Saturday, January 2, 2016

Picks of the Week


Last week was amazing watching my Bears live and in person versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even though I selected the Bucs.  I was able to watch the game with my family and lots of friends, and even met up with friend and longtime WeMakeItRain reader Brent Bellinger.  Go Bears.

Last week was horrible as I evidently rushed through my picks and suffered horribly.  Now I have to try to win this week in situations where we don't know if all of the starters are going to play entire games.

As  a reminder, each pick is using the spread (straight up is for wussies), and the betting line is from the same website each week as of the time of typing the entry. I keep a running tally of my record, plus my winnings/losses. We will "pretend" that I bet $100 on each game, with one game each week going for $250. Winnings/Losses will be calculated including a 10% vig, which just makes the math that much simpler. Now, on to the picks.

Chicago Bears +1 v. Detroit Lions
Detroit has no running game at all, and hopefully that will allow the Bears to get to the passer a bit.  Chicago has done fairly well at protecting the football and creating turnovers.  I will take points at home.

New Orleans Saints + 5 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Both teams have nothing to play for, and who would have thought that at the beginning of the season.  Each team has a lot of players that might be playing for hobs next year.  For that reason, I will take Drew Brees, who always seems to care.

New York Jets -3 at Buffalo Bills
In Fitzpatrick we believe.  He has the experience and the wherewithal to lead this team into the playoffs.  He is easily the best Harvard player in the NFL since Matt Birk.

Baltimore Ravens + 9 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
Now, I have no doubt that Cincinnati wins this game, I just think it might be by a touchdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers -11 at Cleveland Browns
I know what you are saying, taking a double digit favorite on the road in a divisional game is ridiculous, and you would be correct.  However, Pittsburgh's offense was so horrible last week, that I think they are going to score last week's and this week's points against Cleveland.

Washington Racists +3 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
This is a ridiculous line likely only because the Racists have nothing to play for and may sit a number of its starters - which may be true.  But with that being said, I don't see Dallas blowing them out, so Washington should keep it close, at least.

Houston Texans -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
If this game was a couple of weeks ago, I would have taken the points with the Jags and the Allen-Allen wide receiver combo (that's Robinson and Hurns). However, this week the Texans have a playoff spot on the line and they come up firing.

Indianapolis Colts No Line v. Tennessee Titans
I will take the Colts trying to make their way into the playoffs versus the Titans who would love another Top 5 pick.

Miami Dolphins +9 v. New England Patriots
Remember when Dolphins nation was all gung-ho about the Dan Campbell era during his first two games?  Yeah, me neither.  New England can clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but I am not sure they have the firepower to win by 10.  New England 28-20.

Philadelphia Eagles +5 at New York Giants
Firing the coach worked for the first two Dolphins games, so perhaps the Eagles will feel "free" of Chip Kelly.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10 at Carolina Panthers
I think the Panthers may be cautious with a lot of the stars/starters.  A late Jameis Winston touchdown pass to cover the spread.

Kansas City Chiefs -7 v. Oakland Raiders
No team in the NFL is hotter as the Chiefs have won 9 straight.  Make that 10 straight.

Seattle Seahawks + 6 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
These two teams probably don't want to give too much away in case they meet up in the playoffs.  That is why I predict an incredibly close game, so I will take the points.

San Diego Chargers +9 at Denver Broncos
The Chargers are not good, but I am not sure the Broncos can score 9 points right now.  5-3 Denver victory.

St. Louis Rams -3 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers
I have no idea on this one.

Minnesota Vikings +3 at Green Bay Packers
A winner take all battle for the NFC North (Green Bay clinches with a tie).  It is tempting to take the Packers at home, but I think the Vikings control the ball with Adrian Peterson.

Big Bet Game of the Week

Philadelphia Eagles +5 at New York Giants
I hate taking divisional games as the big bet, but there is no choice this week as all games are intra-division games.  So that narrows it down to the times I am taking the points.  New Orleans, Baltimore (because of the number), San Diego (same), Seattle and Philadelphia received a good amount of points, and Philadelphia (along with Seattle and New Orleans) seems like it has the best chance of winning outright.  I am hoping for a post-coach firing bounce for the Eagles.

Last Week's Record:  6-10
Year-to-Date Record: 113-104-5
Big Bet Last Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 12-4
Winnings/(Losses) Last Week: ($665)
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: $630

No comments:

Post a Comment