Week 10 Picks ATS Podcast:
Betting Picks
NCAAF Picks ATS- Week 10
Season Record: 21-22
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio State Buckeyes -18
Nebraska is in rebuild mood under first year Head Coach Scott Frost. This team will not always stink, but this season they do. They are going to be running into an angry buzzsaw on Saturday when they face the Ohio State Buckeyes
Defensively, Nebraska allows an average of 272 passing yards per game, which is the 20th-most in college football and could be an issue against the likes of Dwayne Haskins. Despite the loss to Purdue two weeks ago Haskins was still good throwing for 470 yards against Purdue. This will be an offensive onslaught from the Buckeyes early and late. Ohio State wants to make a statement after their upset loss to Purdue and have had a whole week to sit a stew over the loss. This will be ugly.
Ohio State -18.5
Georgia Bulldogs -9 at Kentucky Wildcats
The Georgia Bulldogs have won eight straight meetings with the Kentucky Wildcats by an average of 20 point per game. Wildcat fans should be proud of the way their team has played this season. Pulling off the victory at Mizzou in the final seconds has kept their teams SEC title dreams alive. Beating Mizzou is great but this is the Georgia Bulldogs. A team that fell just short of a National Title and knows they have work to do after suffering an embarrassing loss two weeks ago to LSU.
Any chance to a Georgia let down was wiped away two weeks ago. The Bulldogs will be gas on the pedal full adrenaline the entire night. Sophomore QB Jake Fromm will limit the turnovers and keep the ball in their hands. Georgia will stack the line to make sure Benny Snell will not be a factor. Bulldogs not only need to win but need to win convincingly.
Georgia -9
Memphis Tigers-13 at East Carolina Pirates
This one is simple to me. I began this article when the line was a -13 fro Memphis, I have seen it go as low as -11 on some sights. This almost seems to easy, Memphis will have the best player on the field in Darrell Henderson. UCF ran wild on the East Carolina defense, look for Memphis to ride Henderson early and often.
East Carolina will get a few big plays in but they won’t be able to keep up with the Memphis offense.
Memphis Tigers -13
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies +2
The return of AJ Dillon has made a huge difference for the Boston College Eagles. But they have a matchup against a team that will have the tools needed to defeat them on Saturday beginning with Virginia Tech QB Ryan Willis.
Boston College’s two losses came on the road against teams that throw a bit. The Hokie O line might not be amazing, but it should be able to give Willis just enough time to operate.
The Eagles will need to create turnovers to win and that is not easy to do against Virginia Tech. The home field advantage will play a large role in this one.
Virginia Tech Hokies +2
South Alabama Jaguars at Arkansas State Red Wolves -15
I always like to pick a game no one is going to watch in case I am losing. Arkansas State can score, I have covered two games I have bet on with them. I’m gonna let it ride.
Arkansas State Red Wolves -15
Other Picks:
Florida State +9
Penn State Michigan over 53
Charlotte +22
NCAAF Picks ATS- Week 9
Last week went pretty well going 5-3 with my picks. Cincinnati blew the game against Temple and Mizzou actually showed up against Memphis. But 5-3 brings me back to .500. Let’s look into this week’s games.
Wisconsin Badgers -4.5 at Northwestern Wildcats
The Badgers entered the season looking for a National Championship. Those dreams died at the hands of the BYU Cougars. They continued to get buried against surging Michigan two weeks ago. The bounce back came last week against the Illini and it will continue Saturday against Northwestern.
The Wildcats are as one-dimensional averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. Sure the Wisconsin secondary is not great but they are well coached and will be able to shut down the one strength of Northwestern.
Alex Hornibrook will come up big against a weak Northwestern pass rush. Look for Hornibrook to play above is usual level allowing RB Jonathon Taylor to run wild.
Wisconsin -4.5
Vanderbilt Commodores at Arkansas Razorbacks, 53.5
Vandy being favored at Arkansas shows the decline of the Razorbacks program. Arkansas will enter this game giving up 34, 24, 65, and 37 points against SEC teams. While the Commodores are not an offensive juggernaut they should be able to move the ball. This game is more about two teams that don’t play very good defense in the SEC.
This game could be garbage or it could be a scoring marathon. I am betting on scoring.
Over 53.5
Kentucky Wildcats at Missouri Tigers -7
I have gone back and forth on Missouri all season. I don’t believe Drew Lock is as good as people think especially in big games, but he has his moments. His moment will come this weekend against the Kentucky Wildcats.
Kentucky has not shut down a good offense. There wins have come against a struggling Mississippi State, a so-so South Carolina and a dreadful Vanderbilt team. They will need to put up points in Columbia. Even if I don’t believe in Lock long-term the talent is still there.
The Missouri defense’s biggest weakness is their pass defense. Kentucky QB Terry Wilson has yet to throw for more than 151 yards during their 6-1 start. Benny Snell will get his but they will fall behind early on the road and won’t be able to get themselves out of trouble.
Missouri -7
Texas Longhorns -3.5 at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Texas is on the rise. Since their lose to Maryland in week one they have taken no prisoners. Wins over Oklahoma, TCU and USC have helped put them right in the National Championship conversation. Texas QB Sam Ehlinger is very questionable for this game, with bigger matchups coming up for Texas I can see them taking a conservative approach with him in this game.
Junior, Shane Buechele will most likely get the start. Buechele may not have the skills of Ehlinger but he did get starts for Texas during his freshman season, so the moment should not be too big for the Junior.
The Longhorns have owned Oklahoma State in Stillwater, winning 8 of 9 game against them. The Longhorns need this game more then the Cowboys, it will show on Saturday.
Texas -3.5
Other Picks:
Virginia -9
Oklahoma -24.5
South Florida +7.5
NCAAF Picks- Week 8
Last week could have been a disaster, but a push and a big upset from LSU helped us save face a bit. This week a lot of big favorites that will make it tough for most cappers. Lets get into this weeks picks. Record 11-13.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Purdue Boilermakers, 67
When you have a rough week you have to switch things up. Instead of a pick against the spread I am going to start with an over. Purdue enters this game winning three straight while putting up a few nice totals 30, 42 and 36. Much of the turnaround can be attributed to the play of quarterback David Blough, who has averaged nearly 400 passing yards per game since winning the starting job in Week 3.While their competition was not of the highest caliber the Boilmakers have still shown that they have some offensive ability.
Ohio State is will put up points over their own on the ground with JK Dobbins. I look for the Buckeyes to jump out to a big lead in the first quarter and play loose on the defensive end leading to major points.
Over 67
Oregon Ducks at Washington State Cougars -2.5
Oregon has established themselves as a force in the Pac 12 sitting at 5-1 with back to back wins over Washington and California. They share the best record in the conference with their competition on Saturday the Washington State Cougars.
Washington State playing at home will look to jump out to an early lead and they have the ability to do so. The Cougars average the 11th-most first-half points vs FBS foes in the nation, having put up 22 points per contest before the break. Taking an early lead can be a killer for an Oregon team that has had some tough history against the Pac 12 on the road. The Ducks had scored just 24 combined points in their previous three Pac-12 road contests.
This game is a rivalry game but I am riding the hot betting streak. Washington State is 6-0 this season against the spread. The Cougars are at home that’s why I give them the tilt in this one.
Washington State -2.5
Cincinnati Bearcats at Temple Owls -3.5
The Bearcats are 6-0 for the first time in six years as they head into a matchup with fellow AAC conference foe Temple Owls. Cincinnati’s unbeaten streak will be at risk against their first real competition of the season. Cincinnati has allowed 24 points in its three road games and is giving up 13.7 points on the season, ranking third among FBS squads.
Cincinnati also has multiple receiver threats, six different Bearcats have accumulated between 10-21 receptions with Josiah Deguara leading the team in both categories (21 catches, 296 yards).
Cincinnati Bearcats +3.5
Oklahoma Sooners at TCU Horned Frogs -8
Oklahoma enters this game coming off a bye followed by a bye week. The Sooners have had ample time to prepare for a TCU team that 3 of 4 including a 17-14 surprise loss to Texas Tech.
The Sooners are 7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10 games coming off a bye week with an average winning margin of 19. A rested Kyler Murray will lead an unstoppable Oklahoma offense that despite the loss put up points against a highly ranked Texas defense. Murray still has a heisman on his mind and I expect him to put himself right back in the discussion after a thrashing of the Horned Frogs.
Oklahoma is 17-0 SU in its last 17 road games with an average winning margin of 21.06.
Oklahoma -8
Memphis Tigers at Missouri Tigers -10
Mizzou has lost three straight after starting the season with three straight wins. Mizzou has had issues holding down good offenses giving up an average of 39 points over the last four games.
The Memphis offense features the NCAA’s top runningback Darrell Henderson, averaging 10.3 yards per carry. Look for Memphis to pound the defensive front of Missouri which will open up the passing game for Quarterback Brady White. While this will be Memphis’s first game against a true FBS team they had a nice warm up against an elite player in Mackenzie Milton.
Drew lock will show up like he always does and throw for 300 yards, but the loss of top receiver Emanual Hall will make pressure situations tougher for the Mizzou offense. On paper Mizzou has more talent, home field advantage and an elite Quarterback, but they have not shown the ability to cover. Look for Mizzou to win but ten points seems like to much.
Memphis +10
Other Picks:
Michigan State/ Michigan over 40
Clemson -17.5
Alabama vs. Tennessee over 57
NCAAF Picks ATS- Week 7
4-5 record last week was not ideal coming off a winning week, but it wasn’t a complete disaster. This week seems like it has some trap games but I’m looking at a few games that are hard to ignore. Record last two weeks sits at 8-7
Central Florida -5 at Memphis
This game is going to be fun. Two teams that don’t seem to worry to much about defense. This game seems like it will be a trap for most sports bettors. UCF has been leaky to say the least against the run, they now welcome the nations top underrated runningback in Darrell Henderson. Henderson, the nation’s leading rusher with 934 yards and averaging close to 12 yards per carry.
Memphis holds a great home field advantage in this AAC matchup. The world is waiting for UCF to fall and this game is a target for most people. I can see a lot of people taking the upset in this one, but I don’t see it. Memphis will be hyped up and ready to play, look for them to jump out to an early lead and then watch them give it away. UCF will stack the box to slow down Henderson. You slow down Henderson you beat Memphis. Just ask Tulane.
Over the last three games against Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU, the Florida defense has allowed no touchdown passes and came up with four picks.
Central Florida -5
Florida -7 at Vanderbilt
Does anyone remember when Florida dropped its season opener against Kentucky? If you say yes you are a liar. Wins over LSU and Mississippi State have put the Gators back in the top 25, making them a serious threat again in the SEC.
The Gators secondary has been great, over the last three games against Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU, the Florida defense has allowed no touchdown passes and came up with four picks. Vandy has to throw to win. Florida will run the ball and control the clock, while their defense shuts down Vandy.
Florida -7
Rutgers at Maryland -24.5
I am going to keep this one simple. Rutgers was blown out by Illinois and Kansas and this isn’t basketball. Rutgers is not a good team and they are going to Maryland. Maryland takes the lead early and continues to pound it down the Scarlet Knights throat.
This is homecoming and Maryland is way better the Rutgers. I tend to stay away from big spreads but this one is impossible to ignore.
Maryland -24.5
Michigan State at Penn State -13.5
Michigan State has been bad against the pass. Opponents are averaging a ridiculous 305.2 yards per game through the air (122nd overall). Penn State QB Trace McSorley will look to pick apart the Spartans secondary. Michigan State will stop the run as they have done most of the season but the dual threat McSorley will force them to play back and he will use his legs to move the ball.
Penn State is to good offensively for Michigan State to stop them, plus the Nittany Lions are at home. Two touchdowns seems like a lot in a matchup of solid programs but Penn State being at home and James Franklin’s tendency to never take his foot off the gas seems like a car crash for Michigan State.
Penn State -13.5
Other Picks
Western Michigan -14.5
Nebraska +4.5
Texas -14
Mizzou +28
Miami -6.5
Texas A&M -2.5
Colorado +7.5
NCAAF- Picks ATS
Switching to primarily NCAAF picks worked pretty well last week going 4-2. This week has some good lines, so let’s make some picks.
Oklahoma -7 vs. Texas
The game of the weekend no matter what their records, is the Red River Showdown. Oklahoma is coming off a dominant victory over lesser competition in the Baylor Bears. Now they look to establish themselves as a true contender against the most improved team since week 1 the Texas Longhorns.
I am immediately drawn to the QB matchup. Kyler Murray vs Sam Ehlinger. Sam Ehlinger has a passer rating of just 139.7 entering Week 6 – seventh in the Big 12 and nearly 100 points lower than Murray’s 231.6. Despite his issue the Oklahoma secondary has not been a steal trap, allowing 252 yards per game. This looks like strong matchup for Ehlinger. But I have watched Ehlinger and don’t believe he will be able to match with Murray and what this Oklahoma offense brings to the table.
Texas is a popular pick to cover here coming off three straight impressive victories against USC, TCU and K-State. They will most likely have the homefield advantage despite this being a “neutral site” game. But I am not buying Ehlinger in this situation.
Oklahoma -7
Iowa State at Oklahoma State -9
The Cowboys pulled of the cover late last week against the pesky Kansas Jayhawks so let’s ride the cover train. This is going to be a simple breakdown. I love going with a team that has a high level offense against a team that can have serious problems scoring. The Cyclones are averaging just 17 points per game. The offense will need more then that on Saturday.
Justice Hill will close it out by dominating the second half.
OK State -9
Notre Dame -6.5 at Virginia Tech
Notre Dame has looked like a different team since Ian Book took over in week 4. Book has completed an astounding 74% of his passes since entering as the Irish QB. Virginia Tech has been a dumpster fire versus that pass this season ranking 123rd in the nation.
Blacksburg will be a tough atmosphere to play but the Irish are accustomed to tough environments. The Irish also have a defense that will reek havoc for the Hokies. Virginia tech will give them a scare but I think in the end Book will lead Notre Dame to a comfortable victory on the road.
Notre Dame -6.5
Syracuse at Pittsburgh -3.5
The Orange could be physically battered after a tough matchup with Clemson last week. While they may be physically tired the Panthers pride may have taken the beating of a lifetime getting steamrolled by the “Defending National Champs” UCF.
Syracuse still has their sights set on an ACC title. They showed the nation that their defense can play at a high level to go along with a offense that has put up over 30 in 4 of 5 games and 23 against a stout Clemson defense. Dino Babers is my hero, he loves to cover. Being at home will help Pittsburgh but they are at the bottom of the ACC in both defense and offense for a reason.
Syracuse -3.5
Utah at Stanford -5
The Cardinal were blown out last week versus Notre Dame. But let’s remember that was their second straight tough road game. They return home to play a team that has seemed to find a way to lose in conference the last two weeks. The potential that Heisman Runner Up Bryce Love doesn’t play is not as scary as it would have been a year ago. Being less reliant on the run game may be a good thing for the Stanford offense.
This comes down to defense, ability and homefield advantage. The Cardinal may not impress on Saturday but they should do enough to cover.
Stanford -5
No time to write up the rest. Not official picks yet, just leans that may change on Saturday morning.
Mizzou +1
Memphis
Boston College +6
Navy -3
Memphis -35.5
Auburn -4
Wake Forest +20
I Talk Sports Picks- NCAAF
After a few tough weeks of NFL I have decided to separate my NCAA picks. Last week I went 7-2 with a lot of late picks cashing, including Michigan State, Stanford and Wisconsin. Here are the five picks I that jumped out to me first.
Syracuse at Clemson -25
Syracuse enters this matchup at 4-0 for the first time since 1991. Matching up with the beasts of the ACC the Clemson Tigers on Saturday will be a true test to see where the program is. While Clemson deals with the semi-distraction of the transferring Kelly Bryant they can’t look past this he Orange. The Orange are trying to prove that last year’s win over Clemson wasn’t a fluke and that they’re a legitimate ACC contender. A win this Saturday would most certainly do that and potentially land them in the Top 25 for Week 6.
You can be bold here and take Syracuse to upset Clemson, but I am not that bold. I do think this spread is a bit large for this matchup. Syracuse is good and they should keep this close.
Syracuse +25
Indiana -16.5 at Rutgers
Rutgers got blown out by Kansas. That’s Kansas Football. With basically no passing game. After a nice start to the season against Texas State Scarlet Knight quarterbacks have combined to complete just 44% of their passes with no touchdowns, five interceptions, and absolutely nothing happening down the field.
This is more about how bad Rutgers is then how good Indiana is. Don’t worry about where the number goes right now you have to fade Rutgers no matter what.
Indiana -16.5
Oklahoma State -17 at Kansas
I have picked on Kansas all year. It finally paid off versus Baylor. This weekend it will pay off again as the Cowboys come to town. This is a simple case of to much offense for Kansas to stay afloat in this one. Oklahoma State quarterback Taylor Cornelius has thrown for 1,229 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Justice Hill leads the Cowboys in rushing with 388 yards and five touchdowns. The leading receiver is Tylan Wallace with 442 yards and two touchdowns. Tyron Johnson has 206 receiving.
This is the best offense Kansas has seen and they will have no answers for it. Oklahoma State literally doubles total yardage both rushing and receiving on a game to game basis. OK State takes over early and never looks back.
Oklahoma State -17
Arkansas vs Texas A&M -21 (Neutral Site)
Arkansas has been down right embarrassing to start the season scoring just 47 points over their last 3 games while giving up 112 to opposing offenses. They now get a matchup with a Texas A&M team that has been averaging 300 passing yards and 250 rushing yards a game. The Aggies have also covered in its last five games.
This will be a chance to Texas A&M to run up a score on a team that looks to have all but given up any chance of winning this season.
Texas A&M -21
Pittsburgh at Central Florida -13.5
In last weeks game against North Carolina, the Panthers defense stayed home and allowed 476 total yardage against a North Carolina squad that had been struggling and battling injuries. They now face arguably the best offense in college football when they face the “National Champion” Central Florida Knights.
I am going to keep it simple here. Central Florida at home steamrolls a struggling defense. Mac Milton throws for 330yards and 4TD’s.
Central Florida -13.5
I Talk Sports Picks- NFL, NCAAF
2-8 to start the season sucks but we have to tread on. Late adds again helped us out but we can only document what we put on this page. Eventually it all turns around and this week could be the week.
NFL
Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings -17
17 points is a huge margin in the NFL. Let’s look at the facts, LeSean McCoy has busted ribs, Rookie QB Josh Allen making his second start, Bills defense has players retiring in the first half. This has beat down written all over it.
Minnesota was not happy with their performance in week two versus an injured Aaron Rodgers, they will come out hungry to make a statement at home. We could see a few more Bills players retiring at halftime in this one. While 17 points may be a lot, in this case that may be to low.
Vikings -17
Chicago Bears -6 at Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have been the definition of awful through the first two games of the 2018-19 season. Scoring just 6 points over their first two games they now get a matchup with a stingy Chicago Bears defense.
Sam Bradford’s QB rating sits at a league worst 55.6 with his longest pass play so far being 15 yards to Larry Fitzgerald. Star runningback David Johnson has been limited to 14 touches in their week two matchup which will never lead to a victory. While the Bears don’t yet feature a top level offense with the still developing Mitchell Trubisky at the helm, they have begun to progress with a new go to receiver in Allen Robinson. Look for the bears to establish Jordan Howard early and Khalil Mack to potentially injure Sam Bradford. Opening up the door for Josh Rosen…a door that should be at the least unlocked.
Bears -6
New England Patriots -6.5 at Detroit Lions
Let’s start with the obvious. Since 2000, New England is 21-6 against the spread following a double digit loss. Tom Brady does not take losing well and Bll Belichick will not allow his former coordinator to look good against him. For what it’s worth, Belichick has faced former assistants who went on to be head coaches on 18 occasions and has posted a 12-6 SU and 11-7 ATS record.
Even without the pickup of Josh Gordon I would think this is a huge advantage for the New England Patriots. Gronk, White, Michel, Hogan and company should all have big days. This should be a blow out.
Patriots -6.5
NCAAF
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Wolverines -17.5
Nebraska took a humbling loss last Saturday to Sun Belt for Troy, the first time since 1957 that the Huskers have lost their first two games of a season. Many will look at these first two home losses and say the Huskers will be on a mission this weekend in Ann Arbor. I see it a different way.
Nebraskas first two losses of the season came at home to lesser competition then the Wolverines. It is Michigan that has something to prove in this game. They are still look to make a statement on the national scene. If Michigan can avoid turnovers while finally establishing the run they can dominate the game and take this home easily. I may wait and see if the money begins to come in on Nebraska as I expect it will.
Michigan -17.5
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Maryland Terrapins -1.5
I watched this line move from 3 to 1.5 over the last week. With two key injuries for the Golden Gophers, RB Rodney Smith and QB Zack Annexstad the offense should be partially neutralized.
The Terps are coming off a disaster of a game losing to Temple 35-14. They return home to face a Minnesota team that has yet to face a real power five team. Maryland’s offense has been rough early in the season but with the homefield advantage and a litany of injuries Maryland should be able to pull this one out.
Maryland -1.5
Boston College Eagles -6.5 at Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue beat me last week putting up points against the horrid Mizzou defense sinking what looked like a sure thing. But they still took an L in a game where the momentum was in their favor. Boston College will feature AJ Dillon in the backfield spear heading a dominant running attack that has averaged 296 yards per game over their first 3.
Purdue is no doubt better then their record may show but after a few brutal losses and facing a team with a solid pass rush and runningback that will allow BC to utilize clock management this will be a tall task for Purdue.
Boston College -6.5
James “Why Not” Pick of the Week 1-1 .
Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers
Last week I road the Tannehill train to victory over the Jets. The Dolphins being an underdog in that game never really made much sense but I will take the victory. This week is a little tougher. I wanted to go with a college game but none of them seemed to stand out. So I went with a team that is hot.
The Cincinnati Bengals have started the season 2-0 with a couple of impressive victories, they head into Carolina to take on a beat up Panthers squad. The Panthers will need to rely on their defense, forcing a turnover will be huge especially from Andy Dalton. When Dalton throws one interception in a game, the Bengals are 21-13-1 straight up and 17-14-4 against the spread. However, should Dalton throw two picks, that record dips to 10-16-1 SU and 8-16-3 ATS. I don’t think the loss of Joe Mixon will play a huge factor as Gio Bernard is a veteran that knows the role he must play.
Bengals +3
I Talk Sports- Picks ATS (NFL, NCAAF
I will be the first to admit that a 1-4 start to my season was not ideal. Meltdowns from the Steelers, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas were a grocery list of bad beats. Oh and the Saints forgot how to play defense. Luckily late adds like Penn State and the Rams kept me in good graces. Let’s get into this weeks picks.
Houston Texans -2 at Tennessee Titans
Following the longest game in NFL history the hobbled Tennessee Titans return home to take on division foe Houston. Both teams will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start to the regular season.
Let’s start with the obvious, the Texans have dominated the Titans winning 9 of the last 12 meetings. They are also 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games against the Titans. Houston’s defense will look to bring the heat on a Marcus Mariota whom is likely to start despite an elbow injury that caused him to leave their week 1 game. All signs point to Mariota playing on Sunday but with some injuries to the offensive line the Titans could be looking at a long day trying to stop powerhouses JJ Watt and Jadaveon Clowney.
The Texans have lost 8 straight games on the road but this matchup with a healthy DeShaun Watson and and a returning Will Fuller will be to much for the Titans to handle.
Texans -2
Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins -5.5
The Washington Redskins have been flying under the radar during the preseason. The addition of Alex Smith was not a sexy one but could pay dividends during the season. His first game was as success full as you would think completing 21 of 30 for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns against an above average Cardinals secondary. Veteran Adrian Peterson showed he’s still got it by rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on 26 touches. He also caught two passes for 70 yards.
The veteran Redskins will now have a chance to feast on a Colts defense that has been its achillies heel for an eternity. Statistically, they finished in the middle of the pack in total yards allowed this past Sunday. However, Andy Dalton averaged 8.7 yards per attempt, sixth-highest in Week 1, and Cincinnati gained 5.1 yards per rush as a team, second-most in Week 1. Alex Smith will have homefield advantage and the weapons necessary to pick a part the secondary. Luck will keep the Colts in the game but the Redskins are to solid on offense to let this game slip away. I would love this line to get to three but that won’t happen I’ll settle for where it is.
Redskins -5.5
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons -6
The Carolina Panthers play a gritty style of football. The Falcons don’t like to score in the red zone. This game has tightly contested written all over it. The Panthers come into Atlanta as 6 point dogs most likely due to a litany of injuries including long time tight end Greg Olsen. Cam Newton’s go to receiver broke his foot, he will likely be out for at least three weeks.
The Falcons are dealing with their own injuries as well. The loss of Keanu Neal for the season is a huge blow to the defense, linebacker Deion Jones has also been missing practice due to a foot injury. Other injuries for the Falcons includes mental injuries, offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian tends to forget that he has arguably the best wide receiver in football on his team in the red zone. Matt Ryan has forgotten how to throw a pass with any velocity as well. This game is a tough one to pick. So I am going to go a different direction. I am looking under for this one and leaning towards the Panthers covering.
Panthers +6 and under 44.5
Ohio Bobcats at Virginia Cavaliers -3.5
Virginia fell to Indiana in week two of the college football season but they intrigued me with their ability to keep it close. Virginia Quarterback Bryce Perkins has been good for the Cavaliers, dealing with tough weather conditions last week, he will have a favorable matchup against an Ohio secondary that was picked a part by Howard Quarterback Caylin Newton.
Virginia will need to get out to a lead quickly and not look back. Ohio’s best option will be to play a grind it out style to control the clock. Keep the bad secondary off the field. I don’t think Ohio has it in them.
Virginia Cavaliers -3.5
Mizzou Tigers -6.5 at Purdue Boilmakers
The season could not have started in better for the Missouri Tigers. Two dominate offensive games. Drew Lock looks like a legit NFL prospect, as a team they have scored 91 points in two games and have covered both weeks spreads…Lock is also averaging 396 passing yards per game over the first two.
Purdue on the other hand has not started the season they way they had envisioned. A tough loss to Northwestern in game one was followed up last week with a surprising defeat at the hands of Eastern Michigan. A big problem for the Boilermakers has been on the offensive side of the ball. They are averaging only 23 points per game. They have also had an issue with throwing interceptions. Giving a talented offense like Mizzou multiple opportunities will lead to a long night.
Missouri Tigers -6.5
James “Why Not” Pick of the Week 0-1
Dolphins +3
My “Why Not” pick of the week fell just short of cashing due to a late interception thrown by DeShaun Watson. This week I am sticking with the NFL and going with The Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins will head into the 1-0 New York Jets looking to build on their upset victory over the Tennessee Titans. Sam Darnold looked great outside of his first throw of the game but I still see a rookie QB in a divisional game. The Dolphins also have a passing attack that can be a problem for any secondary. Establishing veteran Frank Gore alongside Kenyan Drake will also give the Dolphins a solid run game to back up Ryan Tannehill. I am not only looking for the Dolphins to cover but I think they win outright.
Weekly Picks- NFL, NCAAF
Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 at Cleveland Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a major problem but the Browns are not that problem. Despite the absence of LeVeon Bell the Pittsburgh Steelers should be in a great place to cover on Sunday. The lose of bell has moved the line to 3.5. The Browns are improved with Tyrod Taylor, Jarvis Landry and a healthy Josh Gordon should allow them to put points on the board but the Steelers still have a dominate offense that will be able to pull this one out by a touchdown. I think the Browns will win at least 6-7 games this season and surprise a lot of teams, but the Steelers offense feels like they have something to prove on Sunday and the Cleveland defense will not be ready for James Conner and Big Ben.
The Steelers are 13-4 ATS vs Cleveland over their last 17 games. Cleveland has not one a season opener since 2004.
Steelers -3.5 (Like the over at 44)
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts -2.5
The return of Andrew Luck makes the Bengals and Colts makes this a much more interesting matchup then it would have been in 2017. The Colts sitting at a 2.5 point favorite stills surprised us. The Bengals may not be world beaters but they have veterans all through the offense and a defensive front that features studs Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.
Luck hasn’t played in a year and that Colts line hasn’t gotten much better. I can’t buy that Luck is ready to step in right away and look like the Pro Bowl player that he was right away. Look for Luck to make some plays that reminds us of his greatness but he will have some first game jitters.
Bengals -2.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints -9.5
In two games against the Buccaneers last season, the Saints averaged 30.5 points per game, Drew Brees averaged 254 pass yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, the running back corps averaged 121.5 rushing yards, and receivers caught 44 passes for 505 yards with three touchdowns. The Buccaneers have not made big improvements on the defensive end. Why would they be able to stop the Saints in 2018??
Jameis Winston will be serving the first game of his 3 game suspension which means veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick will step in to try take down the great Drew Brees. 9.5 is a lot of points for the first game of the year, but when you have a veteran like Brees and dynamic players like Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas the Saints should control the the game on offense and the ball hawking defense should cause plenty of turnovers i
Saints -9.5
Air Force at Florida Atlantic University -9
FAU was embarrassed in their opener versus Kyler Murray and the Oklahoma Sooners in week one. Air Force is not Oklahoma. It’s time for people to jump back on the Lane Train in week 2.
Florida Atlantic will come out throwing the ball early, jumping ahead and not looking back. Air Force dominated a Stoney Brook but Stoney Brook is does not have the talent level of Florida Atlantic. Being at home and most likely going to be very motivated I like Florida Atlantic to turn the table and blow out Air Force.
Florida Atlantic -9
Arkansas -14 at Colorado State
The Colorado State defense stinks. Giving up 45 and 43 to Hawaii and Colorado. They now are staring at an incoming SEC team in Arkansas. Arkansas threw for 343 yards in game one against Eastern Illinois. Colorado State has given up a 373 yards per game in the first two games of the season.
Arkansas will score and they will score and they will score. That was not a typo. I see Arkansas putting up a lot of points and silencing any potential home field advantage. I would take Arkansas by 21 if it went that high.
Arkansas -14
James “Why Not” Pick of the Week
Houston Texans +6.5
The Patriots gave up a lot of yards in 2017. The Texans will have back their second year QB Deshaun Watson who was putting up MVP like numbers before his injury. Watson is good and his receivers are good. The Patriots historically have come out of the gates sluggish until Belicheck figures everything out. Look for a high scoring game where the better defense makes a big play. Houston has the better defense. Houston may not only cover but I could see them knocking of the AFC Champs.
I Talk Sports and That's It 