Putting it on the Line
Part of what separates “Putting it on the Line” from other columns picking football games against the betting line is my honesty. I’m not selling anything. That means I don’t have to proclaim mortal locks and guaranteed winners.
Not selling anything also gives me the freedom to tell you when I don’t have a strong feeling on games.
Like this week.
There aren’t many games that jump out at me as good bets. I’m confident in my “best bet,” the Titans (-4½) over the visiting Bengals, but I’m not overly confident. That game would probably be in top five most weeks. This week it’s a clear “best bet.”
My “other top picks” includes the winless 49ers (0-9) and the Bucs (2-6), who have lost five straight games. Needless to say, I’m not overly confident about those teams, either. But Sunday (+1 vs. Giants) is the 49ers’ best chance to avoid a winless season. And the Bucs embark on a three-game road trip after Sunday, so I’m taking them as home underdogs (+2½) against the surprising Jets.
There are three double-digit favorites. I like the Steelers (-10) best among this group because their opponents, the Colts, seem to get blown out frequently when they face good teams.
Here are my Week 10 selections:
(Home team in CAPS)
(Winning team against the line in bold)
Seahawks -6 at CARDINALS
REDSKINS +1 vs. Vikings
Packers +5 at BEARS
Steelers -10 at COLTS
Chargers +4 at JAGUARS
BUCS +2½ vs. Jets
TITANS -4½ vs. Bengals
Saints -3 at BILLS
LIONS -12½ vs. Browns
Texans +12 at RAMS
Cowboys +3 at FALCONS
49ERS +1 vs. Giants
BRONCOS +7½ vs. Patriots
Dolphins +9 at PANTHERS
Best bet: TITANS -4½ vs. Bengals
Other top picks: Steelers -10 at COLTS; REDSKINS +1 vs. Vikings; 49ERS +1 vs. Giants; BUCS +2½ vs. Jets
Last week: 5-7-1 (74-53-4 overall)
Best bet: 0-1 (4-5 overall)
Other top picks: 2-1-1 (18-17-2 overall)
