- First off, this blog is for only entertainment purposes. Let me stress that 100X. I've looked at this weekend and I see a bunch of picks that are enticing and if you follow me at all, you'll know I'm all over the place. Literally. For entertainment value only, here we go.
- I was asked last week in AAE to suggest games I liked on Turkey Day to wager on. I went with the under in the Det/GB game and the Ravens against the spread. The reason why? I'm a contrarian. In the previous week both the Detroit and Green Bay games went over, I couldn't figure out a 54 O/U for the game knowing Vegas doesn't stand on losing money. That spread did nothing but rise and at halftime, I was feeling pretty confident.
- The Ravens game – the 49ers had lost once – by 3 points, why was that the spread? If you believed history this season the worst you could do was kiss your sister. Hence, I went with the Ravens. The other game I liked last weekend, Wisconsin -14 vs. Penn State and I'm a Penn State fan. Sean Lee and Evan Royster aren't on the roster anymore. I'd be shocked if Michigan State beats Wisconsin, know that it's not a great call considering Wisconsin is a 9.5 favorite. But keep in mind (I've pointed this out before) the first time they met, Michigan State had |STAR|zero|STAR| penalties. Come on now, |STAR|zero|STAR| penalties? Not to mention the crazy overturn of a Hail Mary as time expired. The next game, Michigan State had 18 penalties in Nebraska. Not a strong feeling here but go Wisconsin, think even though it's weighted down, the money line is the ticket.
- Any UFC fans out there? While it's not the knuckle dragging affair most have thought it was (curse you Fox for hyping a less than two minute fight for an hour), I like Jason Miller (who you could get for probably +130) over Brit Michael Bisping. I'm still probably not over the bad taste in my mouth from years ago when Michael Bisping won over Matt Hamill in his home country which was a sham. Again, not a strong feeling here but I'd go Miller.
- I had a thought this week as to whether there was a better team than the 1995-1996 Kentucky Wildcats basketball as far as what a team has gone on to do professionally. Here's the roster – Tony Delk, Antoine Walker, Walter McCarty, Derek Anderson, Ron Mercer, Mark Pope, Anthony Epps, Jeff Sheppard (my favorite college player, ever), Wayne Turner and Nazr Mohammed. I'm leaving off a few but most of this roster played in the NBA or at least were signed to a 10-day contract at some point. While I thought this might be one of the most dominant college rosters, look at the 2008 Florida Gators football team: Tim Tebow (of course), Percy Harvin, Aaron Hernandez, Riley Cooper, the Pouncey ( like Mario) bros., and Louis Murphy. Not to mention on the other end(s) were Chas Henry, Joe Haden, Brandon Spikes (Mr. Chatroulette), Carlos Dunlap and Major Wright. Which is the better class?
Despite my love for Kentucky hoops, I'd take NC plus the 6.5 in Lexington without a doubt.
- I don't have a ton of evidence here but why is Clemson getting only 6.5, having lost three of their last four by at least 14 and is playing a team (Virginia Tech) who has won seven straight? The answer is the Hokies only loss - Clemson, 23-3. I can't read this game at all but I think the numbers are interesting nonetheless, I'm slightly on Clemson's side here.
- Onto Sunday. A few games have caught my eye. The Bills are – 2.5 at home because…their last win was weeks ago against a crappy Washington team in another country (albeit it close and neighborly)? Go Buffalo and that's not the homer in me.
- The Vikings are giving 1.5 points at home to Tebow's Broncos? Huh? Given what each team has done recently and that Vegas knew AP wasn't likely to play, take Minnesota minus the points.
- My pick of the week is the Giants at home against the Packers. Why they're only giving 7 points (and its dropping) is beyond me. In fact, I think the Giants have a good chance to win this outright, I'd take their money line (+250) and the Detroit money line (+320) in a modest play; I like both against the spread although I think there's a likely split there.
- Another great bet in my thinking brings us to Monday night. San Diego has lost |STAR|6|STAR| straight and are still 3-point favorites. Jacksonville just lost their coach and this spread makes no sense if you believe home field advantage in the NFL gives you around 3 points. Stick with San Diego. And take whatever prop there is on the over for Phillip Rivers' passing yards. It's going over this week unless Jacksonville signed Champ Bailey.
- Again, this is totally for fun. Please, if in Vegas or another site of legal gambling, do not follow me unless you think I've sprouted some sense. Even then, buyer-beware.
- Thanks for reading and I'd love any input/disagreements with intelligent debate. I'm always up for that ;) This week struck me as odd more than most but that's why I love sports. Period, but chime in my peeps.