2014 Dark Tower Football Pick Contest - Come Reap!!!

[NeedfulKings]

The season begins THURSDAY, September 4, 2014. NO late registration!!!!

How to Play

1. It’s simple. Click on the following link and it should take you to the ESPN pigskin pickem site. If you don’t have an ESPN profile, you will have to set one up. Trust me, it’s worth it!!!! If you joined in on the other ESPN contests earlier this year, that profile will work. In fact, as a bonus to joining us in the Pigskin picks, you’ll be able to easily compete in other contests such as March Madness and College Bowl Mania (you might even win a trophy!).

http://games.espn.go.com/nfl-pigskin-pickem/2014/en/group?groupID=2043

Click the “Get Started” button and follow the steps to register in our group.

Password: roland (all lower case) - please do not share this with any non-members of this site.

If you have questions about how to set things up in our group, post your questions and the community of folks here will try and help you out.

2. The contest will begin with the first regular season game in Week 1. Only one entry per person in our group and it must be identifiable to me as a member on this board or you can PM me with your ESPN handle. Once the season has started the group is locked. This means that any latecomers will not be able to join (sorry about that!), so please get in early. Picks for week 1 can actually be made now!

3. The contest will end at the conclusion of the regular season unless ESPN continues into the playoffs (which has not happened in the past). We can continue talking smack all the way through the playoffs, though!

4. At the end of the regular season, whoever has the best Win/Loss record wins the coveted First Place trophy. We also award trophies for Second, Third, and (much sought after, one of a kind, not available in any other contest) Last Place Trophy**

Last year’s winners were ELazansky – First Place, cit1974 – Second Place, Garrell – Third Place, and doh – Last Place.

**In order to qualify for last place, you need to pick every week, however, If you mistakenly miss picking one or two games (i.e. a Thursday or Saturday game), we can do the math and, with penalties, make adjustments. To be safe, just be sure to get IN THE GAME each week and make your picks early!!!!

If you need ANY incentive, here is a sample of a few of the trophies given out over the last few years:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/IMG_3553.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/dtn_trophy/IMG_0873.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/bookking/media/dtn_trophy/IMG_0873.jpg.html)

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/dtn_trophy/IMG_4114.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/dtn_trophy/IMG_2602.jpg
Good luck everyone!!!

[BedOfRoses]

:rock:

So excited!

:rock:

[east-tennessee]

I'm in...............:) :excited:Great to see football back......

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

GUNZUP4LIFE = BROWNING'S CHILDE

[Merlin1958]

GUNZUP4LIFE = BROWNING'S CHILDE


You think that will help? If so, maybe I should try. Lord knows I've been terrible in the past!! LOL

[NeedfulKings]

Only 9 people so far. I like my odds!!!!! :dance:

Get IN THE GAME, folks! Just a couple of weeks to go.

[Ben Staad]

I'm in I think.

[NeedfulKings]

I'm in I think.

Traditionally you are copefiend - correct? If so - I don't see you on the list.

[Ben Staad]

Duh! Now I am in.



I'm in I think.

Traditionally you are copefiend - correct? If so - I don't see you on the list.

[SpaceMaN]

I saw we're up to 14, get in on it people!

[Jon]

Football returns. I am saved.

[Joe315]

I'm in!

[SkippyD023]

I am ready for another season of football!!!

[Joe315]

Minor NSFW, also don't know why it is showing up small.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTLjobt6PaM

[Merlin1958]

Minor NSFW, also don't know why it is showing up small.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTLjobt6PaM


Ummm, He's not quite ready, your honor!!! LOL LOL

[doh]

And my axe!

But seriously, I am going to try to go for first this year. Hopefully I won't need to worry whether to tank or not. Heh.

[sharki69]

Let's do it - First time for me... I have no idea which teams to pick :)

[gsvec]

I'm psyched - it's that time of year again!!! I'm in - #19! :)

[NeedfulKings]

Oh nice! New blood and old blood! I'm sure there will be a race for the top - and then the race for the bottom! :D

I'll plan to suck, as usual. :p

[Merlin1958]

Oh nice! New blood and old blood! I'm sure there will be a race for the top - and then the race for the bottom! :D

I'll plan to suck, as usual. :p

At least you'll be in good company, my brutha!! LOL



Edit: Whoa!!! 18,500 posts!!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Edit: Whoa!!! 18,500 posts!!!!

Big mouth!

Just kidding. :p

[Merlin1958]

Edit: Whoa!!! 18,500 posts!!!!

Big mouth!

Just kidding. :p

LOL Nah, I do have a big mouth!!! LOL

[Jon]

Edit: Whoa!!! 18,500 posts!!!!

Big mouth!

Just kidding. :p

LOL Nah, I do have a big mouth!!! LOL

I'd say prolific.

[cit74]

All signed up - ready to add another trophy to the mantle

[Merlin1958]

Edit: Whoa!!! 18,500 posts!!!!

Big mouth!

Just kidding. :p

LOL Nah, I do have a big mouth!!! LOL

I'd say prolific.


Well, it does hold my entire foot at times!! LOL

[NeedfulKings]

21 Strong so far! My chances of winning - still zero, lol! Get your picks in by Thursday night - Seahawks/Packers!

The group will be locked at game time on Thursday, so get in now!!!

[Merlin1958]

Pretty sure I am ready to roll!!

[NeedfulKings]

Pretty sure I am ready to roll!!

Or ready to get rolled! :Ball Kick:

:P

[Merlin1958]

Pretty sure I am ready to roll!!

Or ready to get rolled! :Ball Kick:

:P

Oh, that hurt me deeply, Bill. Why would you kick a, Brother when he is obviously going down. Sad, state of affairs, indeed. I just don't know what to say. I thought we were, "Buds". :confused::confused::confused:

[NeedfulKings]

Always brothers, my man. When you get kicked - I get kicked. Even if I'm doing the kicking. ;)

Let's roll and win this thing! :shoot:

[Merlin1958]

Always brothers, my man. When you get kicked - I get kicked. Even if I'm doing the kicking. ;)

Let's roll and win this thing! :shoot:

Sounds like a plan to me. No more shooting for last place. I'm going for the gold!!!


"Bold words for a one eyed fat man"

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Room 217 Caretaker (mulleins 1) is in the house :mummy:

Game On

Mulleins

[NeedfulKings]

Less than 24 hours to go and the group will lock! I am ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Merlin1958]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOf_v5o_CeE

[Mattrick]

http://youtu.be/FAI8it97MxE?t=1m52s

[Merlin1958]

Okay, that was absolutely required, right? LOL

[Mattrick]

I wish that was the NFL theme song lol

[Ben Staad]

Off to a quick 0-1 start...Let the race to last, first, or mediocrity begin!

[Merlin1958]

Off to a quick 0-1 start...Let the race to last, first, or mediocrity begin!


1-0 here. What the heck were you thinking, Tim? LOL

[Ben Staad]

Superbowl hangover is what I was thinking.



Off to a quick 0-1 start...Let the race to last, first, or mediocrity begin!


1-0 here. What the heck were you thinking, Tim? LOL

[Merlin1958]

Superbowl hangover is what I was thinking.



Off to a quick 0-1 start...Let the race to last, first, or mediocrity begin!


1-0 here. What the heck were you thinking, Tim? LOL

Yeah, I hear you, but their defense is freaking awesome. I'm not sure it will carry them to a repeat, but it has to be respected. They pretty much sut down Rodgers & Co. didn't they?

[Ben Staad]

I missed the game and only saw the score. It sure sounds like they put the stranglehold on GB.



Superbowl hangover is what I was thinking.



Off to a quick 0-1 start...Let the race to last, first, or mediocrity begin!


1-0 here. What the heck were you thinking, Tim? LOL

Yeah, I hear you, but their defense is freaking awesome. I'm not sure it will carry them to a repeat, but it has to be respected. They pretty much sut down Rodgers & Co. didn't they?

[Merlin1958]

Okay, boys here we go!!! Tomorrow is the real deal!! Good luck to all and Fuck the faint of heart!! LOL

[NeedfulKings]

Okay, boys here we go!!! Tomorrow is the real deal!! Good luck to all and Fuck the faint of heart!! LOL

Amen!!!!!!

[east-tennessee]

Sunday football is here..............:rock: Good luck with your picks.......

[NeedfulKings]

Okay, boys here we go!!! Tomorrow is the real deal!! Good luck to all and Fuck the faint of heart!! LOL

Amen!!!!!!

F*ck Sundays! :nope:

:wtf:

[ELazansky]

And it looks like I am picking up exactly where I left off - in 1st :rock:

I hope my luck continues to hold for the rest of the season.

[RUBE]

You mean tied for 1st. Though if it is like most years, I will be near the top for a few weeks then fade into the middle of the ranks.

[Room 217 Caretaker]

Wow! I missed my pick for last night, now I can't see the other games to select for week 2.

Bummer

[Jon]

Only one pick matters...the Seahawks!

[NeedfulKings]

Wow! I missed my pick for last night, now I can't see the other games to select for week 2.

Bummer

You should be able to see and make the remaining picks. Make sure you've signed in.

[gsvec]

I know it's definitely short lived (as in by later today lol), but I just LOVE seeing my name in FIRST PLACE! w00t!!! :rock:

[ELazansky]

I know it's definitely short lived (as in by later today lol), but I just LOVE seeing my name in FIRST PLACE! w00t!!! :rock:

You're the only one who picked the Chargers, but then you went ahead and picked the Raiders...could have really moved ahead there.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

I picked the panthers then blew it by picking the Jags too. One too many cats.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

How bout the hawks or the saints. Ouch.

[NeedfulKings]

Ugh! I'm firmly in the basement. The views are not nice from down here!! And the Seahawks lost!

[Merlin1958]

WTF? The "Seahawks"??? LOL I quit!! LOL

[gsvec]

Thinking now I should've picked with my heart instead of my head on the Bears/9ers game. :orely:

[Joe315]

Thinking now I should've picked with my heart instead of my head on the Bears/9ers game. :orely:

Me too. I'm happy Da Bears won though. Great second half.

[NeedfulKings]

I will start posting standings here soon. I'm just behind (like I am on so many other things!).

I do want to acknowledge our weekly gurus though!

Week 1:

Congratulations to ELazansky, sharki69, RUBE, and chadtarter for having the best picks (11 wins)!!!

Week 2:

Congratulations to gersto and Ben Staad for having the best picks (10 wins)!!!

:)

[cit74]

Just happy my eagles pulled through last night - and helped my homer pick

[east-tennessee]

Gonna pick some crazies this week........:sweat_002: mabey it will work out...........:tongue:

[ELazansky]

Gonna pick some crazies this week........:sweat_002: mabey it will work out...........:tongue:

I have as well - you can't just pick the favorites every week. Gotta take a few chances here and there to try to separate from the pack.

[NeedfulKings]

Gonna pick some crazies this week........:sweat_002: mabey it will work out...........:tongue:

I have as well - you can't just pick the favorites every week. Gotta take a few chances here and there to try to separate from the pack.

What if you're already separated from the pack???? :mad1:

:wtf:

[gsvec]

I can't believe I missed making my Thursday pick :( ARGH.....

[Joe315]

Bill, copefiend and myself leading the pack. Thats a first for me, can't believe I've gone 10 for 11 so far.

[Merlin1958]

I'm having a decent week finally with two to go.

[RUBE]

I don't know what crazy urge made me pick the Jets. For a minute there I thought they might come back and make my pick look less stupid. Then they remembered they are the Jets.

[NeedfulKings]

I can't believe I missed making my Thursday pick :( ARGH.....

And even with that....

Week 3:

Congratulations to gsvec for having the best picks (13 wins)!!!

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

I got some separation this week! Unfortunately, in the wrong direction.

[SpaceMaN]

I can't believe I missed making my Thursday pick :( ARGH.....

And even with that....

Week 3:

Congratulations to gsvec for having the best picks (13 wins)!!!

and Joe315

[NeedfulKings]

Good catch, SpaceMan!

Week 3:

Congratulations to gsvec and Joe315 for having the best picks (13 wins)!!!

[Merlin1958]

Welcome to mediocrity, Jerome!!! We all float down here! LOL

[NeedfulKings]

Welcome to mediocrity, Jerome!!! We all float down here! LOL

Shhh....don't wake a sleeping giant. Dude has more football bling than the Steelers. Let him be!

;) :D :D

[Merlin1958]

:emot-roflolmao:




Welcome to mediocrity, Jerome!!! We all float down here! LOL

Shhh....don't wake a sleeping giant. Dude has more football bling than the Steelers. Let him be!

;) :D :D

[gsvec]

I'm curious, Bill - in all your time running this WONDERFUL annual contest, has anyone ever had a perfect week?

[NeedfulKings]

I'm curious, Bill - in all your time running this WONDERFUL annual contest, has anyone ever had a perfect week?

I will check the archives this weekend. I don't think anyone has gone 16-0, but I am pretty sure someone (more than once) has gone 13-0 or 14-0 with bye weeks.

:)

[SpaceMaN]

I can vouch for that, I think someone went 14-0 once last season.

edit: Garrell went 13-0 week 8 last season.

[NeedfulKings]

Good research SpaceMaN!

Spencer pulled a 14-0 in week 11, 2012 as well.

I'm willing to put a special trophy on the line for anyone who can drop a 16-0 week.

DO IT!!! :)

[SpaceMaN]

As of right now it says our group is 39th best out of all of ESPN groups.... keep it up everyone.

[Ben Staad]

I just dropped our average this week. Shame on me.

[Merlin1958]

Oh, my Lord!!!!



LOL LOL LOL

[NeedfulKings]

Wow - rough week for most of us!

Congratulations to Spencer for having the best picks (10 wins)!!!

[SpaceMaN]

As of right now it says our group is 39th best out of all of ESPN groups.... keep it up everyone.

Well that's gonna drop immensely, since it seems like doh is going for last place just 5 weeks in.

[divemaster]

I've been mired in second-to-last place or thereabouts so far, but today I seem to have climbed up to 8th. I don't think I'm going to win any tiebreakers, however. My prediction for the score of the Monday night game is Seattle 99; Redskins 0.

[Merlin1958]

Think I have a decent shot at 12 picks this week. I still have Cincy and Seattle to go.

[NeedfulKings]

As of right now it says our group is 39th best out of all of ESPN groups.... keep it up everyone.

Well that's gonna drop immensely, since it seems like doh is going for last place just 5 weeks in.

True. But since we won't win a trophy for being 39th, I see the allure... :biggrin:


Think I have a decent shot at 12 picks this week. I still have Cincy and Seattle to go.

Leave it to Boston to mess up your prediction! :pirate:

On that note:

Week 5:

Congratulations to RUBE and gersto for having the best picks (13 wins)!!!

[Merlin1958]

Yeah, tell me about , Bill I swear they knew about my 2008 cracks "18-1"!!!! LOL

[Spencer]

I'm curious, Bill - in all your time running this WONDERFUL annual contest, has anyone ever had a perfect week?

I did once, a few years back.

[Spencer]

I'm curious, Bill - in all your time running this WONDERFUL annual contest, has anyone ever had a perfect week?

I will check the archives this weekend. I don't think anyone has gone 16-0, but I am pretty sure someone (more than once) has gone 13-0 or 14-0 with bye weeks.

:)

Yep, I think I was 14-0, definitely not 16-0.

[Spencer]

Good research SpaceMaN!

Spencer pulled a 14-0 in week 11, 2012 as well.

I'm willing to put a special trophy on the line for anyone who can drop a 16-0 week.

DO IT!!! :)

aaaand there was no need for me to post since you guys already found it. LOL

[Jon]

I think Seattle spent too much time in the "Fun with Flags" threads this week.

[NeedfulKings]

Week 6:

Congratulations to gersto, Spencer, Joe13, and Randall Flagg for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

[Merlin1958]

Week 6:

Congratulations to gersto, Spencer, Joe13, and Randall Flagg for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

Fucking Giants or I would have had 12 as well!!!! :mad:

[RUBE]

Week 6:

Congratulations to gersto, Spencer, Joe13, and Randall Flagg for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

Fucking Giants or I would have had 12 as well!!!! :mad:

You're right. Fuck the Giants.

[Merlin1958]

Week 6:

Congratulations to gersto, Spencer, Joe13, and Randall Flagg for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

Fucking Giants or I would have had 12 as well!!!! :mad:

You're right. Fuck the Giants.


I'm gonna pretend you never said that you heathen!!! LOL

[RUBE]

Well, my picks weren't great and I cannot figure out who to start on my so-so fantasy team anymore BUT the Cowboys beat the Giants so life isn't too bad.

[Merlin1958]

Well, my picks weren't great and I cannot figure out who to start on my so-so fantasy team anymore BUT the Cowboys beat the Giants so life isn't too bad.

Nice!! I thought we were friends???? How many rings does, Romo have? BTW, I'm going "balls deep" on your fantasy team this week!!!

[SpaceMaN]

What the hell kind of football do you watch? Your obsession with balls is quite disturbing.

[Garrell]

So wish I was in this year. My fault though :(

[Jon]

Well, THAT was a nice birthday present the 'HAWKS gave me...fuckers!

[RUBE]

Well, my picks weren't great and I cannot figure out who to start on my so-so fantasy team anymore BUT the Cowboys beat the Giants so life isn't too bad.

Nice!! I thought we were friends???? How many rings does, Romo have? BTW, I'm going "balls deep" on your fantasy team this week!!!

Me cheering for the Cowboys has very little to do with you. I grew up in Texas watching Aikman, Smith, Irvin, and gang clobber the rest of the division and win Three rings. I realize that has been almost 20 years but old habits die hard.


On topic, I thought my picks were looking a little better with the Texans up 13-0 and then the last two minutes of the half happened.

[Merlin1958]

Well, my picks weren't great and I cannot figure out who to start on my so-so fantasy team anymore BUT the Cowboys beat the Giants so life isn't too bad.

Nice!! I thought we were friends???? How many rings does, Romo have? BTW, I'm going "balls deep" on your fantasy team this week!!!

You really should retire that saying. And me cheering for the Cowboys has very little to do with you. I grew up in Texas watching Aikman, Smith, Irvin, and gang clobber the rest of the division and win Three rings. I realize that has been almost 20 years but old habits die hard.

Yeah, fine. I was just trying to fire up the "smack talking". Lost cause I guess. This league is so "Gentleman-like". I guess you go with the flow. Never mind me, I'll be quiet. Message delivered and accepted.

[Merlin1958]

You can talk trash all you want but maybe you should just stop with the "balls deep" stuff.

Yep, got it. Thank you.

[NeedfulKings]

Week 7:

Congratulations to gersto, ELazansky, gsvec, SkippyD023, sharki69, and Phoenix Ignition for having the best picks (11 wins)!!!

[gsvec]

Is anyone else having issues with the ESPN Pickem site? I keep trying to make my picks, but they don't take! Very frustrating . . . I need to get 'em in!!! :panic:

[NeedfulKings]

I'm having issues as well. Hopefully ESPN is working on it - I'll try to get it reported asap.

[gsvec]

Well, I finally got my picks in, but not in time for Thursday's game. Argh. Oh well - at least I got in the rest!

[Jon]

So Percy Harvin Has an Anger Management problem.

Is there anyone else we could add to this list? Not just Seahawks? should they be fired? Traded?

Jim Harbaugh? Ndamukong Suh?

[NeedfulKings]

Week 8:

Congratulations to Randall Flagg and Ben Staad for having the best picks (11 wins)!!!

[Jon]

Such high scores this week.

[BROWNINGS CHILDE]

Another bad start to the week. Saints pick up their first road win of the season....at my expense.

[NeedfulKings]

Week 9:

Congratulations to ME for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

[Jon]

You did it , Bill!!

[NeedfulKings]

Week 9:

Congratulations to ME for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!


You did it , Bill!!

It does NOT happen often, my friend!!! :) :) :)

[NeedfulKings]

Week 10:

Congratulations to BedOfRoses for having the best picks (11 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 Gersto (windnwaves) - 104
2 sharki69 (sharki69) - 99
3* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 97
3* RUBE (RubeCoe) - 97
5* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 96
5* Joe315 (Joe315) - 96
7* NeedfulKings (NeedfulKings) - 95
7* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 95
7* Gsvec (gsvec) - 95
10* Unknown.... (Neil The Greek) - 94
10* SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 94

* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 77
23 mulleins (mulleins) - 75

[ELazansky]

Gersto is opening up a big lead. This is shaping up to be a battle for 2nd and 3rd.

[Ben Staad]

Nice season so far for Gersto. Congrats.

[Jon]

Congrats, BoR!

[NeedfulKings]

Week 11:

Congratulations to east-tennessee for having the best picks (10 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 111
2 sharki69 (sharki69) - 107
3* Joe315 (Joe315) - 105
3* RUBE (RubeCoe) - 105
5 Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 104
6* SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 103
6* NeedfulKings (NeedfulKings) - 103
6* gsvec (gsvec) - 103
6* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 103
10* Unknown.... (Neil The Greek) - 102
10* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 102


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 85
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 80

[NeedfulKings]

Due to the moving of the Jets/Bills game to Monday, ESPN may have unpicked that game....

CHECK YOUR PICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Randall Flagg]

It dropped my pick. Glad I caught it.

[ELazansky]

I would have gone 15-0 this week if the Chiefs would have won...oh well, I least I picked up two games on the leader and one on the folks in 2nd and 3rd. It ain't over till its over...

[Randall Flagg]

Sucks to go 12-3 and lose ground. Ouch!

[NeedfulKings]

Week 12:

Congratulations to ELazansky for having the best picks (14 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 123
2 sharki69 (sharki69) - 120
3 RUBE (RubeCoe) - 118
4* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 117
4* Joe315 (Joe315) - 117
6* gsvec (gsvec) - 116
6* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 116
8 Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 115
9 SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 114
10* Unknown.... (Neil The Greek) - 113
10* NeedfulKings (NeedfulKings) - 113


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 91
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 84

[Jon]

I would have gone 15-0 this week if the Chiefs would have won...oh well, I least I picked up two games on the leader and one on the folks in 2nd and 3rd. It ain't over till its over...
...to the Raiders!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Week 13:

Congratulations to ELazansky for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 133
2* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 129
2* sharki69 (sharki69) - 129
4 RUBE (RubeCoe) - 127
5 Joe315 (Joe315) - 126
6* SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 125
6* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 125
6* gsvec (gsvec) - 125
6* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 125
10 NeedfulKings (NeedfulKings) - 123


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 96
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 90

[RUBE]

I took a few risks to try to get back in the race and instead completely screwed myself.

[NeedfulKings]

I took a few risks to try to get back in the race and instead completely screwed myself.

Ditto....nothing seems to work for me!

[divemaster]

I got 12 picks correct this week (including a good call on Oakland!). That's my best performance so far, I believe.

However, I'm still in 19th place.

I'm much better at picking against the spread. Not sure why we don't do it that way. Maybe b/c the spread varies somewhat day to day?

[SpaceMaN]

I play all the mini-games on ESPN. I actually thought about making groups for here, but don't have any snappy trophies to give as incentive. Maybe next season we can go vs. the spread, and maybe an Eliminator and the Gridiron Challenge too.

What are you vs the spread? I'm at 110pts (92.7%) vs the spread, as opposed to 132pts (81.1%) straight up.

[divemaster]

I don't track spread picks via a contest or on-line challenge. All's I know is that after a heavy college and pro season so far, my "guy" owes me money rather than me owing him. So that must say something!

[SpaceMaN]

Ah cool, just wondered. You can make another entry in the same contest we play here, but vs. the spread ESPN puts up. They don't change once they're up, and there's always a half-point so there's no pushes. ESPN is pretty good about making the spread right too.

[Merlin1958]

We gotta get a trophy for most mediocre player!!! LOL

[NeedfulKings]

Week 14:

Congratulations to Spencer and BedOfRoses for having the best picks (13 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 145
2* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 140
2* sharki69 (sharki69) - 140
4* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 138
4* Joe315 (Joe315) - 138
6* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 137
6* RUBE (RubeCoe) - 137
8 SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 136
9 gsvec (gsvec) - 135
10 NeedfulKings (NeedfulKings) - 133


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 102
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 94

[NeedfulKings]

I'm much better at picking against the spread. Not sure why we don't do it that way. Maybe b/c the spread varies somewhat day to day?

Just a preference, I guess. A win is a win, right? :) :) :)

[ELazansky]

I know it may be a little early to bring this up, but with so many folks locked in the tight battle for second and third place, what will be the tie-breaker procedure for the final week? Last year, I think it was the best record on week 17, but I don't really think that is fair. Can we do some sort of head-to-head comparison to see which person "won" more weeks against the other?

[SpaceMaN]

...says the guy with the best picks 5 times....

Nah, he's right though, it looks tight and hell, maybe even I can sneak in there too.

[ELazansky]

...says the guy with the best picks 5 times....

Nah, he's right though, it looks tight and hell, maybe even I can sneak in there too.

At this rate, everyone is going to tie for second ��

But if I am ahead of another player by one, and on the last week, he picks 11 and I pick 10, we tie. I shouldn't lose just because of week 17. What about my body of work for the year...that should count for something

[NeedfulKings]

I know it may be a little early to bring this up, but with so many folks locked in the tight battle for second and third place, what will be the tie-breaker procedure for the final week? Last year, I think it was the best record on week 17, but I don't really think that is fair. Can we do some sort of head-to-head comparison to see which person "won" more weeks against the other?

While there might be some disparity on who won more weeks than others, I don't think it takes away the fact that two tied cumulative scores are equally impressive at any given point. Tiebreakers are not popular in any sport or competition, but sometimes they are necessary.

Feel free to discuss....

[RUBE]

If you're tied then isn't your body of work the same as the other person? No matter what, a tie-breaker uses some smaller sample to decide the overall contest. Any tie-breaker you pick is going to seem unfair to someone. Whatever NK had in mind as a tie-breaker from the beginning should stay that way. You should never change rules mid-contest.

[ELazansky]

Yes, two people tied would have the same "body of work." I just think there are better ways to break a tie than who did better in week 17. That's like saying to two football teams "Well, you both finished the regular season 12-4, but since you won your last game and the other team lost, you win the tie-breaker." You're throwing out the whole season and pinning it on who does better one week. I would be fine with the tie breaker being the final score pick in week 17. At least that puts everyone on the same playing field and says "you both have the same record, so since we can't decide it by wins and losses, we'll go with closest to the actual game score wins." I just don't like giving all the credit to who has more wins in week 17.

I would never ask for the rules to be changed in mid-season. They are what they are. Just throwing it out there for discussion for future years to try and come up with a different tie breaker that compares a broader statistic than the score for one week.

It may not matter anyway. Week 16 has a lot of close matchups, so I have a feeling that the ties may break apart after the games are played and the dust settles.

[cit74]

I know I'm nowhere close to second - and this year all my fantasy leagues are crap - ah it was only last year I finished in top three and won my money league - fond memories…sorry, where was I.

Oh yes - we pick total score each week - for the sole reason to break ties - if they're not really used during the season - then it should be used as a final tiebreaker at the end of the season to separate 1/2/3. Going forward it might be interesting if there are several people tied with weekly high score to use the final spread each week to give something extra to one of these teams. This would have to be calculated separately and added in at end of year. Like if we gave 0.1 points to the weekly winner that had closest to the spread. Then you'd have to use price is right rules - add total points away from actual teams scores to get differential (now if there is still a tie - then they each get 0.1 points - over the course of 17 weeks that should not be an issue). Now you've taken into account the point spread each week and that might be more fair and avoid the end of season tie scenarios

[NeedfulKings]

Week 15:

Congratulations to Spencer and RUBE for having the best picks (14 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 156
2* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 152
2* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 152
4* RUBE (RubeCoe) - 151
4* sharki69 (sharki69) - 151
6* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 150
6* Joe315 (Joe315) - 150
8 SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 148
9 gsvec (gsvec) - 146
10 SpaceMaN (Unslingable) - 145


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 105
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 97

For those wondering about tiebreakers - this is how ESPN has set up the use of the tiebreaker game. I am NOT saying this is how we will do it since they also offer the same format as last year (using Week 17, etc.). I just want discussion on whether either is more fair, less fair, more exciting, less exciting. :)

Tiebreaker #1 - The entry that correctly predicted the winning pick of the Tiebreaker Game is considered the winning entry.
Tiebreaker #2 - An Entrant's predicted Tiebreaker Game score is compared to the actual Tiebreaker Game. The differences between the predicted scores and actual scores for each team are added. The entry with the smallest total difference is considered the winning entry.
Tiebreaker#3 - The Entrant whose predicted score for the winning team is closest to the actual score of the winning team is considered the winning entry.
Tiebreaker#4 - The Entrant with the highest total overall points is considered the winning entry.
Tiebreaker#5 - The Entrant with the highest total points earned one (1) week prior is considered the winning entry.
Tiebreaker#6 and so on - The entrant with the highest total points earned two (2) weeks prior is considered the winning entry. Tiebreakers will continue backwards using each previous week's total until the tie is broken or no previous weeks remain.

[RUBE]

I think you mean congratulations to Spencer and Rube for week 15.


So I guess I should have been submitting a tie-breaker score each week. I will make sure to do so going forward.

[ELazansky]

I like Tiebreaker #2 - you could have one team's score a little high and the other a little low, but the total points could be spot on. That's an interesting one.

I, too, have not been filling in the score every week, but will do so for the final two weeks.

[NeedfulKings]

I think you mean congratulations to Spencer and Rube for week 15.


So I guess I should have been submitting a tie-breaker score each week. I will make sure to do so going forward.

Oppps! Sorry, man! All those numbers make my eyes go wonky! :) Congrats!


I like Tiebreaker #2 - you could have one team's score a little high and the other a little low, but the total points could be spot on. That's an interesting one.

I, too, have not been filling in the score every week, but will do so for the final two weeks.

It's not a matter of using just tiebreaker # 2, 3, etc. It is a progressive tiebreaker. We look at #1 first and if that breaks the tie (i.e. one tied player picked the winning team and the other did not), we are done. If both players picked the winning team, we move onto #2. If they happened to pick the exact same cumulative score, we move onto #3, and so on.

Does this make sense?

All this to say - I love that there is SUCH a close race at the end. We've got a lot of great players this year. Keep picking and GOOD LUCK!!!!

[ELazansky]

Ok, I get it. I like the whole progressive thing then.

Gonna be down to be wire for sure

[cit74]

yep - the progressive tiebreaker looks good - hopefully it will not have to go back 3 weeks for picking scores….

[NeedfulKings]

Oh yes - we pick total score each week - for the sole reason to break ties - if they're not really used during the season - then it should be used as a final tiebreaker at the end of the season to separate 1/2/3. Going forward it might be interesting if there are several people tied with weekly high score to use the final spread each week to give something extra to one of these teams. This would have to be calculated separately and added in at end of year. Like if we gave 0.1 points to the weekly winner that had closest to the spread. Then you'd have to use price is right rules - add total points away from actual teams scores to get differential (now if there is still a tie - then they each get 0.1 points - over the course of 17 weeks that should not be an issue). Now you've taken into account the point spread each week and that might be more fair and avoid the end of season tie scenarios

I think something like this would add a level of complication I am hoping to avoid in this particular contest. Not that it couldn't be done, but the more complex it becomes on paper, the more chance of a problem popping up as the season develops.

I'm not trying to sound like a wimp, lol. I just want to make sure I have as much fun as I can watching everyone but me win.

:P

[NeedfulKings]

Week 16:

Congratulations to gsvec for having the best picks (12 wins)!!!

And here are the top 10 (and Bottom 2) players

Rank/Name (ESPN name)/Wins

1 gersto (windnwaves) - 164
2* Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 162
2* ELazansky (ELazansky) - 162
4 RUBE (RubeCoe) - 161
5 sharki69 (sharki69) - 160
6* gsvec (gsvec) - 158
6* SkippyD023 (SkippyD023) - 158
6* Randall Flagg (Thedarktower.org) - 158
6* Joe315 (Joe315) - 158
10 SpaceMaN (Unslingable) - 152


* denotes a tie

22 doh (doh) - 113
23 mulliens (mulleins) - 105

After much deliberation, after week 17, if there is a tie and we cannot award all parties a trophy, we have decided to go with the ESPN recommended overall tiebreaker as we did last year. There are many factors we could use to break a tie but we can only pick one. I wish everyone the best of luck!

Tiebreaker #1 - Higher number of points scored for Week 17
Tiebreaker #2 - Higher number of points scored for Week 16
Tiebreaker #3 - Higher number of points scored for Week 15
Tiebreaker #4 - Higher number of points scored for Week 14
Tiebreaker #5 - Higher number of points scored for Week 13

Tiebreakers will continue backwards from week thirteen (13) until week one (1).

[RUBE]

I had Atlanta picked to win and chickened out at the last moment. If I had left it alone there would be a three-way tie for second. Guess I'll just have to win the last week.

[NeedfulKings]

All games are Sunday. Good luck!!!! ..... and Merry Christmas!!!!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/king.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/bookking/media/king.jpg.html)

[Jon]

I thought there was a big mud wrestling tournament for tiebreakers!

[Joe315]

We have a tie with one game to play!

[Joe315]

And it looks like Spencerchestnutt will take home the trophy!

Congrats!

[NeedfulKings]

No mud wrestling!

And it looks like we will not be exercising the tiebreaker option, so there will be multiple trophies again this year. We are anxiously awaiting the results of tonight's game for a final tally.

[NeedfulKings]

Final Standings

Congratulations to our 2014 Dark Tower Football Pick Contest!!!!

First Place - Spencer (spencerchestnutt) - 175
First Place - gersto (windnwaves) - 175

Second Place - ELazansky (ELazansky) - 173

Third Place - sharki69 (sharki69) - 171
Third Place - RUBE (RubeCoe) - 171

Last Place Winner - Room 217 Caretaker (mulleins) - 109

It was an amazing season with many of these players jockeying for positions throughout the year.

Almanac info:

This is the first NFL Pick Contest trophy awards for gersto, sharki69, and mulleins. This is Spencer’s third trophy (2012 and 2009) and his first First Place trophy. This is ELazansky’s third trophy (2013 and 2011). This is RUBE’s fourth trophy (2010, 2008, and 2007).

This is the sixth year that multiple trophies have been awarded and the third season with First Place winners sharing the gold (2012 and 2007).

Thank you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those enjoying Bowl Mania, good luck there. And check back in around March Madness for more trophy opportunities!

Bill and Jeanne

[BedOfRoses]

Congratulations to all the winners! It was a very exciting finish and there were some great picks the last couple of weeks. Fun season and I'll look forward to next year. :)

[SpaceMaN]

3 13s and a 14 in the last 6 weeks, well played Spencer, I didn't think gersto was catchable.

Hile Mediocrity!

[Ben Staad]

Congrats to the winners!

[ELazansky]

Congrats to Spencer for catching Gersto. I thought we were both out of out for a long time. I tried to close the distance but came up a few picks short in the end.

Thanks to Bill and Jeanne for another wonderful season of pick 'em.

[SkippyD023]

Congratulations to all the winners. A very exciting and close season.

[Spencer]

Holy crap I won!?

[NeedfulKings]

Does anyone know if mulliens changed his/her name? I can't seem to locate in the member list, but I'm certain they are a member....

[gersto]

Congratulations, Spencer, on First Place! You were awesome! I'm honored to share the honor with you!

[sharki69]

Congrats to all the winners ! It was fun.

Thank you Bill and Jeanne

[ELazansky]

Does anyone know if mulliens changed his/her name? I can't seem to locate in the member list, but I'm certain they are a member....

He goes by Room 217 Caretaker

[NeedfulKings]

Does anyone know if mulliens changed his/her name? I can't seem to locate in the member list, but I'm certain they are a member....

He goes by Room 217 Caretaker

Thanks Eric!

[east-tennessee]

Congratulations to the trophy winners......:rock:

Thanks Bill for hosting the contest.....

[Randall Flagg]

Spencer made a fierce 4 week move to tie for 1st. Competition was strong. Years ago 66% would be a runaway 1st place. Now it takes ~70%.

Congratulations to everyone, and thanks to Needfulkings for handling the contest.

[NeedfulKings]

Thank you all. And thanks for competing! Having only won the share of a last place trophy in the 9 years of this contest still gives me pleasure to compete. Seeing new people win each year is even better. RF and Phoenix Ignition are the only players to win more than one First Place trophy. That speaks volumes to the caliber of players we get each year.

Next year is my year! Stand back!!!

:)

[gsvec]

Next year's my year, too, Bill! Missing those Thursday games didn't help this year - that's for sure! Thanks for another great season and congrats to the winners!

[RUBE]

Thanks for another great competition Bill. Maybe one of these times I can win the trophy that counts. Great job to Spencer and gersto who did it this year.

[Jon]

Thank you , Bill of the North West. I didn't participate but I enjoyed watching.

Thank you to the rest of you for putting up with my occasional rant/dumbassed comment.

[NeedfulKings]

Teaser alert: Trophies are finally in. Alas, I am heading out of town in the morning on business...back Friday. I'll get pictures up then and get them in the mail soon after. Thanks for the patience!!!

[NeedfulKings]

Sorry for the long delay, folks. But here they are! I promise to get them in the mail in the next week.

Congratulations to everyone!!!!

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2/bookking/IMG_5674.jpg (http://s68.photobucket.com/user/bookking/media/IMG_5674.jpg.html)

Congratulations again to our 2014 Dark Tower Football Pick Contest!!!!

First Place - Spencer
First Place - gersto

Second Place - ELazansky

Third Place - sharki69
Third Place - RUBE

Last Place Winner - Room 217 Caretaker

If the footballs look a little deflated, it's to commemorate the 2015 playoff season.

:dance:

[Merlin1958]

Bill, you rock!!! LOL

[Jon]

Congrats, Spencer!

[ELazansky]

Got my 2nd Place trophy today - thank you so much!

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/ELazansky/Mobile%20Uploads/805649A7-86BE-4E3E-BD0A-43C47721A915_zpssuln0syp.jpg

[NeedfulKings]

Got my 2nd Place trophy today - thank you so much!

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/ELazansky/Mobile%20Uploads/805649A7-86BE-4E3E-BD0A-43C47721A915_zpssuln0syp.jpg

Sweet! Look at that bling!

[RUBE]

Sorry to hijack the pick contest thread but maybe I can get some eyes that don't normally stop by the fantasy football thread.

Is anyone interested in joining our fantasy football league? We have 11 of 12 people signed up already. I would really like to get the last person so we can start talking draft dates. We are still using the dynasty format so you would be taking over a team not completely redrafting one. However, that team will have Adrian Peterson on it and the first draft pick in our rookie/free agent draft. If you are interested, please PM your email address to me. If I get multiple responses, the first PM gets the spot.

I am also looking forward to this pick contest again. Maybe this year I will not choke in the last weeks.

[NeedfulKings]

Good luck with your group, RUBE!

I'll be in to start the Pick Thread a couple of weeks before the regular season begins. I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!