Last week, we announced Prediction Machine’s 2023 NFL Pick ’em Contest, available to any of our package subscribers, to test their handicapping skills by picking 5 NFL games each week vs. the point spread. Prediction Machine members will compete against 25+ celebrities in the sports world including NFL beat writers, former athletes, and professionals in the sports betting industry.
“This contest gives our subscribers an opportunity to see if they have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with professionals in the sports betting industry as well as NFL beat writers, content creators, and former athletes.”
To participate and compete for a trophy and life-long bragging rights, click here.
The group of familiar names is headlined by a trio of professional athletes including former Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Mitchell. Mitchell played for the Saints (1997-2001), the Texans (2002), and the Jaguars (2003). Mitchell finished his career with 19.5 sacks, 4 INTS, 9 FF, 8 FR, and a TD.
Former New York Mets’ utility player Eric “Soup” Campbell is also joining in on the fun after a career in which he played every position for the Mets (2014-2016) besides CF and catcher. Campbell also had a short four-game stint with the Seattle Mariners in 2021 where he hit .273.
Former Oakland Athletics’ relief pitcher Andrew Carignan rounds out the trio of athletes. Carignan pitched for the Athletics in 2011 and 2012 with a 4.50 ERA before an injury requiring Tommy John surgery derailed his promising career. Carignan was one of the top closers in the country at UNC where he saved two games in the College World Series and was drafted by Oakland after his sophomore season (5th round).
Two San Francisco 49ers’ beat writers (Grant Cohn from SI.com and Jack Hammer from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat) will also compete along with Miami Dolphins’ beat writer Alain Poupart (SI.com) and Kyle Odegard who covered the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2021 for the team’s official website before transitioning into his role as the Sports and Gambling Editor at compare.bet.
Familiar faces in the sports betting industry will also partake, including Andrew “Ninja” Avery known best for his time hosting “Guys and Bets” as well as Iain MacMillan, a senior editor at FanSided and host of the Bacon Bets Podcast. Mitch Bannon from OddsShark.com has agreed to participate as has former OddsShark personality Kris Abbott who is now the GM for Betano Canada.
Samantha Bunten, a senior NFL Analyst/Content Director at NBC Sports, brings a wealth of knowledge about the Cleveland Browns, while sideline reporter Jeff Nowak (host of “Inside Black and Gold”) brings New Orleans Saints expertise to the competition.
Popular sports journalists and content creators like “Deeks View” (@DeeksviewOG), Kevin Hanson (Eatdrinkandsleepfootball.com), Josh Greene (Fox Sports Spartanburg), Jess Root (@Cards_Wire), George Carmi (@FullPressNFL), Enoch Autry (Clayton Tribune), Jason Pruett (DRAFTPLEX), Darren Smith (Fox Sports Radio), and Robby Esch (@TheHuddleReport) round out what is sure to be a competitive field.
