After a bad betting week, I turned to Chumbawamba for some sage advice. They told me when you get knocked down; you have to get up again.


Like I said in my column, I’m a little gun shy going into the weekend. Last Sunday was certainly a blow to the ‘ole bankroll. But all told, I only lost about three units so maybe it just felt worse than it really was.

I’m a superstitious bettor so let’s change up the picks format for this week’s card. I’m rolling out a list look with reasoning below.

Bengals +3 (-120) and under 42

We know what the Gingerbread Kid and his cronies do. But I love this defense. The young, rotating line has been relentless all season. Cincy’s D has three touchdowns in the last three games. Add Pacman Jones and Brandon Tate to the return game and all three phases of this team are legit. I’d rather have the points in my back pocket instead of the moneyline because I think this could end up being a gritty, field-goal type of game. This is my first total wager of the year so please wish me luck!

Steelers -3 (-120)

As the old proverb says, revenge is a dish best served cold. The Steelers have been sitting on ice all week. I know there are tons of injury concerns on defense but I really expect either Lamarr Woodley or James Harrison to be on the field Sunday night. There are just too many conflicting reports on their availability. I think this could be a smoke-and-mirrors tactic by Tomlin. And even without all of their linebackers, Pitt can still get after Flacco. The left side of that Balty line is bleeding and no one has found a tourniquet.

Niners -3 (-125)

Why should I stop fading the Redskins? This is the worst offense in the NFC. And the Niners have the best defense in the NFC. Beck is holding onto the ball too long. And he might be down yet another receiver if Fred Davis can’t go; he certainly won’t be 100 percent. My only concern with this bet is that the ‘Skins defense shows up Sunday and we get a 13-12 outcome. I hope I’m not hopping on the San Fran money train too late.

Raiders -1.5, Packers +1 (6-point teaser)

Carson Palmer said he knows the Raiders playbook like the back of his hand after staying in the Bay during the bye and working with his receivers (he better because the Silver and Black could be without D-Mac). The offense should score enough but this play is more predicated on the defense. With a week to prepare, Timmy doesn’t stand a chance against that front seven. And now that the Chiefs and Chargers are sitting at 4-3, this is a must-win game for Oaksterdam.

Speaking of must-win games, sunny San Diego looks a little gloomy after “The Phumble.” But for some reason, all I’m hearing is, “this could be the Packers first loss.” How? Why? The Charge are on a short week after that physical and agonizing game at Arrowhead. Meanwhile, the Packers watched it on TV during their off week. They were probably thinking, “If the Chiefs can put up 23 on that defense we might score 60.”

And that’s all for now folks. I’m also leaning Chiefs, Bills and Giants but nothing official just yet. I will add plays in the comment section below. You can give me your thoughts/picks down there too if you want.

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I also do a weekly radio spot with former MLB outfielder Eric Byrnes. We wrap about all things NFL in this interview.

NFL Record: 20-11-2, $828

-- All wagers to win $100 --

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