Damn...it’s hard to believe that we are nearly seven weeks into the NFL season already. If only COVID could go away as fast as this season is going by, I’d be able to go enjoy my picks with the boys and some libations. After a weak 2-3 week, the libations were flowing like the ancient rivers of Babylon. So after a disappointing week, we are switching things up a bit to get some good mojo moving our way. We have a fresh, new name for this article as well as using a new sports gambling platform which will prove to be the spark needed to win some extra money.
So who saw the mighty Lambeau faithful falling to Tampa Bay Patriots by 28 points this past week? Certainly not this guy. The Titans led by Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry are looking like a legitimate threat in the AFC and maybe, just maybe with their power running game and strong defense can give the almighty Chiefs a run for their money. Meanwhile, out west in the other half of Pennsylvania, the Steelers led by Big Ben are showing some moxey and look to be the class of the AFC North. The NFC looks as though it will be running through the 12th man...oh...thanks COVID. However, Tampa Bay looks like they may have something to say about that. Imagine a Tom Brady/Russell Wilson NFC title game...maybe Pete Carroll will run the ball on the goaline this time with another pretty good running back. But enough living in the past, it's time for some Week 7 football.
And without further ado, as my guy Rod Tidwell once said jubilantly…”SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!”
(All picks are brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook)
Green Bay Packers -3.5 against the Houston Texans:
Just as Captain Smith did on the Titanic, I will go down on the ship that is betting the Packers. There’s no way around it, the Packers stunk last week and Aaron Rodgers played one of the worst games of his career The Bucs came at him all night and forced some short fields that crippled any chance the Packers had. One week later, I expect Rodgers to come back with a vengeance. This season, when the Pack win they cover the spread and I fully expect them to win this week. Additionally, they are 10-0 ATS following a game in which they failed to cover the spread. This year on defense, Houston is giving up an average of 414 yards per game as well as an average of 3.7 touchdowns per game. We saw Derrick Henry do his Beast Mode impression last week against the Texans D last week to the tune of 212 yards on the ground and this week we get to see another elite back in Aaron Jones have his way on the ground. I fully expect Green Bay to unleash all of their previous frustrations on the lowly Texans this week.
Photo: Brad Rempel
Chicago Bears +6 against the Los Angeles Rams:
Led by Nick 9” Foles, there’s something about these Bears that just seems special. Are they a Super Bowl winning team...I don’t think so but they are still a good team led by an elite defense. The Bears aren’t flashy, but they are learning how to win and compete and under the leadership of Foles, they are a threat to any team. The Monsters of the Midway are giving up only 337.2 yards per game to opposing offenses while recording eight turnovers thus far through six games. Out in the glitz and glam of LA, these Rams are coming off a tough loss to the much maligned 49ers in which they failed to take advantage of a winnable in division game. The Rams come into this game 4-2 but those four wins this season, they happen to be against the teams in the NFC East which might be the worst division in the history of the NFL. Appalachian State would put up better efforts than these teams. Back in 2000, there was a game manager at quarterback who rode the backs of an elite defense all the way to a Super Bowl win...just sayin’.
Photo: Chicago Sun Times
Carolina Panthers +7.5 against the New Orleans Saints:
Most thought the Cardiac Cats would be out of their nine lives following the loss of Christian McCaffrey but thus far, in their games without Run CMC they are 3-1 ATS as well as 3-1 straight up. Teddy Bridgewater who routinely has been looked at as a game manager quarterback finds himself slowly climbing in the eyes of the common man as a pretty good quarterback who can turn the tide of a game with his arm. With Bridgewater at the helm, the Panthers are averaging 7.9 yards per pass in their last three games leading to some impressive performances from Robby Anderson and DJ Moore. Those two wideouts now get to face a secondary in New Orleans that has struggled this season allowing 237.2 yards per game through the air. Maybe New Orleans wins the game, they might but in their last five games against the Panthers they are 1-4 ATS so I’m liking the cover.
Pittsburgh Steelers +1.5 against the Tennessee Titans AND Over 50.5 points total:
Two of the best teams in the AFC meet up in Smashville, with both coming in with some significant injury updates to their rosters. The Titans may be without their up and coming star tight end Jonnu Smith as well as their bulldozer left tackle Taylor Lewan. Meanwhile, the yinzers will be without their lightning fast star linebacker Devin Bush and the anchor of their offensive line, center Maurkice Pouncey is questionable for the game. This game has the makings of a smash mouth, ground and pound bloodbath. We all know how good Derrick Henry has been over the course of the season but this Steelers D is not the Texans., giving up a lowly 66.2 yards per game on the ground and with a pass rush that is averaging a league high 4.8 sacks per game. Both of these teams come in averaging over 30 points per game a piece and while the Steelers defense comes in as the number three defense, giving up only 18.8 points per game, the Titans defense has not been as stout giving up 25.2 points per game. I am a big fan of the Titans overall but this week, I’m not expecting any Titan players to be stomping on the Terrible Towels after a victory.
And the highly anticipated, most electrifying Lock of the Week…
Seattle Seahawks -3.5 against the Arizona Cardinals:
We are far from the Legion of Boom days with this Seahawks team giving up and NFL worse 471.2 yards per game. That being said, they happen to lead the league in forced turnovers which has aided the unit as a whole and has allowed DangerRuss Wilson to do his thing on the other side of the ball. While the defense gives up a lot, the offense currently is not only leading the league in average yards per play but is also averaging 33.8 points per game. The Cardinals are coming off a beatdown of the Cowboys down in Jerry World and may be due for a letdown here. The rushing attack of the Cardinals has averaged 161 yards per game as well as 5.3 yards per carry...butttttttt, the Seahawks, while their secondary has struggled have the seventh best rush defense in the league, giving up 100.8 yards per game on the ground as well as a paltry 3.9 yards per carry. Seattle won't have the 12th man behind them but they are a team that travels exceptionally well, to the tune of 13-4-1 ATS in their last 18 road games. I like the Seahawks to overpower the upstart Cardinals and cover the spread on their way to a 6-0 start to the year. Photo: Seattle Times
Parlay of the Week:
Green Bay Packers -3.5 against the Houston Texans
Seattle Seahawks -3.5 against the Arizona Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers/Tennessee Titans OVER 50.5
YTD Individual Game Totals: 8-9 (2-3 last week)
YTD Lock of the Week: 1-2
YTD Parlays: 2-1
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