Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Comedy’s central to Kimmel’s NFL picks

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Dec. 10, 1999 | 9:44 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at 259-4076 or sal@vegas.com

I feel a particular bond with Jimmy Kimmel, who offers "Jimmy's Picks" to Fox viewers during the network's weekly NFL pregame show.

We both offer picks, but neither claims to be a professional gambler. We try to emphasize this through humor.

We've both been in beer commercials with famous supermodels. Well, OK, only he's done that, but I dream about it all the time. That oughta count, right?

Anyone who has followed Kimmel's weekly mockery of Fox commentators knows just how funny he can be.

And it's hard to blame him for picking his Fox brethren as targets. After all, ragging on Howie Long's fledgling career as an actor can be a lot of fun. Brian Bosworth has played the lead role in more films than the former Raiders star. And it's not Kimmel's fault that Terry Bradshaw's most memorable role involving a Roman numeral will never be his performance in Smokey and the Bandit III. These facts are hard to ignore.

But Kimmel takes aim and fires every week, using a variety of props, including a new hat each week, an occasional guest, even finding a videocassette of Bradshaw singing gospel music -- along with giving his picks on four games.

His segments are creative, hilarious, and congruous with the in-your-face mold that has been Fox's trademark since the network began televising NFL games. All in good fun, of course, and usually at the expense of Bradshaw, Long and Cris Collinsworth.

"I think they have a good sense of humor and they know I'm goofing around," Kimmel told me this week, in between taping shows for Comedy Central's "Win Ben Stein's Money," in which he co-stars. "But I've never actually met any of those guys, except for James Brown. I think they are saving that meeting for on the air, so we'll see."

So he makes his weekly selections as he awaits his inevitable head-to-bald-head meeting with Bradshaw. (Sorry Jimmy, but this picking on Fox guys is kind of infectious). Kimmel's picks don't involve a point spread because he says the NFL won't allow it on the Fox pregame show, a decision the former Henderson resident doesn't agree with.

"I think it's ridiculous, really. Let's be honest -- people bet on football games. And you know what? In some places it's not even illegal. I'm not allowed to do it and it's just silly, not that my picks are going to help anybody."

There's another common denominator between us.

Kimmel said his picks usually center on featured Fox games, or games that don't carry high point spreads.

"I usually spend about two minutes making the picks and a lot more time working on the rest of it. I try to pick games that aren't easy. I don't go for games that have more than a touchdown spread and I'm not just picking everyone against the Browns."

Two minutes might not seem like much time, but time is scarce for Kimmel these days. Along with the commercials, the Fox segments and "Win Ben Stein's Money," Kimmel pumps much of his comedic energy into another Comedy Central hit, "The Man Show."

He stars with his close friend, Adam Carolla, in what he calls the quintessential television program.

"When we came up with the idea for the show, I said, 'If there was a TV show that I could do that was exactly what I wanted, that would be it.' I still can't believe it worked out. When I'm done, I'll look back and everything else will probably seem disappointing compared to doing this show," Kimmel said.

When he does get a break, Kimmel often returns to Las Vegas to see family.

"For me, there was no better evening than going out and having the $3 steak at the Horseshoe. I've probably eaten there 200 times, easily. I miss that part of Las Vegas," he said. "The worst thing was the trips to the Hoover Dam every time anyone else came to visit. It's great to see -- once. But after that, it's a trip down a long, winding road to a place where you can stand for 10 minutes and then just go back."

He also keeps up on current Vegas events, such as Oscar Goodman winning the mayoral election.

"I think that's awesome," he said. "It's a good thing Capone is dead or he'd probably be the governor."

That may not be true, but regarding picking NFL games and combining it with some good-natured laughs, Kimmel's definitely got my vote.

For the record

Best bet Atlanta routed New Orleans for my fourth straight such winner, salvaging an otherwise brutal 5-9 week against the number. I was 7-7 on totals.

Top of the line: 6-6-1.

Against the spread: 82-95-7.

Over/unders: 101-80-3.

Straight-up: 104-80.

Top of the line

ARIZONA +6 at Washington, over 47 1/2 -- Redskins receiver Michael Westbrook, who made headlines in 1997 for punching fellow teammate Stephen Davis in the face during a practice, has moved on to bigger and better things. This week, he made several comments rapping NFL official Byron Boston, whose son David plays for the Cardinals, one of the teams chasing the Redskins in the wild NFC West. Along with the football, maybe Westbrook should occasionally try to catch a clue. Arizona 29, Washington 26.

Other games

BUFFALO -8 vs. New York Giants, under 36 1/2 -- The Giants had a jolly Green time on Sunday beating their home-stadium rivals, the Jets. But the rested Bills should provide a harsh reminder that there is really only one team in New York. Buffalo 27, New York Giants 7.

DETROIT +4 at Tampa Bay, under 35 -- The Lions routed Tampa Bay 20-3 on Halloween, but lately it's the Buccaneers' defense that has been frightening -- cornerback Donnie Abraham has five picks in his last three games, including two for touchdowns. The winner has the inside track on the NFC Central crown. Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica puts the punctuation mark on this one with a late field goal, but the Lions cover. Tampa Bay 16, Detroit 14.

DALLAS -9 vs. Philadelphia, over 36 -- The Cowboys finally canceled Richie Cunningham's show, and unable to find any kickers named Fonzarelli or Chachi, settled on old friend Eddie Murray, who has played for seven NFL teams as well as five major league baseball clubs. Hey, Jerry Jones, I still Jan Stenerud is still alive. Dallas 30, Philadelphia 10.

CAROLINA +8 at Green Bay, over 42 1/2 -- The Packers are an NFL-best 18-3 in December since 1994, but that was under Mike Holmgren, and with a Super Bowl-caliber cast. The Panthers should have covered last week and All-Pro tight end Wesley Walls should help keep them from caving in at Lambeau Field. Green Bay 26, Carolina 23.

PITTSBURGH -2 vs. Baltimore, under 35 1/2 -- The trendy thing to do would be to take Baltimore in this battle of 5-7 clubs, since the Steelers have lost four straight and the Ravens have won 3-of-5, including their 41-14 waltz over Tennessee last week. Rookie kicker Kris Brown, easily the Steelers' MVP this year, gives the Pittsburgh faithful a rare day of happiness. Pittsburgh 16, Baltimore 13.

INDIANAPOLIS -7 vs. New England, over 47 -- The Colts only gave a half-effort in the first meeting between these teams, as a 28-7 lead dissipated when Drew Bledsoe rallied New England to victory. This time, Indianapolis brings the whole package. Indianapolis 36, New England 23.

ST. LOUIS -10 1/2 at New Orleans, over 48 1/2 -- The once-respectable Saints defense has allowed 43, 41 and 35 points in their last three games. The 43 was against St. Louis, which boasts the league's top-rated offense. St. Louis turns its attention to earning home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. It's doubtful the Saints will interfere, unless you're referring to their pass defense. St. Louis 35, New Orleans 16.

CLEVELAND +7 at Cincinnati, over 41 1/2 -- In 1995, Cincinnati played at Cleveland in the final game before Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore. This time, it's Cleveland's turn to close a stadium -- the Bengals will move out of Cinergy Field for good after Sunday's game. Unfortunately, that's about the most exciting thing this battle of Ohio has to offer. Cincinnati 27, Cleveland 24.

NEW YORK JETS +3 at Miami, over 37 -- With one TD pass, Dan Marino can become the first player to throw 70 touchdown tosses against one team. But despite his dominance, the Jets have held Marino in check in recent years, including intercepting him three times last season to go with eight sacks. A rivalry game with a rivalry finish. Miami 20, New York Jets 19.

SEATTLE -9 1/2 vs. San Diego, under 43 -- Prior to last week's win over expansion Cleveland, the Chargers had not tasted victory since defeating Seattle 13-10 on Oct. 17. The Seahawks, who have lost two straight, should feast on a weak Chargers team in their quest to win the whole Kitna and kaboodle. Seattle 34, San Diego 21.

ATLANTA -3 1/2 at San Francisco, under 41 1/2 -- Entering the season, the 49ers had ambitions of packing for Atlanta in late January. Another no-show last week against the Bengals proved that they actually packed it in a long time ago. Atlanta 16, San Francisco 10.

MINNESOTA +1 at Kansas City, under 42 -- The Vikings, despite their 7-5 record, are just 2-8-2 against the spread this season, largely because nine of their 12 games have been decided by seven points or less. Aside from a demolishing of San Francisco, the only other time Minnesota covered the number was when they rallied from a 17-0 deficit to beat Dallas. Even, these things even out. Minnesota 17, Kansas City 7.

JACKSONVILLE -9 vs. Denver, over 37 1/2 -- What was expected to be a dream matchup at the beginning of the season will likely be nothing more than a nightmare for Denver's Brian Griese. Jacksonville 31, Denver 12.

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