Author Archives: zcodeadmin

NHL Picks 11/23: New York Rangers at Nashville Predators

NHL Picks: New York Rangers at Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have turned things around, but I think the New York Rangers are the better team. The Preds are without their franchise goaltender, and it’s taken a while for them to adjust. That being said, they enter with a three-game winning streak.

The Rangers will likely start a backup goalie here, but I don’t think it will matter. The Rangers defensemen, especially their top pairing, are among the best in hockey. I don’t expect many scoring opportunities for the Preds, who lack offensive firepower.

New York is starting to come  ... 

NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars, 11/26

NHL Picks Contest ($100 Prize, $50 Runner-Up): Round Four – Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars 11/26

Still anyone’s game with only one undefeated contestant and I’m having a lot of fun with this. I hope you guys are too! Only one game on Tuesday, but I like the regularity we’ve established and I actually really like this game too. Participation is high – keep it up! That’s the fun of a competition like this.

The Anaheim Ducks have been struggling lately, and a hard-luck loss to the Devils made me smile from ear to ear. The Dallas Stars are a decent team and they’re playing well. Also, the game is in Dallas.

With only one game on the docket, watch for Vegas to manipulate the line and push money one way or the other. I truly believe the Ducks are the better team, but I also believe that the way both teams are playing right now is a key consideration.  ... 

Thursday Night Football Picks: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

NFL Picks: Thursday Night Football – New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

Tough luck on Monday Night as a controversial call ended a very exciting game. Our teaser looks good and the close game we predicted came through, but we were one play away from taking everything.

Thursday Night football is a similar situation for me, but the opposite. I like a teaser here, bringing the line under 3 points, and I like the money line in a parlay.

For me, this choice is simple. The New Orleans Saints have too much to play for, and are simply too talented for the Atlanta Falcons. The line is a little sharp, and I’m not sure they cover ten in a divisional rivalry game, but the Saints are playing very well.

Two issues concern me in this game. First, the Falcons are getting healthy. This is their season, as they search for a game to hang their hat on. This divisional rivalry on  ... 

NHL Picks Contest: Standings Update, Round Three ($100 Prize)

NHL $100 Picks Contest ($50 for second place): Standings Update Through Three Rounds

Looks like I got you guys again. 64 comments, 10 correct guesses. The Avalanche came through on home ice as underdogs for the select few of us who went against the grain.

Only Elias Anderson remains perfect through three rounds, but five competitors are hot on his trail and like I say every week it’s still anybody’s game. These contests tend to go well beyond ten rounds. Here’s how it looks after three:

3 Wins: Elias Anderson

2 Wins:

Michal Janochowski  ... 

NHL Picks: $100 Contest Round 3 – Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche

NHL Picks: $100 Contest Game – Chicago Blackhawks at Colorado Avalanche

Round Three of our contest, and only two people have gotten both games right. This is still anybody’s contest for sure, so don’t forget to comment on the post pinned to the top of our Facebook page.

This is a fun one for me. The Avs have really been slumping, but they’re fantastic on home ice. They have speed, goaltending, and scoring. They’re not as balanced as the Blackhawks, but they can surely give them a game.

Z-Code agrees and this doesn’t really fit any systems. The Hawks are consistent, but they’re not necessarily dominant in their wins. This comes down to a 55/45 money line chance for victory, with 3 stars of underdog value on the home team, but two stars of value on the favorites. Our computer is as conflicted as I hoped the public would be when selecting this game for our competition.

The whole world seems  ... 

NFL Picks: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers, Monday Night Football

NFL Picks and Predictions, Monday Night Football: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers

Everyone loves the panthers and the public is on the Pats. I think the “insightful” play is the Panthers… they’re home, they’re talented on both sides of the ball, and the Patriots have really struggled this year…

But it’s hard to get around the idea that the Pats aren’t good and the Panthers are? I’m not sold. I like the Pats +10, and I like the Pats +3… both with very low confidence… I’d almost rather not touch this one.

Z-Code is in a hesitant agreement with  ... 

NFL Picks: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Sunday Night Football

NFL Picks and Predictions, Sunday Night Football: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Sunday Night’s matchup features divisional rivals that have combined for one loss so far this season. Most of us, myself included, have been waiting for the Chiefs to play the Broncos so this undefeated nonsense can stop. Now, however, I’m not so sure it will.

The Chiefs added a “game manager” behind center this offseason in Alex Smith, which has given them just enough offense to keep their stellar defense rested. They’re doing just enough to win, but it’s a consistent team – the most consistent in  ...