Week 21 Preview

Stats on predictions
Last week: 5-1
Overall: 58-50-6
Upset special: 5-12-1
Mismatch: 10-7-2

The division races are hot as a chili pepper, and we have some GREAT matchups this week that will directly impact the playoff races.

Let's get right to 'em.


Match of the week
Chris (11-8-1) vs. Hal (12-7-1)
Line: Hal -1.5
Info: Hal wins the Elin Nordegren Division with a win, but he can not clinch with a tie. If Chris wins out, he wins the division. That's a nice $75 payday before the playoffs even begin. Expect both managers to pull all the tricks out of the bag to go after a win this week.
All-time series: Hal 1-0
2010 result: Hal 15-3
Prediction: Hal 10-9

Mismatch of the week
Adam (14-5-1) vs. Dave (5-13-2)
Line: Adam -7
Info: Adam shouldn't have any problems - especially after last week's near-disaster - in beating Dave, who has not won since Week 13. Adam controls his own destiny to win the division and claim the top seed in the playoffs. If he wins out, it's his.
All-time series: Adam 4-3
2010 result: Adam 14-6
Prediction: Adam 15-5

Upset of the week
Bob (15-5) vs. Jack (8-11-1)
Line: Bob -4.5
Info: Even with a loss, Bob's division-title hopes will not die. Jack, on the other hand, would be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss AND a win by Joe OR Rick. Simply put, Jack needs this more and will go for the win at all costs. Add that into Bob's hitting slump, and we could see an upset.
All-time series: Bob 4-3
2010 result: Bob 9-8
Prediction: Jack 11-9

Upset of the week II
Andy (11-9) vs. Rick (8-10-2)
Line: Andy -2
Info: Rick is turning it on late in the season once again. And now Albert Pujols faces Washington and Pittsburgh this week. Yikes. Andy generally struggles against Rick, winning just once in seven tries, so this is a good bet for an upset. If Andy wins, he will clinch a playoff spot
All-time series: Rick 5-1-1
2010 result: Rick 8-7
Prediction: Rick 10-7

Rest of the week
Joe (9-10-1) vs. Mike (6-13-1)
Line: Joe -3.5
Info: Joe clinches a playoff spot with a win and losses by Jack AND Rick. Let's hope that doesn't happen, as it would completely take out any Week 22 wild-card drama. There might also be scenarios where he clinches with ties, but my head is starting to hurt.
All-time series: Mike 4-3
2010 result: Mike 14-6
Prediction: Joe 12-6

Shea (8-10-2) vs. Ken (7-13)
Line: Pick 'em
Info: These two are a combined 1-11 in the last six weeks. Pathetic. Shea technically can still make the playoffs, but that's very unlikely. Ken is shooting to avoid last place, although he admittedly would enjoy the chance to land Albert Pujols in next year's draft with a top pick. And, it's a 30 percent chance, Ken!
All-time series: Ken 6-1
2010 result: Ken 10-8
Prediction: Tie 9-9