After some scuffles with previous slates, Week 14 was kinder in this space. The end result was a winning week but, if we’re being honest, it felt a bit empty after a couple of not-so-pleasurable beats following a 3-0 start. Sometimes, 3.5-point underdogs don’t cover in overtime (hello, Eagles) but the overall performance was a reminder that sticking to one’s principles is always a good idea.
Week 15 brings the arrival of Saturday football in the professional ranks and that, of course, just means more opportunity for the public to get involved. We like when that happens but, before we unveil this week’s five-pack of picks, here is a look at our season-long progress.
- Week 14: 3-2
- 2018 Season: 34-33-3
Come get these winners.
Washington (+7.5) over Jacksonville
It’s unbelievable but we’re taking a team that has deployed Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson at the quarterback position in the last week. Frankly, this is a play against Jacksonville as more than a touchdown favorite at home because, well, Cody Kessler shouldn’t be laying more than a touchdown anywhere. Beyond that, this is the epitome of a “buy low” spot on Washington after a dreadful showing and it plays right into our brand.
Indianapolis Colts (-3) over Dallas Cowboys
I don’t like to give out favorites but, in this case, the favorite definitely isn’t the public side. Everyone is on a red-hot Dallas team and, while that makes some sense given the way they’ve played in recent weeks, this is screaming at me to take the Colts. Indianapolis has the better quarterback, playing at home indoors, and they should take care of business here.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3) over Oakland Raiders
Another favorite, you say? Well, yes, but this is a weird one. The Bengals have lost five games in a row and seven of their last eight contests. Quite honestly, they’ve been brutal. Naturally, we’ll lay the points with them anyway, as Oakland is now being overvalued on the heels of their strange performance against the Steelers a week ago. It won’t be fun but, with all things equal, Cincinnati is still the better team in this spot.
San Francisco 49ers (+4) over Seattle Seahawks
It would be nice if we were able to secure the best line in this spot but the wise guys hopped all over San Francisco at the opening number. Still, there is plenty of value involved when taking the Niners as a home dog and, even if it seems funny to ride them after a successful journey last week, this is just the right side. Let’s get back on the roller coaster.
New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER 52.5 points
The public definitely does not want to root against points with Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger involved. In fact, more than 75 percent of the tickets are on the over and that pretty much aligns with what you would expect. We’re going against the grain, though, in a spot in which neither offense has been quite as dominant as you might think. Points will be scored and we may sweat a little bit but the total is just too high.
