About a year ago, ESPN started a very interesting new service called Streak for the Cash that revolves around users selecting from a variety of propositions offered by ESPN. As long as I have been following Streak for the Cash (sftc) I have seen props ranging from simple pick the winner to draft specialized picks like will a player from the Big 10 be selected in the first 5 picks at the NFL draft. The goal is to develop a winning streak, as you hit milestone marks you are eligible for prizes and if you have the longest win streak at the end of the picking period, you win the grand prize.
If you take a close look at this system, it is really an ingenious way for ESPN to draw more attention to itself. They are self-promoting their products. By manipulating the propositions that are offered they draw more attention and add incentive for people to watch their network. For example, ESPN had a proposition for every single one of its Monday Night Football games. The added viewers and all the ads by Progressive surrounding sftc make the prizes ESPN gives out nothing more than a tiny blemish.
I have personally fallen victim to this beast. Streak for the Cash is the main reason I've started watching college basketball games, most of which are broadcast on ESPN (referring back to what I mentioned earlier).
The actual rules of the game changes from season to season. During this year the rules are set up so that players play monthly, meaning that the leaderboards and streaks are reset on the first of each month. The person with the highest win streak for that month receives a more than considerate prize of $100,000. Being that it is the 23rd of January today, that doesn't leave to much time for players to get their picks in.
However, I will continue to post my favorite propositions that are pretty damn close to if not complete "locks".
Currently I am 4-0 with my locks (Syracuse, Georgia Tech, Deron Williams and Boozer, and the Chicago Blackhawks)
With that being said, my lock for today is: Texas over Connecticut at 4pm
I haven't heard if Calhoun is back for Uconn or not but either way I think Texas will bounce back from losing to Kansas State earlier in the week.
This is a rarity, usually I would never do two locks in one day but this is to good to pass up.
My second lock of the day: Trailblazers over Pistons: I haven't had the best luck with NBA games but Pistons are abysmal this year and trailblazers are headed in the right direction.
Other picks I like (but not guaranteeing) :
Kansas over Syracuse (bigger winning margin): too late for it now anyway
Orlando Magic over Charlotte Bobcats: Bobcats are seeking a playoff spot but the Magic are on a different tier than them. The Magic have won three straight over mediocre teams after losing three in a row to legitimate contenders before that. Orlando is a 1.5 point favorite (oddsmaker)
Good luck picking pickers!
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1 comment:
Well I'm 4-1. Texas was looking good at halftime, Connecticut couldn't hold on to the ball but Texas missed a couple chances to capitalize on the turnovers. I was unable to watch the second half and Texas fell apart.
Oh well, still have the Trailblazers
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