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 game winning streak (two of which included road wins), and Donovan McNabb is one of the league’s best quarterbacks in the month of December. Some worry that the winds could affect the Eagles passing attack, but with new weapons emerging like Leonard Weaver, the Birds can move the ball effectively on the ground too. Watch for a closer game with both teams playing it safe in the first half. McNabb and Eli Manning are totally different QB’s, and while Manning has a Super Bowl ring and can throw a perfect ball, McNabb has a laser that cuts through windy games. We expect a couple turnovers by each team, but the Eagles should prevail.

Seattle +6.5

The Seahawks are having another injury plagued season and are just now getting things going. Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t been amazing at quarterback thus far but is a strong leader who players can get behind. The same can’t be said about the Texans or their QB Matt Schaub, as Houston has been stuck trying to shake a losing streak that started with a couple haunting missed field goals. The Texans constantly find ways to blow games and are never good at finishing. After being swept by their division (Indy twice), the Texans are looking like a team that could be cut into pieces next season, starting with the coaching staff.

This game might result in a Texans home win, but with 6 and a half points in your pocket there is an excellent chance you could walk away with a win. Houston is 1-5 against the spread at home this season, an amazing stat that has them tied at the bottom for teams playing in their own backyard. Seattle on the other hand isn’t much better as a road dog, but has faced some elite teams and were a lot more banged up than they are now. We think this game will be a field goal game and you should take the Seahawks with the points.

Last Article: 1-2

Overall: 10-5

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.

The Colts have been getting lucky this season, and a loss is long overdue. With Dwight Freeney not playing in this one the Texans should have a little more breathing room in the passing game, but with 3 and a half points on your side even if history repeats itself the spread is in your favor. Take the Texans and the points.

Atlanta Falcons -12

The Falcons are still pissed off over the fact that a flip of a coin gave the edge in their loss to the Giants last week. With the huge rally late on the road, the Falcons must have felt robbed in week 11, playing strong against a tough Wildcard opponent. The Buccaneers are not to be taken lightly, but are not really a threat on the road this week. Michael Turner is back and should be splitting carries on Sunday with Jason Snelling. Both RB’s could have a huge day on the ground while Matt Ryan should stretch the field at least once against the rebuilding Tampa team. We think this game will be a blowout and the Falcons should cover with ease.

San Diego Chargers -13.5

The Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL these days, and a game against the Chiefs should be an easy win that’ll give players a chance to pad their stats. The Chargers have had problems in the past falling asleep against weaker opponents, but with more of a sense of urgency throughout the organization, no game is ever looked at as just a walk in the park. With that, Rivers and company have the weapons to demoralize a team and a defense that can strip the ball and score themselves. Expect a slow start with an ugly finish, San Diego should have this game locked up by the third quarter in an easy blowout win.

Money Where Your Mouth Is Overall: 9-3

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.

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

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

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.

Last week we gave out 5 free picks and we went 5-0!!!

Gridiron Experts would love to continue the roll we’re on from last week, but instead we have to give out a “heads up” warning, as this week could steal your winnings. Las Vegas is zeroing in on a tough line, making you really earn it; most favorites are listed by almost too much. This entices people to take the underdog and get the 10-12 points, but since most of the favorites are at home this week, these points are actually realistic forecasts. In the first two weeks, bookies were rolling their eyes at some of the long shots that came through, including the two huge upsets in week one (Bears over Colts & Panthers over Chargers). We suggest placing only a couple of bets in week 3. 

Great Bets

Carolina Panthers +3
Steve Smith is back, and for those who think he’ll be rusty, you couldn’t be more wrong. Smith wasn’t hurt, he was suspended. He still practices with the team, and this makes him a huge fantasy sleeper as well as a fresh weapon to add to the Panthers already solid offense. The Vikings are favored at home (for some reason?) with a banged up Adrian Peterson and old man Frerotte at the helm. This would be a good pick even if the Panthers were favored, but getting 3 points as insurance against a field goal loss is a great safety net for placing money on this game. So far the Panthers made us studs in week 1 and looked good in week 2…why stop now?

Philadelphia Eagles -3
Even though the Steelers are on the road, they are practically playing in their backyard. McNabb wears his heart on his sleeve, and despite a bad hand off to Westbrook on a running play that resulted in a fumble last week, D-Mac looked great. If there was a finger to point, it would be at the non-blitzing defense that gave too much time for Romo to throw on Monday night. Expect an all out attack on Big Ben and his bruised shoulder. If the Eagles can keep up the running yards, this will be another big win for the birds.

New York Jets +9.5
Two words: Brett Favre. I know the Chargers are pissed off with the luck they’ve had for the first two weeks, but 9.5 points is laughable. Don’t get me wrong, the Chargers will win this game, but Favre will keep it close. The biggest problem the Chargers have had in the first two weeks has been their defense; expect a close game, take the points.

Long Shots of the Week

Arizona Cardinals +3
Gridiron Experts thought we would be the only ones picking this game, but in fact it’s everyone’s upset…which almost worries us. We have an article coming soon that shows a list of “phrases” we use to describe situations like this, and this would be a “media driver.” Meaning, the Washington Redskins will see all of these underdog upsets at home, and use it as “tackling fuel” to get that extra boost of motivation for this game. But with Clinton Portis firing off about his team on Brian Mitchell’s call-in radio show, we expect to see an implosion in the next couple of weeks. The Cardinals are playing great football, and even more surprising is their great defense, which will help them get a big road win.