Picks of the Week

Boy every time I get cocky and post it on here, I just get annihilated on that week's picks.  How bad, enough to almost wipe out my entire year's winnings.  It seems as if I need to just concentrate and make my pics.

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.

Dallas Cowboys -3 1/2 at Chicago Bears
The visiting team has had a lot of problems on Thursday night games, however, both the Cowboys and Bears played last Thursday on Thanksgiving.  With a full week's preparation, the more talented Cowboys should win this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers +3 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have started to really play well since AJ Green came back, and the Steelers have struggled a bit.  However, the Steelers have struggled against less talented teams, and this division battle should merit enough attention from Pittsburgh to at least make this one close.

New York Giants pick 'em at Tennessee Titans
This game is awful.

Washington Whatever Their New Name is Going to Be + 2 1/2 v. St. Louis Rams
Only because the Rams are road favorites.

Indianapolis Colts -3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
OK, so I do pick some road favorites.  With the Hoyer-Manziel controversy stirring in Cleveland, Hoyer might try to make too many plays trying to impress the coaching staff, which could lead to the traveling road show that is Johnny Football.  Manziel, however, is no Luck.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +10 at Detroit Lions
Don't kid yourself, Tampa has no chance of winning this game, but if the defense plays tough, it could be a one touchdown loss.

Jacksonville Jaguars +5 v. Houston Texans
Is it possible that the Jaguars could put together a winning streak?  Maybe not, but their defenses keeps this game close.

Miami Dolphins -2 1/2 v. Baltimore Ravens
With Haloti Ngata suspended for the rest of the year, the Dolphins have a good chance to knock one of their wild-card competitors down a notch.

New York Jets +6 at Minnesota Vikings
Another in a string of games that in no way interest me.

New Orleans Saints -10 v. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have mailed in this season to the point where people are questioning if Cam Newton can play in this league.

Kansas City Chiefs pick 'em at Arizona Cardinals
Two very underrated, physical teams.  I look for Kansas City to win because of the steadiness of Alex Smith, which the Cardinals do not have in Drew Stanton.

Denver Broncos -10 v. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has had a much better year than anyone has expected.  They are nowhere near as good as Broncos, especially now that C.J. Anderson has emerged as a legitimate running threat.

San Francisco 49ers -8 at Oakland Raiders
It is amazing what the return of one player (Aldon Smith) and the emergence of another (Chris Borland) can do for a team's defense.

Seattle Seahawks +1 at Philadelphia Eagles
From the Department of Redundancy Department, it is amazing what the return of one player (Bobby Wagner) can do for the defense.  Seattle is definitely starting to flex its muscle for its title defense.

New England Patriots -3 1/2 at San Diego Chargers
If San Diego was a little more consistent offensively, I would have picked them, but I never bet against Coach Belichek coming off a loss.

Green Bay Packers -13 v. Atlanta Falcons
The Patriots defense is much, much better than Atlanta's, and this game is in Green Bay.

BIG BET OF THE WEEK

Indianapolis Colts -3 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
OK, so I do pick some road favorites.  With the Hoyer-Manziel controversy stirring in Cleveland, Hoyer might try to make too many plays trying to impress the coaching staff, which could lead to the traveling road show that is Johnny Football.  Manziel, however, is no Luck.


Last Week: 6-10
Year-to-Date: 101-86-3
Big Bet Last Week: 0-1
Big Bet Year to Date: 6-7
Winnings (Losses) Last Week: ($665)
Winnings (Losses) Year to Date: $160