The ritual is the reason. I love football. I love watching, whether on TV or live. Whether it’s a high school game (doh, creepy guys in his 30s hanging around the high school game), college or pro. Adding to the love, at the college and pro level, is the pregame tradition, or ritual if you will, of the tailgating experience. In fact, the tailgating ritual has been the reason for attending many of these events, with the games as an ancillary benefit.
One of my best friends called me last Sunday afternoon from a parking lot along one of the rivers in Pittsburgh to relay what a blast he was having. It was a couple hours before the Browns game and he’d already crushed enough Iron City beers that his wife was starting to drop the term “cut-off” into each conversation. I’ve never tailgated in Pittsburgh, but it sounded like the experience could hold its own with the best of them. So with that, I thought why not rank my top NFL tailgating experiences.
I’ve been to a handful of cities for games, tailgating every time. Here are the top five (for transparency, I’ve only been to eight, so this ranking is somewhat muted, as it doesn’t encompass any true reflection of what’s available, only my perspective).
As always, I have three plays on the other side of the Top 5. Had a 2-1 ATS weekend in last week’s issue, winning both college plays, but dropping my NFL play on the Cardinals, as Kyler sucked. It was bad. That takes my season record to 25-10-1 ATS. Have a great week everyone.
5. Cleveland – Cleveland Browns Stadium
I spent three days in Cleveland, hitting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Browns game. It was a blur. Browns fans like to party. The Muni Lot. God the Muni Lot. We tagged along with a group of Brown faithful, and it got sideways early. It was as Midwest as it could get, in the best way possible.
4. Kansas City – Arrowhead Stadium
Too..Much…BBQ and beer. If you love smoked meat, and who doesn’t, this is your tailgate. Slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and one of the guys in the RV group we were with had a never-ending supply of burnt ends. He just kept circling with a tray of them, non-stop. Very friendly vibe going on here in Kansas City.
3. Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field
We only saw three actual fights break out, which I was told was pretty tame. The passion, shall we say, burns bright in the Linc’s parking lots on game day. Like all tailgating, there was food, fans, and the alcohol was flowing. Expect the expected, which is grills full of cheesesteaks and pork , and the unexpected, as the group next to us show up for every home game with champagne and seafood (prawns, grilled oysters on the half shell, and cold crab legs). And they were actually the rowdiest, go figure. One tip: wear green and even if you are a fan of the opposing team, be cool. Philly don’t F around.
2. Green Bay – Lambeau Field
A few years back we made the pilgrimage to Lambeau. When we arrived in Green Bay, we had no tailgating plans. Didn’t know anyone and weren’t sure how the pre-game was going to unfold. That all changed on the Saturday night when a group from West Virginia sat next to us at one of the local bars out by Lambeau. We connected, and they invited us to join them for tailgating the next day with a larger group of Packer season ticketholders they knew. It was a perfect late Fall tailgating experience in Wisconsin, with snow flakes, fish fry, Miller Lites and never-ending laughter enjoyed with just about the nicest people you could imagine. Very welcoming and “football” family vibe.
1. Buffalo – Highmark
Buffalo takes everything above, puts into a big pot, and turns the neat up to maximum. That crew are the champs when it comes to tailgating. The Bills Mafia has turned pregame partying into an art form. You’ll see the table-smashing (jumping from the roofs of RVs), relentless fireball shots, and a flash or two. The food is spot on, with wings, grilled sausages, and I had my first beef on weck. There could be better NFL tailgating experiences than the one you’ll find in Buffalo, but I’d be surprised.
Plays
Winner’s Edge Magazine Record
Last Week: 2-1 ATS
Season Record: 25-10-1 ATS
COLLEGE
West Virginia vs. Memphis
Memphis did not face an overly challenging schedule this past season, with Florida State standing out as the only P4 Conference opponent, and I use the term “standout” very loosely, as the Seminoles were awful this year. Compared to the Tigers, West Virginia ran the gauntlet, lining up vs. Big 12 teams and a non-conference schedule with Penn State and Pitt. The difference in competition level is stark. I like the Mountaineers’ offense to do what they did to other non-ranked teams, and that’s score points. The combo of QB Garrett Greene, and running backs C.J. Donaldson and Jahiem White should have their way vs. the Memphis D. Getting four points, I like the underdog.
Play: West Virginia +4
NFL
Cincinnati vs. Tennessee
A road favorite, sporting a losing record, off an incredibly lucky win and cover, on a short week. I should be finding every reason to be on the other side, as this is typically a sucker’s set-up. Nevertheless here I am, backing the Bengals. Cincy’s defense is so bad, but in this matchup, even with a D with this many holes, the Titan offense isn’t set-up to score in a way to keep up with the way Joe Burrow and their offense have been playing every week. I see the Bengals winning this game, and winning it by a TD or more.
Play: I’m on the Bengals -5
Tampa Bay vs. LA Chargers
LA has not looked good when facing winning teams, while cleaning up vs. opponents who haven’t distinguished themselves by winning more games than they lose. The Bucs aren’t a bad team at all, but I don’t put them into that group that the Chargers can’t figure out – more into the other category. He one where they’re 7-1 both straight up and against the spread when they’ve been favored this season. Tampa’s playing their third road game in the last four weeks, with this one on the West Coast. LA dropped a tough one last week to the Chiefs (doesn’t everyone). They bounce back here.
Play: Take the Chargers -3