Sunday, October 19, 2008

Week 7 Actual Bets

(406) Kansas City Chiefs +9½ (-115) Sun@11:00a
(410) Cincinnati Bengals +10 (-115) Sun@11:00a
(411) Baltimore Ravens vs. (412) Miami Dolphins Over 36½ Sun@11:00a
(416) Chicago Bears -3 (-130) Sun@11:00a
(417) New Orleans Saints +3 (-120) Sun@11:00a
(419) San Francisco 49ers +11 (-115) Sun@11:00a
(423) New York Jets -3½ (+105) Sun@2:15p
(425) Cleveland Browns +7½ (-115) Sun@2:15p
(427) Indianapolis Colts -2½ Sun@2:15p

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Week 7 Preview


I apologize for the delay in posting a preview. I know everyone enjoys reading this during the work week and sticking it to the man. Unfortunately, the man is sticking it to me by blocking my gambling/football sites. I have made a few changes to my schedule and I should be able to post this on Thursday or Friday going forward. I would like to recommend the link to the right for Stock Lemon. He has been doing a great job at his football picks and I would suggest checking them out. Its a great website and he touches on all sports. The previews and picks are below:

Week 7

Sun, Oct 19

SD @ BUF

The Chargers are averaging almost 30 points a game this season but only 23 points the last 3 games, this is due to the injuries of LT. The good news is their defense is only allowing 15 points a game over the last 3 games. The Bills are allowing 26 a game over the last 3 games and I see the Chargers matching that. The Bills have been running well and the Chargers have had a problem stopping the run. I see the Bills scoring thier average of 24 a game. Since the Chargers are going from the west coast to the east coast I am giving the Bills 4 points for home field. Bills -2
NO @ CAR

The Saints have improved their defense over the last three games, but it probably has something to do with their opponents (Oak, Min and SF). The problem is the Saints defense can't stop the run and the Panthers have a beat up offensive line. The Panthers strength has been passing. I expect the Panthers to score 21. The Panthers have had a great defense but their opponets have been really poor on offense. I see the Saints scoring 28. Give the Panthers the 3 for home field. Saints -4
MIN @ CHI

The Bears offense is averaging aaround 25 points a game and its behind a strong passing game. This is key because the Vikings continue to be very good against the run. I exppect the Bears to score 21 points behind an improving Orton (yes I just wrote that sentence). The Bears have also been pretty good against the run and thats the Vikings strength, though they have suffered the last 3 weeks. I just don't see the Vikings scoring much more than the Bears defense, so I expect 17 points this game for them. Bears -4
PIT @ CIN

The Steelers have been struggling on offense, unable to run the ball and only averaing 21 points a game and 18 over the last 3 weeks. The Bengals defense hasn't been that bad considering the poor field position the offense has put them in. I expect the Steelers to score 21. The Bengals are horrible on offense, 15 points a game and thats around the Steelers average. I expect the Bengals to be lucky to score 14 points. Steelers -7
TEN @ KC

The Titans are 5-0 ATS, I am going to bet against them until the get closer to .500 ATS. Chiefs.
BAL @ MIA

The Ravens are still averaging 5.2 yards a run over 3 games and all season. They are just running the ball less which is why they have averaged 11 points over the last 3 games. The Dolphins can't stop the run so I expect them to give up their 21 a game. The Dolphins are averaging 28 a game over the last 3 and racking up 400 yards a game. The question is can the Wildcat fool the Ravens defense. The Ravens are giving up 22 a game over the last 3 so I will split the difference and give the Dolphins 25. Dolphins -3
SF @ NYG

The Giants offense is averaging 28 points a game but have played some very poor defenses. The 49ers are giving up 28 points a game. The Giants are coming off a Monday Night Football game, so I expect 26 points on offense. The 49ers are scoring 23 points a game on offense. The Giants defense is giving up 21 points a game on defense but have been pretty bad at both the pass and run. I expect the 49ers to score 21. I will give the Giants their homefield advantage of 3 points. Giants -8
DAL @ STL

The Cowboys have a number of injuries and a player suspension that makes this game harder to call. Can the Cowboys match their 26 points a game without Romo (maybe) and no Felix Jones. They also added Roy Williams, who has been horrible all season. I expect the Cowboys to be 10 point favorites but I don't want to bet on this game at all. Cowboys -10
DET @ HOU

Both of these teams have covered the spread once this season. Both of these defenses have been very poor allowing 32 points a game during the season. The Lions have improved a little bit over the last 3 games. Any improvement on Defense has been met with worse results on offense for the Lions. Meanwhile, the Texans are starting to improve on offense. I consider both of these defenses poor and the Texans offense a lot better, they are averaging 18 points a game more than the Lions over the last 3. I say you split the difference. Texans -9
IND @ GB

I asked when, if ever, the Colts offense would return. Well last week they finally looked like what we thought they were. They are now averaging 28 points a game on offense over the last three behind a lot of passing. The Packers are allowing 25 points a game behind a 4.7 yard per run attempt. Their injured defense could have a very tough time defending the run and than dealing with Manning. I expect the Colts to score 31 points. The Packers offense has been slowing down and they continue to have major running problems but should improve that against a poor run defense for the Colts. I expect the Packers to get their 24 points a game. I will give the Packers their 3 points for home field and its not turf which could hur the Colts. Colts -4
NYJ @ OAK

The Jets are averaging 37 points a game on offense but only 311 yards a game and their average per attempt has dropped over the season. This means they are getting great field position but at some point this has to stop. I don't know if the Raiders are the team to stop them. I expect the Jets to only score 24 points a game and not get all the breaks they have been receiving. The Raiders have been averaging 14 points a game on offense over the last 3. They are still running very well but the Jets have only been allowing 2.7 yards a rush over the last 3. This might be due to teams just passing on them because of a weak pass defense. I only expect the Raiders to score 14 but give them 3 for home field and a cross country game. Jets -7
CLE @ WAS

The Browns played their best game of the season last week and the Redskins played their worse. The Browns are only averaging 22 points a game over the last three. They are having passing problems and the Redskins are very good against the run. I expect the Browns to score 20. The Redskins are averaging 22 points a game behind a great running game but Portis is questionable. The Browns are only allowing 18 points game. Portis is to big of a question mark so I will just pass on this game. Until I see the Redskins are huge favorites. Redskins -3
SEA @ TB

Tampa Bay is 5-1 ATS and the Seahawks are 1-4 ATS. So I expect Vegas to over compensate for the poor records. Seattle over the last 3 have been running great and scoring 20 points a game. Tampa Bay is stopping the run very well and only allowing 14 points a game. This is bad news for an offense on a backup QB without any healthy WR's. The Seahawks will be lucky to score 14. Tampa Bay has been scoring 23 points a game and Seattle has been allowing 28 a game. Tampa has been running well and the Seahawks have been having a hard time stopping the run. I expect Tampa Bay to score 24. Tampa Bay -10
Mon, Oct 20

DEN @ NE







My Line BoDog My Pick
Bills -2 Bills 0
O/U 50 O/U 44.5
Saints -4 Saints +3 Saints
O/U 49 O/U 45
Bears -4 Bears -3 Bears
O/U 38 O/U 38
Steelers -7 Steelers -10 Bengals
O/U 35 O/U 35

Chiefs +9 Chiefs
Dolphins -3 Dolphins -3
O/U 46 O/U 37 Over
Giants -8 Giants -10.5 49ers
O/U 47 O/U 47
Cowboys -10

Texans -9 Texans -9.5
Colts -4 Colts -2.5 Colts
O/U 55 O/U 47
Jets -7 Jet -3 Jets
O/U 38 O/U 41
Redskins -3 Redskins -7.5 Browns
Bucs -10
Bucs -11
O/U 38 O/U 38

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Week 6 Results

I figured out the biggest mistake last week was not spreading out the bets, I will make sure to do at least 8 games going forward. The week wasn't great but at least I got a few games right.

(210) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1½ Sun@11:00a Win
(211) Detroit Lions +13½ (-115) Sun@11:00a Win
(214) Atlanta Falcons +3 Sun@11:00a Win
(215) Miami Dolphins +3 (-120) Sun@11:00a Win
(203) Oakland Raiders +245 Sun@11:00a Loss
(205) Baltimore Ravens +170 Sun@11:00a Loss
(207) Cincinnati Bengals +9½ (-115) Sun@11:00a Loss
(218) Washington Redskins -14 (-105) Sun@11:00a Loss
(222) San Francisco 49ers +175 Sun@2:15p Loss


Record: 4-5
Weekly Return: -16.2%
Cumulative Return: -89.4%

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Week 6 Bets

(203) Oakland Raiders +245 Sun@11:00a
(205) Baltimore Ravens +170 Sun@11:00a
(207) Cincinnati Bengals +9½ (-115) Sun@11:00a
(210) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1½ Sun@11:00a
(211) Detroit Lions +13½ (-115) Sun@11:00a
(214) Atlanta Falcons +3 Sun@11:00a
(215) Miami Dolphins +3 (-120) Sun@11:00a
(218) Washington Redskins -14 (-105) Sun@11:00a
(222) San Francisco 49ers +175 Sun@2:15p

Friday, October 10, 2008

Week 6 Preview


Well things are bad but hopefully we will find a way to profit. I am not putting my picks down just yet because I have been drinking my stock market sorrows away. For better or worse I am very far apart on my thoughts and the actual line, I can not tell if that is a good thing or a bad thing. So what follows are my predictions of the line of course before checking them out:







Week 6
Sun, Oct 12
CHI @ ATL
These teams are equal on offense around 24 points a game but the Falcons are averaging 36 a game at home. This home offensive explosion for the Falcons is powered by a high power running offense (6.5 home). Fortunately for the Bears the running defense has been pretty good (3.8 game). I think the Falcons will be lucky to score 24 a game. The Bears aoffense has actually succeeded from passing the ball, with 206 yards a game and a 6.6 average per attempt. The Falcons have been weak against the pass and the run. Its surprising they are only allowing 21 points a game. This game looks to be a pick 'em with the Falcons getting 3 for homefield. If the Bears are getting any points I am taking them. Atlanta -3
MIA @ HOU
Both of these offenses are equal on their season and last three game numbers. The difference is on defense. The Texans are allowing 32.5 points a game this season and 30.7 in the last 3 games. The Dolphins are passing and running well but they seem to have a problem putting points on the board,. I am going to split the difference and give them 26 on offense. The Texans are averaging 21 points a game behind a strong running game. The Dolphins have a very good run defense and a poor pass defense. The Texans should manage 21 points this game. I like the Texans they are the best 0-4 team possibly ever, so i will probably take the points. Miami -5
BAL @ IND
Who would believe these offenses are equal in scoring points this season. I know some of you have questioned my love for the Ravens but they are allowing 2.9 yards a run and 4.4 yards a pass, for 14 points a game. Just like in the Matrix, just because you think you are eating a steak doesn't mean you are. Just because you expect the Colts offense to score a ton of points doesn't mean it will happen. I give the Ravens defense the advantage and say they hold them to 14 points. The Ravens offense has been the problem and its suprising they can average 153 yards running on 3.8 yards a rush. The Colots have a horrible run defense and that has contributed to their 23.4 a game. I see the Ravens gettings 20 this game. You have to give the Colts their 3 points for home field advantage. Baltimore -3
DET @ MIN
The Lions offense is averaging 16 points a game and its surprising they can score that much. The Vikings continue to have a great run defense and a below average pass defense. The Lions will be lucky to score 16 a game. The Lions defense is horrible, over 400 yards a game and 37 points. I expect the Vikings score a few more points than there average of 20, about 24. The Lions have not won against the spread yet, so I am taking them. Minnesota -8
OAK @ NO
The Raiders are a perfectly balanced offensive team, 155 running and passing. Their average yards per attempt are similar to what the Saints and their 26 points a game give up. I expect the Raiders to score 24 points a game. The Saints offense is averaging almost 28 points a game behind a lot of passing and a horrible running attack. The Raiders are decent against the pass but I expect D'Angelo Hall to have a horrible game. So I expect the Saints to hit their 28 a game. New Orleans -4
CIN @ NYJ
The Bengals are 0-5 ATS and they are without Palmer. They are only averaing 15 points a game on offense which is a lot lower than the 29 a game the Jets are giving up. The Jets can't stop the pass but the Bengals can't do anything right. I expect the Bengals to score 21 points on offense. The Jets offense really hasn't been that good, I am surprised they have scored 29 a game. I expect the Bengals defense to hold them to their defensive average of 24 a game. I will give the Jets their 3 points for homefield and Favre. Jets -6
CAR @ TB
These teams both average 22.8 points a game, the Panthers behind a great passing offense and the Bucs behind a great running offense. Both of these numbers are on attempts. The Panthers defense is even better than the Bucs by almost 5 points. The Panthers defense is even better over the last 3 games. They have also been against KC, ATL and MIN. This game has pick 'em written all over it. Give TB their -3 for homefield. TB -3
STL @ WAS
The Rams are another team that is 0-4 against the spread. The Rams are only averaing 11 points a game and Washington is allowing 20 points a game. I would expect the Rams to score 12 points a game if they are lucky. The Redskins average 22 points a game behind a strong running game. The Rams defense sucks, they can't stop anything. I expect the Redskins to score 30 points a game. That line is obviously ridiculous. Washington -18
JAC @ DEN
The Jaguars are averaging 20 points a game on offense and the Broncos are allowing 26 a game. The Broncos defense has been bad at everything so I expect the Jaguars to get to that 26. The Broncos are averaging 30 points a game and almost the same average that the Jaguars age giving up. So expect the Broncos to get their 30. Denver -4
DAL @ ARI
Both of these offenses are equal on their average points a game, expect the Cardinals have a lot lower average in both. Their defenses are both allowing the same amount of points but against the Cardinals are allowing more per attempt. I pick this game even but the reality is the Cowboys will have more fans at this game. Henceforth, Dallas -3.
PHI @ SF
The difference in these two teams is the defense. The 49ers are allowing almost 6 more points a game and a worse rushing and passing defense. Typical Eagles, they can't run but they pass well. The Eagles offense has underperformed the last three weeks and I would blame that on the Westbrook injury. That tells me this a pure pick 'em game. I'll give the Eagles a point. Philadelphia -1
GB @ SEA
The Packers offense is slowing down, their last 3 games is worse than their overall. Blame it on injuries but they are more a 20 point a game offense, their running game is falling apart. Fortunately, Seattle can't stop anything, allowing 30 points a game. I still think with the Rodgers injury the Packers are lucky to score 21. I can't believe this but the Packers are giving up 28 a game the last three weeks and the injuries keep piling up. The Seahawks are still struggling on offense. I think they hit their last 3 weeks average of 24. Seattle -3
NE @ SD
The Patriots are 3-1 despite giving up and scoring the exact same points per game. The Chargers are scoring more and giving up less points (by four a game) and are 2-3. The last three games are even worse for the Patriots. Both teams are giving up the same on defense but the Padres are scoring 8 more a game. Split the difference and you get the, jesus I am so drunk I said Padres, I meant Chargers 4. San Diego -4
Mon, Oct 13
NYG @ CLE
Byes: Bills, Chiefs, Steelers, Titans
return to top



My Line
Atlanta -3 Atlanta +3
Miami -5 Miami +3
Baltimore -3 Baltimore +4
Minnesota -8 Minnesota -13.5
New Orleans -4 New Orleans -7
Jets -6 Jets -9
TB -3 TB -1
Washington -18 Washington -14
Denver -4 Denver -3.5
Dallas -3 Dallas -5.5
Philadelphia -1 Philadelphia -5
Seattle -3 Seattle -3
San Diego -4 San Diego -5

Monday, October 6, 2008

Week 5 NFL Review


Before this week, I was joking that my results were at least better than the stock market. I than went on to have my own crash. Much like Jesse Livermore its time to rebuild my fortune. I could blame it on injuries: Griese, Edwards and Chambers. I could blame it on two teams not even showing up and having their starting QBs pulled: Lions and Seahawks. Or a really crappy call on roughing the passer that gave the Titans the win.

Some of these excuses may be reasonable but the truth is the whole point of betting on multiple games was suppose to spread these risks out. Just like securitizing mortgages was suppose to spread the risk out. The problem is crappy picks are crappy picks and thats what it comes down to. When you have a week as bad as this one, I am a true believer of just burning the tape and going at it next week. It may also pay for everyone else to do the exact opposite of what I say.

(408) Baltimore Ravens +3 (-125) Sun@11:00a Push
(409) Chargers vs. (410) Dolphins Over 45 (-105) Sun@11:00a Loss
(415) Bears vs. (416) Lions Over 45½ Sun@11:00a Loss
(419) Seattle Seahawks +7½ (-130) Sun@11:00a Loss
(421) Tampa Bay Buccaneers +170 Sun@2:05p Loss
(424) San Francisco 49ers +150 Sun@2:15p Loss
(425) Buffalo Bills +1½ Sun@2:15p
Loss

Record: 0-6-1
Weekly Return: -85.42%
Cumulative Return: -87.4%

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Week 5 Preview



This week I will not be betting on any game that I called the line correctly, plus or minus a point. I am only betting on the over/under where its a large difference between my projection and the actual line. I called 6 games lines correctly. I decided to shy away from the Bears spread because I have performed poorly in their games this year and I thought the over/under was more attractive. Its a crazy week because they are a number of questions at QB for teams. I am avoiding all of these games because of the question marks. Below are the games, sans Monday Night Football.

Week 5


Sun, Oct 05


TEN @ BAL


These two teams are a combined 7-0 ATS. Loyal readers know I am a big fan of Baltimore but this is tough because if the teams weren't playing each other I would probably bet against both of them. These teams are about equal on offense with the Titans a little bit better passing per attempt. The Ravens are allowing 186 yards a game, it hasn't been against the best offenses but they are NFL teams. The Titans have allowed a lot more yards but less points. These teams are pretty equal and the game is probably going to come down to a turnover or two. I wouldn't bet on the over/under because I see one team having a few turnovers and then self destructing, unfortunately I don't know which team. Give the Ravens the advantage since its thier home. Baltimore -3
CHI @ DET


The offense of the Bears looks very similar to that of the Lions. The Bears average a few more points a game because of special teams and turnovers that have gone in their favor. The Bears defense is averaging 20 points a game and that’s in line with what the Lions are scoring. I feel comfortable with the Lions scoring 20 points. The question is do the Bears score their 24 a game or the 38 the Lions are giving up. The Lions can't stop the run or the pass and the Bears are a well balanced team. Still its the Bears, so I will error on the side of caution and go with 30 points. I will give the Lions 3 points for hosting the game. O/U 54 Bears -7
ATL @ GB


I am going to assume Rodgers is playing and if he doesn't play I will pass on the game. The Falcons are really good at running the ball, against bad teams on astro turf. The Packers have a poor run defense (5.2) but they don't play on turf. So I see Atlanta scoring 17 points a game. The Packers have been unable to run the ball but they have had success passing, the Falcons defense hasn't stopped anyone. I see the Packers getting their average of 28. O/U 45 Packers -11
KC @ CAR


The Chiefs are a bad team with a low scoring offense and a poor defense. Their defense has allowed 400 yards a game, its surprising they have only given up 21 points. I see the Panthers scoring more than their 23 a game because of their ability to pass the ball and I expect them to score 25-28. The Panthers defense has been strong only allowing 17.5 a game, close to KC's 16.2 points a game. Plus there is another game of tape on Huard, so I will put them at 15 and the low end of the Panthers range. O/U 40 Panthers -10
SD @ MIA


The Chargers offense is averaging 35 points a game. The problem is they are allowing 28 points a game. The Dolphins have an absolutely horrible defense, they are allowing 8.2 yards a pass attempt with the Chargers averaging 9.0 an attempt. This favors the Chargers scoring their average of 35 points. The Dolphins came out with a new offense but now its on tape for the Chargers. The Dolphins are averaging the exact yard attempts that the Chargers are giving up, so I expect them to score the 28 a game. O/U 63 Chargers -7
WAS @ PHI


Some people argue that either of these teams could win any other division in the NFL other than the NFL east. The Eagles can't run (3.5 att) and no one can run against them (2.6). In fact the Eagles defense has been great only allowing 245 yards a game. I think the Redskins will have a tough time averaging 21.5 a game and look for them to score 17 a game. The Eagles have average 28 points a game and the Redskins have allowed 20 a game. I see the Eagles splitting the difference and scoring 24. O/U 37 Eagles -7
SEA @ NYG


The Giants come off a bye week which is usually a positive but they are without their top WR for the game because of suspension. Seattle would love to have just a healthy WR. Suprisingly both these teams are averaging around 26 points a game on offense. The problem is the Seahawks are allowing 27 points a game on defense. Their big weakness is passing defense and I don't expect the Giants to pass as well without Burress. So I expect the Giants to only score 21 points this game. The Seahawks have a great running offense and their passing offense should improve. I expect them to score more than the 14 a game the Giants are allowing. I would put them at 17 a game. O/U 38 Giants -4
IND @ HOU


There offenses are exactly the same both averaging about 18 points a game and 313 yards. Both of these defenses have allowed 340 yards a game, but the Texans have allowed 11 points a game more. I see this game as a very close game, with the Colts getting a few points. Colts -2
TB @ DEN


TB has averaged 25 points a game on offense behind a strong running game. The Broncos are allowing 35 points a game on defense behind a poor pass defense (9.8). It looks like their run defense is decent because teams are passing for 400 yards a game. I see TB scoring 28 points this game. The Broncos offense is scoring 33.2 points a game behind both a strong passing and rushing attack. The TB defense is very strong against the run and has been strong against the pass, only allowing 20 points a game. I expect the Broncos to score only 24 points a game. I do see them getting 3 points for the homefield. O/U 52 TB -1
BUF @ ARI


Both of these offenses have averaged 27 points a game but the Cardinals have averaged almost 60 yards a game more and have a better passing offense. Unfortunately, they have a QB who has a major fumbling problem. The Cardinals defense is allowing 26 points a game and even more yards an attempt than the Bills are averaging. So I expect the Bills to score 28. The Bills defense has been very strong only allowing 16 points a game and having a strong passing defense. I see the Cardinals scoring 21 points a game. O/U 49 Bills -7
NE @ SF


The Patriots defense has allowed 20 points a game and the run defense has been a major problem with 5 yards an attempt. This is the strength of the 49ers and I see them getting their average of 24 points a game. The Patriots have been struggling on offense only scoring 16 points a game a little worse than the 24 the 49ers are giving up. I will split the difference and give the Patriots 20 points a game. O/U 44 49ers -4
CIN @ DAL


Believe it or not these two teams are equal on defense allowing 22 points a game. The problem is the Cowboys are scoring 30 points a game on offense and the Bengals are only scoring 13 points a game. That’s a 17 point difference and Palmer might not even play. I am not betting on this game because of the Palmer question but I see the Cowboys winning big. Cowboys -17
PIT @ JAC


The Steelers are another team with QB questions. Both of these offenses are averaging 19 points a game but Jac is averaging 50 yards more a game. The problem for Jac is that the Steelers are only allowing 74 yards a game (2.9 attempt) and that’s the Jac strength. So I expect Jac to only score 14 points. The Steelers, assuming Ben plays, are passing well and thats the weakness of Jac defense. So I expect Pitt to score 21 a game, what Jac is giving up. With the injury to Ben I will give Jac the homefield advantage points. Pitt -4
Mon, Oct 06


MIN @ NO






My Line Bodog Line My Pick
Baltimore -3 Baltimore +3 Baltimore 3
Bears -7 Bears -3.5

Bears/Lions 54 44.5 Bears/Lions OVER
Packers -11


Packers/Falcons 45


Panthers -10 Panthers -10

Panthers/KC 40 38.5

Chargers -7 Chargers -7

SD/MIA 63 45 SD/MIA OVER
Eagles -7 Eagles -6

Redskings/PHI 37 42.5

Giants -4 Giants -7.5 Seahawks +7.5
Seahawks/NYG 38 43.5

Colts -2 Colts -3

TB -1 TB +3.5 TB Moneyline
TB/Broncos 52 48

Bills -7 Bills 0 Bills 0
Bills/Cardinals 49 44.5

49ers -4 49ers +3 49ers Moneyline
Patriots/49ers 44 41

Cowboys -17 Cowboys -17

Pittsburgh -4 Pittsburgh +4