Thursday, October 23, 2008

WEEK 8 NFL PICKS

LOCK OF THE WEEK

BUFFALO (-1.5) @ Miami
Buffalo has won 8 straight ATS vs Miami and is coming off a big win vs. San Diego. Edwards was sharp in his first game back from concussion and shred the Chargers D for 261 yards on 25 of 30 passing. In addition, Marshawn Lynch continued to be good for a TD a game. Miami meanwhile took a step back with a home loss to a Baltimore team that had done very little this season on the offensive side of the ball until last week. In what is essentially a pick, I go with the team that has the momentum and the talent. Lock it up!

REST OF WEEK 7:

1pm Games

TAMPA BAY (+3.5) @ Dallas
Two quick facts sum up this matchup: The Bucs are 6-1 ATS this season and the Boys are 2-5 ATS this season. Add to that the injuries and turmoil in big D and its a wonder why the Bucs aren't the ones giving points. Expect to see Jerry Jones pacing the sidelines and Wade Phillips waiting for his pink slip.

DETROIT (+7.5) vs. Washington
Fact: Washington has not beaten a team this season by more than 7 points and are coming off of bad home performances against St. Louis and Cleveland. While Detroit is no gem, they have had close road losses the past two weeks to quality opponents. Detroit at home coupled with Portis' sore shoulder and I like the Lions to cover.

ST. LOUIS (+7.5) @ New England
Just like I said last week this Patriots squad will be alternating up and down all season. Last week was up so this week will be down. I also expect Stephen Jackson to run wild.

NEW ORLEANS (+3.5) vs. San Diego
The Saints are a better team at home (3-1) than on the road (0-3). Likewise, the Chargers tend to struggle away from San Diego (1-3), especially scoring points. New Orleans getting points in this game seems like a gift from Vegas so don't pass it up.

NEW YORK JETS (-12.5) vs. Kansas City
When Larry Johnson said this past week, "I want to start off saying I apologize to the Hunt family, my family, first and foremost, the fans, teammates, coaches and players." was he talking about slapping and spitting on some skank at a bar or the Chiefs performance? They have lost by 15 or more points in 4 of the last 5 weeks, including back to back scores of 34-0 and 34-10. At least they are consistent in what they allow. Even without the LJ distractions this one would be a no brainer. Take the Jets.

ATLANTA (+8.5) @ Philadelphia
Atlanta has been the surprise team of the '08 season so far and for some reason the odds makers haven't caught on yet. The Eagles are fading in support with the Phillies doing so well and this home game will not be like the usual hostile environment at the Linc. Take the points.

OAKLAND (+6.5) @ Baltimore
Seems like a lot of points for two very similar teams. Strong D, rely on the run, can pass for shit. Take the underdog in this situation.

CAROLINA (-4.5) vs. Arizona
Carolina is a different team at home. They are undefeated and have outscored opponents in the last two games by 64-7. Arizona meanwhile has given up 80 points in its last two road games. I love the Panthers and I smell a sweet aroma in the air. Its either fresh baked cookies or the over of 43.5

4pm Games

JACKSONVILLE (-6.5) vs. Cleveland
Jax will run the ball and that will be the story of the game. I also like the under of 42 points. With the exception of Cleveland's MNF outburst of 35 points against the defending champs, they have struggled to put points up. It won't get any easier against the physical and intimidating Jaguars.

HOUSTON (-9.5) vs. Cincinnati
I will bet against the Bengals every week this season unless something drastic happens. Apologies to all Bengals fans. wait...what was that? there are none. ok, good. I feel better now.

PITTSBURGH (-2.5) vs. New York Giants
Two very solid teams so I will side with the home club. I think this will be a lower scoring game than most expect with playoff-like environment. This game will be as intense as two hobos fighting over a ham sandwich.

SAN FRANCISCO (-4.5) vs. Seattle
I'm a little weary taking the 49ers after a coaching change, but then I think back to the performance that the 49ers offense put on again Hawks defense in week 2 and I get goosebumps. Couple this with the injuries that Seattle is suffering and their unblemished 0-3 road record and I like San Fran. Remember also that these two combined for 63 points in September and don't neglect the over of 41.

Monday Night

TENNESSEE (-4.5) vs. Indianapolis
Ride her til she bucks you. Thats how I feel about the Titans this year, who are 6-0 against the spread. Additionally, the Titans have gone 4-0 ATS vs. the Colts over the last two seasons. Numbers don't lie. Thats why I like them so much.


LOCK OF THE WEEK RECORD TO DATE: 5-2

SEASON PICKS RECORD TO DATE: 60-42

AS ALWAYS TED, GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY!

1 comment:

gimmethatfuckinteeshirt! said...

Holcomb, once again I admire your work ethic. I do have to take issue with a few of your picks here. Coming off of my greatest weekend of the year, I think my opinion carries some weight. First, I'm loving Baltimore over Oakland. Oakland's offense is abysmal, and whatever game they do manage to muster will be squashed by the Baltimore smash-mouth D. This will be a game of field position, which Baltimore will convert into umpteen field goals. 26 - 13. Second, the Patriots....Your heart and your brain are both in the wrong place here. The Patriots will shut down Jackson as they always target the greatest play maker. That leaves who to win the game for St. Louis? Bulger? The Defense? 21 point win for the Pats.