Okay, it wasn’t a bad week, as we hit four out of five plays. But we didn’t hit the parlay, did we?
Now, we will zero in on at least a couple of games with young kids behind center. Don’t you just cringe when you see these guys struggle, as they find out the NFL isn’t just like college football?
Washington Football Team at Atlanta Falcons Parlay Betting
Time: Sunday, October 3 at 1 PM ET
ATS Odds: Washington Football Team -1.5 (-110) vs.Atlanta Falcons +1.5 (-110)
The Play: WASHINGTON -1.5 (-110)
We can concede that the Falcons might have been a lot closer with Tampa Bay if not for a couple of pick-sixes by Matt Ryan. But they were absolutely gifted a victory by the Giants. And having passed over a number of possibilities in order to draft Kyle Pitts, they are not using him like a guy they paid a heavy price for.
We swallow hard when we say this, but the WFT defense is still probably the best and most talented unit on the field in this one, although they haven’t shown it yet. Atlanta gave up three Giant drives of 70 yards or more and was lucky they only surrendered 14 points out of it.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears Parlay Betting
Time: Sunday, October 3 at 1 PM ET
ATS Odds: Chicago Bears -3 (-105) vs. Detroit Lions +3 (-115)
The Play: LIONS +3 (-115)
As of now, we still have not heard that Justin Fields is being benched for either Andy Dalton or Nick Foles yet. If it’s Fields, we know it can’t possibly be as bad as last week, as the rookie led this offense to SIX first downs and 47 net yards, with six completions and nine sacks.
But it would be pretty damn bad anyway. The fans are already calling for Matt Nagy to give up the play-calling duties. The situation is about to get out of hand. Yes, the Bears may want their young quarterback to play and learn, but he isn’t ready to even do that.
And you have to ask yourself whether this brain trust would be in such good shape even with a guy like Foles. I mean, did you see them last year, when Foles blasted Nagy for calling Bonehead plays (in so many words, that is)?
At least Detroit has enough weapons to put together drives. And they were combative enough that it took an NFL record 66-yard field goal, AND after the officials blew a delay of game penalty, for the Ravens to beat them.
Tennessee Titans at New York Jets Parlay Betting
Time: Sunday, October 3 at 1 PM ET
Totals Odds: Over 46 Points (-110) / Under 46 Points (-110)
The Play: UNDER 46 POINTS (-110)
Speaking of rookies, the learning process of Zach Wilson continues. Last week Wilson threw only half as many interceptions (two) then he had thrown the week before. But that was the only “good news,” as the Jets had seven yards in the first quarter, 162 for the game and zero points.
These Jets and the coaching staff don’t seem to adjust well when the opponent comes out of the gate, as we note that they have been outscored 46-3 in the first half. And yes, we’ll pile on, noting that Wilson’s stock rose to the moon at BYU last year while playing a schedule without any Power 5 teams. OK, there, we said it.
The Titans’ defense won’t strike terror in Wilson’s heart the way Denver did, but they’ve still got seven sacks, and Wilson has hit the turf 15 times thus far. With Derrick Henry, Tennessee has enough of a ground game to kill some clock and limit the Jets’ possessions. And how many points could Wilson & Co.possibly put together?
Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins Parlay Betting
Time: Sunday, October 3 at 1 PM ET
ATS Odds: Miami Dolphins -1.5 vs.Indianapolis Colts
The Play: DOLPHINS -1.5 (-110)
It is clear that the Colts are going to put Carson Wentz out there no matter what. Last week he had to battle through TWO sprained ankles (you ever try to do that?), and wound up 19-of-37 passing for 194 yards. Wentz was a sitting duck as it was; in Philly, the Eagles opted for the mobile alternative (Jalen Hurts) as Wentz could not escape a pass rush.
He got hit ten times by the Titans, and we don’t consider his lack of mobility to be any advantage here. Indianapolis has a ways to go as they try to put pieces together on the offensive line, and Miami’s defense is probably the best unit on the field. Don’t forget that Jacoby Brissett, who in a way was passed over in favor of Wentz, is the starting QB with the ‘Fins now as Tua’s ribs heal. He showed some grit against the Raiders last week, even in defeat.
Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos Parlay Betting
Time: Sunday, October 3 at 4:25 PM ET
Totals Odds: Over 44 Points (-110) / Under 44 Points (-110)
The Play: UNDER 44 POINTS (-110)
The perception on the part of many is that Teddy Bridgewater is a “game manager,” while Lamar Jackson is primarily a runner. But the reality is that those two quarterbacks rank among the top four in the NFL in “Intended Air Yards,” which means they are not necessarily dinking and dunking their way to success.
Certainly Vic Fangio’s defense in Denver is dedicated to taking the explosive plays away from QB’s, which means it’s quite likely that Jackson and the Ravens would have to put together long drives down the field. And they are doing it, of course, without the running backs they were hoping to come out of camp with.
Sure, the Baltimore defense will have to hold up its end, but they did limit Jared Goff and the Lions to less than 300 yards last Sunday.