NFL '99 Pool

Notes from the Prez
Speaking for all of us at NFL control I would just like to thank everyone for participating in our little game this year.  We hope you had fun, I know I did, even if I sucked all year.

So now that the Y2K hangovers have ceased their incessant pounding, let's hope for an exciting playoff run and an entertaining Super Bowl.  Why is it that the Super Bowl is always a boring game, and why is it that the Grey Cup is always a great game?  Which is the better league?

So how about those Jets!!!  Was I right or was I right.  If they can get a coach to last more than 10 minutes, they could be the team to watch in the AFC next year.

Remember if anything goes wrong it is still the Commish's fault.  I should probably say that the Commish is not as incompetent as I have been alluding to these past weeks, but everyone in power needs a fall guy, and the Commish is mine.

A big thanks goes out to Tim who has left us for the Northern climes of Edmonton.  Good luck with the new job and thanks for all your great work on the pool these last years.  I'm sure we will see a bunch of Northern entries next year.
See you all again next year, be sure to check out "Swami" Springers picks to get the early line on how the playoffs will unfold.  He's good this guy.

Contact Information:

• AFC/NFC: Mike - [email protected]
• CFL: Jodi - [email protected]

You Heard it Here First!
Thought I'd lay some predictions for next year on you all, primarily because I like to blow my own horn, and it is a slow day at work today.
Teams to watch in the AFC next year:  Denver and New York.
Playoff teams that won't make it next year:  Miami and Seattle.
Ram's record with a tougher schedule next year: 6-10, we'll see how much Vermeil cries when his ass is fired.

Speaking of firing coaches, the axe has fallen on three so far with Ray Rhodes, Pete Carroll and Iron Mike all getting the pink slip.  Who will be the next to go?  Bruce Coslet, Fassel, the chin in Steeltown?   My guess is a playoff team will fire a coach following their exodus from the playoffs.  Look for Miami and Dallas to get active in the changing of coaches.   And what about Norv Turner, will he be fired if Washington loses early, or will he quit anyways because his owner is a meddling, obnoxious geek.  As well Bill Parcells resigns names Belichick as his successor, who promptly the very next day resigns as the Patriots announce the firing of Carroll.  Can you say tampering!!  I knew you could.  It is no secret that Pat's owner Bob Kraft has the hot sweats for Belichick, but this is going to cost him big time.

How bad is the NFC?  Rams on top and Dallas and Detroit both made the playoffs, 'nuff said.  Team of the new century?   Indianapolis if they can keep the tandem of James and Manning together.  Those boys are sweet to watch!

After Sam Madison almost became the second player to be hit in the face with a referee's flag, the league will bring in new legislation with regards to officials flags:  bungy cords attached to the officials pants.

What will be in Dan Marino's future?   After a quick exodus from the playoffs, and perhaps being yanked at half time the writing will be on the wall for old Dan.  But don't worry he will find a job somewhere, I hear that San Diego is into old quarterbacks.

Week 17 Recap

Well it should only be fitting that for our last week we would go down to the wire to decide the weekly prize winner.  Going into the Monday night game Wanker and 1st and Goal were tied at 6-2; Soft and Squishy was 5-2 and Jeff K. was 5-1-1 on Sunday, but both had taken San francisco in the Monday night game.  With a miraculous late 3 touchdowns San Fran covers the spread and Jeff K. goes 6-1-1 and dashes 1st and Goals hopes for some cash.  It was the cheapest of covers, but for Jeff it was the sweetest of covers.

And The Winners Are
According to the NFL super computer Wanker is the runaway victor in this year's pool.   With a stunning 84 wins and a winning percentage of 62%, not too shabby, there could be a future for this boy.
Second place cash goes to Peso with 77 wins.
There was a tie for the third place cash at 75 wins and Lats wins it with a better loss record.
Last place cash goes to Jimmy with a stellar 54 wins or a winning percentage of 40%.
All results are unofficial until verified by the accounting firm of Boyles and Hicks.

Check you stats and if you have any questions send us a line.  There should be no mistakes, but you never know when you have the Commish involved.

THE DOGHOUSE

Kennel Keeper Speaks...
Well this is the final installment of the doghouse.  The management of the pooch inn would like to thank all who stopped by and spent some time with us.  Some of you showed some humour when you were in the house, some of you took it personally (grow up Craig, I got tired of your phone messages so the house was where you needed to be).
Our favourite occupant this year:  hands down it has to be BillsRock, the Bills don't rock but this girl does, thanks for the notes and your winning attitude (better luck next year when you learn to back a real winner).

Honourable mention goes to Hoss who managed to find his way into the house on many situations.  Some at NFL control believe that Hoss should permanently be in the house for his support of the Pack, but then if Hoss ever stopped supporting the Pack, there would be a lot of guys out there having to take a second job...nothing like the Pack and 12 points on a Monday night.  Thanks Hoss for keeping us in beer money all these years; so who will the new coach be??  Congrats Hoss on the Fantasy win...who would have thunk it?  Not me that is for sure.

The Curse of Hendo
For those who keep track of stuff like this Hendo's record was  3-4-1 for week 17 dropping him to 13 games below the winner.  Now 71 wins is not a bad output for the year but take into consideration that at the end of week 8 Hendo had a 45-16-3 record and a winning percentage of 74%.  The last 9 weeks he went 27-41-4 with a winning percentage of 40%.   As Hendo boasted not too long ago, I should be able to keep the lead just by going slightly better than .500 the rest of the way.  But who could have predicted those multiple 2 and 3 win weeks...only those that know of the CURSE OF HENDO.  May it never rest on your head.  Oh and by the way the curse worked in the Fantasy pool as the Hillbilly lost an insurmountable lead in the last week.  The curse lives again for yet another year.

That is all from the doghouse for yet another year...woof, woof.

Handicapper's Corner

Springer was a big 3-1 this week and has probably saved his job for next year (although we will be doing some serious evaluation during the off season).  So what does the Swami think will happen in the playoffs.  Let's find out.

Steve Springers NFL Insider
You can't keep a good man down and believe me I am a good man.  Would have been 4-0 if KC had not blown their lead, their composure and their home record in losing to Oakland in overtime.  They deserve not to make the playoffs, but does Seattle deserve to be in the playoffs, NO! but you know what they play Miami who suck just as much, is it possible for both teams to lose, probably not but if it could happen this would be the game.
Rather than provide my expert analysis on every game I'm just going to pick the winners and predict the super bowl match up and eventual winner.  So without further ado here are Springer's Surefire hits and remember you saw it here first:

AFC
Buffalo at Tennessee
Johnson starts, Johnson fails
Titans 27, Bills 14

Miami at Seattle
Sea hags win at home, Marino career over.
Seahawks 28, Dolphins 10

Tennessee at Jacksonville
Boselli out, Brunell china.
Titans 17, Jaguars 14

Seattle at Indianapolis
Manning, James 'nuff said.
Colts 35, Seahawks 14

AFC Final
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Titans miraculous run in the playoffs comes to a halt
Colts 28, Titans 16

NFC
Detroit at Washington
Batch is out, good for the Lions, but Davis runs big.
Redskins 32, Lions 16

Dallas at Minnesota
One word: BLOWOUT!
Vikings 42, Cowboys 14

Minnesota at St. Louis
The dream ends as Moss and Carter outshine Bruce.  Coach Vermeil sets new pathetic standards by crying throughout 4th quarter and post game press conference.
Vikings 24, Rams 17

Washington at Tampa Bay
Defence will win this one for Tampa as they cause 6 skins turnovers.
Bucs 22, Skins 17

NFC Final
Minnesota at Tampa Bay
Home field good for Tampa, but offensive power wins this one
Vikings 35, Bucs 16

Super Bowl
Indianapolis vs. Minnesota
An offensive showdown, but the Manning/James decade is ready to begin.
Colts 36, Vikings 24

Steve Springers  Record this Season:

5-7-0 ATS
6-6 SU
Power Play of the Week: 1-2