Cort’s Call: You Bet, Michigan

Bettors rejoice! Ugh why do they use -or instead of -er? Whatever. It’s time to celebrate as online sports gambling is now legal in great state of Michigan. I took some time getting familiar with some of the apps: DKSportsbook (my favorite so far, great intro deals, and easy winning exclusives), BSSportsbook (fun, inclusive, popular with the popular crowd), and BetMGM (ugh. Failed rollout. Horrible experience thus far). A lot of these sites are basically handing you free money, so you should definitely join. I won $100 last night on an over under of .5 threes made for the Pistons. In the game. .5 on a capped $50 double up! Thank you muchly, DK. BetMGM had a great deal but a lot of people are still waiting on their bonus that may or may not be coming, we’ll see? (Psst I’m one of them).

I want to kick off welcome weekend with some risk. Starting my Saturday with a 5 pick of NCAA games. I think 5 is a lot but could be worth the hit. Look out Michigan’s billion dollar jackpot winner. Here’s what I’m rolling out with today:

This is through Draft Kings who have some great options to boost the odds for new players to the site. Baylor and Oklahoma are some high powered offenses that I expect to put on a show. The rest of the spreads I find fair for the favored team. If you’re looking for a ML I’d take LSU against Kentucky but I chose to avoid it to keep my parlay at 5. Good luck!

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Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 15

I should start by apologizing for last week. No, not for my performance (which hey! wasn’t bad last week) but for being rushed and leaving out descriptions. You may not care, may not have even noticed. But I apologize nonetheless!

Two games being played tonight (Saturday) so I thought I’d get this out early. Is there anything better than this time of year for football fans? Feels like we get a game every night. Could you imagine? Anyways let’s get to the picks and win you some Christmas green.

Panthers @ Packers Line: GB -8.0

Packers need that number one sees and it’s in reach. Rodgers is also out for an MVP so I expect him to want to put up big numbers in the win.

Pick: GB -8.0 Packers 33 Panthers 24

Bills @ Broncos Line: BUF -5.5

I like the Broncos defense and almost picked them to beat the spread but this Bills team is rolling. I think they can win by a touchdown.

Pick: BUF -5.5 Bills 27 Broncos 20

Lions @ Titans Line: TEN -10.0

Titans strength? Running the football. Lions weakness? The run. This could get ugly, especially if Stafford doesn’t play.

Pick: TEN -10.0 Titans 28 Lions 16

Buccaneers @ Falcons Line: TB -6.5

Brady struggles against the pass rush. Falcons lack that. Matt Ryan and company would usually put up a shoot out here and compete. Not this year, though.

Pick: TB -6.5 Bucs 33 Falcons 23

49ers @ Cowboys Line: SF -3.0

Ugh. Ugly game. Who cares. 49ers win low scoring game finally ending the Cowboys sad season.

Pick: SF -3.0 49ers 23 Cowboys 17

Texans @ Colts Line: IND -7.5

Colts are looking great and primed for playoffs. Rivers isn’t making mistakes, the run game is working, and defense is one of the best in the league. Watson will need more help than he’s getting.

Pick: IND -7.5 Colts 28 Texans 20

Patriots @ Dolphins Line: MIA -3.0

Game of the week? Feel like this one is a toss up but I’m betting on the hotter team right now.

Pick: MIA -3.0 Dolphins 21 Patriots 17

Bears @ Vikings Line: MIN -3.0

Vikings are more talented but Bears defense is still something to note. Don’t love this pick but I had to take a risk and go against the spread somewhere this week!

Pick: CHI +3 Bears 23 Vikings 20

Seahawks @ Football Team Line: SEA -6.5

A lot of people liking the Football Team here. I get the Seahawks have been inconsistent even against teams they should easily beat but…Haskins was basically kicked off the team months ago! Now he’s starting. Give me the Seahawks.

Pick: SEA -6.5 Seahawks 26 Football Team 16

Jaguars @ Ravens Line: BAL -13.0

13 points is a lot but with Jackson healthy it shouldn’t be a problem.

Pick: BAL -13.0 Ravens 35 Jaguars 14

Jets @ Rams Line: LAR -17.0

Again, a huge spread. But it’s the Jets!

Pick: LAR -17.0 Rams 42 Jets 12

Eagles @ Cardinals Line: ARI -6.5

I like the Cardinals in this game. Could be close but they should win by a touchdown. Their defense should be used to going up against a mobile quarterback, they do it every day in practice.

Pick: ARI -6.5 Cardinals 24 Eagles 17

Chiefs @ Saints Line: KC -3.0

Saints are getting a lot of love this game. Brees is back but Thomas is out. I just don’t like this matchup for Brees’ return. Could be kept close but I still think Chiefs should win handsomely.

Pick: KC -3.0 Chiefs 30 Saints 23

Browns @ Giants Line: CLE -6.0

Browns looked great in a loss against a good team last week. One of the hotter teams heading into the playoffs.

Pick: CLE -6.0 Browns 24 Giants 16

Steelers @ Bengals Line: PIT -12.5

Steelers are starting to show their true colors the past couple of weeks. A lot of people now doubting them…I expect a statement game against the Bengals and a back up QB.

Pick: PIT -12.5 Steelers 30 Bengals 13

Pickle Parlay: TB -6.5, TEN -10, GB -8

Good luck!

Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 13

An era is over in Detroit. But as they say…SOL. Big week with playoffs on the line for fantasy managers. Expect injuries to start making an impact on the outcomes of games. Let’s win some money!

Lions @ Bears Line: CHI -3.0

You have to expect the Lions to come out fired up ready to prove Patricia was the problem. The want to win this game. The problem? They aren’t that good. “But Cort, it’s Trubisky!” Yeah, and unfortunately he’s had the Lions number of late. Would love to see the Lions make a statement…but I’m not betting on it.

Pick: CHI -3.0 Chicago 27 Lions 21

Eagles @ Packers Line: GB -8.5

Eagles are a joke. Rodgers is out for another MVP. Take the Pack and the over, whatever it is.

Pick: GB -8.5 Green Bay 30 Eagles 17

Saints @ Falcons Line: NO -3.0

The Taysom Hill thing has to come to an end soon right?? This could be the week. The Falcons are better than their record and played well against a playoff contender in the Raiders last week. An upset could be in the making.

Pick: ATL +3.0 Atlanta 24 New Orleans 20

Browns @ Titans Line: TEN -4.0

This is going to be an old school football game. Trenches. Run game. Defense. I expect the Browns to be able to hang in there with the return of Myles Garrett. They could keep the score low enough to win or at least beat the spread.

Pick: CLE +4.0 Cleveland 17 Tennessee 20

Bengals @ Dolphins Line: MIA -10

Dolphins defense is one of the best in the league. I’d take this spread even if Burrow was playing…and he’s not. Yikes.

Pick: MIA -10 Miami 21 Cincinnati 10

Jaguars @ Vikings Line: MIN -10.0

The Vikings get Theilen back this week. They’re going to put up points against a horrible Jaguars team.

Pick: MINN -10.0 Minnesota 28 Jacksonville 17

Raiders @ Jets Line: LV -7.5

Raiders still have a shot at the playoffs despite that poor performance last week. No better way to bounce back than facing the Jets.

Pick: LV -7.5 Las Vegas 28 New York 17

Colts @ Texans Line: IND -3.0

The Texans are missing some valuable pieces. It’s going to be hard to compete with the Colts and their D.

Pick: IND -3.0 Indianapolis 24 Houston 20

Rams @ Cardinals Line: LAR -3.0

Bounce back seems to be the theme this week. Goff is off a horrible game and is out to prove he’s the guy now. Still can’t figure out who the Cardinals are week to week. I like the Rams in this one.

Pick: LAR -3.0 Los Angeles 27 Arizona 21

Giants @ Seahawks Line: SEA -10.0

Daniel Jones is out, Colt McCoy is in. Yes, that Colt McCoy. Somehow still in the league. Bet on the Seahawks.

Pick: SEA -10.0 Seattle 31 New York 13

Patriots @ Chargers Line: LAC -2.0

This one is a toss up. Both teams have potential to put up points or lay a dud. I want to see Herbert step up here and get a big win for his team. But can the Chargers finish a game?

Pick: LAC -2.0 Los Angeles 26 Patriots 20

Broncos @ Chiefs Line: KC -13.5

It’s a big spread but this is the best offense we’ve possibly ever seen. How do you bet against that?

Pick: KC -13.5 Kansas City 35 Broncos 20

Football Team @ Steelers Line: PITT -7.0

Tomlin rightfully called his team out. Yeah, they’re undefeated…but they don’t look great. They need to step it up and will against a team in the NFC East.

Pick: PITT -7.0 Pittsburgh 27 Washington 16

Bills @ 49ers Line: SF -1.0

Very excited to watch this game. Two teams who matchup nicely. Give me the better quarterback in this one.

Pick: BUFF +1 Buffalo 24 San Francisco 23

Cowboys @ Ravens Line: BAL -8.5

Jackson comes back but still so many question marks with this Baltimore team. However I expect them to still win against the Cowboys. Don’t love the spread but what have I been saying about betting on the NFC East?

Pick: BAL -8.5 Baltimore 23 Dallas 13

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 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.