Manalapan, NJ–It’s Week #5 in the NFL already? At day’s end, one-fifth of the season will be in the rear view mirror as no sports schedule goes as quickly as football. For years we’ve been reminded by NFL suits of the parity across the league making it so popular. Does the point apply even when three-quarters of the league sucks and has absolutely no shot at winning a playoff game let alone the Super Bowl? Disagree? Have you taken a look at the high point spreads week in and week out for proof? You’re reading this column because of the certainty of picks against the point spread that gamblers will invest dollars on and is the real reason for the NFL’s popularity. Fantasy football is also gambling and solidifies the argument against the parity angle. Without further adieu, the picks are in after a 2-2 Week #4…
FAVORITE Two of the more horrible teams face off in Tampa Bay as the Bucs host the equally inept Jacksonville Jaguars. There’s no business for anybody to be watching this game unless, of course, you have some greenbacks on the game. Of the two 1-3 teams, the Jags have fared more competitively to this juncture than the Winstons who have been blown out twice to Jax’s once–and that was to New England. Today is the third straight road tilt for the Jaguars and I have got to believe the travel will get to the young Cats even if it’s a short bus ride. In addition, the Bucs are on the back end of consecutive home games and shouldn’t be favored against any NFL teams. A trap. TAMPA BAY -3 over Jacksonville.
UNDERDOG Normally I don’t get financially involved with my Dallas Cowboys but when you’re getting a bucket full of points it’s a hard proposition to pass up. Hear me out: The Patriots have been sitting around since last week’s bye and were rolling on offense. Sometimes these bye weeks come at a time to slow momentum and this is one such example. The Cowboys are off a stinging OT loss to the Saints, get the gangsta-rapping DE Greg Hardy back from suspension, can run the ball effectively and keep the Pats “O” on the sideline for minutes at a time, are at home getting over a touchdown. DALLAS +8.5 over New England.
OVER Cincinnati has been one of the more consistent teams on offense in their getting out of the blocks to a 4-0 record. Seattle has shored up the “D” after the first two games with the re-signing of Kam Chancellor. The only worries are whether the Seahawks can top off what Cincy has been averaging. I say yes they can and will. CINCINNATI/Seattle OVER 43.5
UNDER The Oakland Raiders are showing some life these days under the tutelage of Jack Del Rio. While the Siver & Black need to shore up the defense the offense is holding up their end of the bargain. The odds makers have adjusted to the new look dink and dunk Peyton Manning Denver Broncos. A year ago the total on this game would have been a shade under 50. Even with the Raiders giving up 27 ppg this game is a relatively low 43.5. A good read on the line has me thinking a landslide Bronco victory, maybe even a shutout. OAKLAND/Denver UNDER 43.5
