In September, football fans turn to thoughts of games that count. And when I say "count," I don't just mean on the scoreboard.
Many fans will dive headlong into the NFL's 97th season hoping to count fantasy points and betting spreads, for millions believe it's the best way to enjoy the game.
Well, since I'm starting my eighth season picking the 256-game regular-season schedule, you know that's not how I operate. Fantasy stats and point spreads don't matter; when two teams line up, one of them is going to win and one is going to lose, simple as that.
Last year left me rather red-faced, as I posted my worst record at 144-112, a testimony to how razor-thin the margin for error can be and how close most NFL games are. The Ravens lost many close games, too, so they know how I feel.
