Maybe I was a little too cocky last week when making my picks. I was definitely brought down to reality a bit. College football, which I usually am better at than the pros, handed me a big loss with Clemson. It definitely ruined my parlay card as well as my friend’s, who took my advice.
5 Bets to Make this Week
Maryland +20 against Ohio State
Notre Dame-Louisville Under 54 points
Miami Dolphins -12 over the NY Giants
Philadelphia -4.5 over LA Rams
New England-New Orleans Under 39.5 points
In an effort to win back his trust, I am going with three NFL games this week and two college. I think the NFL picks are pretty strong, though one may shock sports bettors.
My two college games feature storied programs. One I think will fail to cover, while the other game I like the Under. In the three NFL games, I like two favorites and go a bit against the grain with an Over pick.
Last week 3-2, overall 7-3
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Maryland gets First Test with OSU
I know it seems like lunacy to lay 19 points against a team that is undefeated, but the Maryland Terrapins are a suspicious 5-0. I mean who have they beaten? They have wins over Towson, Charlotte, Virginia, and Indiana.
Now the Terps face the Ohio State Buckeyes. That’s a program that is also undefeated. They’re win sheet isn’t much more impressive. They beat up on Indiana, Youngstown State, and Western Kentucky.
Two weeks ago, however, they squeaked by Notre Dame. Yes, the game was at Notre Dame, but still, if you have championship aspirations you are supposed to handle your business.
I see Saturday’s game with Maryland another close one. Not three points, like the Irish game, but definitely not 20 points.
Prediction: Maryland +20 against OSU (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Saturday, noon ET, FOX or fuboTV
Notre Dame-Louisville Goes Under
In golf they call a slow player deliberate. I think the same term could be applied to both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Louisville Cardinals.
Both offenses are calculating and in recent games have scored a minimal amount of points. Notre Dame’s last two games they posted 21 and 14 points. Louisville had 13 against NC State last week.
This is the second straight road game for the Fighting Irish and third consecutive late start for them. There has to be some weariness in there. I don’t think Louisville will win, but I don’t think either team is lighting up the scoreboard.
Prediction: Notre Dame-Louisville Under 54 points (-110 at Unibet)
Watch: Saturday, 7:30 ET, ABC or fuboTV
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Miami Piles on Giants
While there has been much discussion over who the worst team in the NFL currently is, my vote goes to the New York Giants. They have had three blowout losses. Their only victory was against another hapless team, the Arizona Cardinals, and they almost lost that one.
Now they go to south Florida to take on one of the best teams in the Miami Dolphins. A Dolphins team that ranks first in passing yards, rushing yards, and points per game.
Couple that with the fact they are mad they suffered their first loss of the season to division rival Buffalo and I think the Giants suffer another blowout loss. Take the 12 points and run.
Prediction: Miami -12 over NY Giants (-110 at BetRivers)
Watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
Philadelphia Bounces Back against Rams
I don’t know if I would call this a bounce-back game for the Philadelphia Eagles since they did win, but they needed overtime to do it against a less than stellar Washington Commanders.
This week they have the struggling Los Angeles Rams. They have been showing a little life in recent weeks, but quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a hip bruise and I don’t know how effective he can be.
The run is out since the Eagles have one of the best defensive lines in football.
I like Philadelphia to show why they’re undefeated and am willing to lay 4.5 points.
Prediction: Philadelphia -4.5 over LA Rams (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
Take Over in Pats-Saints
This is my contrarian pick of the week. Everyone seems to love the Under 39.5 points in the New England Patriots game against the New Orleans Saints and for good reason. The two teams have combined to hit the under in seven of their eight games.
Both offenses have struggled and Saints starting QB Derek Carr is questionable with a shoulder injury. Patriots QB Mac Jones is healthy but definitely questionable.
Logic says take the Under but there is something fishy about this game. I’ll go rogue and take the Over. I may regret it Sunday night or look like a genius.
Prediction: Patriots-Saints Over 39.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS or fuboTV
