Four more for Sunday
You would never guessed it based on the media, but there is actually more than one NFL game being played this weekend. Here are the games involving merely mortal teams that I will be paying special attention to. I’ll be paying special attention to these ones because they are the ones I will actually be playing. The Pats game is just for fun – as a bet there is no value:
Washington (-3.5) at New York Jets – Washington was embarrassed by New England last week. I suspect that their pride will lead them to take out their frustrations on a far inferior New York team. The last time they had a bad loss, to the Giants, they came back the next week and crushed Detroit. Kellen Clemens is starting, and Washington will do everything they can to make his life miserable. Pick: Washington.
Seattle (pick) at Cleveland – When the game is a pick you just put your money on the better team. That is, unbelievably, Cleveland. Their offense has really found its stride, and they are playing like they finally believe in themselves – something they haven’t done since Bernie Kosar retired. Seattle is coming off a bye, but they have been decidedly lackluster all year, and I am not expecting to be impressed. Pick: Cleveland.
Jacksonville (+3) at New Orleans – The Jags have struggled defensively the last few weeks. New Orleans is experiencing an offensive renaissance. The game could become a shootout. If it does then I would bet on New Orleans every time, because I don’t like Quinn Gray’s chances of keeping up. Pick: New Orleans.
Dallas (-3) at Philadelphia – I’ve been taking the public teams all the way along today, so I might as well stick with it. At this spread I think Dallas is a steal. They have had a bye week to prepare for an inferior team. They have an offense that Philly won’t be able to keep up with. They did a decent job of containing Minnesota’s potent run game and should be able to do the same for Philadelphia. If Dallas is near their best then I don’t see how the Eagles compete. Pick: Dallas.
UPDATE: Sooo close. 3-1 on the games today, and a lousy half a point in the Washington game away from 4-0 and a perfect weekend. I think that the Dallas line was one of the softest ones of the season.
2 Comments
I totally agree the Colts-Pats game was far over-hyped. It’s only one game with an entire half season left to play.
I like the Steelers to win by 10-14 points on the Monday night game. Ben and the Steelers are playing good enough to win this game and I think they should slide by the spread playing at home.
I just discovered this blog today but look forward to being a regular.
Welcome, James. I look forward to seeing you around here.
I am with you that the Steelers are going to win tonight, but I’m not at all convinced that there is value in the line. I’ll be writing more about it in a while.