Picks of the Week

A second consecutive 9-4-1 week.  These are the types of records I like to see!!!  Off to a bad start this week, but hopefully I can keep up the level I have been selecting recently!

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.

New Orleans Saints +2 1/2 v. Denver Broncos

Home team, short week didn't work.  Really, really didn't work.

New England Patriots +6 v. Jacksonville Jaguars (London - Wembley Stadium)

Drake Maye showed something last week, and despite New England not having a lot of offensive talent, Maye might be able to score enough against the leagues 31st scoring defense to keep this close.

Indianapolis Colts -3 v. Miami Dolphins

I really have no idea what to do with this one.  Yes, Anthony Richardson is returning, but do we really know if he is good or not?  No, we don't.  But, Tua Tagavailova is still out for Miami, so that offense hasn't shown anything since he went down with injury.  So maybe Richardson is inconsistent, but makes a few plays to win and cover.

Buffalo Bills -9 v. Tennessee Titans

The Bills have actually been struggling this year offensively; 25th in the NFL.  But, optimism is key.  And if Josh Allen is hyped due to the acquisition of Amari Cooper, that coould do a lot for this team, even if it will take Cooper a couple of weeks to get up to speed.  Interested in seeing how Tennessee's top ranked defense fares against the new look Buffalo with James Cook back and Amari Cooper suited up.

Detroit Lions + 1 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings

In a matchup that should be a close barnburner, I'll take points, even if it is only 1 1/2.  The over (50 1/2) should be a good play here, also.

Cincinnati Bengals -5 1/2 at Cleveland Browns

I hate road intradivisional favorites, but Cleveland is awful and they have already traded Amari Cooper.  Could Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, and/or Myles Garrett be far behind?

Houston Texans + 2 1/2 at Green Bay Packers

Green Bay's 25th ranked passing defense is their downfall here, as Houston looks to take advantage of the Packers' secondary.

Atlanta Falcons -3 v. Seattle Seahawks

Eastern time zone home team against a Pacific time zone team in the 1:00 slot; covers over 2/3rds of the time.

New York Giants +3 v. Philadelphia Eagles

I do not want to take 2 intradivisional road favorites, and Cincinnati seems more likely to cover than the Eagles.  Is it possible that we have been overrating the Eagles (and Jalen Hurts?) for the past couple years?  Also feel like the Giants are not as bad as everyone thinks, either, so I'll take the points.

Carolina Panthers +9 1/2 at Washington Commanders

Please don't get me wrong, Washington wins this game.  It is just that 9 1/2 points seem like a lot to me.

Los Angeles Rams -7 v. Las Vegas Raiders

Too many Maxx Crosby trade rumors circulating for this Raiders team to be focused on the rest of this season.

San Francisco 49ers -2 v. Kansas City Chiefs

The return of Jordan Mason to the lineup should put a jolt in the San Francisco offense, at least enough to defeat a Kansas City Chiefs team lacking in firepower.  Could they be looking for a trade deadline upgrade, especially at receiver?

New York Jets -2 at Pittsburgh Steelers

At the very least Aaron Rodgers knows Davante Adams, even if Adams cannot get fully up-to-speed on the entire playbook.  The Steelers will be starting Russell Wilson, hoping they get the Wilson from 4+ years ago and not thei this year/last year version.

Baltimore Ravens -3 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baltimore is the better team here, but could Baker Mayfield exploit the one kink in the Ravens' armor - pass defense (31st in the NFL)?  They may, but Tampa's entire defense is its Achilles' heel (28th overall, 29th passing, 18th scoring).

Los Angeles Chargers -1 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals

Don't really know what it is about these Chargers, but they look like they could make a playoff run.  Number 1 scoring defense in the NFL - and 6th in total defense helps.

Big Bet:

Cincinnati Bengals -5 1/2 at Cleveland Browns

I hate road intradivisional favorites, but Cleveland is awful and they have already traded Amari Cooper.  Could Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, and/or Myles Garrett be far behind?

I am going against everything I like to do for my big bet.  Pick home teams, that are underdogs, or only slight favorites being among them.  But, this Cleveland team is a mess.

Record

Last Week's Record:  9-4-1

Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0

Year-to-Date Record:  46-40-6

Big Bet Year-to-Date: 5-1 

Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $610

Year to Date's Winnings (Losses): $785