After blowing all that cash on Christmas gifts, it is time to try and re-collect some cash for the upcoming New Year’s parties. Because there are only a few precious weeks of the NFL to gamble on, this weekend is heavy pro football.
My Bets:
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Taking the Cowboys -195 Money Line
I will be the first to defend quarterback Josh Jackson and the Hokies offense, but they are up against the monster that is the Cowboys offense. The third best offense in the nation is posting 46.3 points per game, while quarterback Mason Rudolph guided the Cowboys to (exactly) 576 total yards every time the Cowboys hit the field.
The defense for the Cowboys does not even need to show up for this game. The Hokies offense – which only averaged 28.8 points per game – cannot keep up with the Rudolph and company.
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
Taking the Colts +13.5-Point Spread
The Ravens and their uninspiring offense are most likely headed to the playoffs this season, but that does not make them a two-touchdown lock over the Colts. New England quarterback product Jacoby Brissett may not be the Indianapolis savior, but he is definitely not sinking the ship. Brissett has thrown over 200 yards in eight of his 13 starts, only losing by double-digits in five games.
Ravens offense has not been a barn-burner of a watch either and will already be looking ahead to the season closeout game with division rival: The Cincinnati Bengals. Look for the Colts to keep this a 10-point game.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
Taking The Vikings -9 Point Spread
Green Bay effectively threw in the towel on the remaining two games left this season after sending quarterback Aaron Rodgers back to the sideline. In the 31-24 loss to Carolina, Rodgers still looked hurt, and subsequently unable to hit open receivers down the field.
Despite playing on the road, the Vikings will be licking their collective chops at the prospect of facing a Brett Hundley-led offense once again. The Vikings are ranked second in total defense, allowing a meager 17.3 points per outing. Green Bay will play right into the hands of the Vikings, as running the ball seems to be the best option for getting the ball out of Hundley’s hands. This will lead to the Packers running straight into a Vikings front that lets up 85.3 yards per game on the ground. The Vikings will control this game from the opening kick.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tennessee Titans
Taking The Rams -7 Point Spread
The Titans have been a bad team masquerading as a good team all season long. The red-hot Rams are headed to Nashville after rolling up Seattle, led by running back Todd Gurley and his four touchdowns. The Rams offense is tied for first in the league in scoring, averaging 31.3 points per game. Once Los Angeles starts scoring, they will not let up, looking to bury their opponents every weekend. The Titans simply do not have the roster to slow down the Rams.
With Gurley rumbling, quarterback Jared Goff has looked far more polished, while the defense only allows 19.4 points per game. In seven of their 10 victories, they have secured double-digit wins. Seven points should be an easy mark.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans
Taking The Steelers -9 Point Spread
The Steelers beat New England on the walk-off touchdown… until it was called back. After the touchdown from Jesse James was called back, the Steelers lost the game on an end zone interception.
After the roller coaster of last weekend’s game, the Steelers will be plenty motivated against the Texans. Look for running back Le’Veon Bell to receive 25 to 30 touches with wide receiver Antonio Brown out of the lineup, as the Steelers obliterate the Texans. The Texans are clearly mailing it in, fresh off a 38-point loss to Jacksonville no real reason to come in and play. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is trying to maintain a first-round playoff bye.
Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins
Taking The Redskins -185 Money Line
Washington has not been impressive by any stretch of the imagination, but they have taken care of business against poor opponents. The Redskins are 4-0 against competition with losing records, which should lend them to handling the Broncos.
Denver’s offense has been absolutely atrocious this season, constantly shooting themselves in the foot. They are minus-15 in the turnover battle this season, consistently putting their defense in a terrible spot to try and recover. The Broncos are a really bad team that is traveling cross-country on a holiday and will give the Redskins plenty of extra opportunities to score.
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