Office pool pick’em: Week 15

The Huddle staff makes its weekly game picks every Thursday. Picks are based both on which team will actually win the game and also which team will cover the spread. Spreads and picks are not adjusted beyond the initial values from Wednesday of each week.

John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

The Huddle staff makes its weekly game picks every Thursday. Picks are based both on which team will actually win the game and also which team will cover the spread. Spreads and picks are not adjusted beyond the initial values from Wednesday of each week.

Straight Up DMD SG KP TJF HS CC CB HCG
Jets at Ravens
Patriots at Bengals
Buccaneers at Lions
Texans at Titans
Broncos at Chiefs
Dolphins at Giants
Eagles at Redskins
Seahawks at Panthers
Bears at Packers
Vikings at Chargers
Jaguars at Raiders
Browns at Cardinals
Rams at Cowboys
Falcons at 49ers
Bills at Steelers
Colts at Saints
Last Week 11-5 7-9 11-5 10-6 10-6 9-7 10-6 12-4
2019 Season-To-Date 132-75-1 122-85-1 126-81-1 128-79-1 127-80-1 131-76-1 127-80-1 131-76-1
2018 Record 167-87-2 158-96-2 179-75-2 159-95-2 153-101-2 165-89-2 157-97-2 n/a
2017 Record 168-88 161-95 171-85 160-96 165-91 180-76 160-96 n/a
2016 Record 157-97-2 149-105-2 156-98-2 161-93-2 152-102-2 156-98-2 139-115-2 n/a
2015 Record 154-102 137-119 156-100 151-105 155-101 165-91 n/a n/a
2014 Record 166-89-1 158-97-1 164-91-1 173-82-1 163-92-1 177-78-1 n/a n/a
2013 Record 163-92-1 160-95-1 170-85-1 162-93-1 153-102-1 n/a n/a n/a
Against the Spread DMD SG KP TJF HS CC CB HCG
Jets at Ravens (-14.5)
Patriots (-9.5) at Bengals
Buccaneers (-3.5) at Lions
Texans at Titans (-3.5)
Broncos at Chiefs (-9.5)
Dolphins at Giants (-3.5)
Eagles (-5.5) at Redskins
Seahawks (-5.5) at Panthers
Bears at Packers (-4.5)
Vikings (-2.5) at Chargers
Jaguars at Raiders (-6.5)
Browns (-2.5) at Cardinals
Rams (-1.5) at Cowboys
Falcons at 49ers (-11.5)
Bills at Steelers (-2.5)
Colts at Saints (-9.5)
Last Week 9-7 2-14 8-8 9-7 7-9 6-10 10-6 11-5
2019 Season-To-Date 98-110 104-104 106-102 100-108 112-96 95-113 115-93 117-91
2018 Record 132-124 131-125 145-111 131-125 133-123 132-124 130-126 n/a
2017 Record 129-127 136-120 135-121 122-134 132-124 136-120 131-125 n/a
2016 Record 110-146 125-131 127-129 128-128 124-132 132-124 127-129 n/a
2015 Record 125-131 121-135 126-130 128-128 123-133 141-115 n/a n/a
2014 Record 122-134 124-132 143-113 133-123 132-124 123-133 n/a n/a
2013 Record 115-136-5 119-132-5 117-134-5 123-128-5 117-134-5 n/a n/a n/a
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, TF – T.J. Ford, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green

 

How many of these 10 hidden gems in Iceland have you seen?

The Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights are beautiful, but here’s what Iceland holds beyond the popular tourist spots. Check out these 10 hidden gems on your next Iceland vacation.

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Explore Iceland beyond the tourist hot spots

Not to put down the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights, but there’s so much more to Iceland than the most popular attractions that you’ve drooled over on Instagram. In fact, it’s the barely-touched, pristine beauty that makes Iceland so appealing to begin with.

When visiting Iceland, we know you’ll still want to stop by the tourist hot spots, but you can add some local flavor and character to your trip by sprinkling in hidden gems along the way. Here are our 10 favorites.

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Hot tubs on the beach | Hauganes

You know about swimming in Iceland’s geothermal waters, but the bravest travelers will head to the tiny fishing town of Hauganes. Locals hang out on the beach and take a “refreshing” dip in the Arctic Ocean (“refreshing” is Icelandic for “cold”).

In Hauganes, follow the signs to a cove lined with outdoor hot tubs. The prime soaking spot: in a hot tub that looks like a Viking ship, with views of the ocean.

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Thor’s Power Gym | Kópavogur

Want a challenge? Or want to at least witness one? When in Reykjavik, head to nearby Thor’s Power Gym in Kópavogur, the home gym of Strongman champion Hafþór Björnsson, a.k.a The Mountain from “The Game of Thrones.”

Anyone can drop in and work out among the world’s toughest athletes, with equipment like atlas stones, logs and yokes, plus famous challenges such as the Thomas Inch Dumbbell, which weighs 172 pounds and 9 ounces. After a sweat, pick up some gear or clothes in the shop.

“Thor” really trains here, often with his other buddies, and you can’t miss him. He’s 6’9.

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Turf house | Grenjaðarstaður

When in north Iceland, tour an ancient turf house at Grenjaðarstaður. This is one of the most famous and largest turf houses in the country, with grass growing on the rooftops and a ton of fascinating, historic artifacts inside. One room upstairs is said to be haunted.

After exploring the old way of life, visit the on-site church, say “halló” to the cows in the field and get some hot chocolate and a handmade scarf in the shop.

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Northern Lights Center | Reykjavík

If you visit Iceland in the summer, you won’t get to see the Northern Lights. But you can still immerse yourself in them at Aurora Reykjavik: The Northern Lights Center. This interactive museum teaches you all about the lights, from the science to the folklore.

Your experience ends in a dark and cozy room with a large-screen projection of various Northern Lights photos.

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Iceland Punk Museum | Reykjavík

This small museum packs a huge attitude – and a tour through Iceland’s 80’s and 90’s punk music scene as told through posters, instruments, clothes and memorabilia displayed in repurposed bathroom stalls.

This quirky stop is located in the heart of Reykjavik, in the former public restrooms on the main street. Johnny Rotten opened the museum in 2016.

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Horseback riding in the Golden Circle | Reykjavík

A unique way to explore the beauty of the Golden Circle is atop an Icelandic horse. These horses are small (but don’t call them ponies!), sure-footed and spirited.

Icelandic law prohibits other kinds of horses from entering the country to keep their bloodline pure; plus, they have few diseases – and two extra types of gaits: the tölt and Valhopp. Arrange a guided ride at the Solhestar Horse Ranch through Adventures By Disney, a family-friendly tour company.

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Hverir wastelands | Grand Island

You’ve heard of the Golden Circle, but don’t miss the Diamond Circle, near Mývatn. It’s easy to drive past the nearly hidden Hverir wastelands, but worth a stop for a truly otherworldly adventure.

In this surreal wasteland, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet or at least the moon. Walk past boiling mudpots, steaming fumaroles and through clouds of stinky sulfuric gas. It’s peaceful, desolate, completely strange and perfectly Icelandic.

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Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum | Mývatn

Don’t leave the Mývatn area without popping into the Bird Museum, the largest private bird collection in the country – and possibly the smallest natural museum in the world.

If you don’t see a puffin flying amid the cliffs or in the ocean, you can see one here, although it’s going to be taxidermy. Even if they’re not soaring, it’s still fun to learn all about Iceland’s feathered friends, stroll along the nearby lake and visit the farm Ytri-Neslönd.

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A wool factory | Hvammstangi

Iceland is known for its wool, and you can score big at Kidka, a working wool factory and shop. Take a tour behind the scenes and watch balls of fluff transform into blankets, sweaters and socks. Afterward, this is the best place to pick up a practical souvenir and gifts for home.

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A working fishery | Hauganes

If you want authenticity, immerse yourself in the world of fishing. Take a tour of the Ektafiskur fishery, a working production facility in Hauganes, where you can learn and watch how they gut and prepare the fish that you might later eat at the Baccala Bar restaurant next door. Hand-prepared, salted cod is the specialty for this family-run business.

10Best is a part of the USA TODAY Network, providing an authentically local point of view on destinations around the world, in addition to travel and lifestyle advice.

Jaguars CB D.J. Hayden hopes to make Raiders pay for not re-signing him

While the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t been playing nowhere close to great football, nickelback D.J. Hayden is hoping that will change this week as they will be taken on the team that drafted him: the Oakland Raiders. Like most players in the …

While the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t been playing nowhere close to great football, nickelback D.J. Hayden is hoping that will change this week as they will be taken on the team that drafted him: the Oakland Raiders.

Like most players in the league, Hayden, a former first-round selection for Oakland, has a chip on his shoulder from his time with the organization as they elected not to pick up his fifth-year option and let him go after the 2016 season.

In Wednesday’s locker room session with the media, Hayden stated that he’d love to hand the Raiders one in the loss column, but understands the Jags have to play significantly better than they have over the last five weeks.

Obviously, things didn’t work out for Hayden with the Raiders or the team he joined afterward in the Detroit Lions. However, since joining the Jags last season, Hayden has been solid at the nickeback spot. In fact, this year he has one of the highest grades on the team according to Pro Football Focus with a 77.1.

A win against the Raiders would also be huge in Hayden’s eye’s because of the significance of Week 15’s game to th

5 takeaways: No. 5 Michigan loses at Illinois

Five takeaways from the No. 5 Wolverines road trip to Illinois as Big Ten Conference play continues for Michigan basketball.

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Michigan traveled to Illinois on Wednesday night for a conference clash in the Big Ten.

The Illini were inches away from knocking off a Top 5 last week, falling on the road to Maryland by a score of 59-58. Illinois was chomping at the bit for another shot at another highly-ranked opponent, as the fifth-ranked Wolverines rode into Champaign.

The went toe-to-toe in the first half, trading blows for 20 minutes. Michigan trailed 30-28 at halftime. But in the second half, Illinois seized control, building a lead as large as 12 points. The Wolverines used a late surge to get back to within four points with two minutes to go, but were unable to complete the comeback, falling by a score of 71-62.

1. POOR HALFCOURT OFFENSE

Illinois, defensively, was determined to play tight on wing shooters like Isaiah Livers and Eli Brooks, and force Zavier Simpson to create his own offense. It proved to be a sound strategy, as Simpson struggled mightily from the floor (4-of-14) and finished with just 9 points. Michigan’s coaching staff didn’t seem to have an answer, as their halfcourt offense looked stagnant throughout the game. The ball stuck in Simpson’s hands too much, and there wasn’t enough movement from the other four players on the court. Simpson did finish with 8 assists against just 1 turnover, but it wasn’t enough. If future opponents employ a similar strategy — playing off Simpson to stay on shooters — against the Wolverines, they’ll need to have a response.

2. BULLIED IN THE PAINT

Michigan struggled with the quickness of Illinois’ guards and the physicality of their bigs throughout the night. Dribble penetration led to buckets for the guards, and offensive rebounds led to more buckets for the bigs. The Wolverines were out-scored 44-26 in the paint. In addition, the Illini protected their rim very well, finishing with 6 blocks as a team.

3. WOLVERINES STRUGGLE ON THE GLASS

The Illini have been an outstanding rebounding team all season, and that continued on Wednesday night. Illinois leads the nation in rebounding margin, entering the game at plus-15.7 per game, and they were right on pace as they out-rebounded the Wolverines by a 44-28 margin. The offensive glass, in particular, is where Illinois did their damage, as they tallied 15 offensive boards while surrendering just 6. Michigan finished the game with zero second-chance points.

4. THREE-POINT SHOOTING VITAL

In Michigan’s only other loss this season, at Louisville, they shot a dismal 16 percent from behind the three-point arc. On Wednesday, it was a strikingly similar showing as the Wolverines were just 3-of-18 from deep to finish at 16.7 percent. It’s clear that the three-point shot is key to Michigan’s success. They can beat anyone in America when it’s falling, but are susceptible against any team when it’s not falling. The Wolverines need to fins other ways to score when their perimeter game is taken away like it was against the Illini and the Cardinals.

5. POOR BENCH PRODUCTION

Michigan has gotten solid production off the bench in recent outtings, but that came to a grinding halt against Illinois. David DeJulius was limited to 7 points on just 3-of-7 shooting, and that was the most the Wolverines got off the bench. Colin Castleton, Brandon Johns Jr. and Adrian Nunez combined for just 2 points on 1-of-4 shooting off the bench. It will be tough to win Big Ten games, particularly on the road, with just 9 bench points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Internationals dominate four-ball at Presidents Cup, lead after first day

Despite Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas earning the first point, the Internationals dominated the four-ball format at the 2019 Presidents Cup.

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After the first day of play in Australia at Royal Melbourne, it’s advantage Internationals.

Despite playing captain Tiger Woods and the Americans having the distinct advantage when it comes to talent, with ten of Team USA’s 12 players ranked inside the 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking, Ernie Els and his International squad hold a commanding 4-1 lead after Thursday’s (Wednesday night in the U.S.) four-ball matches.

“The golf course was very tough. The golf was excellent. I’m really proud of my team,” Els told Golf Channel soon after the conclusion to Day 1.

“We got a long way to go but this is an unbelievable start,” Els continued. “We know it’s a very tough side we’re playing.”

Woods and teammate Justin Thomas put the crucial first point on the board for Team USA, but it was all Internationals from then on.

PRESIDENTS CUP: Viewers guide | Best photos
MEET THE TEAMS: Team USA | Internationals

Here’s a recap of Day 1 at the Presidents Cup:

Four-ball matches

Thomas-Woods (U.S.) def. Leishman-Niemann (Int.), 4 and 3 

Tiger Woods carried the match in the early goings, making a pair of birdies on the opening holes and then chipping in for birdie at the par 3 fifth hole. Leishman and Niemann kept in the fight and battled throughout the opening nine, ultimately making the turn 2 down to captain Woods and Thomas. The Americans never trailed and it was Woods who put the first point on the board for the U.S., earning a 4 and 3 victory.

Hadwin-Im (Int.) def. Schauffele-Cantlay (U.S.), 1 up

A 21-year-old Presidents Cup rookie, Sungjae Im heard the first roar of the day playing in the second group after holing-out for eagle on No. 1. The Internationals and Americans each held a 1 up lead on the front nine before making the turn tied. The match stayed all square until an Adam Hadwin par at the 16th turned the match in the Internationals favor.

Scott-An (Int.) def. DeChambeau-Finau (U.S.), 2 and 1

There wasn’t much to see in this match. Bryson DeChambeau struggled and Tony Finau didn’t have enough to keep up with Adam Scott and Byeong-Hun An, who led for 14 of the 17 holes en route to a 2 and 1 win. The Americans only won two holes, both by Finau.

Matsuyama-Pan (Int.) def. Simpson-Reed (U.S.), 1 up

After his rules violation at the Hero World Challenge, Patrick Reed got an ear-full on the first tee after hitting into the bunker, with one heckler asking if a shovel was in his bag this week in Australia. It was a close match, with the Internationals holding a 2 up lead at the turn. Down the stretch, Captain America made a few clutch putts, evening the match with a birdie on No. 16. Hideki Matsuyama then re-claimed the lead on the 17th, leading to the 1 up win.

Ancer-Oosthuizen (Int.) def. Johnson-Woodand (U.S.), 4 and 3

The final match of the day was the second to end as Louis Oosthuizen and Abraham Ancer absolutely boat raced the high-powered pairing of Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland. Oosthuizen was on ace-alert at No. 3, hitting the shot of the day at Royal Melbourne’s opening par 3. Ancer and Oosthuizen went 4 up through five holes and the match never got closer than 3 up, ultimately ending 4 and 3 on the 15th.

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Redskins see redemption and fun over final three NFC East games

The Redskins are ready for the NFC East stretch.

The Washington Redskins never had it easy to close the season when looking at the 2019 schedule.

But some silver lining exists: meaningless games from a win-loss standpoint mean learning on the fly for players like Dwayne Haskins and a secondary undergoing a youth movement.

Haskins made it clear Wednesday he’s going to enjoy the next three games, according to Zach Selby of the team’s site: “Haskins is looking for ways to have fun in these final three games. It makes it even more fun that they are divisional games.”

Which isn’t to say the team doesn’t want to win in the process. Interim head coach Bill Callahan has his eye on redemption:

The Redskins close the season against Philadelphia, New York and Dallas and will seek to avoid a season sweep at the hands of each.

Easier said than done, though in a few cases, the Redskins get a chance to play the spoiler — whether it’s in the playoff of draft race.

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9 Jags surface on initial injury report for Week 15’s game vs. Raiders

The Jacksonville Jaguars had nine players to surface on their initial injury report for Week 15’s game against the Oakland Raiders, but only three didn’t practice. Those three players were receiver DJ Chark Jr. (ankle), defensive lineman Calais …

The Jacksonville Jaguars had nine players to surface on their initial injury report for Week 15’s game against the Oakland Raiders, but only three didn’t practice. Those three players were receiver DJ Chark Jr. (ankle), defensive lineman Calais Campbell (back) and center Brandon Linder (knee).

The staff has routinely been careful with Campbell and Linder throughout the year, so their situations were expected. Chark, on the other hand, isn’t a surprise either when considering he left the locker room Sunday with a boot and scooter.

Chark sustained his ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers when defensive back Jaylen Watkins was making a tackle on him. In the process of trying to break free for extra yards, Chark injured his ankle and was eventually taken to the medical room of TIAA Bank Field.

The Jags had three players who were limited Wednesday in receiver Dede Westbrook (shoulder), cornerback Tre Herndon (shoulder) and linebacker Quincy Williams (hand). As we reported earlier, Williams was eventually placed on injured reserve and the Jags claimed linebacker Preston Brown off waivers to fill his vacant roster spot.

Tight end Seth DeValve, who has been sidelined by an oblique injury since the Jags returned from their bye week, practiced in full Wednesday and looks to be on track to make his return. Cornerback A.J. Bouye (calf) and safety Ronnie Harrison (concussion) joined him as full participants.

The notable name of the day on the Raiders’ injury report was rookie tailback Josh Jacobs (shoulder). He was limited Wednesday after missing the Raiders’ last game against the Tennessee Titans and is expected to play against the Jags.

The rest of Oakland’s injury report for Wednesday is as follows:

Notre Dame Football: Reesus Take The Wheel?

Seems like as long as Notre Dame doesn’t get blanked that Rees will get the gig.

The departure of Chip Long as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator today comes a little bit of a surprise but not necessarily a shock.

As we mentioned earlier today, Notre Dame set a record for points scored this regular season, scoring 37.1 per game but being entirely out-matched by Georgia and Michigan’s defenses was more damning than anything thing else involving the Irish all season.

So per Bryan Driskell’s report earlier today, word is Tommy Rees will essentially have an audition to call plays in the Camping World Bowl to see if he’s fit for the job.

If you’re going to wait that long before ultimately even making a decision, is there really a decision to be made?

Seems like as long as Notre Dame doesn’t get blanked against Iowa State that Rees will get the gig.

This isn’t at all meant as a knock at Rees who has clearly worked his tail off to climb the coaching ladder, but is this the best idea to essentially give him the job without looking long and hard for someone more qualified?

Brian Kelly has done a lot of things well at Notre Dame and for the most part hiring quality assistants and coordinators has been one of them. Guys have left for jobs because they’ve earned them and the Brian Van Gorder type hires have been extremely rare.

But is due-diligence being done if Rees is just handed the keys to the limo?

I can’t help but think of LSU and how quickly their offense turned simply dynamic this season and how they’ll have a Heisman Trophy Winner officially come Saturday night.

I think of Oklahoma’s incredible offense and the now three straight CFP appearances it has made while it has its third different quarterback in three years getting a Heisman Finalist invite this weekend.

The two are extreme success stories but tales of how the coaching replacement who made a world of difference were found.

LSU hiring Joe Brady from the Saints to be their passing game coordinator clearly did wonders for its passing offense, as Brady won the top assistant coach award earlier this week.

Meanwhile Lincoln Riley was promoted to head coach at Oklahoma three short years ago and helped take the squad from being really good to a College Football Playoff regular as the offense went next-level upon his promotion.

Tommy Rees could be the next Lincoln Riley, getting promoted and the offense taking off against any opponent, not just select ones next year. But is that likely?

Or is it more likely you see a guy run something very similar to what Long just did that results in plenty of points overall, but leaves a lot still to be desired against the great defenses?

3, 17, 14.

Those are the point totals Notre Dame has scored in their last three loses, all to quality teams.

37, 34, 62, 30.

Those are the point totals for the four 2019 CFP teams in their respective conference title games last week.

You may love defense and that’s fine because I do too, but ask yourself if this record-setting unit was anywhere near good enough to compete score for score with the likes of LSU, Ohio State, Clemson and Oklahoma this year, or next season under Rees.

The instant reports of him getting promoted and then Northwestern not even giving him a second interview for the same position with them last week makes me not optimistic that if he’s the one, the offense will make any real strides thanks to its coordinator change.

I hope like all getup that Rees comes in and Notre Dame hangs 35+ on everyone in 2020. But unless a new passing game specialist or something of the sort comes along as well, excuse me while I fall short of expecting much different than 2019 offered.

Not that it’s a bad thing, it just seems status quo for a team that has to get fairly creative if it’s to actually end a 31 year title drought that it speaks so loudly about wanting to do.