M.J. Nicholas
I'm Michael J. Nicholas, opinionated author and NFL gambler that can hopefully provide you with some valuable, but very low-cost advice. Now, I won't say anything about how much green you should be laying down, or if this column is even worth reading(that's for your lifestyle to decide). I'm just saying that I'm a guy with 20+ years experience studying NFL football that has some talent at picking winners. Good luck this season!
December
Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking spreads, money lines and the under/ over in the NFL? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your precarious souls at ease. Almost 20 years of sports wagering experience is proudly listed on the resume, as well as playing in my 21st season of fantasy football(definitely a self-proclaimed pioneer). But enough about this guy. In this weekly column, I'll offer up anything from sportsbook's outcomes, moods and reflections, as well as offer words of advice and knowledge on betting strategies. Additionally, for every game, I'll have my picks for the spread, moneyline and under/ over ready to go. And if you're good(or I just happen to be feeling generous), I'll offer up one of my tantalizing, high-odds 'Nicks Picks', a ticket too good to be true. Anyway, if for some reason any of Nick's Picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault. Yeah... right.
'CITY OF BROTHERLY B.S.' - Philly. Yes you, Eagles. I knew they weren't the true #1 squad in the NFC, so why did I think they would be this past week? Pull off just a 1 point victory and I win large. Kinda funny that they faced Seattle, which happened to be the team in week 9 that kept me from winning big mutuals. Well, that's what happens when you bet against your own advice. Even though I didn't bet 'for' the Seahawks, I wagered 'against' them, in which action is action and I should of known better than to touch that game. But Philly... really?
NOTE: I HAVE ALTERED THE POINT VALUES ON VARIOUS SPREADS TO INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING CERTAIN GAMES. OBVIOUSLY, THE PAYOUT WILL BE LESS THAN CHOOSING THE POINTS A SPORTSBOOK PROVIDES. THOSE CHANGED BY ME WILL BE LISTED IN BRACKETS.
NICK'S PICK OF THE WEEK: 2 GAME PARLAY | GB -2.5 | CIN -6.5
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ ATLANTA FALCONS - NOS (+3.5) | NOS +118 | OVER 51.5
DETROIT LIONS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - TB (+2.5) | TB +129 | UNDER 45
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ BUFFALO BILLS - BUF (-2.5) | BUF -161 | UNDER 39.5
DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW YORK GIANTS - DALLAS (-2.5) | DALLAS -198 | OVER 41
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS - GB (-2.5) | GB -167 | OVER 40
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS - MIN -2.5 | MIN -144 | OVER 40.5
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ HOUSTON TEXANS - HOU (-2.5) | HOU -144 | UNDER 44
OAKLAND RAIDERS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - KCC -4 | KCC -207 | UNDER 48.5
CHICAGO BEARS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS - CIN -6.5 | CIN -257 | OVER 38.5
TENNESSEE TITANS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS - ARI (+3.5) | TEN -151 | UNDER 44
NEW YORK JETS @ DENVER BRONCOS - NYJ -1 | NYJ -115 | UNDER 41.5
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - LAC (-5.5) | LAC -237 | OVER 46.5
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ LOS ANGELES RAMS - LAR -2.5 | LAR -126 | UNDER 48
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - JAX -2.5 | JAX -134 | OVER 40
BALTIMORE RAVENS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS - PIT (-4) | PIT -207 | UNDER 44
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS - NEP -11 | NEP -515 | OVER 47
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
SPREAD 10-6
MONEYLINE 12-4
TOTAL O/U 10-6
YTD RESULTS:
SPREAD 103-79
MONEYLINE 119-63
TOTAL O/U 93-89
November
Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking spreads, money lines and the under/ over in the NFL? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your precarious souls at ease. Almost 20 years of sports wagering experience is proudly listed on the resume, as well as playing in my 21st season of fantasy football(definitely a self-proclaimed pioneer). But enough about this guy. In this weekly column, I'll offer up anything from sportsbook's outcomes, moods and reflections, as well as offer words of advice and knowledge on betting strategies. Additionally, for every game, I'll have my picks for the spread, moneyline and under/ over ready to go. And if you're good(or I just happen to be feeling generous), I'll offer up one of my tantalizing, high-odds 'Nicks Picks', a ticket too good to be true. Anyway, if for some reason any of Nick's Picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault. Yeah... right.
'HIT-LIST, JUST IN' - Or more accurately, my current NFL 'sh*t-list', here are a few teams I'm avoiding putting action on and why. First up, the Kansas City Chiefs. Talk about a pathetic train-wreck of a season that started with so much potential. All those points from all those explosive players... gone without a trace. And I'm tired of blowing my flow(wait, that might not have come out right) on those hapless red coats. What a waste of Hill, Hunt and Kelce's talents. Second stink bag on the list is the Seattle Seahawks. It's the Russell Wilson show in the Pacific Northwest, unfortunately deeming this team a one-act play. Are they going to cover the spread or not? Are they gonna show up against weaker competition? Who knows. Only R. Wilson has the answer... you get the picture. Some might not believe I have the Jacksonville Jaguars on the list, but I sure do. Look, I understand their defense is playing at an insane level right now. However, since Leonard Fournette has been banged up and inconsistent in the offense, they just haven't been able to score consistently enough to assure me that they will cover the spread in any given week. P.S. I'm finishing this week's column as the Washington/ Dallas game is in the first half. My picks on this contest were made before it started, you can trust me. If not, just look at the faith I've had in the Cowboys in the past weeks. Yeah, I'm not a fan of the so-called, 'America's Team'. Black and Gold!
NOTE: I HAVE ALTERED THE POINT VALUES ON VARIOUS SPREADS TO INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING CERTAIN GAMES. OBVIOUSLY, THE PAYOUT WILL BE LESS THAN CHOOSING THE POINTS A SPORTSBOOK PROVIDES. THOSE CHANGED BY ME WILL BE LISTED IN BRACKETS.
NICK'S PICK OF THE WEEK: 3 GAME PARLAY | GB -2.5 | NYJ (+3.5) | MIN +131
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ DALLAS COWBOYS - WAS -1.5 | WAS -122 | UNDER 47
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS - GB -2.5 | GB -110 | OVER 45
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ BUFFALO BILLS - NEP -8.5 | NEP -395 | UNDER 48
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ NEW YORK JETS - NYJ (+3.5) | NYJ +144 | OVER 44
DENVER BRONCOS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS - MIA +1.5 | MIA +109 | UNDER 39.5
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ ATLANTA FALCONS - MIN (+3.5) | MIN +131 | OVER 47
DETROIT LIONS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS - DET (+3.5) | DET +144 | UNDER 43.5
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ CHICAGO BEARS - CHI (-2.5) | CHI -172 | UNDER 41
HOUSTON TEXANS @ TENNESSEE TITANS - TEN -6.5 | TEN -272 | OVER 43.5
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - JAX (-8.5) | JAX -417 | UNDER 41
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - LAC (-13.5) | LAC -870 | OVER 43.5
LOS ANGELES RAMS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS - LAR (6.5) | LAR -278 | UNDER 44.5
CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - NOS -4.5 | NOS -215 | OVER 48
NEW YORK GIANTS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS - OAK (-6.5) | OAK -360 | UNDER 42
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - PHI -5.5 | PHI -232 | UNDER 47.5
PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS - PIT -4.5 | PIT -214 | UNDER 43.5
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
SPREAD 11-4
MONEYLINE 12-3
TOTAL O/U 7-8
YTD RESULTS:
SPREAD 93-73
MONEYLINE 107-59
TOTAL O/U 83-83
November
Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking spreads, money lines and the under/ over in the NFL? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your precarious souls at ease. Almost 20 years of sports wagering experience is proudly listed on the resume, as well as playing in my 21st season of fantasy football(definitely a self-proclaimed pioneer). But enough about this guy. In this weekly column, I'll offer up anything from sportsbook's outcomes, moods and reflections, as well as offer words of advice and knowledge on betting strategies. Additionally, for every game, I'll have my picks for the spread, moneyline and under/ over ready to go. And if you're good(or I just happen to be feeling generous), I'll offer up one of my tantalizing, high-odds 'Nicks Picks', a ticket too good to be true. Anyway, if for some reason any of Nick's Picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault. Yeah... right.
'EASY ON THE TURKEY' - Remember, you want to enjoy the holiday... not flip your dinner plate over in a sodium induced 'gravy-rage', because Detroit failed to cover the spread and land you that Black Friday, door-buster cash. Sure, take some action, especially if some lines are appealing. But keep in mind, they're still Thursday games and we all know how unpredictable teams like to perform on that special day. Just play it safe. Happy Thanksgiving and good luck!
NOTE: I HAVE ALTERED THE POINT VALUES ON VARIOUS SPREADS TO INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING CERTAIN GAMES. OBVIOUSLY, THE PAYOUT WILL BE LESS THAN CHOOSING THE POINTS A SPORTSBOOK PROVIDES. THOSE CHANGED BY ME WILL BE LISTED IN BRACKETS.
NICK'S PICK OF THE WEEK: 2 GAME PARLAY | MIN -2.5 | CAR -4.5
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ DETROIT LIONS - MIN (-2.5) | MIN -141 | OVER 44
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS @ DALLAS COWBOYS - LAC -2 | LAC -124 | OVER 47
NEW YORK GIANTS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS - WAS (-6.5) | WAS -333 | OVER 45
CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW YORK JETS - CAR -4.5 | CAR -216 | OVER 40
TENNESSEE TITANS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - TEN (-2.5) | TEN -163 | UNDER 45.5
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS - CIN (-6.5) | CIN -375 | UNDER 38
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ ATLANTA FALCONS - TBB (+10.5) | ATL -402 | UNDER 49
BUFFALO BILLS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - KCC (-9.5) | KCC -442 | UNDER 46.5
CHICAGO BEARS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - PHI -13.5 | PHI -855 | OVER 44
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - NEP -16.5 | NEP -1351 | OVER 48
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers - SEA -6.5 | SEA -272 | OVER 45
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS - JAX -5.5 | JAX -232 | OVER 38
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS - NOS (+3.5) | NOS +129 | OVER 53
DENVER BRONCOS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS - OAK -5 | OAK -227 | OVER 43.5
GREEN BAY PACKERS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS - PIT (-13.5) | PIT -917 | UNDER 43
HOUSTON TEXANS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS - HOU +7.5 | BAL -303 | OVER 38
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
SPREAD 8-5
MONEYLINE 9-4
TOTAL O/U 8-5
YTD RESULTS:
SPREAD 82-69
MONEYLINE 95-56
TOTAL O/U 76-75
November
Are you looking for a vote of confidence when picking spreads, money lines and the under/ over in the NFL? Let me be that football wizard who has seen the prophecies of victory and has the ability to put your precarious souls at ease. Almost 20 years of sports wagering experience is proudly listed on the resume, as well as playing in my 21st season of fantasy football(definitely a self-proclaimed pioneer). But enough about this guy. In this weekly column, I'll offer up anything from sportsbook's outcomes, moods and reflections, as well as offer words of advice and knowledge on betting strategies. Additionally, for every game, I'll have my picks for the spread, moneyline and under/ over ready to go. And if you're good(or I just happen to be feeling generous), I'll offer up one of my tantalizing, high-odds 'Nicks Picks', a ticket too good to be true. Anyway, if for some reason any of Nick's Picks let you down, I'm cool with you telling your bookie it was all my fault. Yeah... right.
'STEEL AWAY' - Most of you probably don't remember the classic Robbie Dupree song, 'Steal Away' from 1980, with it's tight, silky bass lines and ultra-moody atmosphere. However, there is a great chance we'll all be remembering tonight's Titans/ Steelers match-up, with Pittsburgh showing the NFL world that they belong in the AFC title game for a second consecutive year. I'm a fan of the Black and Gold obviously, but I still rarely bet on them. A small lesson this week but a huge one nonetheless; NEVER wager with your heart. Unless the spread is too good to be true or you're just picking your team to win when playing a competitor not worthy to be on the same field, I would put together tickets that DON'T include organizations close to your heart. But hey, if you have a hatred for the Steelers and those inner feelings 'opposite of love', cloud your best judgement... by all means, bet the house on the Titans. I dare ya
NOTE: I HAVE ALTERED THE POINT VALUES ON VARIOUS SPREADS TO INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING CERTAIN GAMES. OBVIOUSLY, THE PAYOUT WILL BE LESS THAN CHOOSING THE POINTS A SPORTSBOOK PROVIDES. THOSE CHANGED BY ME WILL BE LISTED IN BRACKETS.
NICK'S PICK OF THE WEEK: 3 GAME PARLAY | MIA +0 | NOS -6.5 | CIN +2.5
TENNESSEE TITANS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS - PIT (-6.5) | PIT -309 | UNDER 44.5
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS - MIA +0 | MIA -102 | OVER 41.5
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ NEW YORK GIANTS - KC (-9.5) | KC -417 | OVER 46.5
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS - JAX (-6.5) | JAX -333 | UNDER 37
DETROIT LIONS @ CHICAGO BEARS - DET (-2.5) | DET -144 | OVER 41
BALTIMORE RAVENS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS - BAL -2 | BAL -124 | UNDER 38
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ HOUSTON TEXANS - ARI +2.5 | ARI +116 | OVER 38.5
LOS ANGELES RAMS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS - MIN -2.5 | MIN - 138 | UNDER 45.5
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - NOS (-6.5) | NOS -365 | OVER 51
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS - NEP (-6.5) | NEP -288 | OVER 55
CINCINNATI BENGALS @ DENVER BRONCOS - CIN +2.5 | CIN +121 | OVER 38
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ DALLAS COWBOYS - PHI -4.5 | PHI -215 | OVER 47.5
ATLANTA FALCONS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - SEA (-2.5) | SEA -144 | UNDER 45
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS:
SPREAD 7-7
MONEYLINE 10-4
TOTAL O/U 9-5
YTD RESULTS:
SPREAD 74-64
MONEYLINE 86-52
TOTAL O/U 68-70
Recent Articles
-
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 12
Welcome to Hell (bye) Week! This is just another way to show that doing the confidence pool is a lot…in Fantasy Football / NFL -
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 11
Don’t look now but we are getting close to the end of the season. If you are somewhere in the…in Fantasy Football / NFL -
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 10
We’re already on double digit weeks? How can this be! And after last week, we are ready to get into…in Fantasy Football / NFL
-
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 9
Oh this is gonna be an interesting week for sure. Looking down the list of games and there aren’t too…in Fantasy Football / NFL
Recent Podcasts
-
2023 Preseason Rankings & Name That Player
This week we're kicking off the 2023 season of fantasy football podcasts while on vacation - we'll chat about some players that we have ranked higher or lower than the expert consensus ranking at FantasyPros.com, and play a little game to see if folks can identify NFL players without their helmets on! Tune in and subscribe for more content from Jason & Dave throughout the season. -
Week 17, 'You're starting HIM?!'
We've taken our teams down the long road to victory, lined with those on injured reserve, guys who put up poor performances, and the blood, sweat, and tears of fantasy managers that were just unlucky. But let's not worry about that. The important thing is diving into some interesting starts and sits for the championship and discussing what's in the news that could affect your players or matchups over the next few days. Tune in live and ask your questions or leave your comments for us. Signing off until next preseason, your hosts Dave & Jason. This video/podcast will go live at 9pm CT on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 - it will also be available on all major podcast channels and remain available on YouTube for later review and comments. Join us live and add your comments/questions to the show! This video features the songs and artists listed below, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license: - Various original music by David Biggs -
Week 16, Trending Topics
The fantasy football semifinals are upon us this week and your hosts Jason & Dave will be diving into some trending topics for week 16 including injuries, defensive matchups to exploit in the playoffs, weather reports for upcoming games, how to manage your roster for the last few weeks of the season, and more. Have a lineup question for your all-important matchup? Let us know! This video/podcast will go live at 9pm CT on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - it will also be available on all major podcast channels and remain available on YouTube for later review and comments. Join us live and add your comments/questions to the show! This video features the songs and artists listed below, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license: - Various original music by David Biggs -
Week 15, Playoff Q&A
Oh, so many questions. We take them via social channels, email, and website, and we watch network shows and listen to podcasts and radio broadcasts before, during, and after football games all to get a little bit of that tasty Q&A. Well, this week it's our turn and we've gathered some great questions from fellow fantasy football playoff bound folks that we intend to dig into this evening. Tune in live and add your comments and questions to the podcast. This video/podcast will go live at 9pm CT on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - it will also be available on all major podcast channels and remain available on YouTube for later review and comments. Join us live and add your comments/questions to the show! This video features the songs and artists listed below, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license: - Various original music by David Biggs
Please wait...User Login
Social Media
Stay Informed! Follow us on..
