So the damn big bet got me this past week, as I finished with more wins than losses, but still lost money. Guess I need to pay more attention to the big bet. 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...
Denver Broncos -3 v. Indianapolis Colts
God was this awful.
Green Bay Packers -8 v. New York Giants (in London)
This game is coming to us from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. I feel like Green Bay will win big because they are basically the Tottenham Hotspur of the NFL, so this should feel like a home game.
Minnesota Vikings -7 1/2 v. Chicago Bears
The Bears still have not given up a touchdown in the second half. I don't know if that streak will continue, but it probably won't matter.
Detroit Lions +3 at New England Patriots
Let the Bailey Zappe era begin (and end!)
Pittsburgh Steelers +14 at Buffalo Bills
This is just a lot of points.
New York Jets +3 1/2 v. Miami Dolphins
You would be shocked if I told you that the Jets total offense was better than the Dolphins (8th to 10th) and the Jets defense was WAY better than the Dolphins (8th to 28th.) Yes I will take the points at home.
Atlanta Falcons +10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a lot of points considering that the Buccaneers only score 20.5 points per game, and Atlanta is actually 8th in scoring offense in the league.
New Orleans Saints -5 v. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle's defense is next-to-last in the NFL is total defense and scoring defense, 29th against the rush and 28th against the pass.
Jacksonville Jaguars -7 v. Houston Texans
I honestly had no idea what I was going to do here, but Jacksonville is the 6th leading scoring team in the NFL, and the Texans are only 26th. That is as good a place to start as any.
Tennessee Titans -1 at Washington Commanders
I still love typing "Commanders" instead of "Football Team" and "Racists." This game should be one that nobody wants to watch.
Cleveland Browns +1 v. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles is a west coast team travelling east playing in the early game, so of course I am picking the Browns.
San Francisco 49ers -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
I was thinking this would be 3 1/2 or 4 points, but I am still taking it at 6 1/2. Carolina is last in the league in total offense and 18th in total defense. Those numbers are not going to get it done.
Dallas Cowboys +5 at Los Angeles Rams
The teams are remarkably similar on offense (Rams 26th; Dallas 28th), but Dallas's defense is much, much better. Los Angeles's defense just doesn't look the same. Perhaps Von Miller was important?
Philadelphia Eagles -5 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has been incredibly disappointing so far, and the Eagles are great on offense (2nd overall) and defense (3rd overall.)
Cincinnati Bengals +3 1/2 at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is one-sided, this time over-relying on its offense as the defense struggles (30th overall, last in oassing defense, 23rd in scoring defense.)
Kansas City Chiefs -7 v. Las Vegas Raiders
Patrick Mahomes loves prime time.
Big Bet:
San Francisco 49ers -6 1/2 at Carolina Panthers
I was thinking this would be 3 1/2 or 4 points, but I am still taking it at 6 1/2. Carolina is last in the league in total offense and 18th in total defense. Those numbers are not going to get it done.
Honestly, I hate taking road teams, much less road favorites, for my big bet, but this seems like the easiest game to pick to me.
Last Week's Record: 8-7-1
Last Week's Big Bet: 0-1
Year-to-Date Record: 32-29-3
Big Bet Year-to-Date: 2-1-1
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): ($135)
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): ($135)
Year to Date's Winnings (Losses): $145
