Walk the Plank: Week 13 Picks

"Achaeans gathered in their swift-keeled ships, 

Just like raiders at black-mast-ships.

Jealous gods that plot destruction 

Golden apple of Fate’s construction”

-Trojan War Poem (author unknown). 

Sometimes Eris (the deity of discord) and her golden apple have it in for us mortals. 

When the tannery closed, Kosta had fallen on hard times. Then he found out his wife Eleni was cheating with the local “hasapi” (butcher) Mitsos. Kosta needed good deals on the lesser cuts more than ever, but at what price? 

Though Mitso's stroke had left him dragging his left leg; a lamb chop accident had cost him his right ring finger from the knuckle down, but he would dangle flank steaks and tri tips like a drug dealer. What he lacked in looks and charm, he made up for in protein. It was his way into his female customer's pants; chopping thighs by day and tenderizing breasts by night. 

Eleni, like many others fell prey, intending to feed her family. When Eleni kept buying meat they couldn't afford, Kosta knew something was awry. 

Kostas ultimate redemption was his comeback as a cattleman. He monopolized the best bovine in the area and cut off Mitso's meats for good. He got Eleni back, but the damage had been done. He couldn’t look at her the same and he heard the whispers in the plateia. Ultimately the marriage dwindled like Mitso’s libido. 

It's Raiders week! The Chargers are coming off their bye, while Las Vegas is licking its wounds after 5 straight losses including beatdowns by the Browns and Cowboys the last two weeks. Geno Smith has lost the ability to overcome a bad offensive line and got the offensive coordinator fired. Vegas is averaging a league worst 15 points per game. The defense is deeply flawed, lacking talent and giving up big plays like Draft Kings gives away $5 parlays. 

That said, “a cornered dog will jump over the wall.”

This is the last "easy" game of the year for the Chargers. The end of the season is shaping up to be a weekly struggle to stay in position for the playoffs (host the Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, host the Texans, at Broncos). There is a chance that despite the rivalry, the Bolts will overlook the Raiders and focus on what's ahead. Take the Raiders to cover (+10.5) with a renewed focus by Pete Carroll on running the ball and controlling the clock. 

The Chargers may get the W, but the greater question is will destruction be served? Will the challenge of getting by these lowly pirates cost them in the long run, will the damage be done? The Trojan war came at a great sacrifice of equipment, heroes (Achilles and Ajax) and Father Time (10 years). At what price will the Chargers prevail to face the more formidable foes ahead?

Take the Giants to cover (-7.5) against the Patriots, who are missing the left side of the offensive line. We like the Seahawks (-11.5) to crush the Vikings with their rookie 3rd string quarterback, Max Brosmer starting his first NFL game. 

Last Week 2-2

Season 17-18