Picks of the Week

Week 14 - after last week, I should just give up.  I have definitely mentally checked out on this year, but I will not quit.  Onto the picks.

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.

Oakland Raiders +3 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs

Ugh..

Chicago Bears +7 1/2 at Detroit Lions
The Bears are actually playing much better as of late.  Of course, last week was San Francisco, but they should have beaten the Titans if not for 47 dropped touchdown passes.  (No, I am not bitter).  Anyways, here is to losing the game, but winning the pick.  C'Mon DeShaun Watson.

Pittsburgh Steelers -2 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
The Steelers run defense is suspect, but they are on a 3 game winning streak to keep themselves in the playoff hunt.

Carolina Panthers -1 v. San Diego Chargers
West coast team playing the early game on the east coast is the only reason I am picking Carolina.  Plus, every year there are two teams that I just cannot figure out.  Last year it was the Racists and the Chiefs.  This year it is definitely the Chargers.  My first instinct was that they would win.  So, since I cannot figure them out, I will go Carolina.

Cincinnati Bengals -5 at Cleveland Browns
It's Cleveland.

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler is playing about as bad as any quarterback in the league not named Blake Bortles.

Minnesota Vikings -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Speaking of Bortles.

Miami Dolphins +2 v. Arizona Cardinals
Another west team (albeit not coastal) heading east for an early game, but the clincher for me here is that the Dolphins NEED a bounce back after the thrashing they took from Baltimore last week.

Washington Racists -1 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

Washington just looks better right now.  Jay Gruden says he believes running back Robert Kelly needs a few more touches, so he will not keep him trapped in the closet this game.

Tennessee Titans -1 v. Denver Broncos
Marcos Mariota has played much better than most people realize, having thrown multiple touchdown passes in 8 consecutive games.  Denver seems a bit sluggish.

New York Jets +3 at San Francisco 49ers
Who cares?!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2 v. New Orleans Saints
The Bucs offensive line has dramatically improved since the beginning of the season, as has the defense.  I see the Bucs scoring on a few sustained drives, keeping the ball away from Drew Brees.

Seattle Seahawks -3 v. Green  Bay Packers
Seattle might be starting to peak at just the right time.

Atlanta Falcons -5 1/2 at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams, 1-7 in their last 8 games, are going to need a lot of help to defeat the Falcons.  They just might get it if Julio Jones doesn't play.

New York Giants +3 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have had a great season, but they have to be the worst 11-1 team of all time.  That 1 loss came to the Giants.

Baltimore Ravens _6 1/2 at New England Patriots
John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco have proven that they can go into New England and win.

Big Bet Game of the Week

Indianapolis Colts -6 1/2 v. Houston Texans

Brock Osweiler is playing about as bad as any quarterback in the league not named Blake Bortles.

I was going to take Minnesota over Jacksonville as my big bet, giving up on 3 points, but Minnesota is on the road, so I'll take the home team Colts.

Last Week's Record: 5-10

Last Week's Big Bet: 1-0

Year-to-Date Record: 90-99-5

Big Bet Year-to-Date: 3-10

Last Week's Winnings (Losses):($450)

Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: ($3,310)