50¢ System
75¢ System
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USA Today stopped the rankings (online anyway), so they won't be used.  Anyone who can help - let me know if the print edition still has rankings.  Meantime I will use my numbers based on DPP100Y.

I  mentioned that you could do OK using just the defensive stats found in the Friday edition of the USA Today newspaper, ergo the name "50¢ System," - the cost of a newspaper.  It has since gone up to 75¢.  In 2001, I had time to track the strategy starting in week nine and it produced a 35-30 record.

OK, so the system finished at 13-13 in 2004, not a money maker.  Someone suggested I abandon the system, but I'll have it return for 2005.

Here's how it works: you buy a USA Today paper on Friday, spending a grand total of 75¢, circle the top ten defenses, and play them using this strategy.  You play on a top ten defense, except when they face another top ten defense, unless you can find a compelling reason to play on or against them.

The USA Today ranks teams by yardage, not points or DPP100Y, so I don't feel like they are as accurate as some other stats, but we'll see how it performs.  The basis for the Defensive Top Ten theory is DPP100Y, while the USA Today picks will be posted most Saturday evenings by 8:00 Eastern, as time allows.

Week XVII
(in order of defensive ranking)

Done For The Year

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There are lots of valuable sources here - check out Bulldog and Dave Bender.  They're always free and they're consistent winners.  The Hilton Contest selections can be found on the main page; the list goes on and on.  My picks are only a small percentage of what this site can do for bettors.

Remember to shop the line, as someone may have a ½  to 1 point difference.  Getting a ½ point will make a difference over the course of a season, so shop the line.

Thanks and as always - Good Luck,

Sonny