It's Been a While

Phew. 

I know.  It’s been a while, and here we are with an article that is a bit of everything.  Here are just a few thoughts: 

• It’s the first article following the overhaul work of the In My Backpack site. 

• It’s setting up a return to regular sports writing from me and at Backpackville. 

• The dogs are back into the action with weekly NFL picks against the spread. 

Almost twenty years ago, Molly and Gus – resident experts and St. Bernards – joined in on the fun.  I am not proud of how well they did against us, especially Molly.  In 2024, I had our Golden Retrievers, Emmie and Canasta, jump in.  Canasta did decently enough, connecting on 51% of her selection against the spread.  Emmie?  All she did was demolish Canasta and I, delivering at a 64% success rate. 

In order to get this posted before the 2026 season begins, and continue throughout the year, there are a few things to set up for all of us to understand. 

First, this week and possibly the first few weeks will be kind of short as far as essays are concerned.  There’s still a lot going on as we get this site back up and moving.  I expect we’ll share more and more details and depth as the season moves along. 

Second, due to an unavoidable scheduling quirk, at least one week – I believe it will be week four (and could involve week five) will not be posted here on the website.  We will, for the sake of integrity and documentation, post the picks from the dogs and I on the Facebook page for In My Backpack. 

Third, we will be taking every step possible to ensure the dogs have no influence whatsoever in making their picks.  The methods may change as we move along, but it will always allow them a free choice in each game. 

And fourth, I’m starting out using USA Today odds.  That may change depending on availability throughout the season.  I will always document at some place in the article the source of that week’s odds. 

Ok?  Let’s go.