Picks of the Week

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!  I would love to give thanks about my picks this week, as last week was clearly nothing to write home about (only 5 wins).  I guess I can give thanks that I am still up for the year!

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.

Philadelphia Eagles + 2 1/2 at Detroit Lions 
Talk about a difficult selection!  On one hand we have the human turnover, Mark Sanchez, who is rumored to be good for only two things, for going with Dirty and interceptions, and the Detroit Lions who have even less than zero running game.  I will take the points and hope, especially since Philadelphia is 6-0 on Thanksgiving.

Dallas Cowboys -1 v. Carolina Panthers
This pick seems so obvious toward Carlolina, so I am going with the Tony Romo led Cowboys, with a great performance by Darren McFadden against a tough Carolina defense.

Chicago Bears +8 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
Even as a Bears fan, I have no real illusion that the Bears will win this game, but the Bears have played almost every single game extremely close.  The Packers, although still pretty darn good, are not as great as everyone thought they would be at the beginning of the season.

Minnesota Vikings +1 at Atlanta Falcons
Adrian Peterson says that he feels like he is running like Adrian Peterson.  That is enough for me, especially given that Atlanta is missing Donta Freeman and his explosivity on offense.

St. Louis Rams + 8 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati is reeling, so I feel that 8 1/2 is a lot of points to cover against a team with a strong defense.  Yes, Case Keenum may not be able to light up the Bengals either, but Todd Gurley is a man-child, and a ball control game could keep this close.  Plus, the Rams might play with a ton of emotion given that Stedman Bailey was just shot in the head twice and is in a Miami hospital.

Houston Texans -3 v. New Orleans Saints
The resurgent Texans are on a 3 game winning streak, and are within striking distance of the division lead.  They seem to be doing this with a phenomenal defense, no running game and De Andre Hopkins on offense.  New Orleans seems to be going in the opposite direction, so I will take the Texans.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 at Indianapolis Colts
Lovie Smith is building an incredibly tough team with a lot of young talent, starting with Jameis Winston, who seems to be coming of age.  The Colts are erratic, which is what I would have thought I would say about the Buccaneers.  Doug Martin, coming up on free agency, has made himself a lot of money this year.

Jacksonville Jaguars -3 1/2 v. San Diego Chargers
Every time I think that the Chargers are going to be competitive and cover the spread, they don't.  So there is no way that I am picking them this week.  The Jaguars defense, and a big game from Allen Robinson and/or Allen Hurns covers the spread.

Buffalo Bills +6 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
It is a short week for Buffalo, which means that I should pick Kansas City, but instead, I think that Buffalo are starting to figure themselves out.  Kansas City has perplexed me all year though, so take this pick with a grain of salt.

Miami Dolphins + 3 1/2 at New York Jets
Miami clearly isn't as good as their first two games under Dan Campbell, but they are playing tougher on the lines, and without Nick Mangold, the running game and Chris Ivory has suffered.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is a gamer, but his injury seems to be catching up to him.  I predict a close defensive struggle, so I will take points.

Oakland Raiders -1 at Tennessee Titans
Oakland needs this win to stay in playoff contention, and I think they will defeat the Titans pretty solidly.  The Titans have no running game, and no go-to-receiver, so I expect Oakland to take advantage of the rookie QB Marcus Mariota.

New York Giants -2 1/2 at Washington Racists
I think last week's Racists were much truer to form that the Racists that beat New Orleans.

San Francisco 49ers +10 v. Arizona Cardinals
And the 49ers score a late touchdown to cover the spread.  I just couldn't pick Arizona as a road double digit favorite, even though they are clearly the better team.  Calais Campbell is playing as good as any defensive lineman in the league - and yes, that includes J.J. Watt.

Pittsburgh Steelers +3 1/2 at Seattle Seahawks
This might be the best game of the week, with both teams suffering major injury problems, but their backups have been playing admirably.  Seattle wins by 1.

Denver Broncos +3 v. New England Patriots
I will take the Broncos defense getting points at home against anybody - well clearly that is the case.

Cleveland Browns -3 v. Baltimore Ravens
What a horrible Monday night game.  McCown to Gary Barnidge for 2 touchdowns!

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Minnesota Vikings +1 at Atlanta Falcons

Adrian Peterson says that he feels like he is running like Adrian Peterson.  That is enough for me, especially given that Atlanta is missing Donta Freeman and his explosivity on offense.

For my big bet, I would always prefer selecting a home team, but in this case, I will take a point on the road, especially when I would expect the road team to win given Freeman's injury.

Last Week's Record:  5-9
Year-to-Date Record: 81-74-5
Big Bet Last Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 8-3
Winnings/(Losses) Last Week: ($655)
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: $665

Picks of the We3k

I am way late today, so no analysis, just picks.

Tennessee Titans +2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Chicago Bears +1 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
Indianapolis Colts +3 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
St. Louis Rams +3 at Baltimore Ravens
Washington Racists +7 at Carolina Panthers
Oakland Raiders +1 at Detroit Lions
Houston Texans +3 1/2 v. New York Jets
Miami Dolphins +2 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles
San Diego Chargers +3 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota Vikings +1 v. Green Bay Packers
San Francisco 49ers +14 at Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals -4 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo Bills +7 at New England Patriots

Big Bet:
Washington Racists +7 at Carolina Panthers - I just think the game will be close.

Last Week's Record:  8-6
Year-to-Date Record: 76-65-5
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 8-2
Winnings/(Losses) Last Week: $290
Winnings (Losses) Year-to-Date: $1320

Picks of the Week

On a bit of  a spiral, and we don't even want to talk about my college picks from yesterday.  That means with some good thought, this week could be the week to turn things around.

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.

Buffalo Bills + 2 1/2 at New York Jets
Although this is written on Sunday morning, I did text Sinickal and Hopps this pick, so they can confirm this pick.

Chicago Bears + 6 1/2 at St. Louis Rams
Primarily because the Bears have played pretty much every game - excepting Arizona - close.  Why change now?  Well, Todd Gurley for one thing, but Langford looks like a reasonable facsimile of Forte and Alshon Jeffrey is playing.

Jacksonville Jaguars +5 at Baltimore Ravens
Jaguars playing tough this year, and without Steve Smith, the Ravens offense is relatively inept.  Should be a close game, at least, so I will take the points.

Detroit Lions + 10 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
The way Green Bay has been playing, 10 1/2 seems like too big a line.  I am not saying that Detroit wins, but one touchdown sounds about right to me.

Philadelphia Eagles -6 v. Miami Dolphins
Don't laugh, but this game could see a lot of points.  Both teams could easily just run up and down the field against each other.  I feel like Darren Sproles is the difference in this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers -6 v. Cleveland Browns
Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams v. Johnny Manziel and ?.  I will take the Steelers because of 140 yards for Williams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick 'em v. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has a bit more talent returning from injury, but Lovie has Tampa moving in the right direction.  One more Mike Evans play than Dez Bryant play is the difference.

Carolina Panthers -4 at Tennessee Titans
A road favorite, but I don't see Tennessee scoring a lot against this Panthers defense.  Carolina dodges a late Mariota rally that could cover the spread.

New Orleans pick 'em at Washington Racists
Brees has been throwing lately, and he could put up a bunch of yards and points again this week.  I am not sure what is going on with Washington's offense.

Oakland Raiders -3 v. Minnesota Vikings
The Raiders offense seems to be clicking with Carr, Murray, Cooper and now Crabtree.  The Vikings have had a nice season and are sniffing the playoffs, but the Raiders just might be for real.

Denver Broncos -4 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
The Broncos running game has to get started at some point this season, right?  No better time that against a mediocre run defense.

New England Patriots -7 1/2 at New York Giants
I can't ignore road favorites all the time, especially given the ineptness of the Giants offensive line.  The Patriots - even without Dion Lewis - should be able to move the ball at will against the Giants, and New England's pass rush should keep Manning from having enough time to throw the ball down the field to Beckham and Randle.

Arizona Cardinals +3 at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is trying to hang around the playoffs, but their offensive line has been struggling this year after the trade of Max Unger to New Orleans.  Cardinals defense has not missed a beat without Darnell Dockett, and their offense is downright explosive.  I think the Cardinals could win outright, so I will take the points.

Cincinnati Bengals -11 v. Houston Texans
Houston at 3-5 is doing better than most people thought, and could still win the horrific AFC South, but Cincinnati's offense is in full gear, and they could win by 17 this week.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Pittsburgh Steelers -6 v. Cleveland Browns
Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams v. Johnny Manziel and ?.  I will take the Steelers because of 140 yards for Williams.

For my big bet, I would always prefer selecting a home team, either receiving points or not giving up too many points.  Six is a little more than I normally would like to give up for my big bet, but I just cannot see Cleveland stopping the Steelers offense.

Last Two Weeks: 12-14-1
Year-to-Date: 68-59-5
Big Bet Last Two Week: 1-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 7-2
Winnings (Losses) Last Two Weeks: ($355)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date $1030

Picks of the Week

Rushed today, so no analysis,  just picks.

Cincinnati -12
Miami +3
Carolina + 2 1/2
St. Louis +2
New England -14
New Orleans - 7 1/2
Jacksonville +8
Oakland + 5 1/2
Atlanta - 7 1/2
Tampa Bay + 2 1/2
Denver - 4 1/2
Philadelphia - 3
Chicago + 4 1/2

Big Bet

Denver - 4 1/2

Totals to Date will be updated and added later.

Picks of the Week

A pathetically average week, one in which I lost, but not too bad.  Two last minutes scores turned wins into pushes.  I am hoping that by putting my pics in on Thursday, and not rushing through them on Sunday morning might help.

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.

Miami Dolphins +8 at New England Patriots
Thursday games are tough, but since Miami is finally playing like a lot of people thought they could play this year, I think they can keep this close.  The Patriots last week just decided not to run at all for the entire game, with Tom Brady as the team's leading rusher on 3 carries, so they might try a game where they do nothing but run.  That could prove difficult against an emerging Dolphins defensive line.

Chicago Bears -1 v. Minnesota Vikings
Finally the Bears get a home game on Halloween weekend (they have had byes the past few years).  Why is this important?  They get to wear their home alternate orange jerseys!

Detroit Lions +5 at Kansas City Chiefs
I cannot figure this game out.  When that happens, I'll take the points.  No Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs, and seemingly not much other offense either, so it will be tough to outscore Detroit by more than 5.  At some point, the Matt Stafford-Calvin Johnson connection has to have a good game, right?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +7 1/2 at Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta is no longer red-hot, and is struggling offensively - with the singular exception of Devonta Freemen, who is nursing a bit of a hamstring.  Tampa's defense, led by Lavonte David, should keep this game close.  I still like the Falcons to win, but not to cover.

Baltimore Ravens -3 v. San Diego Chargers
Both teams have been extremely disappointing.  I take the Ravens on the basis that every game they have lost has been extremely close, and they deserve a break or two to win one at home.  By 4.

Arizona Cardinals -4 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
So I am selecting a road favorite that is also a west coast team traveling east for the 1:00 game; however, (1) It is against Cleveland; and (2) they do save an hour as daylight savings time ends.

Tennessee Titans pick 'em at Houston Texans
The Texans are awful, and Tennessee is not much better.  I just think something weird is going to happen in this game whereas the Texans are going to need a backup quarterback given that Mallett is gone.  Plus, can Mettenberger make enough plays?

New York Giants +3 1/2 at New Orleans Saints
What a difference a division makes.  The Giants are 4-3, but in first place, while the Saints are 3-4 and in third place.  If the Giants offensive line can hold up, they should be able to at least keep this game close, while Drew Brees is due for a 2 or 3 interception game.

Cincinnati Bengals pick 'em at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are trying to keep themselves in the AFC North race, and a victory will pull them within one game of the Bengals.  However, Cincinnati's defense can shut down the Steelers' offense, whereas Pittsburgh's defense can only hope to contain Cincinnati's offense, which has multiple playmakers.

St. Louis Rams -8 v. San Francisco 49ers
TODD GURLEY!!!  Why have more people not been talking about a RGIII/Colin Kaepernick trade.  A change of scenery could do both players and teams a tremendous amount of good.

New York Jets -2 1/2 at Oakland Raiders
A second road favorite, but this is a team that can legitimately contend this year.  We have known about their defense (Wilkerson/Richardson/Revis), but their offense is now relatively explosive.  Chris Ivory is averaging just over 100 yards rushing per game, and Brandon Marshall is 10th in the league in receptions and 9th in receiving yards.  Oakland has been presently surprising as well, so it would not shock me if they won this game outright.

Seattle Seahawks -6 at Dallas Cowboys
A third road favorite, but the Cowboys are at 2-4 and lost 4 straight games.  Seattle is not the team it has been, with problems all along the offensive line.  The Cowboys, behind Greg Hardy, did put a lot of pressure on Tom Brady two weeks ago.  But, Dallas still lost that game 30-6.

Green Bay -2 1/2 at Denver Broncos
Another road favorite (God I hate these weeks), but as good as Denver's defense is, Green Bay's offense is just that much better.  Primarily, Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback to fear that Peyton Manning used to be, using the entire field and the entire offensive roster to spread things - and the defense - around.

Carolina Panthers -7 v. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis seems like it is about ready to implode.  Carolina;s defense is keeping the scores low enough (not giving up just over 18 points a game) so that one big drive, or one big Cam Newton to Greg Olsen connection wins the game.  I have said that before, but that formula has been working.  Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis might be the best pair of ILBs in the league.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Cincinnati Bengals pick 'em at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are trying to keep themselves in the AFC North race, and a victory will pull them within one game of the Bengals.  However, Cincinnati's defense can shut down the Steelers' offense, whereas Pittsburgh's defense can only hope to contain Cincinnati's offense, which has multiple playmakers.

For my big bet, I would always prefer selecting a home team, either receiving points or not giving up too many points.  None of those games give me confidence this week, so I select Cincinnati on the road, not giving up any points.  The other teams I thought about selecting here were Tampa (receiving points, but on the road), Baltimore, (the closest to what I wanted), Arizona (road team giving points), and Green Bay (road team giving points).  So, Cincinnati it is.

Last Week: 5-7-1
Year-to-Date: 56-45-4
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 6-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($120)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $1,385

Picks of the Week

A good bounce back week.  I feel like I need two consecutive weeks like that to really make my season.

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.

San Francisco 49ers +6 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks
Almost a touchdown home favorite who - albeit struggling - was playing another struggling team on a short week.  Missed that one.

Jacksonville Jaguars +3 v. Buffalo Bills (In London)
Jacksonville has been playing really tough this year, and the Bills are starting E.J. Manuel.

Minnesota Vikings -1 1/2 at Detroit Lions
The dreaded road favorite, but it is only 1 1/2 points.  Detroit finally broke into the win column last week, but even then did not look too impressive against the Bears.  Not sure how the Lions can stop Adrian Peterson.

Indianapolis Colts -4 v. New Orleans Saints
New Orleans is coming off a win against then red-hot Atlanta, but Atlanta had to travel on a short week, and even then the Saints did not look impressive.  The Colts still look to control their division.  I think they win at home.

Pittsburgh Steelers + 2 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
I am not saying that Landry Jones is the answer, but he gives Pittsburgh a dimension that Michael Vick did not, especially given that he does not have to carry the team given the presence of Le'Veon Bell.  Alex Smith does not have that safety blanket due to Jamaal Charles's injury.  Bud Dupree is really starting to come along as a pass rusher.

Miami Dolphins -4 v. Houston Texans
The Dolphins really shot themselves out of a cannon in their first game with Dan Campbell as their head coach.  It seems that the Texans could be a great team to keep up that type of play, and winning streak.

New England Patriots -7 v. New York Jets
The story of this game is "The league's best offense versus the league's best defense"; the proverbial irresistible force versus immovable object.  However, Belichick always gets up for these types of games.

Cleveland Browns +6 at St. Louis Rams
Todd Gurley is a monster, and for that reason I would normally have been inclined to pick the Rams. However, the Browns have played fairly well lately, and I just have a hunch.

Atlanta Falcons -6 at Tennessee Titans
The Falcons have had 10 days of rest since their last game, and because of that rest, they should come out strong against the Titans.  Atlanta's much improved defense should give Mariota/Mettenberger a really tough time, given that the Titans have no real offensive threats.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 at Washington Racists
A really tough call, but I wonder if DeSean Jackson's head is going to be in this game after his house was robbed and an occupant pistol-whipped in what is believed to be a gang-related incident; the second time one of his residences has been robbed.

San Diego Chargers -3 1/2 v. Oakland Raiders
The Chargers should have too much talent to defeat the Raiders.  If the Raiders could get one more playmaker on offense, though, they would have a better shot against the San Diego.  I look for Philip Rivers to make one big play to put them over the top, likely to Antonio Gates.

New York Giants -3 v. Dallas Cowboys
After last week's game against the Eagles showed that the Giants offensive line cannot block anybody, and given that the Cowboys harassed the Patriots, it would be difficult to say I have any confidence in this pick.  However, the Cowboys are really hurting - literally - on offense, and the Giants offense - with some time - can move the ball against Dallas.

Philadelphia Eagles +3 at Carolina Panthers
I have been on the Carolina bandwagon, particularly Cam Newon and Greg Olsen, since the beginning of the year, however, it is time for them to fall from the list of the unbeatens.  The Eagles offense seems to be clicking, and Chip Kelly has finally figured out how to use DeMarco Murray.  If I think the underdog can win outright, I will definitely take the points.

Arizona Cardinals -8 v. Baltimore Ravens
I do not like this line at all.  But what I do know is that Arizona is the second highest scoring team in the NFL average almost 33 a game.  If Arizona gets up in this game and the Ravens have to throw, then that is where the talented secondary of Arizona - with Patrick Peterson and the Honey Badger - can be opportunistic and make a play that seals the game.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Miami Dolphins -4 v. Houston Texans
The Dolphins really shot themselves out of a cannon in their first game with Dan Campbell as their head coach.  It seems that the Texans could be a great team to keep up that type of play, and winning streak.  I feel strongly enough about this game to make it my Big Bet.  My other choice was Atlanta over Tennessee, but Atlanta was giving more points.

Last Week: 9-5
Year-to-Date: 51-38-2
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 5-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: $500
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $1,505

Picks of the Week

I was right in that I was due for a bad week, but I was simply annihilated last week.  I need a comeback something fierce.

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.

New Orleans Saints +3 versus Atlanta Falcons
This was Thursday, and I told a couple of friends about this pick ahead of time.  Plus, regular readers should know my disdain for selecting road favorites, and this was on a short week with an ailing Julio Jones.

Chicago Bears +3 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Detroit has yet to win a game this year, and I suppose this would be a good time for them to start, but a 3 1/2 point favorite?  The Bears defense is gelling nicely, and Alshon Jeffrey is supposed to be back this week.

Cincinnati Bengals -3 at Buffalo Bills
Repeat after me, Pepster hates road favorites, although EJ Manuel is starting today at QB for the Bills, Sammy Watkins is whining, and Cincinnati is lighting up teams, so I am OK with this selection.

Cleveland Browns + 3 1/2 v. Denver Broncos
I really do not know what to do with this game.  This is the second week in a row that I have said that in a Browns game.  Denver is 5-0, but every game has been close.  They are not clicking at all.  Cleveland, behind Joe Haden's coverage of Demaryius Thomas would have definitely kept this close, but he is out with a concussion.  Nevertheless, I will take them anyway on a hunch that Travis Benjamin will make a big play.

Jacksonville Jaguars -2 1/2 v. Houston Texans 
Jacksonville is playing some decent ball, including on the defensive side of the ball, whereas Houston is listless on offense.  Add to that fact that JJ Watt is hurt and I will take the home Jaguars.

Minnesota Vikings -3 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
The Vikings are a well balanced team, and even with Jamaal Charles the Chiefs are limited.

Washington Racists +7 1/2 at New York Jets
I do not think that Washington is going to win this game, but I do believe that they can keep it close enough to cover the more than a touchdown spread.  Fitzpatrick is playing some decent quarterback for the Jets (GO HARVARD 5-0), and they will make more big plays that the Racists.

Pittsburgh Steelers +4 v. Arizona Cardinals
I was just as everyone when Pittsburgh won last week, and Arizona is more talented that the Roethlisberger-less Steelers.  That being said, there is no way I am selecting Arizona as a road favorite, and as a west coast team travelling east for the early game.

Miami Dolphins +2 at Tennessee Titans
The Dolphins should come out of their bye week with renewed vigor and energy thanks to new coach Dan Coleman.  He will unleash the talented, but underperforming, defensive line on rookie QB Marcus Mariota.

Carolina Panthers +7 at Seattle Seahawks
Carolina may not be as talented overall as the Seahawks, but Cam Newton and G-Reg Olsen are playing as good as anyone else at their respective positions.  Seattle is missing center Max Unger, traded to New Orleans for Jimmie Graham, who only played 72% of the teams offensive downs last week,  Something is wrong there.

Green Bay Packers -10 v. San Diego Chargers
Today we find out if something is really wrong with Eddie Lacy.  If so, the Packers passing game could still outscore the Chargers, as the Packers defense - especially pass defense - is stifling this year.

San Francisco 49ers +2 v. Baltimore Ravens
This game would have been great 3 years ago, but today, not so much.  We have seen some life at times from each of these teams, but I will take the points at home.

New England Patriots -9 at Indianapolis
Another road favorite BUT ... The Patriots are much better, and more importantly, this is Bill Belicheick's deflategate revenge game.  I would have given up to 20 1/2 points in this game given the revenge factor.

New York Giants +5 at Philadelphia Eagles
Division rivals, prime time game, key offensive injuries on both sides ... I'll take the points.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Cincinnati Bengals -3 at Buffalo Bills
Repeat after me, Pepster hates road favorites, although EJ Manuel is starting today at QB for the Bills, Sammy Watkins is whining, and Cincinnati is lighting up teams, so I am OK with this selection.  I select this as my big bet because of the games I was considering, this is the one in which a backup quarterback is starting.

Last Week: 4-9-1
Year-to-Date: 42-33-2
Big Bet Last Week: 1-0
Big Bet Year to Date: 4-1
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($440)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $1,005