Happy Halloween!!!

It appears this blog was meant to be 

bi-weekly.

I have to leave town early today for a Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines concert (yee-haw).

Who's going to show up?

Which leads me into a nice segway for this weeks NFL picks, it's all about who's going to show up.

SHERMY'S SAFE SIX!

These are going to be the picks that I like the MOST this weekend with a SHORT analysis.

Last week I went 3-3, should have been 4-2 but thanks to a questionable call on Steve Smith, a TD was called back 80 yards. All that matters is the end score though and I screwed the pooch. For the year I sit at 8-10 (that's losing money in Vegas ya'll).

1.) SD (+1) @ Miami

Antonio Gates

Miami for the year is 13th in the league against the TE, which is slightly better than average. But when they've played upper level TEs (Gronk and Kelce) they gave up well above the NFL average in points. Gates started off the year HOT 13 receptions, 177 yards and 2 TDs in two games. He had a little cold stretch, but the last four games he has 15 receptions, 202 yards (and most importantly) 6 TDs so better than 1 of 3 receptions is going for a TD. I expect somewhere in the range of 5 receptions, 80 yards and a TD for a respectable performance and enough to put the Chargers (who are on a 2 game losing streak) on top with the win straight up even.

2.) JAC @ CIN (-10.5)

"AJ Green"

That 1/2 point is SO important. Teams that are 10 points favorites since 2003 cover or tie 55.7% of the time. Teams that are 10.5 favorites only cover 48.9% of the time. Jacksonville however is 1-3 ATS on the road and Cincy is 3-1 ATS at home. In addition the line opened at 13.5 and has moved down to 10.5. That means there's been a lot of money on Jacksonville +13.5 down to +11. Vegas makes money on losers, only 2% of people that gamble on sports win, so go away from the money. The others have bought the line down for you, now is the time to take advantage. It's a small sample size but the two games AJ Green has played at home, they've covered. He may get injured, he won't be 100% but he will be an asset for them.

***If AJ Green or Giovani Bernard doesn't play this pick will be the other way***

There will not be an update on this blog however.

3.) PHI @ HOU (Under 49)

Not the Colts

HOU is 2-1 at home UNDER with their over being a Thursday night amped up game against the Colts. PHI is 1-2 on the road UNDER with their over being on a Monday night amped up game at the Colts. Do you see a common theme here? You know who IS going to show up, JJ Watt. And I mean the real JJ Watt, not the fake JJ Watt. Foles has thrown 7 INTs in the last 6 games. Last year he threw 2 in 10 starts. Maybe DeSean Jackson leaving had a little impact on him? Maybe LeSean McCoy not being as great as expected did? Maybe Darren Sproles being out hasn't helped? Somehow with their line issues, he's only been sacked 7 times, but I expect Watt to change that number. I expect 1.5 sacks and a few TFL on McCoy for Watt and a lower scoring than expected contest, maybe in the range of 24-14 Eagles.

4.) ARI (+4) @ DAL

"Brandon Weeden"

Did I like when Brandon Weeden had to come in? No. 

Would I have preferred Kyle Orton to still be there? Yes. 

Do I know anything about the 3rd string QB, Dustin Vaughn? I know he is 6-5, 233 pounds and played at Texas A&M in 2012 and through 45 TDs... Sorry, West Texas A&M. Larry Fitzgerald had his best game since 2007 and Carson Palmer has 3 straight games with 2 TD's (actually 4 but then he missed 3 games) for the Cardinals. On the Cowboys defense, Justin Durant (the Cowboys leading tackler) is out for the year and Bruce Carter is going to play more now and broke his finger in practice. Tony Romo is now a game time decsision, which means he will play but won't be 100%. Garrett said he wanted to lower the load on Demarco Murray so obviously there will be more emphasis on the pass (they're #2 in the league in highest % of running plays).

5.) STL @ SF (-9.5)

Colin Kapernick

Last game against the Rams Kaepernick had 343 yards passing, 3 TDs and another 37 on the ground. He's not going to repeat that performance, but I do expect a good game. The Rams 1-2 ATS on the road, the 49ers are 2-1 ATS at home. Since Austin Davis's 375 yard game against the Eagles, he's thrown for 236, 155 and 160. In addition, Brian Quick is out for the reason who was a big play guy for them earlier this year. As long as they keep Jared Cook under wraps I don't see STL having much offense to go with and this SF defense is pretty good actually (less the 42 point performance against Denver, but I throw out Peyton Manning results as an outlier. Of the 21 they allowed to PHI, 14 was on a punt block and interception return. That's the most they've allowed in the last 3 games (less Peyton Manning outlier) In addition, they are coming off of a bye week, which means they'll be rested and ready to go. I think Frank Gore may actually have a decent game as well, but that's really going out on a limb.

6.) DEN @ NE (Over 54)

Peyton Manning & Tom Brady

Some people are saying this could potentially be their last matchup. The Patriots are set to play the AFC West team that finishes in the same position as them. I see both of these teams finishing in 1st in the in their division and playing in 2015 in Denver. And even before that they could be headed for a crash course in the playoffs unless the Colts or Charges can derail that matchup. The points previously put up in this matchup are 57, 55, 52, 38, 51, 23, 61, 47, 72, 44, 69 (classic 7 TDs and Colts go to 9-0), 59, 52, 65 (in OT) and 42. An average performance of 52.5 points but taking into consideration the Patriots defense was a lot stronger in the first 6 matchups (Manning finally won the 7th matchup) I expect it to be more like the last 7, so an average of 64. How this isn't a primetime game I don't know. Statistically this year the Patriots are 5-0 OVER their last 5, the Broncos are 4-0 OVER their last 5 and it appears 

Brady has found his groove putting up 317, 3.5 TDs and 0 INTs on average the last 4 games. 

I think Manning has found himself too, 330, 3.5 TDs and .5 INTs the last 4 games. If those averages continue, that's 49 points not figuring in any FGs and Gostkowski is sure to get at least a FG or 2. As long as the weather doesn't play a big factor, I really like the over.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Winterize That Home!

Winter is Upon Us... 

Cold is just around the corner (except tomorrow which is going to be unseasonably warm at a high of 68), but past that corner, there's cold, I can assure you this. I mean the Farmer's Almanac says so, so it must be true. 

The biggest change from your fixed and variables costs moving from summer to fall and winter is your utility bills. As long as you manage these expenses accordingly, you save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Here are some tips that apply for different months throughout the year:

1.) If you own a house, painting the roof white is very helpful. Those houses can require up to 40% less energy during the warmer months. Depending on the type of paint and current roofing structure, you can also protect it against rain, snow and hail in this manner. The recommendations I found were for a elastomer paint that is found at most hardware stores.

2.) Installing an irrigation meter can save you money just by knowing how you're charged. Typically you are charged twice for water, once for pumping it in and again for pumping it out (as sewage). If you water your lawn, that water never goes back out as sewage, but you're still charged as if it were. By installing an irrigation meter, you can track the amount of water pumped in and out. The outlay of the upfront cost can typically be recouped in a few years (quicker if you have a larger yard/pool/hot).

3.) Change the temperature on your water heater. The recommendation I read said to set it at 120 degrees vs typical 140 or more. The way a water heater works is like a hot tub in a sense. It keeps the water warm until you're ready to use it. If you're gone for a weekend or even a week's vacation, you're heating water that isn't going to be used for at least a few days. Would you leave a hot tub set at 110 degrees over a weekend? So why would you leave your water heater so much hotter than you need it? It is obviously much harder to heat new water than to keep it heated, but typically you won't drain a water tank unless you're hosting the Brady Bunch after a muddy tug of war event.

4.) Use a permanent AC/Furnace Filter. Typically you replace these every 3-4 months at anywhere between $4-5 a pop. Every year, that's as much as $20, which seems minor. But if you bought a $20 permanent filter, that you just wash off when it gets grungy, after year 1, it's all savings.

5.) Upgrade your appliances. By upgrading your appliances, you are more than likely getting more energy efficient (and sleeker looking) ones. The energy efficiency not only saves you money currently, but can attract buyers when you're ready to sell your home knowing they won't have to outlay that extra cash.

6.) Put up a window covering. This tactic does not look pleasing, but it can save you oodles if you have energy INefficient windows. But just putting a thin piece of plastic that you can buy at any local general store, taping it to the wall and using a hairdryer to shrink wrap it, you can add an added layer of insulation to your house. Typically you just want to do this once and leave it until it's going to be getting warmer. At the same time, you don't want to do it when it's too cool because it makes the process much trickier. Something else in line with this that you can do is cover up any outside light you see coming through. You'll want to check all outside walls, doors and windows. Doors can be a huge energy suck so I would start there after covering the windows.

7.) Check your Meter vs Your Bill. I had a bill for $10,904.99 - NOT SHITTING YOU!!! Look below. This was a blatant error. Sometimes the errors may not be so obvious though and it's important you're only paying for what you use. Occasionally check your last bill's reading and match it up with what your meter says. If it doesn't seem right, ask questions. I ended up getting over $100 back on top of this egregious error by Knox Cooperative Energy Group (through complaining to the BBB).

7.) Get a Programmable Thermostat. This is a great tool for those that are usually rushing out in the morning. If neither you nor your spouse (or roommates) are in your house between 9 and 4, why are you cooling or heating it during that time? The couch can survive in 60 degree cool for a few hours. Set it to line up with your schedule. Unless your as OCD about saving money as me, this is important because sometimes it just slips our mind.

I hope this provides some good insight on utility savings for this week! Now on to some more interesting things, football picks.

SHERMY'S SAFE SIX!

These are going to be the picks that I like the MOST this weekend with a SHORT analysis.

Last week we went 4-2 (I consider the lock of the week a win). I forgot to take into account the Manning factor of him setting a new NFL record for TD passes. Even though technically, every game moving forward he will be setting a new record, we won't be taking that into account any further. I don't see any cumulative NFL records getting approached this week and we stand at 5-7. I think we'll have a music theme this week.

1.) BAL (-1) @ CIN

"Don't Cry for me AJ Green-A"

Originally done by Julie Covington, even this game being played across the river from Covington can't save the Bengals. AJ Green is officially listed as doubtful for that game. Baltimore is ranked as the 28th pass defense in the league, but they don't have to cover Marvin Jones or Green so they can focus on Sanu. Giovanni Bernard is still shaking off his back to back "Hit Stick" hits, so I don't think he will be a big factor against the 8th ranked rush defense. IF, AJ Green plays and is healthy, I like Cincy +1 at home, no doubt in my mind. If he plays and is Megatron Healthy, i.e. a decoy, I like Baltimore. So in most cases, I like Baltimore. Forsett has strung together a few good games, they had a good showing against Atlanta (a shell of season opening Falcons team) and I think Flacco might be getting his stuff together. Baltimore's two losses are against Cincy (full strength, two receivers ago) and the Colts at Indy, which is a tough place to play. I feel very confident about Baltimore winning this one.

2.) GB @ NOR (Over 55.5)

"Everything Gets Hotter when the Sun Goes Down"

This was an easy song pick. In an article last December, I read that Drew Brees plays lights out when the big light (the sun) is out, especially at home. In the 17 prime-time home games, he has 446 for 626 (71.2%) for 5,339 yards and 46 touchdowns. That's an average of 314 yards and 2.7 TD's/game. That will net you roughly 28 points in DraftKings. In his last two home games he has 4 TD's and 664 passing yards. In Rodgers last two games he has 7 Td's and only 458 yards passing (but when you're up 42-0 passing is kind of faux pas). Eddie Lacy is slowly getting back in the swing of things and Mark Ingram is coming off injury getting loosened up as well. I can see this game going over in the 3rd quarter.

3.) IND (-3) @ Pittsburgh

"Get Lucky"

Daft Punk came on late in the 2nd quarter for the Steelers. Down 13-3 they received a punt at 1:46 left in the 2nd. The best they SHOULD have hoped for is a 13-10 halftime deficit. But wait, there's more, a quick TD (I mean a 19 second drive), a fumble that looked like a dead ball to the naked eye (we'll consult Mike Carey, he's usually pretty accurate) and then a short pass (why are you passing on 1st down when you just gave up 14 points in 24 seconds) and it was basically over at that point. Without that sequence, they lose, they had no momentum or offense to really speak of. Indy on the other had has taken care of business pretty well, including a shutout and eight "3 and outs" to start the game. Without a penalty on Indy and turnovers in the red zone, this game would have been 24-0 at the half and a much worse final score. Indy is a far superior team, the Steelers are middle of the road in pass defense, Andrew Luck should tear them apart.

4.) WAS @ DAL (-9.5)

"Let Down for What"

Dallas is due for a let down game, but I am not sure this is the game. "Send out Bryant, And Throw him the Damn Ball - LET DOWN FOR WHAT". Colt McCoy (who wasn't good enough for the Browns, was/is/definitely is, is 3rd string on the Redskins will be starting this game. The last time he played in Texas, he had 146 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. His team lost by 18. Before that in 2009, he through for 396 yards and 4 TDs... Against Kansas. I am thinking that he's going to show a performance more like that 146/1/1 one. His numbers weren't bad last week, 11 for 12, 128 and a TD. That being said, his TD was a 10 yard pass that went for 70 and he only had 58 yards other than that pass. If they stop the west coast passes, this should be a cake walk for Dallas. On Monday night, Romo usually isn't that good (6-6 W/L, 13TD to 17INT, 163YPG). But unlike last time, they're not going to be in the cold Chicago winter (that's not until December this year on Thursday) and other than Doug Free their offense is pretty healthy. They've also played pretty well at home, while the Redskins are 0-3 on the road by a combined margin of 27 points. If we get to a combined margin of 38, we're winners.

5.) DET @ ATL @ London (Under 47)

"No Offense"

Yes, I had to Google this title. I also had to turn it off because it was so bad. That's how I feel this game will be. Megatron made this trip, going for a ride in the London Eye is about as high flying as it's going to get. For Atlanta, it's simple, shut down Golden Tate, stop Joique Bell. Reggie Bush is injured and doubtful, as is Calvin (we don't have an update on Hobbs yet). For Detroit's defense, it's simple - just play defense. Atlanta's offense is not that good since their line is down to 3rd string center and I think they have 40% of their opening day lineman. This is a game I am okay that's so early, because I have no plans to watch it.

6.) STL @ KC (Under 44)

"AJ Turn it Up"

I think everyone likes a good Yellow Claw to start the weekend right. That AJ is in reference to AJ Jenkins, the starting WR for the KC Chiefs. You know him, he has 15 catches in 2 years, went to Illinois, 6 feet, 200 lb African American male? This year he had that 45 yard reception on my birthday against Green Bay. Well anyways, he's going to be starting thanks to Donnie Avery being out. Travis Kelce is also a little banged up. Jamaal Charles is ALSO a little banged up. So their offense really doesn't have a lot of weapons. A moral victory should be 17 points for the Chiefs. On defense they're stout. Yes they allowed 26 points to the Titants on opening day, but they also allowed 14 to the Patriots. And that 26 points was aided by 3 Alex Smith INT's. So let's go ahead and discount that a little bit. For the Rams, they have Austin Davis (who is playing surprisingly well, Tre Davis (who took over for Zac Stacy apparently) and I think they have some receivers but none come to mind. I can see this being 17-13 and turned off everywhere in the midwest. Or at least in that blue area below because they're the only people being forced to watch that on Fox.

Shermy's Six Went A solid 1-5 in week 1.

Shermy's Six went a much improved 4-2 in week 2. Now at 5-7 for the year.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Rates Dropping - No Time for Full Blog

SHERMY'S SAFE SIX!

These are going to be the picks that I like the MOST this weekend with a SHORT analysis.

1.) CIN @ IND (-3)

IND is 5-1 ATS, only not covering due to a last second FG by Cody Parkey against the Eagles. I think AJ Green, Burfict, Marvin Jones will all be out or not at full strength. I like the Colts to win by at least 3 in this one.

2.) KC @ SD (-4)

SD didn't cover the spread against OAK, which was last week. OAK had a new coach, a new attitude and they showed it at home against the Chargers. The Chargers are now 5-1 SU and ATS. They own the single season best ATS record at 13-1-2 and they are well on their way this year. KC is a mess, lose by 16 at home to the Titans, beat the Fighting Brady's by 27. Charles is not at full strength Knile Davis can't be the back they need him to be. Their leading RECEIVER is averaging less than 50 yards/game and although Travis Kelce has come on strong, I expect this San Diego team (who is +73 Pt Differential on the year) to smoke KC like the namesake did with the peace pipe years ago.

3.) CAR @ GB (-7)

Although GB hasn't looked like their super bowl prior selves, I think Eddie Lacy is finally back, Aaron Rodgers has everyone RELAXing and the duo of Nelson/Cobb is enough to run and fly by this Carolina defense which was so heralded early. CAR is 4-2 ATS but lost SU against a TERRIBLY playing Pittsburgh team, got beat by 28 at Baltimore and then luckily TIE thanks to a Nuge missed field goal that he makes over 80% of the time. But he's only 65% for the year, including 50% from 40+ so maybe it wasn't a gimme as much as people thought. Regardless, GB gets a BIG win, maybe the biggest of the week.

4.) NYG @ DAL (Over 48)

The NYG got shut out for the first time in... well it was late last year, so it's not a real long time. But they did get shut out, and they will be hungry to do some scoring. Not having Victor Cruz hurts, but that just means that other weapons that maybe Dallas isn't prepared for will step up. The last few games in this series have put up, 45, 67, 53, 41, 45, 71, 53, 75, 55, 66. I wanted to keep going until I found a low total. That's an average of 57.1 points in the last 10. At Dallas, the last 5 have averaged 66.2 points. This is GOING TO BE A SHOOTOUT or it could be a 14-10 game. If it's not 14-10 I expect a 27-24 minimum. This is a great game to tease the over.

5.) SF (+6.5) @ DEN

DEN is good at winning, but not good at covering the spread. They are 2-3 ATS while SF is 4-2 ATS. Wes Welker hasn't come back to full form and SF seems to be getting their stuff together, covering the spread in the last 3 weeks. DEN only covered last week due to a last minute pick 6. Carlos Hyde is going to be getting more and more carries it appears and this may be the decline of Frank Gore for your fantasy leagues.

6.) Lock of the WEEK!!!

 Don't bet. If you don't bet you can't lose. I am trying to find the stat, but something along the lines of 2% of sports betters end up profitable in the long run. This is my lock of the week.

I don't know if I can keep up with the finance/mortgage weekly, but I will keep up with the sports weekly, so feel free to check back on Friday. Also, if I really like the Thursday game, I may throw up a short writeup about that.

Shermy's Six Went A solid 1-5 in week 1.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I'MMMM BAAAAAACCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!

Well Folks - The layoff was simply TOO LONG.

I logged in and saw I had received over 2,000 views 
earlier this week and decided today was the day.

It's been exactly 9 months and I think it is time to deliver... 9 months... Deliver... No?

We're getting closer to the holiday season and I am guessing NOW is the time YOU want to start saving.

But first, a little trivia for you. 
Can you tell me what this chart is?

As you can see as time progresses along the x-axis, the y-axis slowly decreases. What could this be?

Give up? 

It's the temperature the last month here in Ohio. 

If you live in the northern hemisphere that should have been pretty easy.

Okay, so let me give you one that is a little more difficult.

These are the interest rates in Ohio over the last 30 days.

Having trouble reading that?

INTEREST RATES ARE DROPPING!

Yes, it's true, interest rates are dropping once again. They are edging back towards their historical lows so don't be the dummy that misses out again!

Be the smarty pants that takes advantage of Equitable's low to no closing costs, industry low rates, Platinum Level of Service and unmatched know how (even better than that NAPA company).

Did you know when you refinance you will skip at least one mortgage payment AND POSSIBLY TWO!!!

Let me put this is in savings terms (#'s are just examples):

You currently have a Principal and Interest Payment of $1,000.

You refi to a rate lower by .375% and now your P&I Payment is $950.

In 30 days - You save $1,000 by missing a mortgage payment.

In 60 days - You've saved $1,050 after you've made your 1st payment.

After you've made 1 years worth of payments, you've saved $1,600.

Refinancing around the holiday is a great cash flow solution, but remember consult your mortgage professional to make sure it truly makes sense. 

If you're only saving some cents, there may be scents of a crappy deal in the air and you don't want to be incensed that because it didn't make sense you only saved a few cents.

FOR THOSE THAT DON'T OWN A HOME BUT STILL WANT TO SAVE MONEY!!!

I suggest taking advantage of a saying traced back to 1562,

 "Out of Sight, Out of Mind".

The easiest way to save is to forget it's there.

1.) Set up an account with a bank that you don't previously have a relationship with, but is offering a free sign-up bonus.

a.) Huntington - $150

b.) PNC - $300

c.) CitiBank - $400

***This income is taxable as interest it's such a small amount it is SO worth it ***

2.) Set up a direct deposit into a bank account that is not easily accessible.

This makes getting the money out so much more difficult that it isn't worth your time and forces you to save money.

3.) Cut up your debit card!

This will prevent you from taking money out of the ATM and you should be RESPONSIBLY using your credit card and earning those points anyways.

Now we've talked a little personal finance, we've talked a little mortgage talk the only thing left is sports. These are the picks I really like this week.

SHERMY'S SAFE SIX!

These are going to be the picks that I like the MOST this weekend with a SHORT analysis.

1.) SD (-7.5) @ OAK

SD is 5-0 ATS, OAK is 0-2 ATS at home. Brandon Oliver filled in for what looked like a depleted RB core and did great. The Raiders are 31st against the run, but 5th against the pass. They've played Geno Smith, Ryans (Tannehill and Fitzpatrick) and Mr. Brady being outscored by an average of 13 points (meaning teams weren't throwing in the 4th quarter usually).

2.) JAC @ TEN (-5)

Jacksonville is BAD. They 0-5 ATS and TEN showed they CAN be a good team at times. This is the same team that beat KC in week 1 @ KC, who KILLED the Patriots @ KC, who beat the previous unbeaten Bengals by 26 points. 

This Jags offense DOES NOT have the firepower the Browns possess (seems weird saying that) at 28th and 31 overall in passing and rushing. A final Apples to Apples, Jags lost to the Colts by 3 less AT HOME than the Titans did AT INDY. That tells me they are at least 3 points better, plus the 3 at home, plus Delanie Walker is a difference maker that the Jags don't have. Also Toby Gerhat has been ruled out...

3.) PIT @ CLE (Over 47)

Their first meeting was a 30-27 victory with the O/U set at 41. They've upped it a little bit, but I still it going over. You have the 8th and 4th best rushing attacks paired with the browns porous defense, 27th and 30th against the pass and rush. This is just what the Steelers need after losing to the Buccs and relatively speaking, barely beating the Jaguars. It's a rivalry game, the Browns are going to be looking for redemption after they could have won last time. In addition Jordan Cameron is finally back (AND HEALTHIER THAN HE'S BEEN). Pittsburgh is 21st against the TE so I see Jordan Cameron having a big game.

4.) DET @ MIN (Under 43.5)

This supposed dark horse of Detroit has not lived up to expectations. They've scored the 3rd least points in a conference that features Tampa, Minnesota (w/o AP) and the Redskins who can't figure out their QB is. Their running game is HORRENDOUS (28th) and their defense is actually pretty stout 6th and 3rd ATR/ATP. Minnesota on the other hand is 27th in passing yards and 10th in rushing. However, I think Detroit can figure out how to stop Matt Asiata if they figured out how to stop the Jets RB core and Eddie Lacy. It looks like Bridgewater is going to get the start for Minnesota who has looked better than any other options, BUT I still think Detroit shuts him down. TY Hilton had only 12 less receiving yards LAST NIGHT than the Vikings leading receiver Jennings has had in 5 games. As long as Megatron is out as well or still being used as a decoy, I see this one being a 20-14 game.

5.) NE @ BUF (Under 45)

Tom Brady is not the Tom Brady of old. His receivers are not the receivers of old. Buffalo with a combination of EJ Manuel and Kyle Orton have averaged .2 yards less passing per game than Tom Brady. New England scored 43 in a game in which they NEEDED to win, at home, during primetime. This isn't that same setting. Fred Jackson has been ruled "Fine", but even when he was fine they only averaged 19.2 points a game including a "blowout" win at Miami 29-10. The Patriots offense has been up and down, lead often by their running game going against an opponent that is 2nd in rushing yards allowed all year. I see this being a close game that Brady pulls out to take the outright division lead, but low scoring in the end.

6.) Upset Special BAL @ TB (+3.5)

Usually when you're picking the spread, their isn't an upset. After how the season started for these teams, 3-1 Ravens and 1-3 Buccs, this spread should have been considerably more than 3 points. The Buccs ARE NOT looking ahead, with bye week and Minnesota to follow. The Ravens have a potentially tough game coming up against Atlanta. Baltimore is heading down to the sticky Tampa climate after playing either in a dome or above the Mason-Dixon line (I think). Beyond that, Mike Glennon has looked alright... Mike Evans is supposed to be back, hopefully healthy. The Muscle Hamster (which is one of the best nicknames in all of sports) has picked up his YPC in each game as well as added a reception each game he's played. While the Ravens have come off a game against the Colts scoring only 13 versus a team that allows the 3rd most points in their conference (and division for that matter). I actually think the Buccs are going to win straight up.

I don't know if I can keep up with the finance/mortgage weekly, but I will keep up with the sports weekly, so feel free to check back on Friday. Also, if I really like the Thursday game, I may throw up a short writeup about that.

Have a great weekend everyone!

***10/13 Update***

Shermy's Six Went A solid 1-5 in week 1. Ironically the one I got correct I bet against in my own betting and didn't play Jordan Cameron in my fantasy league...

Better weeks to come!