennings (concussion)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (foot)
S Dwight Lowery (food)
C Brad Meester (foot)
CB Aaron Ross (calf)
RB Jordan Todman (calf)

Limited
DE George Selvie (concussion)
WR Cecil Shorts (concussion)

Full Practice
DT Tyson Alualu (calf)
CB Derek Cox (hamstring)
CB Rashean Mathis (groin)

[RMStanley]

Injured in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was notably absent from the practice field to kick off the week on Wednesday.
Pettigrew was one of eight total players listed on Detroit's official Week 15 injury reportdue to an ankle injury, but was the lone offensive player held completely out of action on Wednesday. After injuring his shoulder in Week 14, Lions defensive lineman Nick Fairley was unable to suit up to begin the week, leaving Detroit rail-thin at the defensive tackle position after the team was forced to place Corey Williams on injured reserve earlier in the week.
Safety Don Carey and receiver Calvin Johnson were limited participants on Wednesday with knee injuries, but each player is a safe bet to suit up come Sunday. A total of 11 players filled out Arizona's preliminary injury report, although as many as eight were able to practice in some capacity.
Detroit Loins

S	Louis Delmas	Knee	NP
DT	Nick Fairley	Shoulder	NP
CB	Chris Houston	Hamstring	NP
CB	Jacob Lacey	Foot/Achilles	NP
TE	Brandon Pettigrew	Ankle	NP
S	Don Carey	Knee	LP
WR	Calvin Johnson	Knee	LP
T	Corey Hilliard	Knee	FP

Arizona Cardinals

WR	Early Doucet	Concussion	NP
DE	Ronald Talley	Ankle	NP
DT	Dan Williams	Hamstring	NP
DE	Calais Campbell	Calf	LP
DT	Nick Eason	Ankle	LP
TE	Rob Housler	Knee	LP
S	Kerry Rhodes	Abdomen	LP
WR	Andre Roberts	Ankle	LP
CB	Greg Toler	Hamstring	LP
LS	Mike Leach	Back / Shoulder	FP
RB	Beanie Wells	Knee	FP

[RMStanley]

s expected based on Pete Carroll's press conference, Sidney Rice (foot) sat out Wednesday's practice. Not expected, however, was Walter Thurmond's presence on the injury report. He was limited with a hamstring injury. Also sitting out was Kam Chancellor, who was on the injury report last week as well, but played. Same for DE Red Bryant, who has been battling a foot injury for a while. The Bills, meanwhile, seam to have learned an old trick from AFC East rival New England, because they have 21 players on their injury report.

SEAHAWKS
Did not participate in practice
DE Red Bryant (foot)
CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring)
S Kam Chancellor (groin)
WR Sidney Rice (foot)

Limited participation
CB Walter Thurmond (hamstring)
RB Marshawn Lynch (back)

BILLS
Didn't participate
LB Nick Barnett (knee)
FS Jairus Byrd (shin)
DT Marcell Dareus (shoulder)
RB Fred Jackson (knee)
DT Spencer Johnson (knee)
CB Leodis McKelvin (groin)
DT Kyle Williams (ankle)
CB Eric Wood (knee)

Limited participation
DE Mark Anderson (knee)
DB Ron Brooks (hip)
TE Scott Chandler (groin)
G Andy Levitre (knee)
CB Justin Rogers (foot)
TE Lee Smith (knee)
G Kraig Urbik (knee)
LB Chris White (thumb)

Full participation
WR Donald Jones (calf)
S Da'Norris Searcy (hand)
RB C. J. Spiller (shoulder)
CB Aaron Williams (knee)
DE Mario Williams (wrist)

[tblues2005]

I know this is a tough week. I would choose Detroit and second I would choose Miami. It does look like it is one of the toughest weeks of the year.

[RMStanley]

I know this is a tough week. I would choose Detroit and second I would choose Miami. It does look like it is one of the toughest weeks of the year.

Yeah I just wish Arizona hadn't gotten skunked so BAD last week. Makes me think that they'll have a gut check and come out firing on Sunday. If Fairley is out for Detroit that's pretty huge - he's their 2nd or 3rd best defensive player I believe.

[tblues2005]

Trust me Arizona's awful. I don't know how the score against anyone. Their offensive line is so horrible!! From the choices you have this is the cream of the crop that's left.

[Regul8er]

Rm Stanley......part of me thinks the same about Arizona having a gut check, but on the other side, Lindley or Skelton can't just all of a sudden become a good quarterback. You can come out with fire and intensity, but if your QB can't connect on a 10 yard route, then all that energy and intensity is for not.

[Regul8er]

And it's not like the Cards can just pound the rock. Lines are stacking up because of the QB inefficiencies, and there is NO WHERE for Wells, Powell or Stephens-Howling to go. This team is a mess. With that said, I'm still undecided between Detroit and Miami.

[RMStanley]

Well I still think Skelton could piece together an upset but Wisenusedtobeagoodcoach is a moron and is going back to Lindley. So I picked Seattle and Detroit with my two and will now root heartily against Miami. Best of luck to all.

Really hope that Fairley is a go b/c he is a big bad run stuffer. Other than that I have feel real good about this pick. I've kind of taken Seattle for granted up in Toronto so I sure hope they don't falter by looking ahead to SF next week.

[Regul8er]

Its absolutely crazy that Im also considering a 4-9 team on the road......but I am.
It's hard not to look past the inefficiencies of the Cardinals, especially under center. Lindlay/Skelton get limited protection, but it seems like they do give some time, they don't read the packages, or arent on the same page as the route runners. I keep asking myself if this can be legitimately fixed in 3 days of practice?

I'm sure the Lions will score a couple TD's.......but can the Cards better that?

[tblues2005]

I think your taking the right team with Detroit because they have lost some close games and the Cardinals haven't been even close at all. Rams beat them by 2 TDs and Seattle beat them badly. Detroit should win by at least 10. It would be a shock to me no doubt. Arizona is right there with KC on being the worst team in the league.

[RMStanley]

I'm always amazed by DNPs in these contests. The fewest amount we've had any week was 3 last week. Shaping up to have a few more by kickoff tomorrow from what I can tell - only like 60% of players have made picks yet.

[yisman]

I hope people went with Miami.

[Regul8er]

I came to my senses, and took the Fish........and glad I did.

Actually, my brother talked me out of taking Detroit. 25% of the remaining people took the Lions.

[Regul8er]

By the way, that loss by the Lions should be the last straw for thw coaching staff.
You cant go into the desert, and lose to the worst team in football by 28 points.

[Regul8er]

Carolina or Indy???

I still have Pittsburgh for week 17.....but if they lose to the Bengals this weekend, it's a meaningless game, and Big Ben may not even suit up.

With that said, Indy plays Houston at home week 17, and I imagine Houston will sit everyone, since they have just about wrapped up home field. I may want to hang on, instead of using em at KC this weekend.

With that said, Carolina may be worth a look. Let's be honest, Newton has really stepped up the past 6 weeks, and this looks like a different team.