This has become tradition. This is embedded in the sports culture of orlando florida. STONE COLD LOCKS of the Week. Strong outing last week 7 picks, won 5 of them. 5-2 record, best week thus far, just really gaining momentum here. Each week I’ve improved my record so far this season and I love love love some of the numbers that are out there this weekend. Unfortunately, I will be doing something that some of you might find uncomfortable – we’re going to be Fading Florida here. Let’s get into it.
Michigan @ Iowa UNDER 42- This line opened at 45 and has already been bet down to 42. Still worth jumping on it. I don’t usually hand out totals but this is a gimmie. Iowa is known for grind it out games so the oddsmakers are basically saying that Michigan will blow Iowa out if they’re willing to hang a total in the 40’s. I just don’t see that happening…Iowa’s already played in a 7-3 game this year, they are who they are, and Michigan has a tendency to play ball control type of games under Jim Harbaugh when the moment calls for it. I’ll take the under with confidence. Lock it up.
Wake Forest (+6.5) @ FSU- I’m excited about the Noles too folks, but I don’t get this number. Is this because FSU boat raced Boston College? BC is awful. Wake is a real team with a real QB and real WR’s. In fact, I would confidently say that this is the best team FSU has played all year. Favored, maybe. Favored by 6.5 no way. Sam Hartman is #2 in the ACC in passing touchdowns and he’s missed a full game. This team can throw it, FSU’s defense is going to have their hands full. I see this one coming down to the wire or just an outright Demon Decons win. Lock it up.
Vikings (-3) vs New Orleans- Let’s head across the pond. Minnesota taking on New Orleans and it looks like the Saints will be without Jameis Winston. You could argue that’s a good thing, but I don’t think so. Dalton averaged 189 yards passing per game last season with the Bears and while yes, the Bears offense is putrid, Dalton didn’t look so hot either. Plus, it looks like the Vikings are healthy with Dalvin Cook off the injury report. I’m just not buying this Saints team – no Michael Thomas either…Kamara hasn’t looked the same. I feel like we’re getting Minnesota at a good # here. Lock it up.
Jets (+3.5) @ Steelers- Plug your nose ladies and gents, this won’t be pretty, but I actually really like the Jets in this spot. All we’ve been hearing all week is how bad Zach Wilson is going to be coming back from injury – but I’m actually a bit more optimistic. Look at the plethora of weapons he has to throw to, Joe Flacco had his moments, but he was mostly awful. Wilson should be an upgrade and they go up against a Steelers team that can’t score points. Less than 20 the last 2 weeks, and one offense touchdown in a win in week 1. I’ll take the better team catching 3.5. Lock it up.
Broncos @ Raiders (-2.5)- I love a talented team coming off a loss with their backs against the wall. We got it last week with the Colts and we’re getting this week with the Raiders. Davante Adams said this week that he’s “pissed off” about starting 0-3. I expect an inspired effort in front of their home fans. And I’m still not sold on this Denver team…yes, they won on Sunday night. They also scored 11 points in the process. Wilson is getting too much respect with this line. Raiders win and cover. Lock it up!
Jags @ Eagles (-6.5)- Something has to give here, both of these teams are playing phenomenal football right now. This is actually one of the top 3 or 4 games of the weekend. But, as I said, the bubble has to burst for one of these teams and my guess is, it’s the Jags. Yes, Trevor looks good, yes the defense has played exceptionally well, but we’re still talking about the Jags. And now you get a Jacksonville team flying from out west back to the east coast, back on the road, dealing with hurricane aftermath at home, and playing against what I believe to be the best team in the NFL right now. Gotta take the Eagles in this spot. Lock it up.
Other picks I like- Pats +9.5, Titans +3.5, Cardinals +1.5, SMU +3.