By Darren Johnson
Campus News
Last week, in our weekly contest here on this site, I only went .500 picking against the spread. You can join our pool and see the standings here: https://cccnews.info/football.
However, in actual betting, I did better than break even.
Sports betting is now legal in New York State, so I went to my local casino and placed four bets.
I bet $119.10 in total and won $131.50 for a profit of $12.40!
Here’s how it broke down:
WIN: I bet $50 on the money line on the Seahawks over the Steelers, meaning I thought Seattle would win outright. I felt really strongly about this and hit for the $131.50.
Tennessee -1.5 over JACKSONVILLE. The point spread is negligible here, and the Jags have been an all-or-nothing team in recent years. At 0-2, I could see that turning into 0-3. That said, I wouldn’t bet this one.
INDIANAPOLIS -2.5 over Atlanta. These are both middling teams, but I give the Colts the homefield advantage here. Again, not a bet-worthy game.
Baltimore +6.5 over KANSAS CITY. I feel this point spread is too high. The Ravens are a serious team. Yes, KC is at home and the Ravens barely scraped by last week against the lowly Cardinals, but will they lose by a whole touchdown? Doubtful. If I am feeling really daring, I may bet the money line.
BUFFALO -5.5 over Cincinnati. Here’s a 2-0 team against an 0-2 team. Talentwise, they aren’t that far apart, and the Bills had the good fortune of facing two easy teams already — the Jets and Giants. Still, in their first home game, I say they go on a roll to 3-0.
GREEN BAY -7.5 over Denver. I hate 7.5 spreads. A team could be up by two touchdowns and give up a garbage score at the end and still win — but you don’t cover. Don’t bet it.
PHILADELPHIA -6.5 over Detroit. I know I’m going with too many favorites here, but I was really impressed with the Eagles in Week 1. They will bounce back after a narrow loss at Atlanta last week.
Miami +21.5 over DALLAS. Yes, the Dolphins are simply awful, but they are a pro team and have some pride. And Dallas is good, not great. Take the points.
NY Jets +22.5 over NEW ENGLAND. The Patriots historically keep games where they are -20 or better close. Who knows why? Maybe to make them sporting. The Jets do have a wonderful running back and the third string QB may be better after a week of practice. I wonder what the money line will pay?
MINNESOTA -8.5 over Oakland. Look for a home blowout.
Carolina -2.5 over ARIZONA. This game is a toss-up.
TAMPA BAY -6.5 over the NY Giants. Eli Manning, now benched, was not the problem.
Houston +3.5 over LA CHARGERS. I like an upset here. Houston can be a potent team.
SEATTLE -4.5 over New Orleans. This point spread seems way too generous, considering the Seahawks are at home and the Saints will be playing a backup QB.
Pittsburgh +6.5 over SAN FRANCISCO. Look for a defensive battle — thus the 49ers may win, but not cover.
LA Rams -2.5 over CLEVELAND. Yeah, the Browns beat the Jets. Big deal. The Rams may be a Super Bowl team.
WASHINGTON +4.5 over Chicago. The Bears have been playing close games and the Skins have been competitive and are at home on prime time. This may be worth betting the money line.
And that’s that.
Want to take me on? Go to https://cccnews.info/football to join our weekly contest!
$12.40–can’t beat that.