Vegas veterans vocalize valid view: Confident QT captures coveted crown

The experts in Las Vegas are convinced that the 2007 Sunday Football Picks will be an exercise in futility for six sad members who might already be out of contention for the title. The champion in a landslide will be QT Pie, they say, because every key indicator points to the cute 41-year-old dominating her opponents in the 28th edition of the prestigious Picks.

"I've already bet my five-bedroom house, Chevy TrailBlazer, life insurance policy and children's college fund on QT taking it all this year," said Las Vegas legend Larry Luckdraw. "I'll probably have to jump off the Stratosphere Tower if she doesn't deliver, but I'm not too worried about that unlikely possibility. I’m going to be a very wealthy man."

Thousands of gamblers have plunked down big money on QT, who appears to be a lock for her fourth Picks crown because:

1)  Every Picks title won by Mark has been followed by a QT championship the next season. Mark captured the 2006 title, and has a fancy hat from Mall of America to prove it. Mark's chances of winning the title again are greatly diminished because repeat champs are rare. He’s also dealing with the distractions of a new job and new girlfriend, so his focus is questionable.

2) Blaine is coming off the worst season-to-season decline in Picks history, so he has some rebuilding to do before he's ready to compete for the title again. His mind is presently occupied by Lou Piniella’s attempt to get the Cubs into the World Series. The Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are neck-and-neck for the National League Central Division title.

3)  Ali and Nicki don't want to disappoint their mother, and would certainly step aside if the battle was close near the end. Perhaps an act of sportsmanship would convince Mom to renew their season passes to Six Flags and Moran Water Park.

4)  D.J. knows she loves the Rams, but otherwise lacks the NFL focus usually needed to finish atop the standings. Making millions at Chili’s keeps her content. She also devotes time as the region’s top Heelys consultant, despite her injuries.

5)  Trevor is 11 years old, and no one in Picks history has won a championship before their 14th birthday. His expertise seems to be with baseball right now, coming off a successful stint with the Oswego Panthers traveling team.

The official preseason Picks odds from Las Vegas are as follows: QT Pie 2-1, Blaine 6-1, Alicia 7-1, Nicole 8-1, Mark 10-1, D.J. 20-1 and Trevor 25-1.