Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 12

Week 12 is poised to be the most 2020 week yet in the NFL season. Due to covid, Steelers-Ravens has been pushed to Tuesday night with a reported 22 Ravens on the Covid/Restrictions list. The Broncos will take on the Saints sans a quarterback. It’s going to be a crazy week, but we’re thankful to have football.

Bears @ Packers Line: GB -8.5

Bears keep slipping after their unexpected hot start. Trubisky returns as starting quarterback which is good news for the Packers.

Pick: GB -8.5 Packers 28 Bears 17

Raiders @ Falcons Line: LV -3.0

The Raiders seem to always bring their A game when they play the Chiefs. They looked great in that loss last week. I think they ride that momentum against the Falcons.

Pick: LV -3.0 Raiders 26 Falcons 20

Chargers @ Bills Line: BUF -4.5

Chargers have been known to keep games close, but the Bills have so much potential on offense and I think they’ll capitalize against a developing Chargers team.

Pick: BUF -4.5 Bills 30 Chargers 23

Giants @ Bengals Line: NYG -6.0

Losing Joe Burrow is devastating for this young Bengals team. He was looking great and deserving of that number one pick. Bummer for the league as a joke honestly. He made watching this team at least a little interesting. That won’t be happening any more. I know I’ve said never to bet on the NFC East, but that changes today.

Pick: NYG -6.0 Giants 24 Bengals 13

Titans @ Colts Line: IND -3.0

I think these are two evenly matched team. Titans seem to be a little healthier right now so I’ll take them spotted 3 points.

Pick: TEN +3.0 Titans 24 Colts 21

Panthers @ Vikings Line: MIN -3.0

Panthers fresh off a shutout win…against the Lions. I expect the Vikings running game to come out with a win this week/

Pick: MIN -3.0 Vikings 21 Panthers 17

Cardinals @ Patriots Line: ARI -1.0

Only 1 point? I’ll take the Cardinals.

Pick: ARI -1.0 Cardinals 30 Patriots 20

Dolphins @ Jets Line: MIA -7.0

Rooting for Fitzpatrick to have a statement game after his surprise benching earlier in the season. He put up big numbers against them earlier in the season and is now armed with even more motivation than before. Bet.

Pick: MIA -7.0 Dolphins 21 Jets 10

Browns @ Jaguars Line: CLE -7.0

Expect the Browns to run all over the Jags.

Pick: CLE -7.0 Browns 24 Jaguars 14

Saints @ Broncos Line: NO -16.5

The Broncos don’t have a quarterback! Well, neither do the Saints…kind of…look, Hill proved to be okay last week against a terrible Falcons D. With a true QB I’d take the Broncos to cover this massive spread, but with a quarterback who has never taken a snap? I don’t know. I’m not comfortable betting on a team who doesn’t have a QB regardless of the spread.

Pick: NO -16.5 Saints 28 Broncos 10

49ers @ Rams Line: LAR -5.5

Rams looked great last week. The playoff push continues.

Pick: LAR -5.5 Rams 28 49ers 16

Chiefs @ Buccaneers Line: KC -3.5

Hard to bet against that offense. Tompa Bay remains too inconsistent and aren’t utilizing their weapons.

Pick: KC -3.5 Chiefs 24 Buccaneers 20

Seahawks @ Eagles Line: SEA -6.0

What is going on with the Philly QB situation? It’s chaos. I’ll go with the safe bet in Wilson and Seattle.

Pick: SEA -6.0 Seahawks 33 Eagles 17

Ravens @ Steelers Line: PIT -9.5

Will this game even be played? Who knows right how. However, if it is played, the Ravens will be short handed and without key players and that will make a difference. Steelers remain undefeated.

Pick: PIT -9.5 Steelers 28 Ravens 17

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Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 11

Snow is on the ground! The times are a changin’. Weather this year always starts to play a major role in games like we saw last week with Houston @ Cleveland. I expect that to continue henceforth across the league. Now, the holidays are just around the corner so it’s time to make some extra money so you can afford to get every member of the family a gift this year.

Lions @ Panthers Line: DET -3.0

Lesson: make this list earlier than noon on Sunday. This morning, the line on this game was even. Now, the Lions are favored -3.0. I wish I had acted sooner. I like the Lions in this game even if Teddy was playing. Like the Lions? What am I saying? Both teams are dealing with injuries to big time playmakers. Now that Stafford is active and Bridgewater isn’t, I’ll take the veteran.

Pick: Lions -3.0 Lions 24 Panthers 16

Packers @ Colts Line: IND -1.5

I think this could end up being an entertaining game. I’m curious to see what the Packers do against this terrific defense. Yet again, I’m betting on the better quarterback. That’s Aaron Rodgers.

Line: Packers +1.5 Packers 27 Colts 24

Eagles @ Browns Line: CLE -2.5

The weather in Cleveland is going to play a factor again. Poor weather means good news for teams who like to run the ball. Who likes to run the ball? The Browns. They’re pretty good at it, too. Also, betting on an NFC East team just can’t be a good idea this year.

Line: Browns -2.5 Browns 20 Eagles 10

Falcons @ Saints Line: NO -3.5

This game is getting a lot of attention on the networks this week, because of the quarterback controversy. I thought Winston was going to start, but they go with Taysom Hill. It’s a move I don’t understand. Hill is an amazing athlete. He makes big plays and is a valuable weapon to have in the arsenal. I don’t think he should be the main piece, however. You don’t build around his skillset, I think he’s better being utilized as an expected threat. I think…well, I guess it’s kind of hope…it backfires on them, selfishly. I’m betting against them due to my gut (which you should never do by the way) instead of the analytics. I shouldn’t be doing this. Maybe you shouldn’t put your money on it, but sometimes you need to take that extra risk for that extra reward. It’s not even that I think Jameis Winston deserves it or is great, I just feel like he may have been stabbed in the back here and I refuse to get down with that! If that’s even the case…oh well. I’m sticking with the spite pick. Sipping that Latte Larry’s, (yup I’m stealing that now). Give me the Falcons this week to teach Sean Payton a lesson.

Pick: Falcons +3.5 Falcons Falcons 28 Saints 21

Bengals @ Washington Line: WSH -1.5

Ugh. This is a tough pick. Bengals have so much potential but Washington proved to be able to keep up with a mediocre team (at best) against the Lions. Alex Smith’s comeback is impressive and he deserves respect, and that defense is developing into something special, but they aren’t elite yet. I mean…they’re in the NFC East and not winning it. That’s not good. Give me the team not in the NFC East.

Pick: Bengals +1.5 Bengals 23 Washington 20

Steelers @ Jaguars Line: PIT -10.5

The Steelers finally proved they don’t only win close games last week. I expect that to continue against a poor Jaguars team.

Pick: Steelers -10.5 Steelers 33 Jaguars 17

Titans @ Ravens Line: BAL -6.0

I have flashbacks of Henry running all over the Ravens in the playoffs last year. That happened, right? The Mandela Effect? No, that happened. I think the Ravens still win this game but think it could be low scoring and the Titans could keep it close. Or run all over the Ravens, again. History does tend to repeat itself.

Pick: Titans +6 Titans 17 Ravens 20

Patriots @ Texans Line: NE -2.5

Still don’t know what to make of either of these teams. Texans could do quite literally nothing against the Browns in bad weather last week. Patriots continue to show flashes of playoff potential, followed by weeks of disappointment. I don’t like the Texans run defense and that’s what the Patriots do best. It’s a game of matchups, give me the Pats.

Pick: Patriots -2.5 Patriots 23 Texans 20

Dolphins @ Broncos Line: MIA -4.0

Tua Time? He’s shown to be better than I initially gave him credit for against really solid defenses. For the first time, I’ll bet on him and that Dolphins defense which has been on a tear lately.

Pick: Dolphins -4.0 Dolphins 17 Broncos 12

Jets @ Chargers Line: LAC -9.5

I think the Jets have a real chance to go 0-16 on the season. My money is on a big game from Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert. It’s a lot of points…but it’s also the Jets.

Pick: Chargers -9.5 Chargers 28 Jets 13

Cowboys @ Vikings Line: MIN -7.5

The Vikings are showing they can win in a variety of ways. They have a shot at the playoffs since the Bears have been slipping. Skol.

Pick: Vikings -7.5 Vikings 27 Cowboys 17

Chiefs @ Raiders Lione: KC -7.5

The Raiders came away with the W and Derek Carr had a great game the last time these two met. However, Chiefs are fresh off the bye. They’ll split the series against the Raiders and cover. Have to believe there’s a better gameplan in place this go round.

Pick: Chiefs -7.5 Chiefs 35 Raiders 24

Rams @ Buccaneers Line: TB -4.5

Good defenses can frustrate Tom Brady. We saw that against the Saints and Bears. Give me the defense to keep it close.

Pick: Rams +4.5 Rams 21 Bucs 24

Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 10

Last week didn’t happen. So, on we go to Week 10. Not as many one o’clock games this week due to the Masters. Let’s dive in and make some money.

Washington @ Detroit Line: DET -3.0

Detroit continues to be a tough team to bet on because they’re the NFL’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. They win games they should lose, and lose games they should win. This is a game they should win.

Pick: Lions 27 Washington 20

Jacksonville @ Green Bay Line: GB -13.5

I hate this many points, but Jacksonville is really struggling and Green Bay has a healthy offense and I expect them to put up points against a bad Jaguars team. I’m taking the Packers to cover.

Pick: Packers 35 Jaguars 17

Houston @ Cleveland Line: CLE -4.5

Cleveland likes to run the ball, that’s their strength. Houston’s weakness is run defense. While I think this game could be close I think the matchups play a big part of this game. I’ll take the Browns to cover in this one.

Pick: Browns 30 Texans 24

Philadelphia @ New York Giants Line: PHI -4.5

I can’t bring myself to bet on the Giants. Even if it’s against the Eagles.

Pick: Eagles 21 Giants 16

Tampa Bay @ Carolina Line: TB -6.0

I feel like the Bucs haven’t reached their potential yet. I think this divisional game is a good time for that offense to come alive.

Pick: Bucs 35 Panthers 24

Denver @ Las Vegas Line: LV -3.0

Denver has surprised me lately with their ability to put up points. But, I’ve been saying it for a while now, this Raiders team could make the playoffs. In order for them to do that they’ll need a win here, and whenever they can get them. They should bring the energy to this game, I’ll take them.

Pick: Raiders 27 Broncos 21

Los Angeles Chargers @ Miami Line: MIA -2.0

The Chargers are better than their record shows. They’ve had a lot of close losses this season. In a battle of the two rookie quarterbacks, I’ll take Herbert to win this game.

Pick: Chargers 26 Dolphins 20

Buffalo @ Arizona Line: ARI -3.0

The Cardinals offense is something to keep an eye on. Kyler Murray is having a breakout season and he has fantastic receivers to throw to. However, I don’t see them getting the best of the Bills here. The Bills are another team looking to make a statement and a win here would go a long ways towards doing that.

Pick: Buffalo 31 Cardinals 28

Seattle @ Los Angeles Rams Line: LAR -2.5

Seattle is looking to bounce back after a loss to the Bills. The Rams to me have been largely inconsistent throughout the season. I think the Seahawks offense is too much for them to handle. Can’t see Goff keeping up with Wilson during his MVP run.

Pick: Seahawks 33 Rams 24

San Francisco @ New Orleans Line: NO -9.5

As it sits right now the Saints are the best team in the NFC. 49ers injuries make betting on them a hard thing to do, meaning I’ll take the Saints and the points.

Pick: Saints 31 49ers 21

Cincinatti @ Pittsburgh Line: PIT -7.5

The Steelers remain undefeated heading into week 10, but they’ve won close games. Even against bad teams. I like them to win this game, but think the Bengals can keep it within a touchdown.

Pick: Steelers 28 Bengals 24

Baltimore @ New England Line: BAL -7.0

This is sure to be a big running game. Maybe low scoring. I’ll still take the Ravens over the New England.

Pick: Ravens 24 Patriots 14

Minnesota @ Chicago Line: MIN -3.0

The Vikings have been playing out of their minds lately. Dalvin Cook has had two big weeks in a row. But against this Bears defense Cousins will have to do a large amount of the work, and I think he comes through for the Vikings on the road.

Pick: Vikings 28 Bears 21

Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 9

This Sunday just feels…different, doesn’t it? I don’t know what it is but I can feel something in the air…positivity…optimism…hope. Let’s ride this wave of change to some victories in Week 9!

Lions @ Vikings Line: MIN -3.5

The Lions certainly are a tough team to bet on. The Vikings are hot off a big divisional win against the Packers, where Dalvin Cook ran all over the Pack. Detroit seems to be a team to win when they should lose and lose when they need a win. I heard someone on 971 The Ticket say the team is “going to get a spite win. They’re drinking Latte Larry’s.” I appreciate that, and does seem to be a theme of this team. I don’t see them getting a spite win here. I think we see a repeat of what the Vikings accomplished last week here.

PICK: MIN -3.5 MIN 24 DET 17

Broncos @ Falcons Line: ATL -4.0

The Broncos had a great comeback win last week against the Chargers, but remain largely inconsistent on the season. Speaking of inconsistent, they get the Falcons this week. I’ve been saying the Falcons are better than their record, and I think that improves here.

PICK: ATL -4.0 ATL 31 DEN 24

Seahawks @ Bills Line: SEA -3

Pretty sure Russ has sealed up his MVP already and we’re only in Week 9. I’m not betting against that offense. Especially the way the Bills have been struggling to get things going lately.

PICK: SEA -3 SEA 28 BUFF 20

Bears @ Titans Line: TEN -6.5

Two pretty evenly matched up teams. I like both of these defenses and think this could be a battle in the trenches. I like the Titans in the game but think they’re getting a little too many points for the way this game will go.

PICK: CHI +6.5 TEN 20 CHI 17

Ravens @ Colts Line: EVEN

The Colts are better than I give them credit for. They continue to prove that. I still think Lamar and the Ravens bounce back here. They need a big win and a loss here could really impact the season. In a straight up pick ’em pickle, I’m taking the Ravens.

PICK: BAL. BAL 26 IND 21

Panthers @ Chiefs Line: KC -10.0

The Panthers get a big piece of their offense back with Christian McCaffrey. Can that be enough to beat the Chiefs? Probably not. Can they at least cover? Maybe? I’m not betting on the maybe. Chiefs can put up points and I don’t think the Panthers can keep up.

PICK: KC -10.0 KC 32 CAR 21

Giants @ Washington Line: WSH -2.5

I don’t like the Giants. I don’t like Washington…but I’d rather put my money on them to win by at least a field goal.

PICK: WSH -2.5 WSH 17 NYG 13

Texans @ Jaguars Line: HOU -7.0

I don’t like betting on backup QBs and I won’t be here.

PICK: HOU -7.0 HOU 27 JAX 13

Raiders @ Chargers Line: LV -1.0

I’m really liking the Raiders this year, at least against the spread. Chargers keep finding ways to lose and I think Gruden can hand them another here, even if it’s close.

PICK: LV -1.0 LV 24 LAC 21

Steelers @ Cowboys Line: PIT -14.5

Ah that’s a lot of points. And Steelers keep winning games close, but the Steelers and their (arguably) best defense in the league take on a QB in his first start, I’ll take the risk and the points here.

PICK: PIT -14.5 PIT 31 DAL 16

Dolphins @ Cardinals Line: ARI -6.0

The Dolphins won the game last week but seem to have lost the box score. I expect the Cardinals and their dynamic offense to be able to win and cover.

PICK: ARI -6.0 ARI 24 MIA 14

Saints @ Buccaneers Line: TB -3.5

The Bucs lost the first matchup in week one and have only gotten better. Will AB be a distraction? Very likely, but not yet. Tampa picks up a big divisional win here.

PICK: TB -3.5 TB 34 NO 27

Patriots @ Jets Line: NE -9.5

I don’t like betting on the Jets, and won’t here. I don’t like the way New England has been playing, but I still hope they can beat a terrible Jets team by 10 points. Cam is still playing with his career on the line. Time to wake up.

PICK: NE -9.5 NE 20 NYJ 10

Overall Record: 10-16

NFL Week 8: Pick ‘Em Pickle

I wanted to do better last week. I’m prepared to correct that this week in Week 8. Last week, some surprises (and maybe a poor pick or two) led to a 5-8 record against the spread in Week 7. The Falcons proved to be the bigger disappointment compared to the Lions, Bengals clawed away against the Browns again, and the Bills decided to let the Jets hang around for most of the game. Onwards and upwards! In Week 8, we’ll see some solid Divisional matchups, Tua Time, and the battle for the AFC North. Let’s pick ‘em!

Colts @ Lions Line: IND -3

The Lions were one of my disappointing picks last week. I felt Falcons were better than their record and with a healthy Julio Jones could light up a struggling Lions defense, but that didn’t happen. Detroit now has a very favorable schedule the next couple of weeks and I think their success continues against the Colts. These are two evenly matched teams, actually. I really like the Colts defense, but I can’t bet on Philip Rivers. I just don’t trust them. Lions win an ugly game filled with mistakes.

Pick: Lions 24 Colts 21

Vikings @ Packers Line: GB -6

Last week was a big bounce back week for the Pack and Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings have been having a rough season and playing the Packers shouldn’t help that. Pack roll winning by at least two scores.

Pick: Packers 34 Vikings 14

Patriots @ Bills Line: BUFF -4.5

Buffalo was a major let down last week against the spread playing the Jets. I thought the Jets were going to end up winning for most of the game. However, you can’t mention struggle without bringing up the Pats. Cam Newton is now playing for his job…and possibly career. Won’t help that all his help is beat up on both sides of the ball. This isn’t their week. Bills win and cover.

Pick: Bills 20 Patriots 10

Titans @ Bengals Line: TEN -7

The Bengals were my shock of the week last week. For a second time they hung on against the Browns. Does this say more about them or the Browns? We’ll find out soon, but there has to be a lot of optimism in Cincinnati right now regardless of the record. With that being said, the Titans are coming off a narrow loss to the undefeated Steelers and will want to prove they’re still a Super Bowl contender. I don’t see the Bengals luck repeating against the Titans.

Pick: Titans 28 Bengals 10

Raiders @ Browns Line: CLE -1

I think this could be one of the more interesting games of the week. Who are these teams? Both are largely inconsistent. As are their quarterbacks. Baker had a stellar second half last week…but it was against the Bengals. How much do we factor that in? Meanwhile, Carr is a QB who is elite one week and getting run out of town the next. The Browns find themselves in a competitive division and need every win they can get. This is a winnable game for them, but they’re missing OBJ for the season. This could be used as motivation for the team, but I look for patterns. I don’t trust the Browns pattern. They lose a disappointing game against the Raiders here.

Pick: Raiders 24 Browns 21

Jets @ Chiefs Line: KC -20

The Jets burned me last week. 20 points is a big spread. But I’m still riding it. Best team in the league against the worst. Bet the best.

Pick: Chiefs 35 Jets 14

Rams @ Dolphins Line: LAR -4.5

Tua Time is getting the headlines. I think the Fins learn quickly that they might have rushed this thing. Debuting against Aaron Donald? Ouch.

Pick: Rams 21 Dolphins 10

Steelers @ Ravens Line: BAL -4

Hoping for a great game here. This is a right division and every game matters. I have to go with the Steelers here, though. It’s a big game and historically that doesn’t work well for Lamar. Steelers remain undefeated going into week 9.

Pick: Steelers 24 Ravens 17

Chargers @ Broncos Line: LAC -3.5

Chargers look great with Justin Herbert behind center. My pick for rookie of the year stays hot against Denver.

Pick: Chargers 17 Broncos 10

Saints @ Bears Line: NO -4

The Bears started hot but are now slipping. And will continue to fall the next couple of weeks. Can’t see them beating the Saints, even if the Saints don’t have a healthy squad.

Pick: Saints 24 Bears 13

49ers @ Seahawks Line: SEA -3.0

Last week was a head scratcher for the Seahawks. Wilson threw three picks and they lost to the Cardinals in OT. I expect them to bounce back here and return to their normal selves.

Pick: Seahawks 31 49ers 21

Cowboys @ Eagles Line: PHL -10.5

I believed in the Cowboys last week. Even through all of the disasters leading up to Week 8. I still believed. However, my faith is gone. They are as bad as they say they are. It’s all just bad. Oh, the Eagles are, too. But not quite *that* bad.

Pick: Eagles 27 Cowboys 13

Buccaneers @ Giants Line: TB -12.5

Tom Brady and The Bucs are looking like Super Bowl contenders, as many expected. But what’s really been impressive is the Tampa Bay defense. I expect them to demolish a Giants team prone to turnovers. Plus, we all know Tom would love to run up the score against the Giants. People don’t forget.

Pick: Buccaneers 35 Giants 13

Lines based on ESPN ScoreCenter App at 9:40am Sunday morning.