12-31-17 |
Browns +12 v. Steelers |
|
24-28 |
Win
|
100 |
95 h 19 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have one last chance to pick up a "W" this season, and I expect them to go all out in Pittsburgh against a Steelers team that might be resting it's starters. History tells us this game could be close, as these two teams have played twice previously in 2017, and both of those games were decided by just three points. The winless Browns don't always get blown out, as seven of their losses have come in games decided by just single digits. The Steelers have also been involved in plenty of close games against inferior teams. I expect the Browns to at least flirt with victory here in Steel Town.
Take CLE.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-25-17 |
Steelers v. Texans +10 |
|
34-6 |
Loss |
-116 |
171 h 46 m |
Show
|
This is a 10* play on the Houston Texans. The Texans have lost four straight, but last week they were crushed in a 45-7 loss at Jacksonville. After the game reporters asked Jadeveon Clowney: "Are they really that much better than you?". Clowney was left speechless, and could only shake his head. I don't think the Texans want to face similar questions this week, playing at home on Christmas Day versus the Steelers. Pittsburgh is coming off a massive loss to New England, and the potential game winning score was overruled by replay officials. This looks like a classic let down spot for Pittsburgh, and they are dealing with a ton of injuries. Antonio Brown is sidelined for the rest of the year, and might be able to return for the playoffs. The Steelers have already clinched the AFC North, so they don't have a lot to gain in these final two games. Their top priority should be to keep their top players healthy, and that might mean cutting back on the workload for players like LeVeon Bell. The Steelers have won eight of their last 10 games, but they only won once by double digits during that span. They won close games to inferior teams such as Green Bay and Indianapolis. Playing on the road on Christmas Day with questionable motivation, I expect a half-hearted effort from Pittsburgh here. The Texans are 3-3 in their last six home games, and not one of those losses came by more than 10 points. Take HOU. GL, Jesse Schule
|
12-24-17 |
Seahawks v. Cowboys -4.5 |
Top |
21-12 |
Loss |
-114 |
139 h 31 m |
Show
|
|
12-24-17 |
Rams v. Titans +7 |
|
27-23 |
Win
|
100 |
144 h 51 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Tennessee Titans.
The Rams completely destroyed the Seahawks in Seattle last week, and they come into Tennessee as big road favorite. The Titans have lost their last two games by just a combined eight points, and both of those losses came on the road. Tennessee is 5-1 at home, and this is a team that is still battling for a potential Wild Card berth. The Titans have been a good bet when playing the Rams, going 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings. The Titans can take plenty of positives away from their loss to San Francisco, and starting quarterback Marcus Mariota played particularly well in a losing effort. Mariota threw for 241 yards and two TDs on 23-of-33 passing, and he seems to thrive at home in Tennessee. The Titans are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 home games, and they have won their last five home games outright. This looks like a prime spot for the Rams to suffer a let down, and I just don't expect them to run up the score like they did last week against a Seahawks team that was battered by injuries.
Take TEN.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-24-17 |
Falcons v. Saints -5.5 |
|
13-23 |
Win
|
100 |
144 h 47 m |
Show
|
This is a 9* play on the New Orleans Saints.
The Atlanta Falcons have won five of their last six overall, but this team appears to have really dropped off from where it was during last year's Super Bowl run. Matt Ryan has thrown just three TD passes, and three INTs over his last four starts. He's only completed 55 percent of his passes over the last three weeks, and one of those games was against the Saints. New Orleans is sitting in first place in the NFC South, and they have won six straight at home in the dome. Drew Brees leads the league in completion percentage, and the Saints offense ranks 3rd overall in scoring. The Saints are 22-4 ATS in their last 26 home games versus a team with a winning road record, while the Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara have given the Saints a dynamic duo in the backfield, and the two combined to score three TDs last week. The Saints offense is firing on all cylinders, while Atlanta just doesn't seem to have the same chemistry it had a year ago. I like New Orleans to win big at home in this revenge game.
Take NO.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-18-17 |
Falcons -6.5 v. Bucs |
|
24-21 |
Loss |
-110 |
14 h 46 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs host the Falcons on Monday Night, and this game will feature a pair of struggling quarterbacks. Jameis Winston threw for 285 yards and a pair of TDs on 26-of-38 passing in a loss to Detroit last week, but he was picked off twice and lost a fumble in that game. He's 0-5 in his last five starts, and he's thrown seven TD passes and five picks during that span. He's facing an Atlanta defense that ranks 3rd in the league against the pass, in a game that the Falcons need to win. Matt Ryan is also struggling, he completed just 55% of his passes for 221 yards with one TD and three INTs against the Saints last week. The Falcons still managed to win that game, and one of the reasons for that is that they have one of the NFL's most talented running back duos. Tampa ranks 23rd in the NFL against the run, and the Falcons ran all over them a few weeks ago. I expect another strong performance from Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman here tonight. The Falcons own Monday Night Football, they are 5-0 ATS in their last five Monday night games. The Bucs have failed to cover in five straight against divisional opponents. Take ATL. GL, Jesse Schule
|
12-17-17 |
Rams +1 v. Seahawks |
|
42-7 |
Win
|
100 |
158 h 18 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the LA Rams.
The Seahawks managed to battle through injuries to upset the Eagles at home two weeks ago, while the Rams blew a late lead at home against the Eagles last week. Now the Rams travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in a game that could decided the NFC West. A Seattle win would put both teams at 9-5 with two games remaining, but the Rams would be in the driver's seat if they win. I bet against Seattle in their last home games, largely because of all the injuries: "Injuries have taken their toll on this team though, with Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman both done for the season. Earl Thomas, Bobby Wagner and Shaq Griffin are also banged up." Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright and Mike Davis all suffered injuries in the loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, and will be evaluated during the week. Russell Wilson has been magical despite playing behind a brutal offensive line, but things fell apart in Jacksonville. He was picked off three times, and sacked twice while completing just over 50 percent of his passes. He faced plenty of pressure against the league's #1 pass rush, but expect more of the same against the Rams who rank 3rd in the NFL in sacks. Todd Gurley has been a beast all year, and he's coming off a 96 yard - 2 TD performance versus the Eagles. The Rams are hungry, healthy and they have more weapons than the Seahawks. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings in this series.
Take LAR.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-17-17 |
Ravens v. Browns +7.5 |
|
27-10 |
Loss |
-115 |
39 h 34 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Cleveland Browns. The 0-13 Browns appeared to be well on their way to earning their first "W" of the season last week, but the Packers tied the game with 17 seconds left of the clock, and went on to win in overtime. The Baltimore Ravens suffered a similar fate in Pittsburgh, blowing a double digit lead in the fourth quarter of a 39-38 loss. The Ravens beat Cleveland by a score of 24-10 at home earlier this season, but Cleveland out-gained them 386-337 in total yards. The Ravens have won their last three games at Cleveland, but all three of those wins came in games decided by less than seven points. Josh Gordon doesn't look like a guy that hasn't played football for three years. He's caught seven passes for 154 yards and a TD in two games back. Deshone Kizer had his best game of the season last week, throwing for 214 yards and three TDs on 20-of-28 passing against the Packers, but was also picked off twice. Cleveland's defense has been surprisingly good, ranking 12th in total defense allowing 328.5 yards per game. History tells us that these two teams play close games, and I expect another hard fought battle in bad weather in Cleveland on Sunday. Take CLE. GL, Jesse Schule
|
12-16-17 |
Chargers +1 v. Chiefs |
|
13-30 |
Loss |
-110 |
139 h 50 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the LA Chargers. The Chargers are on a roll, coming into KC as winners of four straight, and seven of their last nine. I bet on LA last week in their 30-13 home win over the Washington Redskins. Here is what I had to say before the kickoff: " Philip Rivers and the Chargers are back in business after winning six of their last eight games. They are locked in a three way tie for first in the ACF West, with Kansas City and Oakland also at 6-6. The Chargers control their own destiny, with a game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead next week, and a home game against the Raiders in their season finale. Rivers has thrown eight TD passes and just one INT in his last four starts. He's coming off a pair of 300+ yard games against Dallas and Cleveland." Rivers threw for 319 yards and two TDsin the win over Washington. The Chiefs have lost six of their last eight overall, and two of those losses came at home. Last week's win over an Oakland team in disarray does little to convince me that they have solved all of their problems. Alex Smith threw for 268 yards and an INT on 20-of-34 passing, and was sacked four times in the win over Oakland. He faces the league's 3rd ranked pass defense on Saturday, and the Chargers rank 5th in the NFL with 37 quarterback sacks.
Take LAC. GL, Jesse Schule
|
12-11-17 |
Patriots v. Dolphins +12 |
|
20-27 |
Win
|
100 |
21 h 58 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots will play at Miami on Monday Night, but they could be looking ahead to next Sunday's game against the Steelers. A win would put them level with Pittsburgh at 11-2, setting up a massive game to decide who finishes with the best record in the AFC, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The good news for New England is, Rob Gronkowski will be well rested for the game against Pittsburgh, as he serves a 1-game suspension this week. They could be thin in the backfield with both Mike Gillislee and Dion Lewis possibly out due to illness. The Dolphins are coming off an impressive 35-9 win over the Broncos. Jay Cutler threw for 235 yards and a pair of TDs, while Kenyan Drake ran for 120 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Cutler didn't play in a 35-17 loss at New England a few weeks ago, and the Dolphins last two losses in this series came with their backup quarterback under center. Prior to that they lost at New England last September by a score of 31-24, and they won outright in three straight home meetings versus the Pats. The home team has covered the spread in 10 of the last 11 meetings between these two teams. I'll take the points. Take MIA. GL, Jesse Schule
|
12-10-17 |
Ravens +5 v. Steelers |
Top |
38-39 |
Win
|
100 |
16 h 23 m |
Show
|
This is a 10* play on the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers have now won seven in a row, but four of their last five wins have come in games decided by less than a touchdown. Their come from behind win at Cincinnati on Monday night came at a significant cost. Leading tackler Ryan Shazier was carted off the field with a serious injury, and it was a particularly physical game, heading into a short week. The Ravens have won four of their last five, and the one loss during that span came by a field goal at Tennessee. Joe Flacco has been playing better of late, throwing for 269 yards and a pair of TDs on 23-of-36 passing in last week's win over the Lions. The Ravens have won two of their last three in Pittsburgh, with the one loss coming in a close game (31-27) last December. In fact four of the last five meetings between these teams have been decided by seven points or less. The Ravens have been a strong play in divisional matchups, covering in 10 of their last 12 versus AFC North opponents.
Take BAL.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-10-17 |
Redskins v. Chargers -6 |
|
13-30 |
Win
|
100 |
123 h 26 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the LA Chargers.
Philip Rivers and the Chargers are back in business after winning six of their last eight games. They are locked in a three way tie for first in the ACF West, with Kansas City and Oakland also at 6-6. The Chargers control their own destiny, with a game against the Chiefs at Arrowhead next week, and a home game against the Raiders in their season finale. The Redskins on the other hand are no longer in the hunt for the playoffs, and they have been hit hard by injuries. They have lost five of their last seven overall, surrendering 30+ points in all five of those losses. Kirk Cousins has been under heavy pressure, and he was sacked four times, and forced into a couple of INTs in a 38-14 loss to the Cowboys last week. Washington has really missed Jordan Reed, and a handful of injuries on the offensive line has really taken it's toll on this offense. Rivers has thrown eight TD passes and just one INT in his last four starts. He's coming off a pair of 300+ yard games against Dallas and Cleveland. He should be primed for another big game against the Redskins 30th ranked scoring defense.
Take LAC.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
12-04-17 |
Steelers v. Bengals +6 |
|
23-20 |
Win
|
100 |
15 h 11 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Cincinnati Bengals.
There is no love lost between the Steelers and the Bengals, and Cincinnati will have a chance to avenge a 29-14 loss at Pittsburgh earlier this season. The Steelers are 4-0 since that game, but three of those wins came in games decided by five points or less. The Steelers have won five in a row in this series versus the Bengals, but both wins at Cincinnati during that span came in games decided by four points or less. Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense has been hot of late, with Dalton throwing nine TDs and zero picks in his last five games. The Steelers defense was lit up for 245 yards and three TDs by Brett Hundley and the Packers last week. Pittsburgh is asked to cover a bunch of points as a road favorite here, in fact they are asked to cover more points than the favorite in any of the last nine meetings between these two teams. Rumors are swirling that Antonio Brown might not be able to go tonight, and that would be a huge loss for the Steelers. The Bengals have been a great bet as a home dog, they are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games versus a team with a winning road record.
Take CIN.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
11-23-17 |
Chargers +1 v. Cowboys |
Top |
28-6 |
Win
|
100 |
77 h 48 m |
Show
|
This is a 10* play on the LA Chargers.
The Chargers have won three of their last four against the Cowboys, and two of those three wins came in Dallas. They catch the Boys at a good time, as Ezekiel Elliott is serving a suspension, and LT Tyron Smith and LB Sean Lee have missed the last two games. Lee won't play versus the Chargers, while Smith remains questionable, and is also likely to miss another game. Dak Prescott is finding life in the NFL a whole lot tougher without the security of Elliot running behind the best offensive line in football. He threw for just 145 yards and three INTs on 18-of-31 passing in the loss to the Eagles. The Chargers have won four of their last six games, and Philip Rivers is playing as well as he ever has. The veteran threw for 251 yards and a pair of TDs on 20-of-32 passing in the 54-24 win over the Bills last week. The Chargers defense ranks in the top 10 in the NFL against the pass, and they rank 3rd in the league in sacks. That's terrible news for Dak Prescott who has been sacked 12 times in the last two weeks. There are so many problems for Dallas to address, and just a few days between games. It seems like Mission Impossible for America's Team.
Take LAC.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
11-23-17 |
Vikings v. Lions +3 |
|
30-23 |
Loss |
-105 |
25 h 27 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Detroit Lions. The Vikings are sitting in first place in the NFC North with an 8-2 record, but I am still a skeptic. This is a team that lost both it's starting quarterback and it's leading rusher early in the year. Veteran backup Case Keenum has done a terrific job, and Latavius Murray and Jerrick McKinnon have done a decent job filling in for Dalvin Cook. But when I look at Minnesota's schedule, I see wins against Cleveland, Tampa, Baltimore, Chicago and Green Bay without Aaron Rodgers. They lost at home to Detroit in October, and now they come into the Motor City asked to cover a handful of points as a road favorite. I look at the Lions, and I see a team that is far better than it's 6-4 record. Three of those four losses came in one possession games, and that includes a controversial 30-26 loss to the Falcons, when Detroit's game winning TD was called back after video review. The Vikings have lost three straight versus the Lions, despite being favored to win in two of those three games. The underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings between the two teams, and the Vikings have failed to cover in seven of their last 10 road games. Take DET. GL, Jesse Schule
|
11-12-17 |
Vikings v. Redskins +1.5 |
|
38-30 |
Loss |
-115 |
75 h 58 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Washington Redskins. Washington is just 4-4, but the Skins are coming off an impressive road win at Seattle. This could breath new life into a team that has faced plenty of adversity. The Vikings come into the nation's capital as a favorite, boasting a 6-2 record. You might remember that Minnesota was in a similar spot last seasons, and would go on to lose five of their final eight games, missing the playoffs. If we take a look at the Vikings schedule, it's tough to pick even one impressive win. Wins over the Bears, Browns, Bucs and Baltimore don't hold up to Washington's wins over the Seahawks in Seattle, the Rams in LA, and the Raiders at home. The Redskins have gotten several key players back from injury, and Kirk Cousins finally appears to be developing some chemistry with his new receiving corps. One would have thought that the Vikings would have been in trouble losing their starting quarterback Sam Bradford, and star running back Dalvin Cook. Case Keenum has overachieved, and I expect him to struggle here on the road in a hostile environment against a defense that is far better than the likes of Cleveland who he faced last week. Take WAS. GL, Jesse Schule
|
11-12-17 |
Browns v. Lions -11.5 |
|
24-38 |
Win
|
100 |
75 h 39 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Detroit Lions.
The Lions are 4-4, and they have lost three of their four home games. I don't think people are giving Detroit enough credit though, as they have been on the wrong end of some close games. If you look at their three home losses, there is a controversial 30-26 loss to Atlanta which saw the game winning score taken away by a video review. A potential game winning drive against the Steelers ended at the five yard line, and they lost by three points to the 6-3 Carolina Panthers. All the evidence still points toward a team that is more than capable of piling on the points against the sad sacked Cleveland Browns. Mathew Stafford completed 78 percent of his passes, throwing for 368 yards, two TDs and no INTs in a 30-17 win at Lambeau Field last week. He's likely to have a field day here against a Cleveland defense that ranks 28th in the NFL in points allowed. The Browns don't do much offensively, ranking 31st in the NFL in scoring, averaging just over 14 points per game. Deshone Kizer has been picked off 11 times while throwing for just three TDs. He faces an opportunistic Lions defense with Glover Quinn and Darius Slay who have three picks a piece so far. I see no reason why the Lions don't win by at least two TDs.
Take DET.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
11-06-17 |
Lions v. Packers |
Top |
30-17 |
Win
|
100 |
184 h 18 m |
Show
|
This is a 10* play on the Detroit Lions.
The Lions have lost three straight, but I like their chances of getting back on track on Monday night in Green Bay. The Packers were getting by on smoke and mirrors and Aaron Rodgers magic, but since his injury the reality has set in. Green Bay tried to lean on it's running game in a home loss to New Orleans, and they might look to do the same here. The Lions are one of the best in the NFL when it comes to defending the run, ranking 5th in yards allowed per attempt. Brett Hundley has completed just 52 percent of his passes, with four INTs and just one touchdown pass since coming in to replace Aaron Rodgers. Detroit has an opportunistic defense that can really take advantage of rookie mistakes. Darius Slay and Glover Quinn each have three INTs, and they will be looking to add to those starts here in Green Bay. The Lions may have a losing record, but they should have scored a game winning TD that was controversially reversed against Atlanta, and the potential game winning drive against Pittsburgh stopped short on the five yard line last week against Pittsburgh. Mathew Stafford threw for over 400 yards against the Steelers #1 ranked pass defense, and he should have plenty of success against a banged up Packers defense.
Take DET.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|
10-29-17 |
Falcons -4 v. Jets |
|
25-20 |
Win
|
100 |
96 h 9 m |
Show
|
This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Falcons. At 3-4 the Jets have been far more competitive than anybody thought they would be this season. We can't give them too much credit though, as their wins have come against the Browns, Dolphins and Jaguars. Atlanta's offense hasn't been as prolific as it was last year, but this week looks like a good spot for the Falcons to bust loose. The Jets pass defense has surrendered more yards than the Cleveland Browns this season, and in the past two games opponents have thrown for 583 yards and six TDs. Julio Jones is still the most dominant receiver in the game, and the Jets are going to have a tough time keeping him under wraps. "He's going to be a load," Jets head coach Todd Bowles said about Jones. "He's been triple-teamed and quadrupled. ... He's that great." This is a must win game for Atlanta, and with all the talent on both sides of the ball, they should prove to be too much to handle for a below average Jets team. Take ATL. GL, Jesse Schule
|
10-23-17 |
Redskins v. Eagles -4.5 |
|
24-34 |
Win
|
100 |
11 h 3 m |
Show
|
This is a 5* play on the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Redskins will try to avenge a Week 1 home loss to the Eagles here on Monday Night Football, but I like Philly to complete the sweep against this NFC East rival. Washington is coming off a rather uninspiring win over San Francisco by a score of 26-24. Their banged up secondary allowed rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard to throw for 245 yards and a TD, almost rallying the 49ers to a come from behind win. The Skins could be without several key players again this week, as RB Rob Kelley, CB Bashaud Breeland and CB Josh Norman are all dealing with nagging injuries. Kirk Cousins hasn't yet developed any real chemistry with his new look receiving corps, and he just doesn't have as many weapons at his disposal as his counterpart Carson Wentz. The Eagles offense gets a huge boost with the return of OT Lane Johnson. They should open up an early lead here at home.
Take PHI.
GL,
Jesse Schule
|