Hale's NFL Picks

What happened in Week 17?

(Hale handicaps all games, but not all games are "picks")

As you read here earlier, Hale's never had two losing weeks in a row. Since last week didn't go so well with Hale's lone Best Bet (Hale's *glad* Reeves is getting the ax!), Hale was bound to do well this week. And that's what happened. Hale had four side picks this week, and most of them covered for a respectable 3-1, with Sunday night's game still to come. In fact, as you can see below with the Public Picks, Hale predicted the Oilers upset as Houston beat the Ravens outright, 24-21.

Over/unders continued their winning ways, going 2-1 during Week 17.

The playoffs start next week! Write Hale email for information about receiving playoff picks though the Super Bowl!

Best Bets (last 15 weeks): 18-10

Week 18 Public Game

Important note: Hale won't be near a computer after Thursday morning until Sunday. If you want to receive all his playoff picks, you'll have to send him email before then, or realize that your note of interest won't be read until after this week's games.

• Dallas - 9: Dallas took it easy last week against Washington, and can you blame them? They could afford to rest their starters in a game that meant nothing to them. Minnesota, oddly, has been winning ever since those nasty Lou Holtz rumours started swirling around the head of Dennis Green.
  
  The Cowboys have been here before. In their 11 playoff games since 1992, they've covered all but 4 of 'em (including last year's Super Bowl). When Dallas is at home and the spread isn't enormous, they've covered over 81% of the time. The Vikings, on the other hand, haven't covered in any playoff game since 1988, and have failed 5 straight (3 of those under Dennis Green).
  
  Much to Hale's dismay, it appears the Cowboys are back. Or wait, did they ever go away? Either way, experience will be a factor here, as cool and composure go in Dallas' favor. "Defense" is the word of the day as the Cowyboys cover here, and win 21-10.

As you probably already know, past success is not a guarantee of future results. While many hours of preparation and research go into each week's picks, Hale provides no warranty, implied or express, for their success. And anyone who can guarantee you a win is either lying or has ties to organized crime.