NFL Gambling Tips (From Someone Who Doesn’t Gamble) – Week 6

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.

Don’t look now, but Brad is suddenly handing out exceptional gambling advice! After my big 4-1 record in Week 4, I was a flawless 5-0 in Week 5. I was spot-on in predicting blowout wins for the Vikings, Lions, and Steelers.. And since I’m more broke than usual lately, I really wish I’d actually gambled. I still won’t…but if you followed my tips the past two weeks you’d be making some bank.

And now that I’ve bragged about it, I’m sure I’ll tank this week. Here we go:

(Home teams in CAPS)

Cowboys (+7) over PATRIOTS

The Cowboys are healthy, coming off a bye, and can throw the ball. The Patriots just came off a rivalry game and can’t stop the pass. The Pats very well could and probably will win this game, but I love the size of that line. Take the Cowboys to cover.

STEELERS (-12) over Jaguars

Blaine Gabbert is walking into a buzzsaw this week. I’m not convinced Pittsburgh is all that great, but the Steelers feast on games like this. Also, the Jaguars are really not good.

Browns (+7) over RAIDERS

It’s been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for the Raiders, who got a big win last week in Houston after the death of owner Al Davis. This week, they have the big first home game after Davis’s passing. I actually think it will be more of a distraction than anything. Also, this Raiders defense isn’t great. The Browns are not pushovers either. I like the Raiders to hang on for a tight win, but I’ll take those seven points for the Browns.

Saints (-4.5) over BUCCANEERS 

The Saints are scary to pick as a favorite on the road, as they never seem to blow anyone out away from the Superdome. I still like them to do it here. The Bucs aren’t nearly as bad as their 48-3 loss in San Francisco would indicate, but they’re not quite in the Saints’ class. I’m not sure why people aren’t higher on the Saints. They’re really, really good.

And now…

*Note: don’t take the word “Lock” too seriously. (Although I’m 4-1 so far.)

JETS (-7) over Dolphins

The Jets are at home and desperate. The Dolphins are terrible and starting Matt Moore at quarterback. The Jets win in a rout and all is well in the Meadowlands…for now.

Last Week: 5-0

Overall: 16-8-1

Lock of the Week: 4-1