September has arrived, and though there was much fighting between the two sides and there was doubt as to whether everyone’s favorite pastime would go on as planned, there is no longer and doubt, as the Maestro has returned to the pages of The Alt Tab. I mean where else were you going to get middling gambling picks with the occasional chuckle this season? College football? The EPL? Wait, I think I just confused myself. In any case, I’ll be around to drop my gambling knowledge throughout the season and we’re going to start with some season win totals bets:
Tampa Bay Under 8 (-155): Gonna have to drink a little juice on this one, but I love this pick. I thought Tampa were a bunch of frauds all last year, and they skated by on their fortunate record in close games. The rest of their division improved and don’t get to play the NFC West this year, and also probably won’t have the luxury of their last 2 opponents resting their starters. Sure there is a lot of young talent on this team, but I think they take a step back as they aren’t quite ready to break out.
Pittsburgh Steelers Over 10.5 (-120): The Steelers were pretty good last year…you may have heard they made it to the Super Bowl. They now have an even stronger receiving corps, and have the benefit of continuity on their team throughout the lockout. Also, they get to play the aforementioned NFC West this year, as well as the in transition (or shambles) AFC South. The fact that KC, who I think will take a step or two back this year, is on their schedule as a division winner helps their cause too.
Miami Dolphins Under 7.5 (-120): Look at the Dolphins’ first 6 weeks…vs NE, vs HOU, @ CLE, @SD, BYE, @NYJ. Tell me you can’t see them going 0-5 there, or at the very least, 1-4. Throw in the fact that they also have to go on the road to the Giants, Dallas, New England, and have the Jets and Philly still to come to town, and that’s a recipe for under 5, let alone 7, wins . Also, their quarterback sucks.
Others (smaller bets/feelings): SD Over 10.5, KC Under 7.5. I like St. Louis to win Over 7.5 games, but their first 6 are BRUTAL, so I’m going to wait and see if I can get good division odds on them a few weeks into the season.
Some Futures Bets I’ve made:
Philip Rivers to win MVP - 10/1: 9 of the last 11 MVPs have been quarterbacks. As indicated above, I’m very high on the Chargers (and their quarterback) this year. You do the math
Calvin Johnson to have most receiving yards – 8/1: If you watched the Lions throw the ball all over the field and overdrafted Stafford for your fantasy team like I did, you can see how Megatron is a decent pick here.
Darren McFadden to have the most rushing yards – 20/1: Kind of a longshot here, but RBs are always fickle. McFadden tied with McCoy for the 2nd highest YPC in the league last year behind only Jamaal Charles and Brandon Jacobs. People envisioned Run DMC being an absolute stud, and I’m taking a shot on him breaking out this year at a decent price.
Saints to win the Super Bowl – 15/1: I think they’re the best team in the NFC
Good luck this year and hopefully I'll see you around The Alt Tab
