The Gambling Itch… Week 7

Now, that’s more like it. I went 3-1 against the spread last week which puts me at 12-8 for the season as far as recommendations go. Not too bad, but the numbers should be better.

The Steelers made me look good as I ignored my usual ‘no-betting-on-favorite-teams’ rule to pick them as 14 point favorites against the Browns. Props are in order, though, to Colt McCoy. His performance was much better than I’d predicted. He actually hung in there and gained confidence against a defense that was doing its best to confuse & intimidate him. Big Ben showed up ready to play. The Browns defense was a big test for him as they employ quite a few packages designed to confuse the quarterback themselves. He passed the test, and reminded Steelers fans just what he means to the offense when he’s on the field. No word yet on whether he exposed himself to any cheerleaders, female fans, or female reporters. Maybe he learned his lesson.

The Vikings made good on their status as favorites by taking care of the Cowboys. However, the win was not easy as Favre, Moss, Peterson, and the rest of the squad had to battle for every single yard. Favre’s elbow will not hold up throughout the rest of the season.

On Monday Night Football, the Titans disposed of the Jags easily. And, that begs the question: Why the hell was Chris Johnson still running the ball and taking hits in the 4th quarter of a lopsided game? I’m sure fantasy owners are loving Jeff Fisher right now, but he would’ve had to answer some pretty harsh questions if CJ had taken a vicious hit & suffered a season-ending injury. Still, the Titans came through for me, which is more than I can say for this next team…

The Chargers continue to be a mystery as they not only failed to cover the spread, but they flat-out lost to the Rams. The Rams. You know, the team that gave up 40+ points to the Lions in Week 5? Yeah, them. The Chargers lost to them. I really don’t know what else to say about that game.

This weeks picks:

- I’m taking the Ravens this week against the Bills. In fairness to the Bills, I’d be taking the Ravens against anybody after the loss they suffered last week at the hands of the hated Patriots. Add to the mix the fact that Tom Brady was talking shit & basically calling their dominance into question, and… well… the Bills are going to have to do a hell of a lot more than circle the wagons.

RAVENS -14

- The Carolina Panthers are a train wreck right now. Their coach is on the hot seat, and they’ve put what’s left of their season in the hands of rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen. I know I’ve said in past posts that I’ve given up on San Fran, but I have to take them this week against this Carolina team.

NINERS -3

- The Minnesota v. Green Bay matchup should be a good one. Brett “Sext Message” Favre & Co. will be amped up, as will Aaron Rodgers. I’m not taking on the spread in this one. Instead, I’m going to sit back and root for a shootout. Here’s hoping that Favre’s elbow will hold up for at least one more week, because I’m taking the…

OVER 45

- I’m forgoing the spread with this next pick as well. The Bengals v. Falcons game feature two offenses that have yet to really live up to their respective billings. The Falcons seem to have finally gotten their heads straight while the Bengals continue to be possibly the most underperforming/overrated team of the past decade. Question: How in the hell do you field an offense like that & continue to look as bad as they do? Answer: Their two biggest weapons are more concerned with being reality TV stars than reliable football players. (Note to T.O. & Ocho… The T.Ocho Show on Vs. is the most awful piece of shit this side of Jersey Shore) Still, I think this game has the potential to be a shootout…

OVER 43

Okay, with the picks out of the way… That brings us to the ESPN Pick ‘ems war that continues to rage between myself & Rob Kotaska over at My Three Percent is Swimming. The two weeks leading into last week weren’t just bad, as far as picking winners goes, they were absolutely embarrassing. This past week was better, and more so for Rob than myself. He picked 10 games correctly to my 9.

For the season… I still have the lead, small as it is, at 50-49. Stay tuned.

- The Altered Statesman

Originally posted at The Altered States of Munley