Picks of the Week

Three consecutive winning weeks!!!  I know at some point that streak will end, I just hope that it isn't today.  A silly push on Thursday, but at least it was't a loss!!!

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.  On to the picks.

Seattle Seahawks -3 v. Green Bay Packers
After last week's Carolina debacle, I am going back to following the rules, don't bet on the visiting team on a short week.

Atlanta Falcons -3 1/2 v. Dallas Cowboys
I really have no idea who to pick in this game.  Atlanta's offense and Dallas's defense are both really good, but the other sides of the ball stink.  Usually in a situation like this I take the points, but this time I am taking the home team as Dallas is coming off an emotion intra-divisional victory.

Baltimore Ravens -6 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals
I think this line is too high, especially given that Lamar Jackson might make his first NFL start.  That being said, with no A.J. Green, and with a great Ravens defense, it is hard for me to see the Bengals doing much of anything offensively.  It's the old adage - defense and running game - that I am betting on here.

Carolina Panthers -4 at Detroit Lions
You should know by now that I hate taking road favorites, but the Lions are not good and Carolina is 7-1 against the spread coming off a loss.  I will take a bounce back performance.

Tennessee Titans +1 1/2 at Indianapolis Colts
This Titans team will make life tough for somebody in the playoffs.  They start by making a run toward the top of the AFC South with a win over the Colts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 at New York Giants
Both teams stink, so I will take the points.  Plus, Fitzmagic is coming off a good high from the Harvard victory over Yale yesterday at Fenway Park.  This likely means Cameron Brate scores a touchdown as well!

Houston Texans -3 at Washington Racists
Both teams are 6-3 and lead their respective divisions, but it seems like the Texans have more talent while Washington seems to be doing this courtesy of a horrible division.

Pittsburgh Steelers -4 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
So the story comes out today that the Jaguars are open to trading Jalen Ramsey in the offseason.  On the morning of a game.  Ridiculous.

Arizona Cardinals -5 v. Oakland Raiders
Oakland is in utter disarray!

Denver Broncos +7 at Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers should win this game, but it is an intra-divisional game, and I think Denver runs the ball enough to keep the game close.

New Orleans Saints -7 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
This is not last year's Philly team.  Middle of the road in total offense and defense.  Meanwhile, New Orleans is 5th in total yards, while first in points and first in rushing defense.

Chicago Bears -2 1/2 v. Minnesota Vikings
This should be a close game and the spread reflects that.  The Bears defense leads the way (2nd in rushing defense, 3rd in 3rd down percentage and 4th in total defense and points allowed), but the offense is 5th in points scored as well .  They could use a bit more of a running game against Minnesota which is 3rd in rush defense and 5th in total defense.  However, I honestly trust Mitchell Trubisky more in a big spot than I do Kirk Cousins right now.

Los Angeles Rams -3 1/2 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Two high-flying offenses, but the Rams defense is 13th overall (10th against the run and 12th in points allowed), whereas the Chiefs defense is 29th overall (29th against the pass, 22nd against thr run and 18th in points allowed).  Given the emotional lift of all of the first responders to the California wildfires being given free tickets, I will take the Rams defense.

Big Bet
Pittsburgh Steelers -4 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
So the story comes out today that the Jaguars are open to trading Jalen Ramsey in the offseason.  On the morning of a game.  Ridiculous.
Ordinarily I would like to pick a home team and/or a team receiving points, but this Jalen Ramsey news is a bombshell.  What on earth is going on in that locker room.

Last Week's Record:  7-6-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0
Year-to-Date Record:  77-64-7
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  5-5
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $190

Year-to-Date's Winnings (Losses):  $585