Sunday, September 25, 2016

Picks of the Week



Week 3 of the NFL Season, which means week 3 of my picks.  Hopefully I have learned some things about a few of the teams.  Also, I don't feel like doing much analysis due to the Jose Fernandez news.  So, I am just going to type this our while wearing  my Fernandez jersey.

My long time readers know how this works, but for everybody else,  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 to make the math that much simpler.

New England Patriots -1 v. Houston Texans
Belichick at home on a short week.  Now, I didn't expect what occurred, though.

Arizona Cardinals -3 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
Yes, I am taking a road favorite, and a west coast team playing the early game on the east coast.  Both of those rules tell me to take Buffalo.  However, they are just that bad.

Carolina Panthers -7 v. Minnesota Vikings

First no Bridgewater, but Sam Bradford played well.  Now, no Adrian Peterson, and only Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to replace him.  That will not work, as Cam Newton is rekindling his connections with Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen is the best tight end in the game right now.

Denver Broncos +4 at Cincinnati Bengals
I would not be shocked if Cincinnati won this game, but I do not foresee Denver's defense giving up enough points that Cincinnati covers the spread.

Detroit Lions +6 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
As every sportscaster/reporter has noted all week, Aaron Rodgers has not played like Aaron Rodgers in a long time.  But, Matt Stafford has.

Jacksonville Jaguars +1 v. Baltimore Ravens
I am hoping that the egg Jacksonville laid last week was an anomaly, and that they turn it around this week.  Mike Wallace is looking like Mike Wallace was supposed to look for the Dolphins.  If Chris Ivory comes back to run, the Jaguars should have enough balance on offense to beat the Ravens.

Cleveland Browns +9 1/2 at Miami Dolphins
That is just a big number for a team that is playing with a lot of spirit.  Who knows, Cody Kessler may actually be the QB Cleveland has been searching for.  Ok, maybe not, but I see the Dolphins winning by a touchdown.

New York Giants -3 v. Washington Racists
Washington is horrible.  The Giants, well, they aren't horrible.

Oakland Raiders -1 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee surprised me against Detroit last week, but I do not expect them to win against two quality opponents in a row.  Although Oakland is a road favorite and a west coast team heading east, Nashville is in the central time zone, not the east, and 1 1/2 points is not that much of a favorite.

San Francisco 49ers +9 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks offense has been less than prolific against the Dolphins and Rams, so it might be hard for them to cover this spread, regardless of whether they win or not.  The 49ers have united behind Colin Kaepernick AND Blaine Gabbert, and they keep it close.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams played great defense last week, but Seattle hasn't exactly been lighting things up.  Jameis Winston shoulders more of an offensive burden with Doug Martin's injury, and he will be up to the challenge.

Indianapolis Colts pick 'em v. San Diego Chargers
I have been saying for two weeks that the Colts are not going to make the playoffs.  Why do I pick them in this game?  The Chargers loss of Danny Woodhead, who does so many things for their offense, may be more of a loss than Keenan Allen, who is also out.  Plus, it's football and weird things happen.

New York Jets +2 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Marshall is playing today, although he might be on a snap-count.  Nevertheless, I think the Jets score just enough against the Cheifs defense to win outright by a field goal, so I will take the points.

Pittsburgh Steelers -3 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles
What the hell, I have already taken two road favorites.  Might as well make it 3.

Chicago Bears + 6 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
No, the Bears will not win as they quickly try to prepare DeShaun Watson to be their next quarterback, but they keep it within a touchdown.

Atlanta Falcons +2 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
Atlanta's offense is rolling, as they are first in passing yards and second in total yards.  New Orleans is 30th in passing defense and 31st in total defense.  And I get points?

Big Bet Game of the Week
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams played great defense last week, but Seattle hasn't exactly been lighting things up.  Jameis Winston shoulders more of an offensive burden with Doug Martin's injury, and he will be up to the challenge.  At home, giving up only a few points and they need to make a statement - all good reasons for me to pick the Buccaneers this year.

Last Week's Record:  7-8-1
Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0
Year-to-Date Record: 17-14-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 1-1
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): ($30)


Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: $145

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