MARLBORO, NY – I don’t know anymore. I apologize to those of you who follow my gambling advice on NFL Sundays, as my Cheesy Bruin’s Free NFL Picks record now stands at 17-23 after a 2-2 Week #10. I’m hoping to rebound with these picks but a reminder that free advice is worth the price you pay.
FAVORITE Does anybody really think the Dallas Cowboys can win back-to-back road games? As a Lone Star Losers fan, I say no and this comes on the heels of me predicting their effort last week against the Eagles. That was a division game and blood runs hot for those games but today the Falcons host the ‘Boys and the adrenaline won’t be flowing like it should. Dallas is playing some spirited defense this year but Julio Jones is no ordinary talent and besides, Matt Ryan is quietly putting together one helluva season himself. I can see these two playing pitch and catch all day long with no answer from the Cowboys offense. The Pick: ATLANTA -3 over Dallas
UNDERDOG Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals. Yikes. There’s no reason to watch this game unless you have a dollar or two riding on it. Isn’t it funny how money makes the most out of a shit show of a football game? I mean these two teams are a combined 3-15 and I’m still scratching my head over how Arizona has two of them. Arizona was game in last week’s loss to the high-flying Chiefs as they did cover the spread at least but Vegas is asking them to cover a hefty number against the visiting Raiders. Oakland has lost five in a row and just look to be a defeated bunch before they even take the field. Today, however, I get a gut feeling that they can sneak in under the number and maybe even a back door cover. The Pick: Oakland +5.5 over ARIZONA
OVER Both the Texans and Redskins are 6-3 to the under this year and that’s a surprise given all of the offensive skill on Houston and game planning by Jay Gruden. During Houston’s six game winning streak they are doing things with defense and steady ball control on offense. This is an intra conference affair and these games tend to be a little more open. I see this as a tit for tat shootout and both teams can deliver provided the game script goes accordingly. Should be a fun one to watch. The Pick: Houston/WASHINGTON OVER 42.5
UNDER There’s only one way the desperate Jacksonville Jaguars get a sniff at winning today and that’s to slow down the Steelers offense which is clicking on all cylinders. Sometimes Ben Roethlisberger lays a dud on the road and while the Jags have their full compliment of running backs healthy the game can be slowed to the home team’s benefit. I have little faith in Blake Bortles but if he can stay away from turnovers I think this will be a methodical offensive game plan to keep Big Ben & Co. off of the field. Smells like a low scoring game. The Pick: Pittsburgh/JACKSONVILLE UNDER 46.5
That’s all for now, come back tomorrow for Buddy Diaz, who’ll thinks the Yankees bullpen catcher has a real shot at being Bird’s backup at first.
