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