Olympics - Milano Cortina - Day 2/February 5

 

Day 2 is in the books, with round robin sessions in Mixed Doubles Curling and Women's Ice Hockey, which both contained the American debuts!

In curling, Great Britain had the most dominating win in the opener, defeating Estonia 10-5, but then came back later in the day to win a nailbiter over Czechia 8-7.

The United States team with Korey Dropkin (pictured below) and Cory Thiesse (pictured above) throwing the stones, defeated Norway after falling behind 6-4 after sixth end.  In the seventh end, holding the hammer, Cory Thiesse threw a remarkable counter-clockwise take-out, to knock out the shot rock of Norway and to score 2 points to tie the match, and then she came back to throw a beautiful draw with the 9th stone, to protect Dropkin's shot rock to end the match, 8-6.  Team USA cruised to victory over Switzerland 7-4, after taking a 5-2 lead after the 4th end to go 2-0 and in the round robin tournament.

In women's ice hockey, The United States came out strong to defeat Czechia 5-1, in the largest victory of the day.  The United States was paced by a brace from Hayley Scamurra (pictured below), with other goals scored by Alex Carpenter, Joy Dunne, and Ms. America, Hilary Knight!

In other matchups, Sweden defeated Germany 4-1 and host Italy defeated France 4-1.

Athlete of the Day - Jennifer Dodds, Great Britain, Curling

Threw shot rock in the decisive 7th - and last - end, in which Great Britain picked up 4 points in the match against Estonia, and then came back against Czechia in the 7th and penultimate end to score the winning point - without holding shot rock!

U.S. Athlete of the Day - Hayley Scamurra, Hockey

Scored 2 goals in the United State's opener.

Team of the Day - Italy, Women's Ice Hockey

The host team winning its debut 4-1 against France is a great start for Italy.

U.S. Team of the Day - Mixed Doubles, Curling

It could have been the women's hockey team, but the Mixed Doubles Curling team secured 2 victories!

Olympic Term of the Day:  End - A division of a game in curling, similar to an inning in baseball, where both teams have the opportunity to throw eight stones each (five in mixed doubles), alternating with the opponent.

Olympic Events Watched:  Curling, Ice Hockey

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically):  Korey Dobkin, Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra, Cory Thiesse

Olympics - Milano Cortina 2026 - Day 1/February 4

 

The first day of competition kicked-off with Mixed Doubles Curling, the only action (besides training sessions, to take place on the first day of competition.  Given that the quantity of the contests was so small, I will update the entirety of the day.

Sweden 10-3 over Korea

Great Britain 8-6 over Norway

Canada 10-5 over Czechia

Switzerland 9-7 over Estonia

In the opener, Seden did not have the hammer, but behind the shot of Isabella Wranaa, managed to secure 4 points in the 4th end, to turn a 5-3 close match into a 9-3 route.

In the next match, Great Britain took a7-6 lead but with the hammer into the 8th end.  Bruce Mouat managed to secure 1 point in the 8th to secure the win.

Canada, holding onto a 7-4 lead entering the 6th end, managed to open the game wide open on a stunning clockwise raise by Joceyln Peterman to take 3 points from the end and to expand their lead to 10-4.

The last match was absolutely remarkable, as the Swiss held a 5-1 lead after 5 ends.  The Estonian team of Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill managed to close the gap to 5-3 in the 6th end, but the Swiss stormed back in the 7th to score 2 more of their own.  But, the Estonian duo score four in the 8th end to send the match into an extra end, where the Swiss team of Yannick Schwaller and Briar Schwaller-Huerlimann edged the Estonians by 2.

Athlete of the Day - Yannick Schwaller, Switzerland, Curling

He threw stones 4, 6, and 8 in the extra end to secure victory.

U.S. Athlete of the Day - N/A

Team of the Day - Sweden Mixed, SWE, Curling

The most dominating of the four matches played yesterday.

U.S. Team of the Day - N/A

Olympic Term of the Day:  Bonspiel - A tournament in which curlers compete.

Olympic Events Watched:  Curling

USA Closing Ceremony Flag-Bearer Possibilities (listed alphabetically): N/A to date

Olympic Kick-Off - Opening Ceremonies Flag Bearers

 

The Winter Olympics starts today - yes today - in Milano Cortina!  I know the Opening Ceremonies are Friday, but the events actually start today.  So let's kickoff our Olympic coverage by getting to know your Opening Ceremonies flag-bearers:  Erin Jackson and Frank Del Duca!!!

Erin Jackson - a 33-year old speed skater from Ocala, Florida - was truly the only correct selection from the women's team to be the US Flag bearer (with major apologies to Jessie Diggins!)  Jackson qualified for her first Olympics in Pyeongchang in 2018, after having speed-skated on ice for only 4 months after transitioning from inline skating.  She finished 24th in the 500 meters, but just skyrocketed from there.  In 2021, she won her first 500-meter world cup event in Poland, breaking the track record not once, but twice.  She qualified for Beijing in 2022, where she won gold, becoming the first black woman to win a Winter Olympic gold in a solo sport.  

Heading into Milaon-Cortina, Jackson finished first in the U.S. Olympic trials in both the 500 meters, where she looks to defend her title, and the 1,000 meters.

Frank Del Duca is also from Florida, having been born in Broward County, Florida, but was raised and lives in Bethel, Maine, where he trains as the best U.S. Bobsled driver in both the two-man and four-man sleds.  He led his sled to fourth-place finishes in both races in the 2025 World Cup, making him a solid contender to become the first US medalist in the events since 2014 in Sochi, where Steve Holcomb silvered in both disciplines, and the first to win gold since 1932 in Lake Placid (4-man; William Fiske) and 1936 in Garmish-Partenkirchen (2-man; Ivan Brown).

Congratulations Erin and Frank, and lead us well!!!

Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Preview

 

So for everybody that knows me, they know that I absolutely LOVE the Olympics!!!  Always have, ever since I was a kid.  I used to read books and watch video series just on the Olympics.  The book Rome 1960 by David Maraniss is one the best sports books ever written.  (And he has written some GREAT ones!).  So, be prepared for daily recaps from all the competitions as we start the quadrennial soiree this week.

But, for starters, I am going to kick-off the Milano-Cortina games.  This is Mialno's first time hosting the games; Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the Games in 1956.  This kick-off is going to highlight the best bets to win medals in the games.  Since some events - like hockey - have so much talent, any given country isn't likely to actually medal compared to some of the individual events, so this list is heavily focused on individuals (or small teams).  Let's kick it off ...

10.  Chloe Kim - Snowboarding - USA 

Kim is the two-time defending gold medalist in the half-pipe, having secured the gold in Pyeongchang in 2018 and repeated in Beijing in 2022.  Her main competitors are her teammate Maddie Mastro, New Zealand's Zoe Sadowski-Synott, and Murase Kokomo from Japan.

9.  Marielle Thompson/BandonMackay - Freestyle Skiing - CAN

Two of Canada's most likely individual medalist as Thompson returns to the Olympics having won gold in 2014 in Sochi, and silver in Beijing in 2022 in Ski-Cross.  MacKay enters his second Olympics looking for his first medal, but his is the reigning world champ in the half-pipe. 

8.  Hwang Dae-heon- Short Track Speedskating - KOR

Arguably the best of a very talented South Korean short track speedskating team, he gets the nod here even though youngster Rim Jong-un won the national team trials.  This team might be unbeatable in the relays, except the variables in this sport (one slip, bump or another falling skater) are higher than any other!

7.  Ilia Malinin - Figure Skating - USA

The "Quad God" is the overwhelming favorite for men's gold (as he should be) having just recently won the World Championships by landing seven - YES 7!!! - quads.

6.  Eileen Gu - Freestyle Skiiing - CHN

The extremely talented American-born 22-year old has already made her mark in the sport, having won 2 golds (Big Air/Halfpipe) and 1 silver (Slopestyle) in Beijing in 2022 and several World Championships, Winter X Games, and World Cup podiums!

5.  Stefan Kraft - AUT/Ryoyu Kobayashi - JAP - Ski Jumping

Kraft is one of the most successful ski jumpers of all time, having won 45 times and placed on the podium 127 in individual starts, and 17 wins with 46 podiums in 65 team starts.  The only thing missing is major Olympic success with just 1 team gold in 7 total events across the last two Olympics.  Kobayashi has 37 wins and 77 podiums in 245 starts, with 1 team win, and 10 podium in 53 team starts.  He is the reigning gold medalist in the normal hill and reigning silver medalist in the large hill.

4.  Scotty James - AUS/Ayumu Hirano - JAP - Snowboarding

You should expect nothing but medals from these two, as James has previously won silver (2022) and bronze (2018) in the Olympic halfpipe, but 8 golds, 2 silvers and 2 bronzes in the Winter X Games, and 4 golds and 1 silver in the World Championships.  Hirano is the reigning gold medalist in the halfpipe, having won 2 previous silvers in the same event in 2014 and 2018.  He has also won 2 golds and 2 silvers in teh Winter X Games.

3.  Mikaela Shiffrin - Alpine Skiing - USA

Lindsay Vonn receives all of the hype, but even before her recent ACL tear Shiffrin was the surer bet.  The greatest female alpine skier is the hands-down favorite to win the slalom, and among the favorites in the giant slalom and combined.

2.  Johanes Hosflot-Klaebo - Cross-Country Skiing/Jarl Magnus Riiber - Nordic Combined/Johanes Thingnes Bo - Biathlon - NOR

These three giants are among the reason that the overwhelming favorite to win the most medals and most golds is Norway.

1.    Francesco Friedrich/Johannes Lochner - Bobsled - GER

These two bobnsledding legends are likely to finish 1-2 in both the 2-man and 4-man bobsledding events.  The only question is who will best whom?  Friedrich won gold driver both the 2-man and 4-man sleds in Pyeongchang (2018) and Beijing (2022) and Lochner won silver in both events in Beijing.  This year Lochner has 6 firsts and 1 second in 7 2-man events, and 3 firsts and 4 seconds in 7 4-man events.  Friedrich has 1 first, 4 seconds and 2 thirds in the 7 2-man events and 2 first, 2 seconds and 2 thirds in the 4-man.  One site even ranks Friedrich as the 30th greatest German athlete of all time, and no doubt, both of these men will rise on that list with expected performances in Milano-Cortina.  Here is the link to that list of the Best German Athletes

Picks of the Week - CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

This season has been a shit-show, so last weekend should have been no surprise, even with a great start to the playoffs in the Wildcard Round.  I am not going to waste a lot of my time on this, since I know how it is going to turn out anyway.

A reminder, all bets are for $100 expect for the Big Bet, which is $250.  All losses incur a vig of 10%.  On to the picks.

New England Patriots -3 1/2 at Denver Broncos

Even though Bo Nix may have regressed a bit this year, this team is still way better with him than any backup that hasn't taken many snaps in a long time.  Best of luck to Jarrett Stidham, but I am not betting on it.

New England Patriots -210 Moneyline (Bet $210 to win $100) at Denver Broncos

If I think they are going to cover a 3 1/2 points spread on the road, I damn sure am going to pick them to win outright.

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos UNDER 43 1/2

Tough defenses and a backup quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks -2 v. Los Angeles Rams

Seattle has - by far - played the best of any team in the NFL this entire season.  The Rams were at that level at one point, and are amazing offensively (1st in Passing Offense, 1st in Scoring Offense, 2nd in Total Offense and 7th in Rushing Offense), which it will need in going against the toughest defense in the NFL to score against.

Seattle Seahawks -135 Moneyline (Bet $135 to win $100) v. Los Angeles Rams

Just like in the early game, if I think they are going to cover the spread, I should pick them to win outright.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks OVER 45 1/2

This feels like it could be similar to the Week 16 38-37 barnburner.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

New England Patriots -3 1/2 at Denver Broncos

Even though Bo Nix may have regressed a bit this year, this team is still way better with him than any backup that hasn't taken many snaps in a long time.  Best of luck to Jarrett Stidham, but I am not betting on it.

The Bo Nix injury at least made it so I don't have to even think about this choice.

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks OVER 45 1/2

This feels like it could be similar to the Week 16 38-37 barnburner.

I am hoping for at least one really good, fun, close game this weekend - I hope it is this one.

Last Week Record: 1-11

Last Week Big Bet: 0-2

Playoff Record: 13-17 

Playoff Big Bet:  1-3

Year-to-Date Record: 139-157-3

Year-to-Date Big Bet: 7-15

Last Week Winnings (Losses): ($1440)

Playoff Winnings (Losses):  ($828.20)

Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses): ($4,928.20)

Picks of the Week - NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND

 

An actual great start to the playoffs, and with a play or two going in the other direction, I could have cut a big chunk into my yearly deficit.  As it is, I am not going to complain as we had some really excellent football during Wildcard Weekend - and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And this week we should have some more phenomenal games.  In the NFC we have 3 western division teams, which have been the class of the conference all year, and the upstart cardiac Chicago Bears, who get to host a game in 20 degree temperatures!  In the AFC, we have one of the best defenses we have ever seen (Houston), one of the best players we have ever seen (Allen), and two teams that are way more than the sum of their parts (Denver and New England).  Let's get to the games!

A reminder, all bets are for $100 expect for the Big Bet, which is $250.  All losses incur a vig of 10%.  On to the picks.

Buffalo Bills +1 1/2 at Denver Broncos

Everything about this game screams "Broncos!"  They are coming off a bye and Buffalo is on a short week having played a tough game against the Jaguars on Sunday.  The Broncos are the number 1 seed in the AFC.  And to top it all off, the money has overwhelming come in on Denver so far as this spread started with Buffalo -1 1/2.  But, It is hard to look at these games and see that Denver is the better team.  Denver's strength is its defense, where it finished 4th overall.  But Buffalo's defense finished 7th overall, giving up only 3 yards more per game.  And, Buffalo has the much - MUCH - better offense (3rd overall and 4th in scoring versus Denver's 12th overall and 14th in scoring).  And who do you trust more to make plays - Josh Allen or Bo Nix?

Buffalo Bills EVEN Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $100) at Denver Broncos

This line also opened with Buffalo being -112, so the money is definitely coming in on the Broncos.  But, I don't follow early money; I follow late money, and I suspect the late money will start coming in on the Bills.  For all of the reasons stated above, and because Buffalo has the number 1 ranked rushing offense in the NFL, I think the Bills will not only cover, but win outright.

Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos UNDER 46 1/2

I mentioned above that the Bills have the number 1 rushing offense in the NFL, and relying on a rushing game takes time off the clock - and lessens possessions.  Add to that fact that Denver has the second-best defense against the run in the NFL and this game is going to be a slog.

San Francisco 49ers +7 at Seattle Seahawks

This is another one which screams "Seahawks" because Seattle earned a bye and home-field advantage as the number 1 seed in the NFC, and San Francisco lost George Kittle last week - another in a long, long line of injuries for the 49ers.  But, Seattle is dealing with a new injury of its own in Sam Darnold's oblique injury which has him listed as questionable.  Now, I don't for a second believe that he won't play, but if this hinders him even just a bit - a touchdown spread becomes A LOT of points.  Remember, Sam Darnold doesn't have the best big game/playoff reputation when healthy (See Vikings, Minnesota 2025).  Plus, if he cannot go - the Seahawks backup is Drew Lock, far from an imposing figure in the pocket.  Add to that they played an incredibly tough game against each other in Week 18 (Seattle winning 13-3), and this game should be close.

San Francisco 49ers +270 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $270) at Seattle Seahawks

It is one thing to take the points in this game, but the Moneyline?  This is purely a numbers pick.  Seattle is at -340 right now, meaning I would have to be $340 to win $100, so the ML spread is about $610, so I am taking this bet knowing Seattle is likely to win, but taking a low-risk flyer for some actual money.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks UNDER 45

Did you see the last score of 13-3 just two weeks ago?

Houston Texans +3 1/2 at New England Patriots

Yes New England will be at home in inclement weather, but it isn't like Houston has a high-flying offense.  They win with tough - and I mean TOUGH - defense (number 1 in the NFL in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense).  New England is no slouch in that department either (8th in Total defense and 4th in scoring defense), but their offense is way more likely to be affected by the weather than Houston's. Add that to the fact that Houston has probably forgotten how to lose (as they haven't lost since an 18-15 defeat to the Denver Broncos in Week 9 on November 2, and I will gladly take points here.

Houston Texans +150 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $150) at New England Patriots

Yes, the underdogs are flying here this weekend, as it seems that we have the weakest group of hosts in recent memory for the divisional round.  Honestly, the smart play if probably a New England victory here, but until Houston loses, I am going to keep taking them.

Houston Texans at New England Patriots UNDER 40 1/2 

And a third straight under.  The weather could play a real big part in this, but through the entire year both teams combined averaged allowing only 36.2 points per game, so this isn't a ridiculous pick by any stretch of the imagination.  Houston's under hit last week and the number was at 38 1/2!

Chicago Bears +4 v. Los Angeles Rams

So I am taking all 4 underdogs, even though in this game the underdog is the home team.  The Bears, even in defeat, have done nothing but keep final games close.  Add to that the fact that the game will be played in about 21 degree weather with wind, and you can rest assured that both teams will rely on their run games, which has a tendency to keep games close.

Chicago Bears +172 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $172) v. Los Angeles Rams

If I am going to go all the way with underdogs, I might has well go ALL THE WAY with underdogs!

Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears OVER 48 1/2

This bet makes no sense, even to me and I am making it, but I cannot select 4 underdogs AND 4 unders.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

San Francisco 49ers +7 at Seattle Seahawks

This is another one which screams "Seahawks" because Seattle earned a bye and home-field advantage as the number 1 seed in the NFC, and San Francisco lost George Kittle last week - another in a long, long line of injuries for the 49ers.  But, Seattle is dealing with a new injury of its own in Sam Darnold's oblique injury which has him listed as questionable.  Now, I don't for a second believe that he won't play, but if this hinders him even just a bit - a touchdown spread becomes A LOT of points.  Remember, Sam Darnold doesn't have the best big game/playoff reputation when healthy (See Vikings, Minnesota 2025).  Plus, if he cannot go - the Seahawks backup is Drew Lock, far from an imposing figure in the pocket.  Add to that they played an incredibly tough game against each other in Week 18 (Seattle winning 13-3), and this game should be close.

This game just has to be close, right?

Houston Texans at New England Patriots UNDER 40 1/2 

And a third straight under.  The weather could play a real big part in this, but through the entire year both teams combined averaged allowing only 36.2 points per game, so this isn't a ridiculous pick by any stretch of the imagination.  Houston's under hit last week and the number was at 38 1/2!

I am all-in on this Houston Defense.  One of the best three or four I have ever seen.  1985/1986 Bears; Early 2000s Ravens, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl winner (not with Brady), and this one.  Scary good.

Last Week Record: 12-6

Last Week Big Bet: 1-1

Playoff Record: 12-6 

Playoff Big Bet:  1-1 

Year-to-Date Record: 138-148-3

Year-to-Date Big Bet: 7-13

Last Week Winnings (Losses): $611.80

Playoff Winnings (Losses):  $611.80

Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses): ($3,488.20)

Picks of the Week - NFL WILDCARD WEEKEND

 

OK - the worst NFL season of my picking career is finished, and we are now on to the Wildcard Round!!!  Hooray for that, at least.  Since the playoffs offer many less games to choose, I will be selecting each game Against the Spread, with the Money Line, and the Over/Under.  Also, I might have two Big Bets.  Let's see how that goes!

A reminder, all bets are for $100 expect for the Big Bet, which is $250.  All losses incur a vig of 10%.  On to the picks.

Carolina Panthers +10 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams

In no way, shape or form do I think that Carolina deserves to be in the playoffs, nor do I think they have a chance to win this game.  But - and it is a big BUT - the NFL placed this game in the Saturday afternoon window, which means the Pacific Time Zone team has to travel to the Eastern Time Zone to play a game on a short week.  This spells gambling trouble, and since it seems too easy to just pick the Rams, I have to take double-digit points.

Los Angeles Rams -600 Moneyline (Bet $600 to win $100) at Carolina Panther

The Rams have the league's highest-scoring offense and the second-best Total Offense.  Carolina is going to have trouble getting Los Angeles' offense off the field, ranking 31st in defensive first-down percentage.  Rams win, but it will be way closer than it should be.

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers UNDER 46 1/2

The ordinarily high-flying Rams offense is going to be slow to takeoff, and Carolina is going to try to keep this game on the ground to keep possessions low.

Chicago Bears +1 1/2 v. Green Bay Packers

Both of the first two games between these two long-time rivals came down to the final play (each with the ball in Caleb Williams' hand).  There is no reason to think that this one will be any different.  Plus, getting points at home in an intra-divisional rivalry is always a good play.   And, it is a short week.

Green Bay Packers -112 Moneyline (Bet $112 to win $100) at Chicago Bears

But, the above notwithstanding, the Packers had the lead in both previous games, and would have won the second if not for the fact Chicago recovered an onside kick.  Smart play here is Green Bay, and given that Chicago money line is anywhere from even to -108, and this bet is a no-brainer.  That being said, I hope I lose this one.

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears OVER 45 1/2

I feel like both of these teams could score 21 in their sleep against each other, so all I need is basically one additional score.  So I'll take the over.

Buffalo Bills +1 at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have been playing great, but even with what seems like a subpar season performance-wise, the Bills still have Josh Allen and the 3rd-best total offense (and 4th-highest scoring offense) in the NFL.  Jacksonville's rush defense is stout (best in the NFL), but the passing defense is 21st.

 

Buffalo Bills -112 Moneyline (Bet $112 to win $100) at Jacksonville Jaguars

If I am expecting the Bills to win (which is what +1 basically means), then I have to take their money line.  It is weird that the Bills are favored in MoneyLine Bets and some even have them as favorite against the spread - this is a bizarre game to prognosticate.

Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars OVER 51 1/2

Two of the 6 highest-scoring offenses in the league, in a southern stadium (no snow!).

San Francisco 49ers +5 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

So this particular Pacific Time Zone team gets the afternoon slot on Sunday, which helps immeasurably in covering the spread.  I also think they are the better team.  They are 8th in total offense and 5th in passing offense.   Philadelphia, on the other hand, is 24th overall in total offense.  They are a good, but flawed team, and San Francisco was fairly close to being the number 1 overall seed in the NFC.

San Francisco 49ers +200 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $200) at Philadelphia Eagles

A healthy, healthy dose of Christian McCaffrey, a wide-array of offensive talent, and a favorable money line all make this to be a good bet.

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles OVER 44 1/2

A high-flying offense and a couple of tush pushes makes this the play.

Los Angeles Chargers +3 1/2 at New England Patriots

Another Pacific Time Zone team playing in the Eastern Time Zone, but this is at night!  These are two very evenly matched teams with New England a little better on offense (4th versus 10th) and the Chargers a little better on defense (2nd versus 8th).   Given this, I will take the points, and an angry Harbaugh over his brother's firing.

Los Angeles Chargers +165 Moneyline (Bet $100 to win $165) at New England Patriots

If I think that the Chargers are going to cover the spread, then I damn sure am going to take them with the Moneyline.  It is time for Justin Herbert to play like we all think Justin Herbert should be playing.

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots UNDER 46 1/2

Two tough, stubborn defenses.

Houston Texans -3 at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers won the AFC north by backing in after a Tyler Loop missed 44-yard FG.  The Texans have won 9 in a row and 10 of their last 11.  And that defense!!!  They finished 1st in Total Defense, 2nd in Scoring Defense, 4th in Rushing Defense, 6th in Third-Down percentage defense, and 6th in Passing Defense.  Pittsburgh's best offensive stats are 15th in Scoring, and 22nd in Passing.

Houston Texans -155 Moneyline (Bet $155 to win $100) at Pittsburgh Steelers

I am getting lucky on this line as it opened at -175.  That being said, this game has all the signs of a trap for gamblers.  An obvious favorite, but on the road, with a wildcard in favor of the underdog (Aaron Rodgers and Chris Boswell kicking in Heinz).  Nevertheless, I am taking Houston.

Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER 38 1/2

Gonna be a whole lot of field goals in this one!

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

San Francisco 49ers +5 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

So this particular Pacific Time Zone team gets the afternoon slot on Sunday, which helps immeasurably in covering the spread.  I also think they are the better team.  They are 8th in total offense and 5th in passing offense.   Philadelphia, on the other hand, is 24th overall in total offense.  They are a good, but flawed team, and San Francisco was fairly close to being the number 1 overall seed in the NFC.

San Francisco just has too much firepower, and Ricky Pearsall hasn't even gotten into a groove yet this year.  I expect big games from McCaffrey and George Kittle.

Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars OVER 51 1/2

Two of the 6 highest-scoring offenses in the league, in a southern stadium (no snow!).

I mean, this has to hit, right?

Last Week Record: 4-12

Last Week Big Bet: 0-1

Year-to-Date Record: 126-142-3

Year-to-Date Big Bet: 6-12

Last Week Winnings (Losses): ($1,085)

Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses): ($4,100)