NFL WEEK 13 GAMBLING CORNER By: Mike McKittrick
We’re getting down to crunch time for the NFL regular season, with only 6 weeks remaining. This time, I’m going to do something a little different. Rather than just giving my thoughts on one game and having a more detailed breakdown, I’m going to touch on every Sunday and Monday game this week, give my prediction against the spread, and ultimately look like a jackass when I’m wrong. Disagree with me? Let me know what you think about this week’s slate or any topic you want me to talk about.
Colts -10 @ Texans
This is an interesting one, mostly because of a 10 point spread. Houston sucks against the run, ranking among the bottom quarter of the league in rushing yards allowed, yards per carry, and touchdowns. Jonathan Taylor is going to have a big game, eclipsing over 100 rushing yards and finding paydirt. In the six games this year taylor has eclipsed 100 yards on the ground, the Colts are 6-0 with five wins by double digits, including 31-3 win against Houston. I don’t think that’ll change here. Colts -10
Bucs -11 @ Falcons
The Falcons have been brutal. Tom Brady has been as good as you’d expect him to be. Every game a different Buccaneer has stepped to the plate and produced. The defense is the best in the league against the run and Atlanta’s receiving options are not the greatest. I can see Atlanta struggling to put up 17 points here and having to contend with a high powered offense in Tampa Bay.I can see the Bucs covering 11. Bucs -11
Cardinals -7.5 @ Bears
Kyler Murray returns, Deandre Hopkins returns, and Matt Nagy somehow still has a job. Coming off a bye, I’m expecting Arizona to come into this game refreshed and ready to win the NFC West. Allen Robinson has been a major disappointment for the Bears this year, and him suiting up is not a guarantee due to injury. I don’t think David Montgomery and Darnell Mooney can carry a decrepit offense. Cardinals -7.5
Giants @ Dolphins -4.5
This is a tough one. In my heart, I know the downgrade from Daniel Jones to Mike Glennon hurts. But the Giants Defense has kept them in most of the games that they were competitive in this season. On the flip side, Miami is riding high on a four game winning streak and getting efficient quarterback play from Tua Tagovailoa. I think if Jones plays it’s a different story, but I think the Dolphins win by 7. Dolphins -4.5
Vikings -7 @ Lions
The Lions aren’t as bad as their record indicates, they just have some BRUTAL luck. How many times can you lose a game in a last second kick? The Lions defense has been good the last 3 games and 9 out of the Vikings 11 games this season have ended with a margin of 7 points or less, including a 19-17 victory at home against the Lions. Am I crazy to take Detroit here? Maybe I am, but fuck it. Lions +7
Chargers @ Bengals -3.5
Two teams that desperately need a win to stay in playoff contention, this could be the best game of the week. A pair of sophomore quarterbacks battling it out in Cincinnati. I think the X factor in this game will be Joe Mixon. The Bengals have found success when Mixon averages over 4 yards per carry, and the Chargers give up an average of 4.7 yards per carry. Everything in me tells me that the Bengals win this game, and that’s exactly why I’m taking the Chargers with the points. Chargers +3.5
Eagles -6.5 @ Jets
If there were ever a team that you have no idea what you’re gonna get from them, it’s the Eagles. One week Jalen Hurts looks great both in the air and on the ground. The next he’s held to under 130 passing yards and 3 turnovers. Yet, I don’t see them coming out flat given how they played last week. On the other hand, I also don’t see the Jets playing 2 good football games in a row, especially being the worst in the league against the spread. Eagles -6.5
Washington @ Raiders -2.5
Two teams coming off of emotional highs and late game heroics, the Raiders and Football Team are both in a win to stay alive scenario. Washington needs whatever they can get for the wild card, while Las Vegas has a shot at the division or wild card. I have little to say about both teams, but this is more of a gut reaction. I think it’ll be a one score game, even a field goal game, but Raiders do cover. Raiders -2.5
Jaguars @ Rams -12.5
The Jaguars suck, but I also hate two touchdown spreads. A real lose-lose situation for me personally. The Rams are 0-3 since acquiring OBJ and Von Miller, they won’t go 0-4. But will they cover the spread? I think if the Rams don’t come out this game and make a statement, their season is in danger. As much as I don’t like large spreads, Rams -12.5
49ers -3.5 @ Seahawks
Seattle has been the disappointment of the season in my eyes. With all of the elite talent they have, the Seahawks currently sit at an underwhelming 3-8. Russell Wilson has been lackluster compared to years past, Metcalf has been a non-factor the last three weeks, and the run game has been abysmal. The only saving grace is that San Francisco is not fully healthy. I don’t think that’ll factor too much though, as I see the 49ers winning this game somewhat comfortably. 49ers -3.5
Ravens -4.5 @ Steelers
The Steelers are a streaky team. They look great for 4 games followed by playing like shit for 4 games. Right now, they’re playing like shit and I don’t see that changing against a formidable Ravens defense. However, Baltimore hasn’t looked good on offense. Lamar Jackson normally bounces back well, but things just haven’t clicked lately. It’s pretty much picking the lesser of two evils and in a game like that, I think the Ravens do enough to win, but not cover. Steelers +4.5
Broncos @ Chiefs -10
I’m actually a believer of the Broncos. Denver has a decent roster that is capable of winning tough games. They rank in the top 10 for least yards allowed both through the air and in the ground. Kansas City is coming off of a bye week, but I think Denver needs this game more than the Chiefs, so I see this being a one possession game. Broncos +10
Patriots @ Bills -3
Rule #1 in NFL betting is don’t bet against Bill Belichick. But rules are meant to be broken, and I like Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills under the Monday night lights. The winner of this game will be able to control their own destiny in the division. The Patriots have played struggling offenses the last 4 games which makes the defense look better than it actually is. If Mac Jones puts up another big time game for the Pats, crown him Offensive Rookie of the Year. For now, Bills -3