NFL Gambling Tips (From Someone Who Doesn’t Gamble) – Week 4

Let’s be real: a lot of people love football because it’s the easiest and funnest sport to gamble on. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Personally, I’m too broke to gamble (being a first-year public school teacher isn’t too lucrative), but I sure do watch a lot of football. I figure I should help* my loyal readers out with some gambling advice. Each week I’ll pick four games plus a fifth “Lock of the Week.”

*Help not guaranteed to be actually helpful.

After my big start in Week 1, I’ve crashed to back to Earth a bit in the two weeks since.  Stupid Chris Johnson continuing to suck killed my Titans pick last week, as did the Chiefs deciding not to totally suck. Fortunately, my “Lock of the Week” came through with Baltimore destroying St. Louis.

This week, I have a good feeling about these games. So I’ll probably go 0-5.

(Home teams in CAPS)

Bills (-3.5) over BENGALS 

Despite my big concerns this is a trap game for the Bills, Buffalo should find a way to win this one by a touchdown. As long as the key players on this offense stay healthy, the Bills are going to be able to score. And although I really like the underrated Cincy defense, I just don’t think the Bengals will be able to score enough to keep up.

Patriots (-4) over RAIDERS 

Yes, I picked against Oakland last week, and they burned me by destroying the Jets. And we did see our own ragtag band of misfits knock off the mighty Patriots as well. But let’s be real: the Patriots are awesome. Brady threw four interceptions last week and still put up 31 points. I do think the Raiders are legit, but no one bounces back from losses like the Pats. This one could be a beat down.

CHARGERS (-7) over Dolphins

The Chargers screwed me last week by not blowing out the Chiefs. But the Dolphins are a sinking ship. Miami not firing Tony Sparano after last season is one of the more baffling sports decisions I’ve seen in a while. In between Norv Turner-style debacles, San Diego destroys a few opponents a year just to remind us how talented the team is…before they go right back to sucking. This will be one of those blowouts that keeps the illusion of Charger greatness alive.

Redskins (-2) over RAMS

I’m not sure if the secret’s totally out yet…but this Rams team stinks. I was really high on them coming into the season, too. Washington will win by at least a field goal here.

And now…

*Note: don’t take the word “Lock” too seriously.

Saints  (-7) over JAGUARS 

Can anyone explain to me why this line isn’t higher? Unless there’s a monsoon, the Saints are putting up 30+ points. Could the Jaguars score 20 against any NFL defense right now? I’m not so sure.

Last Week: 2-3

Overall: 7-7-1

Lock of the Week: 2-1