Vinnie "Superbowl" Feb 1, 2008 | More

I was not planning on writing the yearly props article, since, I figured, no one following me had any money left with their bookie.   However, I received several emails begging for my picks.   Being a sharp gambler, I immediately realized why.   My faithful readers want to fade my selections!!!   Put a fork in the old guy, eh. Washed up at thirty-eight.   No need to be nice to your seniors, just call it the way you see it.   Call a ball a ball, and a strike a strike.   You, faithful readers, want to know whom I will be betting on Sunday, so you can bet against me.   Well – go for it – picks coming up soon, but first a comical note.

Speaking of old, Last week I was in Vegas at the World of Concrete.   At the convention, I went to see an old customer at a trade show booth.   I had done business with Tony Giovanni for years.   Right about the time I took over my operation 15 years ago, Tony Sr. moved to Florida to play golf everyday, and put Tony Jr. in charge.   So, I go to the booth, expecting to see Tony Jr (maybe Tony Sr.).   Who do you think I found.   Tony Trip – That’s right, the grandkid is in his 20’s running the booth.   Nearly had a heart attack when I saw that.   Cripes. I’m old.   Maybe it’s time for me to move to a sunny state.

Game Thoughts (New England Patriots -12 @ New York Giants)

The Patriots will have a plan to shut down Plaxico Burress.   The Giants may get their running game going, but the Patriots bend, but not break defense, is a perfect fit to just tease Eli Manning into making a bad decision.   One mistake, then another, and the Patriots will be blowing out the Giants.   A good chessplayer often doesn’t try to win the game, as much as let the opponent lose the match.   The Packers beat themselves.   The Cowboys beat themselves.   The Patriots are NOT a team I expect to beat themselves.   The Patriots prove they are the best team EVER, convincingly in Arizona.   Giants are just happy to be on the same field.   After a couple frustrating stops, and unable to keep up with Brady’s offense, the game will not even be competitive.   In their last five games against the spread, New England is 0-5 and the Giants are 5-0.   Look for the Pats to go against that betting trend, and win convincingly.   Pats -12 ***** (5 Stars)

Props

Tom Brady OVER 2 (-125) rushing yards:   With the Giants pass rush, he should have to scramble a couple times and stumble over the line of scrimmage.
 

Tom Brady – Longest Completion OVER 47.5 yards:   Don’t you think he want to go for the big one with Randy Moss as a target – Likewise, don’t you think with 2 weeks of film study, the Patriots found something in the Giants defense?

Kevin Faulk – Longest Reception OVER 9 ½ (-130):   Kevin Faulk is a matchup player, and Brady will find him for a 10+ yard gain sometime during the game.

Tedy Bruschi Total Tackles OVER 6 (-135) – He’ll be all over the field, in perhaps his final game.

Mike Vrabel Total Tackles OVER 4.5 (-110) – He too will be all over the field.

Team to Score First PATRIOTS -165: Pats have more Superbowl experience – They should score first, right out of the gate.

Team to make the first successful field goal of the game.   PATRIOTS -130 (Again, Patriots should move the ball easily, and score first)

Team to record the first 6 (1st downs) in the game PATRIOTS -155 – Not only do the Pats score first usually, but they move the ball effectively, taking what the defense will give.

Will New York Giants score in both the 1st and 2nd Quarters? NO -115 Pats defense should hold the Giants at least one of the two quarters, probably the first quarter.

Will either team score in the last 2 minutes of the 1st Half ? YES -300: Both teams have intelligent quarterbacks that handle the two minute drill well.

That’s it for Vinnie – Good Luck with your selections, I’ll be a huge Patriot fan come Sunday.   See you next year at FantasySharks for the best info on the web.

Vinnie!