A pretty decent week for last weekend’s 5 Bets, going 3-1-1. For this week’s 5 Bets, I’m going to go back to three college football games and two NFL contests.
5 Bets to Make this Week
Tennessee -3.5 over Texas A&M
Army-Troy Under 42.5
Rutgers -4.5 over Michigan State
Atlanta -2.5 over Washington
Buffalo -14.5 over New York Giants
The college games include a sleeper pick that I really like, involving a team that has seen the wheels fall off. The spread is low, however, especially since they’re on the road.
With the NFL, I’m again taking a leap by picking a team and laying double-digit points. There are several factors that make this a good bet I believe.
Last week 3-1-1, overall 10-4-1
Trench Warfare for Texas A&M-Tennessee
The Texas A&M Aggies have the eighth best rushing defense in the country. The Tennessee Volunteers are ranked No. 7 in the run game. Which one is going to succeed on Saturday when the two face off in Knoxville?
I think it will be the Volunteers. They’re at home, which pretty much negates the 3.5 points they are giving away. They have the fourth longest home winning streak at 12.
They will be tested no doubt, but I think they will win the war in the trenches and be able to open up the passing game just enough to win.
Prediction: Tennessee -3.5 over Texas A&M (+100 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS or fuboTV
Army-Troy Battle of Defenses
Both the Army Black Knights and the Troy Trojans can score. They both rank in the 70s in the country in points scored. So, the Under of 42.5 seems a little scary for their contest. Especially since the total opened at 44.
The numbers for points allowed, however, indicate the Under should hit. The Trojans are 37th in points allowed at 20.33. The Black Knights are 39th at 20.44.
If both teams stick to their average the Under will hit. I think that will happen.
Prediction: Army-Troy Under 42.5 points (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network or fuboTV
Rutgers Continues Michigan State’s Misery
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are hosting the Michigan State Spartans and are favored by 4.5 points. This is surprising to me considering MSU is a flaming ball of a train wreck.
Since their head coach, Mel Tucker was embroiled in an alleged sexual misconduct incident that cost him his job, the program has been free falling. They’ve lost their last three games by totals of 34, 22, and 10.
They’re on the road for the second straight week and facing a Rutgers team that gave Wisconsin a battle before ultimately losing.
Look for MSU to continue to flounder and Rutgers to cover at home. It’s a line that seems way less than it should be.
Prediction: Rutgers -4.5 over Michigan State (-110 at Unibet)
Watch: Saturday, Noon, ET, Big Ten Network or fuboTV
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Falcons Clip Commanders
Don’t judge the Washington Commanders solely on their embarrassing loss to the previously winless Chicago Bears last week. There are so many other factors that should lead you to avoid them when they face the Atlanta Falcons.
One facet is they are generously handing out points to opponents. In their last four games they have surrendered 33 or more points. That bodes well for a Falcon offense that has been struggling to score. They did score 21 points last week and a better passing performance from the offense should up that production.
Also, Atlanta’s defense is better than Washington’s offense. The Falcon defense is seventh in pass defense and 15th in run defense. The Commanders are out of the Top 20 in both those offensive statistics.
Besides, this game is at home for Atlanta and that should be worth more than the 2.5 points they are laying.
Prediction: Atlanta -2.5 over Washington (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX or fuboTV
Bills Swamp Giants
Here we go with the dreaded double-digit spread. Fear not, though young bettor, the Buffalo Bills should be able to cover the 14.5 points when they host the New York Giants.
The Giants have been clobbered by four teams, losing by 40, 18, 21, and 15 points. Now they enter a road game with four key offensive players questionable. Quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley, receiver Cole Beasley, and tight end Darren Waller are all questionable for Sunday.
Even if all four play, how effective will they be? Considering the offense’s performance, I am guessing not much. Giving away the points shouldn’t be too much of a sweat.
Prediction: Buffalo -14.5 over New York Giants (-110 at Caesars)
Watch: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC or fuboTV
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