Gridiron Experts

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 14

This a column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

New Orleans Saints -10

The Saints have been getting tested in recent weeks, but they always come through with a win. Against the spread New Orleans has been very good: 8-4 overall and 4-2 on the road. This week they are 10 point favorites against a team that will most likely be starting  a backup quarterback, and who were recently torched by a Philadelphia Eagles squad that was without a few key weapons on offense. The Saints will not stop scoring no matter who they are playing, but the bigger question is: will the defense lock it up in the 4th quarter? Most large spreads have the threat of being wrecked by late comebacks or pity points, but this game is different.

The Saints know that a win for the Falcons could not only revitalize their playoff chances, but could also create a second wind for a team that is in the Saints division. Gridiron Experts likes the Saints to cover on the road this week. The defense just needs to make a couple plays and this one is in the bag; one pick 6 and the game is over.

Philadelphia Eagles +1

This divisional rematch has the Philadelphia Eagles visiting the New York Giants, a place the birds are very familiar with. The Eagles last trip to Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey was a playoff game last year that the Eagles stole in front of a very angry crowd. This year’s first meeting involved an ass kicking over the G-Men where the Eagles jumped out to a 30-7 halftime lead and cruised past the Giants, 40-17 in Philly.

So why the low spread? Home field advantage, key injuries, or just a plain old grudge match? Whatever the case, you shouldn’t run from it, as the Eagles are on a three …Continue reading Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 14

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 12

This is usually a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. This season hasn’t been the best for placing bets as odds have been very close to perfect, and while many people bet for the sake of betting we tend to be patient. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

Houston Texans +3.5

If Sundays game is anything like the last two Texans games, Kris Brown will choke by a field goal. The Texans were in an excellent position before their bye week heading into a Colts match-up that would have given them an edge in the playoff Wildcard standings, but luck was not on their side. The heartbreaking loss to the Colts was followed up by another painful loss to the Titans on Monday night. The team knows that 3 strikes and they’re out at this point; emotion is high and the team will be playing desperate football. …Continue reading Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 12

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 8

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

San Fransisco 49er’s+ 13.5

How fast things have changed for the 49er’s. After starting strong, San Fransisco has gone from 3-1 to 3-3 and have looked vulnerable in areas that they once seemed to dominate. The emergence of Alex Smith last week has sparked a little hope amongst fans; Smith rallied back against the Texans in what looked like a blowout. The first overall pick from the ’05 draft put up a games worth of stats in the second half, but still fell short by a field goal. This week bookies have set the bar very high for the 49er’s… almost too high. 13 and a half points (you might be able to find more) is kind of an insult to the San Fransisco bunch, and we believe the Colts are in for a rude awakening.

Injuries can’t be ignored when you’re talking about offensive talent. The Colts have quite a few bumps and bruises that they are trying to play off, but their inability to move the ball might surprise many this weekend. Peyton Manning is a brilliant quarterback and can make anyone look like a superstar, but this season the Colts are lacking their usual firepower. With injuries to Anthony Gonzalez and rookie Donald Brown, not to mention the nagging groin injury to Reggie Wayne, we think this game will be a lot closer. The Colts will still win, but winning by two touchdowns is not likely. Take the 49er’s and the points.

Philadelphia Eagles +1

McNabb vs. Manning: both teams have good offenses, both have great defenses, so who’s the favorite? The spread has moved in this game all week, but one point bouncing back and forth from team to team means nothing. The Eagles and Giants will have men on the field playing hurt in this game, but that’s nothing new. So what is the most important storyline in this game?

Home field advantage.

The Eagles fans have been waiting for a big game to come their way all year. The Saints were in town in week 2, but with Kevin Kolb starting, people were just hoping for the best. This week is the first divisional game to come to Philadelphia all season and it’s week 8? With the World Series also in town on the same day… the city will be going ballistic! Throw in the Halloween factor and fans will be loud and crazy with noise that should give the Eagles an edge in this one. Take the Eagles straight up.

Atlanta Falcons+ 9.5

Falcons vs. Saints is divisional match-up that speaks volumes on how the season will unfold for both these teams. The Saints are running away with the NFC South, and if the Falcons want to go to the playoffs they can either pray for a Wild Card or take out the Saints at the top of the division. While the Falcons are a couple games back, you know this match-up has been circled on their calendar for weeks.

The knock on the Falcons this season has been their lack of production on the road in the “big games”. Dallas and New England were losses on the road, in which the Falcons were 3.5 and 4.5 point underdogs. In both of those games the Falcons didn’t cover the spread, but with 9.5 in your back pocket and the fact that the Saints and Falcons played to a close back and forth shootout last year in New Orleans, we like the dirty birds.

Spreads are based on previous types of match-ups and games; the Falcons are getting more points this week as they have fallen short twice on the road, but those who watched the Patriots and Cowboys games know that mental mistakes cost them points. We think after the Saints were exposed in Miami, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder for the Falcons will have more to work with for this huge Monday night game. Take the Falcons and the points.

Last Week: We’ve skipped a couple weeks, as upsets are in fashion.

Overall: 6-3

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 6

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

Tennessee at New England-9.5

Both starting cornerbacks are out for the Titans this week, so that begs the question: who’s going to cover Randy Moss? The Patriots are off an uncharacteristic loss to the Broncos where they blew a 10 point lead in the second half. The Titans are 0-5 and are on a bye week the second Sunday’s game is over. The team is being rumored to death about trades, position changes, and all the other media nonsense. It’s safe to say the Titans are finished this season. Even if they could string together a winning streak, the Titans would have to win 10 of the next of 11 games to make the playoffs. Even that might not be good enough, as the Patriots will tell you that 11-5 doesn’t always make the playoffs (last season).

The game plan for the Titans will be to run the ball and keep Brady & company on the sidelines, which is a bad idea. Although, last years defensive rookie of the year Jared Mayo is healthy and starting Sunday. The Patriots should pick apart the Titans while at home, forcing the winless squad to abandon the run game.  Take the Pats to cover.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh-14.5

This could get ugly…for the Browns that is. Cleveland has never been a good road team, and heading to Pittsburgh with the return of Troy Polamalu will make this like a trip to the dentist. The Browns are 14.5 point underdogs which is amazing considering they haven’t been able to score more than 6 points on the road yet this season. Easy money, take the Steelers.

Last Week 3-0

Overall: 5-2

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 3

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

Gridiron Experts picked the Ravens and Steelers last week as our sure bets. The Steelers missed the late field goal which would have made us go 2-0.

San Diego Chargers- 6

The Colts defense was gassed Monday night, playing almost the entire game against the Dolphins clock draining run game. The Monday night crew kept talking about how tiring it must have been for Indy’s defense, but I’m sure it took its toll on the Dolphins offense as well, especially since they didn’t come away with a win. The Chargers will have a lot of game film to study as the Fish probably ran twenty different running plays, and watched Manning pick apart Miami’s secondary with ease. The short week and a cross country trip will no doubt hurt the Dolphins this week. Chargers fans are also sick of these early season slow starts and want to add another win before heading to Pittsburgh next week. Don’t be surprised to see the Chargers play with a chip on their shoulder after blowing the game on the final drive last week in front of a hungry crowd.

Carolina Panthers +9

This line is moving a little but you can still find it at plus 9. The Panthers were considered a playoff contender team prior to the butt kicking they took against Philly in week 1. Jake Delhomme has been terrible and the running game is out of sync, but there’s too much talent on this team to say they are 9 point underdogs. The Cowboys should win this game, but without M. Barber and with Romo playing some shaky football the Panthers should easily cover this spread.

Last Week: 1-1

Overall: 1-1

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 2

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a fantasy football advisory,  but we also take pride in our pick’em pool strategies. Our goal is to help you win pools & money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t!

Gridiron Experts didn’t do a week 1 version of our best bets article…but we probably should have, after going 13-3 against the spread. This weekend looks tougher; there are 7 games with a spread of 3 points or less. 3 point games are usually great for taking road underdogs, but with only one week of action it’s hard to spot who’s a solid team just yet. Although, sportsbooks have seen as much football as you have, and tend to play it safe early in the season with some of their lines.

Baltimore Ravens +3

The Ravens are no longer a defensive team that runs the ball and sneaks out wins. Second year quarterback J. Flacco looked great in week 1 and should be able to expose the Chargers if needed. The Ravens are on the road and do have to make a long trip, but were 5-3 on the road last season with Flacco being a rookie. L. Tomlinson is out and Sproles is not an every down type running back. If the Ravens can get into the head of big mouth Philip Rivers early, the Chargers shouldn’t stand a chance.

Pittsburgh Steelers -3

This would have been a good game if the Bears had reliable receivers, hadn’t lost Urlacher for the year, and didn’t have to face a Super Bowl Champion team that’s had an extra couple days to prepare for this match up. The Steelers running game didn’t look good against the Titans on opening night, but should be improved as Mike Tomlin doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that would ignore the obvious.

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 13

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a sports betting advisory, so our goal is to help you win money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t.

Indianapolis -5.5 at Cleveland
The Colts are putting the pieces back together, and finally resemble the Super Bowl team they were a few years ago. Peyton Manning seems to be playing better with every opponent he faces, after recovering from his hidden injury nicely. The Colts strategy is to always play with a lead as their defense is built for speed. With Brady Quinn on IR, Derek Anderson will to try to move the ball after failing once this season. If the Browns can’t start fast, this game could be over by half time. Take the Colts to cover!

Baltimore -7 at Cincinnati
The Ravens are the best kept secret in the NFL…easy money. Take the Ravens to cover!

San Francisco at Buffalo -6
Everyone knows the stat…no team from the West Coast has won on the road heading East. This will be a tough game for the 49er’s going up against a very angry running game. Not to mention the deep threat of Lee Evans, who was one of the forgotten weapons during the Bills four game losing skid. While some thought this team was a fluke out of the gate, the adversity to overcome their losing streak has only made them stronger. Bills cover!

Carolina at Green Bay -3
The Packers have holes on their defense that are going to get exploited Sunday. For weeks it was problems with stopping the run, but after Drew Brees torched the passing defense for 300+ yards, the Packers have a new headache. The 8-3 Panthers are playing great football; when Delhomme struggled during games against the Raiders and Lions, the two headed monster running game bailed him out. If this team can get everyone on all cylinders they could be Super Bowl bound, in the meantime it’s nice to have such a balanced attack. I think this game will be high scoring, and the Over (41.5) is another good bet to add into the mix. Panthers will cover!

Thursday 2-0 / Last week 3-1

Season to Date:
Safe Bets: 18-10
Long Shots 6-4

Money Where Your Mouth Is Week 12

This a weekly column that puts our expertise to the test, as we show a couple of the bets that we are placing on specific games, or prop bets offered by the many sports books and casinos. Of course we are a sports betting advisory, so our goal is to help you win money, but if you can’t afford to place bets…don’t.

*Gridiron Experts didn’t do a week 11 edition of money where your mouth is due to a sinking feeling with some of the match-ups. The weird thing is, we liked the Steelers to cover, but had a bad feeling overall about week 11 (Fat Tony wants his money).

Safe Bets

Green Bay +2.5

The Packers are geared up for a Monday night shootout as they visit the 5-5 Saints. The way you beat the Packers is on the ground, they allow an average of 147 rushing yards per game, but with Reggie Bush banged up the Saints will lean on Drew Brees. The Packers have played well against the pass this season, and with a great passing game of their own +2.5 is a great bet.

New England +2

Love him or hate him, Bill Belichick is a brilliant coach. The wildcat offense got the best of him the first time, but he will have the Patriots prepared this weekend. New England also had more time to prepare for Miami as they played the Thursday Night game last week. Injuries are a concern, but Gridiron Experts likes the Pats +2.

Chicago -8

The Rams are going to ask people from the stands to suit up soon with all of the injuries they’ve had, in addition to a general lack of effort from this team. The Bears were embarrassed last week on the road against a divisional rival. This is a great hangover game to get the team back on track. The Bears will cover!

Long Shot of the Week

Seattle +3.5

The Washington Redskins are averaging 18 points per game on offense, which is only better than the bottom feeder teams like the Bengals, Raiders, and Lions. The long road trip will take a toll on this team, along with the 12th man, who will be loud and hungry for a home win. Jim Zorn’s offense is very similar to the West Coast offense that Mike Holmgren runs, and Zorn will have to think outside the box to get the best of him. While we were hoping the Seahawks could play spoiler last week, Gridiron Experts believes Matt Hasselbeck should settle back into the offense he knows and can thrive in.

Season to Date:
Safe Bets: 16-9
Long Shots 5-4