Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking spreads, money lines and total points in NFL games? Let me be that football guru, number cruncher, couch doctor, virtuoso, wizard, svengali, professional or ace who has searched for and seen the prophecies of victory as well as having the ability to put your precarious and gambling souls at ease with my advice. Almost 20 years of sports wagering experience is proudly listed on the resume, as well as playing in my 22nd season of fantasy football(definitely a pioneer). In this weekly column, I'll offer up everything from winners, weekly spreads, point totals, moneyline moods and under/ overs, to nuggets of advice, betting strategies and game outlooks. Additionally, every week, I'll submit at least one of my tantalizing, high-odds, 'Nicks Picks', a parlay too good to be true. Remember, the most important rule is never gamble what you don't have... so be careful and good luck!
Did you have another solid week? I sure did. That’s why you HAVE TO keep it here for solid wagering advice. I’m not the one who will you steer you down that dark alley of football futility… I’m the cop in the squad car with his ‘alley light’ shining bright on your perplexed face, telling you to, “Get in, I can provide a ‘safe place’ for your gambling dollars”. The only entities that will screw you out of your money are outdated, wagering advice books that were published before today’s NFL and the teams themselves who get upset by a weaker rival. Sure, I might suggest the occasional ‘bad pick’, but those usually are not my fault; “It’s a witch hunt”, as some politicians might say. So, keep hanging in there as teams are finding their identities and games should be easier to call. Also, as temperatures drop across the nation, defenses will pick up their game due to not, ‘over-heating’ in the cooler temps and them ‘gelling’ as defense units as a whole. So, with week 6 upon us, you can start to increase your confidence and amount of action as well as ticket amounts… if you feel comfortable. Again, it’s up to you, don’t spend all your weekly ‘vice’ money just on this vice. Something has to take the blues away when a kicker loses cash for the masses.
CHI(-195) -4 @ MIA(+174) +4 (U/O 41.5) – The Dolphins have a decent pass defense but have much to improve on against the run. Obviously, we know the Bears’ D is one of the best and their offense is a work in progress with a very positive showing before their bye last week. I’m still going to take the Bears definitely with the moneyline but am being a little more cautious with the spread. Not a fan of the O/U when a team is coming off a bye.
SEA(-147) -2.5 @ OAK(+132) +2.5 (O/U 48.5) – The Seahawks’ D has declined a bit, however I still believe they can beat the Raiders by at least a FG. Grab the moneyline and spread with confidence. I’d lean towards the Over.
CAR(-118) -1 @ WAS(+106) +1 (U/O 44) – The Panthers seemed a little flat after their bye, almost losing to the G-Men last week. However, I think they can easily slip past the Redskins with this favorable spread and moneyline, so definitely be keen on them both. Washington was able to put up some points against the Saints last Monday night, but that defense is kinda weak and the Redskins are on a short week, so I’m hesitant with the U/O. If I were to pick, I’d lean towards the Under.
LAC(-104) +1 @ CLE(-108) -1 (U/O 48.5) – I’m taking the Chargers all the way on this one. Browns have a ways yet to go before I bet in their favor. I like the Over.
PIT(+108) +1.5 @ CIN(-121) -1.5 (U/O 51) – The Steelers will pull this out by at least a field goal. The Bengals had issues with a bad Falcons’ defense. I’m comfy with the spread and moneyline as well the Over.
IND(+123) +2 @ NYJ(-137) -2 (U/O 46.5) – STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY! Nothing about this game I like. Too hard to predict. Indy is slowly on the rise and the Jets are too streaky.
TBB(+140) +3 @ ATL(-157) -3 (U/O 57.5) – I’m throwing down the duckets on Atlanta with both the spread and moneyline. I’m also taking the Over, in which I believe will be the highest scoring game of the week.
BUF(+347) +10 @ HOU(-408) -10 (U/O 40) – I’m not a fan of the spread and think the moneyline is also a bit high, unless you want to include it in a mid-to-large parlay. I am a fan of the Over in this contest.
ARI(+396) +10.5 @ MIN(-469) -10.5 (U/O 44) – Again, I’m fine with the moneyline here, when included in a parlay, but definitely don’t like the high spread until the Vikings can get Dalvin Cook and the running game going. Also stay away from the U/O.
LAR(-299) -7 @ DEN(+260) +7 (U/O 51.5) – Another one that you can add the Rams on a parlay, and if dropping the spread a half-point to -6.5, you can safely take ‘em both. I like the Over as I feel the Rams will put up at least 40.
JAX(-169) -3 @ DAL(+151) +3 (U/O 40) – I definitely dig the Jaguars with the spread and moneyline. If taking on a big parlay, maybe knock the spread down half a point. The U/O is UGLY! Don’t kiss her… I don’t care how beautiful she is on the inside.
BAL(-137) -2.5 @ TEN(+123) +2.5 (U/O 42) – I’d stay away from everything but the Over. This game already has left a bad taste in my mouth.
KCC(+170) +3.5 @ NEP(-191) -3.5 (O/U 60) – A game that should just be viewed and enjoyed. Too many variables and outcomes for these high octane offenses/ sub-par defenses. It’s going to come down to big plays, not one team dominating the other. The only option that makes sense is the Over… but 60 is when the old man starts turning bitter.
SF(+343) +10 @ GBP(-403) -10 (O/U 46.5) – I love the moneyline mixed in with a dominant parlay. I’m willing to grab the spread if lowered a half point to 9.5. The U/O is not a looker but I’d lean towards the Over.
NICK’S PICKS to CLICK for WEEK 6:
3 TEAM PARLAY (MIN ml) – (LAR -6.5) – (JAX -2.5)
3 TEAM PARLAY (BAL -2.5) – (GB -9.5) – (HOU ml)
2 TEAM PARLAY (ATL -3) – (CAR -1)
Please wait...
