Picks of the Week

Wow - What a start to the season.  For some of the teams and players at least - and ME!!!  Now way I can keep this pace up, but it sure is good to start off with a BANG!!!  For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas, losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Kansas City Chiefs -4 v. Los Angeles Chargers

A very good home team getting points in the opening weekend?  I'll take them.  We saw how that turned out!  Ugh.  Two weeks in a row now.  Maybe it is an omen?

New York Giants -1 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers

I never would have guessed this pick before the season started, but the Giants ran the ball very well last week, and Carolina couldn't stop the run.  Yes, it was the Browns who run the ball at every opportunity, but so can Saquon.

Pittsburgh Steelers +3 v. New England Patriots

Nothing I saw from the Patriots last week makes me think they should be a favorite on the road.  If Belichick wasn't the coach, this would be my big bet.

New Orleans Saints +2 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Saints have owned the Buccaneers since Tom Brady moved to Tampa.  I know this means the streak will probably stop here, but I have to ride this streak as long as I can.

Cleveland Browns -6 1/2 v. New York Jets

Joe Flacco showed that he can still fling it during a blowout loss.  Let's see if he can do that two weeks in a row.

Baltimore Ravens -3 1/2 v. Miami Dolphins

I have a feeling that this pick could sneak up on a lot of people.  Could be a determinative game for how the season can ultimately go for both teams.  Until Miami proves me otherwise, I am picking the Ravens.

Washington Commanders pick 'em at Detroit Lions

Detroit plays tough, and if DeAndre Swift can be healthy all year, Detroit will win more games than people expect.  But, with Washington, I have to go back to their defensive line with Carson Wentz making just enough more plays than Jared Goff.

Indianapolis Colts -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville played the Commanders close last week, but they could not get off the field on third down, stopping their opponents on that crucial down only 30% of the time.  That doesn't bode well for a team with Jonathan Taylor.  If the Colts stay on the field, he will break one.

Los Angeles Rams -10 v. Atlanta Falcons

Already in the season and we have a double-digit spread.  The Rams will really WANT this win after being decimated by the Buffalo Bills on opening night.  I look for them to score early and often, getting both Allen Robinson and Van Jefferson involved in the passing game.  Is this Desmond Ridder watch on?  No offense to Marcus Mariota, but it should be.

San Francisco 49ers -9 v. Seattle Seahawks

Be careful not to read too much into last week's games.  The weather in Chicago was atrocious.  San Francisco probably will not look that bad again this week.  And, good win by Seattle, but neither the Seahawks or the Broncos actually looked good on Monday night.  Seahawks on a short week, I'll take San Francisco.

Houston Texans +10 at Denver Broncos

Now, here is where I fall into the trap.  Denver did not look good and are on a short week.  Houston didn't look great either, but they played a tough team really tough - and didn't lose.  Makes for an easy bet when it is double digits.  I don't like this bet because Matt Ryan carved up the Texans' pass defense last week, and Russell Wilson did the same to Seattle.  I am taking Houston, but only because it is 10 points.  C'mon Lovie!

Las Vegas Raiders -5 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals

Raiders looked lively in their week 1 loss to the Chargers, who are an AFC champion-caliber team.  Arizona was annihilated by the Chiefs, which could happen to a bunch of teams this year.  I still think even at full strength the Raiders are better - Davante Adams means that much.

Cincinnati Bengals -7 at Dallas Cowboys

Nobody knows what we are getting from Cooper Rush, but we do know what we are getting from the rest of the Dallas team.  Cincinnati wins going away, despite giving up 4 sacks.

Chicago Bears +10 at Green Bay Packers

Giving up ten points against a division rival, when you have nobody that is able to catch the ball?  A frustrated Aaron Rodgers tour begins.

Buffalo Bills -10 v. Tennessee Titans

Coming off a bad loss to the New York Giants, instead of bouncing back, I think we may be seeing the limitations of this team.  Perhaps Malik Willis starts before Desmond Ridder?

Minnesota Vikings +2 1/2 at Philadephia Eagles

In perhaps the closest game of the weekend, I am just taking points.  No disrespect to the Eagles, but it was that close for me.

Big Bet:

Pittsburgh Steelers +3 v. New England Patriots

Getting points at home against a very pedestrian team.  Can you believe this, two weeks in a row betting big on Mitchell Trubisky?

Last Week's Record:  12-4

Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0

Year-to-Date Record:  12-4

Big Bet Year-to-Date:  1-0
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $910 

Year to Date's Winnings (Losses):  $910