Gamblin’ with Jorge: Betting the Titans and Other Games Around the League
By Jorge
Welcome to Gamblin’ with Jorge! In this weekly post, I will run through some upcoming games, pick my position and explain why I am never wrong (DISCLAIMER: I am often wrong). Gambling is risky (duh…) and sometimes illegal, but it always makes watching games more exciting. And while I would never condone the use of an illegal bookie, there’s nothing wrong with a little wager among friends. If you’re looking to make like a bandit, follow my advice (and ignore me having to wear a Vikings jersey to a bar next weekend…).
Raiders at Titans
Point Spread: Titans -1.5
Money Line: +105/-125
Over/Under: 47
In my first post as a contributor for Titan Sized, there is no way I am going to tell you to bet against the Titans. In fact, I will never bet against the Titans, but also I will rarely put money down on them as it is never good to bet with your heart. However, the Titans enter this weekend as a 1 to 2 point favorite depending on where you look, and I must say, I do not like the Titans as a favorite. The last time that I bet on the Titans as the favorite was week 2 of last season, when the Titans were expected to beat Manziel and the Browns… Yikes. So for this game, I am going to take the OVER 47 points. 47 is a high over/under, especially when the Titans are involved in a game, but this is not the week that Oakland gets its defense figured out, and although the Titans have allowed just 1 touchdown through two weeks, it is easy to forget the Lions touchdowns that were called back due to penalties, so I expect this to be a high-powered shootout between two young and talented offenses.
Broncos at Bengals
Point Spread: Bengals -3.5
Money Line: +160/-180
Over/Under: 42
Denver rolls into Cincinnati as the defending Super Bowl champions, 2-0, having just defeated the Panthers and Colts in the first two weeks of the season. Yes, this is their first game on the road. And yes, the Bengals are a much better team than the Colts, but as they say, the two things that travel are defense and the run game, and that is exactly what the Broncos have. Plus, with a line like +160? Give me Denver on the road against anyone with that line. Somehow, with Trevor Siemian as the starting quarterback, the Broncos are still HOT and I expect them to keep rolling.
Browns at Dolphins
Point Spread: Miami -9.5
Money Line: +375/-500
Over/Under: 42
Do not watch this game. It is a 1pm ET game and while I hope most of us are busy watching Mariota go to work, there are a lot of great games on during this time slot on Sunday (Panthers/Vikings, Lions/Packers, Broncos/Bengals, Redskins/Giants), so do not waste a minute of your time watching the Dolphins and Browns slug it out. Only Cleveland could be starting its 3rd quarterback of the year in week 3, and only Cleveland could be a 9.5 dog to the Dolphins, but I will never (anytime soon) bet on the Browns and I will not bet on the 0-2 Dolphins to cover a 9.5 point spread. So, take the under. Maybe Kessler will keep the Browns from getting shutout, but this will be a brutal game. I repeat, don’t waste your time watching this.
Vikings at Panthers
Point Spread: Panthers -7
Money Line: +260/-320
Over/Under: 43
Unlike the Browns vs Dolphins, this will be a great game to watch, as Cam and the Panthers always put on a show, while Sam Bradford looks to follow up on an outstanding first game in purple against the Packers last week on Sunday Night Football. It was very unfortunate to see Adrian Peterson go down with a season-ending knee injury, but the gem of the night was the emergence of Stefon Diggs. What is the weakness of the Panthers? Oh ya, it’s the secondary. Not sure if I’ve ever said this before, but I expect them to get roasted by Sammy Bradford. Don’t forget the Panthers are out their starting running back too, Jonathan Stewart, for a couple weeks. I won’t be so bold to pick the Vikings to win, but 7 points is way too much. Take the points and hammer the Vikes on this one.
Steelers at Eagles
Point Spread: Steelers -3.5
Money Line: -185/+165
Over/Under: 47
Carson Wentz is 2-0??? Yes he is, and he has won against the Browns and Bears, probably the two worst teams in the NFL. The Steelers, on the other hand, are one of the best teams in the NFL. This will be a blowout in Philadelphia, the Steelers at -3.5 are my lock of the week.
