It only took till week 4 before the NFL Season started to be seriously affected by Covid. After a relatively quiet first 3 weeks in terms of positive test results we finally got our first outbreak. It started with the Titian’s Steelers game which had to be pushed out multiple weeks because of the Titian’s outbreak. I believe last I checked they had 14 positive tests. Then news came out on Saturday that Cam Newton had come down with Covid and that the Chiefs Patriots game would be moved to Tuesday. I’m not entirely sure why the game is being moved considering it is just Cam who is reported to have it, I’m assuming it’s just the Patriots cheating.
I expect these types of things to start happening on a weekly basis as we get further into the season. The MLB had multiple outbreaks throughout their season and the NCAA has already had to cancel games because of the virus. I don’t think the NFL will move to a bubble like the NBA or NHL did even though it was a resounding success for both sports. I think worst case scenario is the regular season will be extending which just means more weeks of football for us. I truly believe the NFL is too big to fail.
I’d also like to give a quick shout out to all the Pitt players who were upset with their ranking and subsequently went out and lost at home on a last minute drive. Any time Pittsburgh looks like they are building something they have games like today to remind fans just who they really are.
Alright let’s make some picks.
Before I get to my picks I would like to note how high the totals for this weeks slate of games is. There are only 2 games with totals below 45, and 7 with totals over 50. That is crazy for an NFL slate. I guess Vegas is adjusting considering this is the highest scoring start to and NFL Season in history.
Cleveland @ Dallas (O/U 56)
I said it last week and I will say it again this week. If you put a 56 total in my face I am going to bet the over. The Browns defense has injuries all along it and the Cowboys have been hemorrhaging points all season. This game has 45-35 written all over it. Dallas has put up 17,40 and 31 in their first 3 games and I expect them to light up the score board here. Cleveland will do just enough to keep pace leaning on their two running backs. Give me the over easy in this one!
Pick: Over 56
New Orleans @ Detroit (+3)
I understand Drew Brees has looked bad, but to only be a 3 point favorite against the Lions really feels like a slap in the face. The Saints come in losers of 2 straight and I really just think they blow the doors off the Lions. Matt Patricia cooled off his seat just a little which means they will get smoked in this one. Patricia is the second worst coach in football and once Gase gets fired mid year he will hold the crown as the worst. Give me NO -3
Pick: NO -3
Indianapolis @ Chicago (+3)
You don’t often see undefeated teams making QB changes in Week 3 but here we are with the Bears. I know Mitch stinks but do we really think Foles is the option? Also there is no going back to Mitch so they better hope Foles stays healthy and plays well. On the other side the Colts have played well all year especially on defense. I guess trading for an all pro defensive linemen paid off. Give me the Colts to cover easy here.
Pick: IND -3
Seattle @ Miami (+5)
Did I miss a report about Russell Wilson being injured? If not then the fact that the Seahawks are only 5 point favorites is like taking candy from a baby. Give me the Seahawks to cover easily!
Pick: SEA -5
Baltimore @ Washington (O/U 45.5)
The Ravens have not gone over yet this year. Each game has missed by 1 score. This is the week I expect their over to hit. If it doesn’t then I will bet it again next week and the next week until it does. You can expect at least 2 Haskins turnovers which will help the Ravens in this one. I think if we can get 1 Washington TD this game goes over.
Pick: Over 45.5
Philadelphia @ San Fran (O/U 45)
I think this will be a sloppy game which will lead to a high scoring game. Wentz is now good for 3 turnovers a week and the Eagles can force pressure on Mullins and get him to make some mistakes. With all the other high totals in the league with the total here being only 45 I expect the over to hit.
Pick: Over 45
Big Dogs Betting 