Zoneblitz Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

by | Jan 16, 2010 | NFL Gambling, NFL Picks, NFL Random Thoughts

Some people call NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend the best of the football season. This season I think they are absolutely right on.

I love this weekend’s games. I’ve been studying them as time allowed all week and I’ve spent the last hour scouring the Internet and two newspapers looking for information. And I can’t get a good grasp on any of the four matchups.

I’m coming off of a pretty good week though. I hit three of four both straight up and against the spread last week. Hopefully that trend continues. Here are my thoughts:
(more…)

Zoneblitz brings back predictions for playoffs

by | Jan 8, 2010 | NFL Gambling, NFL Picks

We dropped the prediction segment on the ZB Web site early in the season this year due to lack of cohesiveness, direction and readership. We’ll probably bring something pick-related, both straight up and against the spread, for next season. It’ll definitely be more organized than it was before.

That said, it’s the playoffs and with the beginning of the second season I thought I’d go back to making some foolish game picks.

So, for Wild Card weekend, here are my thoughts.
(more…)

Best Bets, Week seven

by | Oct 25, 2009 | NFL Gambling

Just a couple this week – lots of games I think I like, but few I like enough to publish. As always, the odds come from Vegas.com. Playing heavily on the favorites today.

1. Indianapolis (-14) over St. Louis
St. Louis is giving up 252 yards per game via the pass, sixth worst in the league. They’ve only given up eight touchdowns in the air, but likely at least in part because they’ve been behind to the point where opponents focused on milking the clock. Peyton Manning has thrown for 300-plus in every game. He could have that by halftime. The Rams are averaging nine points per game. They will not hold Indy to 23 or fewer.

2. New England (-14.5) over Tampa Bay
If the NFL wants to turn the Brits on to  American football they might want to schedule more competitive games. Tom Brady is starting to look like the Tom Brady of old. And while Tampa hasn’t been scorched through the air by yardage, they have given up 13 passing touchdowns on the season, third most in the league. Meanwhile, the Bucs’ offense isn’t as punchless as St. Louis’ is, but they still don’t have enough power to keep this within two scores.

Good luck.

Best Bets, Week 6

by | Oct 18, 2009 | NFL Gambling

One of these days I’ll tabulate the previous weeks. Right now the numbers aren’t in my favor. But I’ll take another stab anyway:

1. Washington vs Kansas City: Under 37
Washington’s defense isn’t that bad. Kansas City’s is, but Washington’s offense is equally as bad. 16-10? 20-13 maybe? Under 37 seems the best bet.

2. Cincinnati vs Houston: Over 46
Cincinnati’s defense has been surprisingly good this season, but Houston will get some points. Cedric Benson has been a surprise and Houston’s run defense is terrible. Points will be scored in this game.

3. Green Bay (-14) over Detroit
Calvin Johnson is missing the game. I don’t think they score much. Green Bay should finally be able to exploit a defense downfield with Rodgers to Driver and Jennings.

4. Philadelphia (-14) over Oakland
Until the Raiders actually show up for a game looking like they care it’s pretty safe to bet against them.

Good luck.

Best Bets Week five

by | Oct 11, 2009 | NFL Gambling

It’s a week for betting on the favorites. Here goes:

1. Minnesota (-10.5) over St. Louis
Jared Allen had 4.5 sacks against Green Bay last week. The Rams have an offensive line that is nearly as bad as Green Bay’s, a quarterback that has less game than Aaron Rodgers, no wide receivers and a poor defense. Can’t believe this line isn’t higher.

2. Dallas (-7.5) over Kansas City
Dallas has underachieved so far but Kansas City is 29th against the pass and 24th against the run. Their pass defense is suspect but the Chiefs have one legit wide receiver and not much else on offense. This line started out bigger and has come down. It’s at a point now where the Cowboys should be a really good play.

3. Pittsburgh (-10.5) over Detroit
Steelers looked motivated last week against San Diego, especially Rashard Mendenhall. If Mendenhall carries that attitude over to this week the Steelers should win this game comfortably. Detroit might be getting a little better. But this is still a bad team.

4. Houston (+5.5) over Arizona
Okay, here’s my upset of the week. Not that I’m sure the Texans are going to win but their offense is definitely capable of matching Arizona score for score. Both teams will put on aerial shows. Houston is terrible against the run so it could be the beginning of the Beanie Wells era as well. But I don’t expect either one of these teams to blow the other out.

5. Houston vs Arizona: Over 50
Wouldn’t surprise me if this game got into the 60s. This will be an aerial show and a close game – I could see 34-31 with a last second field goal providing the margin of victory.

Good luck everyone.