Yards After Catch - Week 8
Already entering week eight of the NFL season and there are already very different stakes at play for some teams beyond the W's and L's. I'll highlight the best matchups of the weekend in those terms.
All lines are based on current odd on MyBookie.com (Enroll & play today). Home team in CAPS, my picks in bold.
Last Week: 5-8
Current Season Record: 46-38
Week 8 Picks
NY Giants +6.5 DETROIT
Whats at stake for NYG? PRIDE
Priority one is showing up after being played off their home field by a rookie QB and rookie coach last week coming off a bye.
Whats at stake for (WASF) Detroit? Staying alive for the playoff chase.
The Green Bay comeback game may prove to be the difference in the long run but the lions can't let that end their season in week 6. At 2-3-1 after back to back division losses they need to right the ship and get back to .500 if for nothing else but to quiet the rumors about locker room displeasure after trading away DB Quandre Diggs.
BUFFALO -1.5 Philadelphia
WASF Buffalo? Keeping pace as the second best AFC record
Shortly behind that they also need to prove they can been a talented roster of a team which the Eagles are, despite their execution flaws and current limitations due to injuries. If Josh Allen does not show some serious growth and the ability to win some games without solely depending on the dominant defense between now and week 17 then it truly is time to pick another QB or go after Teddy Two Gloves in the off season.
WASF Philadelphia? It's hard to believe but their season is at stake. If Philly leaves western New York at 3-5 it is hard to envision them going 7-1 or even 6-2 over their final eight games. It is almost as hard envisioning that 9-7 gets a wildcard in the NFC East so they would have to hope that gets them a shot at the division still were they to lose. If Philly loses this it is a sign that things are unraveling faster than most would have predicted and I'd bet large gobs of money that WFAN Philadelphia networks will have people calling for Wentz trades and Pederson firings not even two years removed from winning the Super Bowl. If they win though, that all gets silenced...for a day or two anyway.
Carolina +5.5 San Francisco
This should be the best game of the weekend as it pits two of the best defenses against two QBs with similar stats but very different story lines surrounding them.
WASF Carolina? Showcasing a signature win.
This could become a defining moment for the Panthers if they are able to make any kind of deep playoff runl They boast the most sacks in the league with the least amount of blitzes so this is a dangerous front four and Jimmy G will be getting his steps in for sure.
WASF SF? Maintaining a two game lead in the division.
With a two game lead in the division it's imperative SF keep working to grow that distance as the Rams schedule becomes a bit easier for the second half of the season.
NEW ENGLAND -13 Cleveland
This is supposed to be the game of the day but I see it much more in line with a late back door cover touchdown by Baker and his boys before whiffing on an onside kick to end their day.
WASF Cleveland? Proving they are more than hype and a roster of potential.
WASF New England? Aside from Bill Belichick getting to stick it to his former once upon a time former employer, well there's keeping an undefeated record alive.
The rest:
Denver +6.5 INDIANAPOLIS
Tampa Bay +2.5 TENNESSEE
LA Chargers +4.5 Chicago
Seattle -5.5 ATLANTA
NY Jets +6.5 JACKSONVILLE
LA RAMS -13 Cincinnati
NEW ORLEANS -9.5 Arizona
Oakland +6.5 HOUSTON
KANSAS CITY +3.5 Green Bay
PITTSBURGH -14.5 Miami
Week 7 start: $227.50
Week 7 results: -$35.00
Current balance: $192.50
Lock of the Weekend
Seattle and LA Rams moneyline to win
Seattle -4.5 (considering this has ballooned up to 7.5 if you got this early in the week, good for you!)
Upset Special
Boston College moneyline (+7250) $10 to win $725
-You heard it hear first if it happens and shocks everyone, otherwise, its only ten bucks.
Parlay Play
All must win (-105) $15 to win $14.50
Purdue, Oklahoma, Alabama, Minnesota, LA Rams, New England
Tease Please
Four team seven point teaser (+200) $25 to win $50
Minnesota -9.5
Detroit +.5
Indy +1
Seattle (PK)
Enjoy and as always wager at your own risk.