THE BRONX, NY – Okay Sports Fans, here’s a little bluster: I had another 3 out of 4 last week and if you’re counting – and I know you are – that’s 6-2 the past two weeks. I’m starting to feel hot as I figure the “lines” put out by the Vegas odds-makers on the NFL. While I may confuse a number of people in my analysis of games and my head-scratching selections based on twisted logic, it’s a winning psychology nonetheless. Hang in there folks because by season’s end we’ll be on the same page of your bookie’s ledger–the one where he pays you lots of money.
FAVORITE: I’m still not sure how to read the Arizona Cardinals at this early juncture of the season. They’ve lost to Jimmy Garoppolo at home as nine point favorites and failed miserably last week versus the anemic Buffalo Bills and the second coming of Jeff Blake in Tyrod Taylor. Head Coach Bruce Arians needs to send a message to his team, the NFL and more locally, the NFC West. I feel sorry for the Los Angeles Rams today because that’s who appears across the field in the Redbirds first division game of 2016. Case Keenum and his slew of sub par wideouts against a fired up Arizona dee? They can’t fail to another fly-by-night quarterback. This is what we call a “cigar game.” You’ll be lighting a victory stogie at halftime. Play all your Cards in fantasy football in what should be a lopsided affair. ARIZONA (-8) over Los Angeles
UNDERDOG: The Buffalo Bills surprised the aforementioned Cardinals last week. No, they embarrassed them to the tune of a 33-18 final. As inexplicable as the victory was the Bills are still not fooling the Vegas lines makers, as Buffalo is quickly a 7.5 point underdog one week later. Sure, they play in New England as the Pats reap the rewards of a Thursday Night win; a 3-0 record straight-up and against the spread. And all this without a man named Brady. The two Patriots backups are both questionable but all indications are it will be Garoppolo taking the snaps under center in this one. This selection is more a hunch that New England’s luck runs out without Brady as the smoke dissipates and the mirrors crack enough for the Bills to get a cover – at the very least. This could be a suicide pool upset alert as well. Either way, it will make DJ Eberle very happy. Buffalo (+7.5) over NEW ENGLAND
OVER: Get your bets in on this one, despite last night’s bender and today’s hangover: we;ve got a 9:30 A.M. kickoff for the first of three London NFL games this year. I despise the whole overseas idea of trying to shove American football down the throats of people in a land that loves rugby. ‘Nuff said! They have to try and make this game as offensively entertaining as possible so this is my Conspiracy Theory Lock of the Year. Indianapolis/JACKSONVILLE OVER 49
UNDER: Here’s the “total” that should be at least a field goal higher since neither the hometown Bears or visiting Lions play any defense. When Vegas makes you think something looks too good (like the OVER in this case) follow your nose if something smells fishy. Detroit/CHICAGO UNDER 48
Oh, and one more thing…
LET’S GO METS!
