So trying to bet against the Cowboys cost me this time around. Still +2 on the Bucs, I’d take in a heartbeat but I must say I have to rethink taking road teams a lot more.

This week is interesting to say the least, not many teams that you could say will outrightly win. Let’s take a look.

Home dogs:
jeff-garcia-wife-carmella-decesare NFL Week 9 - Betting
Tampa Bay Buc (-9, -435) vs Kansas City Chiefs (+9, +365)
Pick: 9 points is what the Bucs last week against a very good Dallas d. So to expect them to make up a 9 point differential against a good defense is kind of a) unfair b) not worth betting. I do love Garcia though. He’s also good at picking up very hot women, and in turn making them having cat fights with each other. Even though TO doesn’t like him and calls him gay, maybe he’s just jealous?

Arizona Cardinals (-3, -155) vs St. Louis Rams (+3, +135)
Pick: Cardinals. While the Rams have played decent enough at times to get their spreads in decent range. The Cardinals are better… granted this isn’t a game I would bet on. Divisional game and this game would be huge for the Rams if they win. Haslett has been doing good things. Wouldn’t that be messed up (in a nice way) for the Rams to make the playoffs?

Atlanta Falcons (-3,-145) vs Oakland Raiders (+3, +125)
Pick: Falcons but those damn Raiders can beat people. I’d feel less confident with the Falcons instead of the Jets so I can see the Raiders doing well here. It’s much more of a toss up, so maybe betting the Raiders here may be a wiser choice.

Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs Seattle Seahawks (+6.5)
With recent losses, it’s clear: The NFC East is overrated. It looked absolutely crazy a few weeks ago but now, it looks rather average. To make matters worse, they are losing to the worst division in football. Losses to the Cardinals and Rams stick out.
So if it’s any trend, don’t take the Eagles. The +6.5 line may be worth a play.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-7.5) vs Cinncinati Bengals (+7.5)
The Jags lost at home to the Browns.. the Browns could barely beat the Bengals. I think if there’s any game for the Bengals to win, it’s this one. The Jags are struggling mightily. Defensively their line is just not doing well without Stroud. While Fitzpatrick does suck, he does show some positive things at times. Go with the Bengals here.

Close games:
Matt_Schaub NFL Week 9 - Betting
Houston Texans (+4.5, +180) vs Minnesota Vikings (-210, -4.5)
Pick: Houston
If I could choose an upset of the week, it would be the Texans. Both teams have a good defense but the difference maker is the Texan’s ability to make plays through the air as Schuab finally has his groove back. Please bring in Tavaris Jackson back or instead of trying to trade for Brady Quinn, trade for Leinart.

Baltimore Ravens (+1.5) vs Cleveland Browns (-1.5)
Pick: Ravens
Yes it’s a divisional game and yes it’s also a rivalry and yes the Browns are at home. Unfortunately I’m going to overlook those things and take a reasonable spread on a reasonable team.

Green Bay Packers (+4.5) vs Tennessee Titans (-4.5)
Pick: Titans.
Much better team, the Pack isn’t that good on the road as well.

Miami vs Denver (-3): I’d pick Miami but… I just hate Denver so i think my judgment may be clouded.

Pittsburgh vs Washington: Hmm.. toss up. Can’t decide.

Quick picks: Jets (+5.5) @ Buffalo : Buffalo should win