Figure this one out: Within the span of a week, the Boston Red Sox became the first team in baseball history—and only the third pro sports team ever—to win a seven-game playoff series after trailing three games to none, the Cincinnati Bengals hosted a Monday Night Football game (and won) and I went 5-0 with my picks.
That's like Oscar Goodman inviting the homeless to his pad for Sunday dinner, Robin Leach not making an ass out of himself at a social event and this publication putting someone other than a smoking-hot model on its cover—all in seven short days!
What to make of last week's performance? In a word: fluke. Believe me, you'll see Michael Moore turn down seconds before you'll see 5-0 from me again. That doesn't mean I won't give it a shot, of course.
Patriots -3 at Steelers No, I haven't turned on my boy Roethlisberger. Just think about this logically: If the Steelers of the 1970s, 49ers of the '80s or Cowboys of the '90s had won 21 consecutive games, you think they'd only be favored by three points against a squad whose five wins have come against teams with losing records? Exactly.
Texans -1 vs. Jaguars There is no sweeter word in the football gambler's lexicon than "letdown," and looky here: The Jaguars, coming off a highly emotional upset victory at the Colts last week, go on the road again to face a very talented—and well-rested, thanks to last week's bye—divisional foe. What's more, Jacksonville's bye comes next week. Methinks they start their vacation a bit early.
Lions +3.5 at Cowboys Entering the season, the Lions (4-2 straight-up and against the spread) hadn't won a road game since Bill Clinton was chasing interns in the Oval Office. This year, they're 3-0 outside of the Motor City. Meanwhile, the Cowboys (2-4 SU and ATS) are plummeting faster than Ben Affleck's movie career.
Chargers-Raiders over 46 Here's a prop bet for you: Which will be greater, the number of points scored in this contest or the number of Raider fans in attendance arrested for attempted murder? Tough call.
Best Bet Colts -1.5 vs. Chiefs. Two things: Don't be fooled by Kansas City's thrashing of the Falcons last week, and pay attention to history. As to the latter point: These two teams have met four times in the Peyton Manning Era, including three times at hallowed Arrowhead Stadium. Each time, the Colts have won and scored no fewer than 25 points. Now Indy is licking its wounds after last week's upset loss to Jacksonville. Whoever is responsible for putting out this line is going to be filling out unemployment papers next week.
Last week: 5-0 (1-0 Best Bet)
Season: 19-16 (3-4 Best Bet)