Category Archives: carolina panthers

2014 NFL Week 15 – Betting Picks Against Spread

I finished 8-7-1 last week. I’ve been hovering around .500 for most of the season. I’ve had some nice underdog moneyline wins, but there are a few teams that I haven’t got a good feel for this season. I’ve whiffed on the Vikings, Rams and Falcons more the other teams. I now sit at 105-97-5 with my NFL picks against the spread this season.

I have no idea why Rob Gronkowski had a photoshoot with a kitten. I actually can’t explain anything he does, so it makes sense.

I had a decent year betting against the spread in the NFL last season (133-95-10). Any year you hit nearly 60% of the NFL games against the spread is a damn good year. Let’s hope my win percentage is near that this season.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 15 of the 2014 NFL season.

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2014 NFL Week 10 – Betting Picks Against Spread

After getting roughed up in Week 8, I bounced back. I went 9-4 on the week and now sit at 68-63-2 against the spread on the season.

I received something last week that was even better than going 9-4. The return of ‘The Walking Buttfumble‘ Mark Sanchez into my life! I can’t wait to make Twitter jokes at his expense on Monday night. You can follow me on Twitter at @Sweetbob.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 10 of the 2014 NFL season.

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2014 NFL Week 9 – Betting Picks Against Spread

I had a rough week, guys. I tried to change up my betting style a bit and it didn’t work out. I was 5-9-1 on the week and now 59-59-2 against the spread on the season.

It might be time to jump off the bandwagon of some teams you’ve been riding this season. Also, keep an eye on the injury report. There are some key players currently questionable.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 9 of the 2014 NFL season.

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2014 NFL Week 4 – Betting Picks Against Spread

It’s time to bob and weave in the NFL. Teams that have been consistently covering spreads will finally become vulnerable. The value in their spreads will either be non-existent or razor-thin. Yes, even the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking good in Week 4.

Last week, I went 9-7 in my betting picks against the spread. I am now 26-22 on the season.

I had a decent season betting against the spread in the NFL last season (133-95-10). Any year you hit nearly 60% of the NFL games against the spread is a damn good year. I hope to keep it going in 2014.

I’m sorry about posting this weeks’ picks so late, but they didn’t automatically post like I had this article setup to do.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 4 of the 2014 NFL season.

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2013 NFL Week 16 – Betting Picks Against Spread

Sorry about this week’s NFL picks article being postedlate, but I think I ate a bad McRib this week. I know there is really no such thing as a ‘bad McRib’, but I think one found my stomach. I’m fighting through it, so this week’s NFL picks against the spread is short and sweet.

I have a 116-80-10 record against the spread so far this season.

There are five games with double-digit point spreads and 80% of the games are garbage. It’s not a great week to watch NFL games.

In December, weather reports become more important than ever. Those must be looked at before you make a decision. It is also important to look at division records.

Can all five teams cover double-digit point spreads this weekend? Nope.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 16 of the NFL season.

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2013 NFL Week 12 – Betting Picks Against Spread

In a week with little value in any points spread, I managed to go 11-4 week with my picks against the spread last week. I have a 84-54-8 record against the spread this year.

I like a lot of road teams this week in many of the marquee games. The schedule is boom or bust. You have horrible games like Jacksonville at Houston or great games like Denver at New England. I’m sorry if you’re stuck with one of the bad games this Sunday (I suggest you buy NFL Sunday Ticket).

There are four teams on bye this week. That will finally end soon and we will have sixteen games every week. This week, I suggest keeping an eye on injury reports and weather conditions from this point forward.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 12 of the NFL season.

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2013 NFL Week 9 – Betting Picks Against Spread

I had another good week. I went 9-4 last week. I missed on the Atlanta and Kansas City games (like everybody else), but I also picked the Giants on a moneyline play for the upset. My season record against the spread is 61-35-7 on the season.

Say goodbye to any value in the points spreads. The value is now in the decent teams coming off a loss (Atlanta, Dallas, Washington). Those plays are risky, but they’ll payoff again this week. Keep those teams in mind in the coming weeks.

Six teams are on bye this week, so there are three less games this weekend. Whoever made that decision in the NFL office should be fired. I’m sure he’s the same guy who’s pushing for more NFL games in London.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 9 of the NFL season.

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2013 NFL Week 8 – Betting Picks Against Spread

I had a good week. I went 10-5 last week. I missed on the Colts game (like everybody else), but I also picked Buffalo on a moneyline play for the upset. Need betting advice for the NFL games this weekend? We pick every game against the spread in Week 8 of the NFL season.

Say goodbye to any value in the points spreads. The value is now in the decent teams with a bad record (Atlanta, NY Giants, Pittsburgh). Those plays are risky, but they’ll payoff again this week. Keep those teams in mind in the coming weeks.

We pick every NFL game against the spread and throw out a few upsets in Week 8 of the NFL season.

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2012 NFL Team Preview: Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton added the firepower needed to put a spark back in Carolina Panthers’ fans. They spent the last few years without an identity and tore through three bad quarterbacks the year before his arrival. Expectations are now at an all-time high for the franchise, but can they deliver?

Fans need to take a step back from Newton’s hype and remember they were the worst team in the NFL as recently as 2010. If they can slowly improve their team each year, they are building a foundation to be a yearly contender…but they are not there yet.

Carolina was 6-10 in 2011 and Newton won the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. He broke a handful of rookie records and teams will now be building defensive plans to stifle him. Can he still produce with the entire team’s defensive game plan focused on only shutting him down?

Here’s our 2012 NFL team preview for the Carolina Panthers.

2011 Win/Loss Record: 6-10

Key Additions: RB Mike Tolbert, LB Luke Kuechly, WR Joe Adams, S Haruki Nakamura, S Reggie Smith, OG Mike Pollack, OG Amini Silatolu, DE Frank Alexander and LB Kenny Onatolu.

Key Losses: LB Dan Connor, WR Legedu Naanee, OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, DT DeMario Pressley and OG Geoff Schwartz.

Non-Division Schedule: AFC West and NFC East

Fantasy Sleeper: WR David Gettis – Gettis is a very interesting sleeper this year. He suffered an ACL tear last season and never had the opportunity to experience the regular season with Cam Newton. He had 500+ yards in 2010 with a hodgepodge of quarterbacks throwing to him (Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike). Steve Smith had a Pro Bowl year in 2011 and Brandon LaFell had a promising season with 613 receiving yards. Gettis should win the #3 WR spot over Armanti Edwards and Joe Adams. Adams is someone to keep your eye on as a very deep sleeper. He is an impressive talent and could impress Carolina’s coaching staff in training camp.

Team Analysis: I am in the minority with my opinion of Carolina in 2012. I foresee teams going all-in on stopping Newton and causing a sophomore slump. If teams can keep him in the pocket and double-team Steve Smith, he’ll have a tough season. He will have to rely on Greg Olsen and Lafell heavily. Another reason for a regression in Newton’s numbers is the acquisition of Mike Goodson. He was a touchdown vulture in San Diego and Rob Chudzinski, Carolina’s offensive coordinator, was his coach there. Newton will not get the goal line carries he received in 2011. Carolina did add a nice young defensive piece by drafting Kuechly, but they need to fill a few more gaps on defense to stop New Orleans and Atlanta. Charles Johnson had a great season last year, but he needs more helping rushing the passer. I don’t see Carolina doing much this year, but keep an eye on them in 2013 and beyond. They need more playmakers on defense and another receiver to become a dependable option before they are playoff contender.

2012 Wins Over/Under Line: 7.5 (Prediction: UNDER)

2012 Projected Win/Loss Record: 6-10

CLICK HERE to read the rest of our 2012 NFL Team Previews

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Can Carolina Pull Off An Upset In Dallas?

Carolina were 12-4 last season and it would be unfathomable for the team to start out the year at 0-3. They relied on the running game and defense to win games, but this season nothing has been working. Jake Delhomme’s play has not helped them at all, he’s been a turnover machine. Carolina are huge underdogs in tonight’s Monday Night Football showdown against Dallas, but could they pull off the upset and send Jerry Jones 0-2 in his new stadium? Here are some reasons why Carolina is going to win tonight’s game.

The Cowboys Have Yet To Score A Turnover So Far This Year – I know that Dallas won’t go an entire season without getting an interception or fumble recovery, but if Carolina refrain from doing so, they can win this game. Dallas hasn’t even notched a sack either. Their defense hasn’t been very good, since they allowed Tampa Bay to score 23 points in Week 1, and the Giants scored 33 last week on Sunday Night Football. Dallas needs a few turnovers if they plan on winning this game.

Carolina’s offensive line will push Dallas’ defensive line back every play – DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be seeing the ball all night. Tampa Bay ran the ball all over Dallas and the Giants had a decent game last week. They will give up yards on the ground and Carolina can build with some play action and give Delhomme some time to hit Steve Smith on a few occassions.

Tony Romo has been known to give up some games on Monday and Sunday Nights – Romo had three interceptions last week and he tries to thread the needle, just like Delhomme. They are the same kind of quarterback, but people forget that because Romo can date Jessica Simpson and Delhomme looks like he was an extra in “The Waterboy.” Delhomme and Romo will both throw around 50% tonight, but with Marion Barber hurt, the Cowboys will have to rely on him more than Carolina will rely on their QB.

The Cowboys will feel the pressure, Carolina has nothing to lose – I know this seems kind of off, because if the Panthers hit 0-3, John Fox could be feeling the heat, but this is a road game. If this same game was in Carolina, it would switch, but the Panthers want to go in to the “Death Star,” which is more commonly known as Cowboys Stadium, and upset the party in Dallas. They don’t want the Cowboys to get their first win at home, and the stadium could prove to be the anti-home field advantage. Fans are stuck watching the game on the giant screen and not paying attention to the game. I think this is an advantage for Carolina.

Carolina are 8.5 point underdogs and if you bet the moneyline, you can get 3:1 odds in your favor. I’m not guaranteeing a win for Carolina, but this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect. You will see more of the 2008-09 Carolina team than what you have witnessed so far this season. Are we forgetting that Dallas cracks under pressure and they will until they get a win at home. Wade Phillips is a lame duck coach and Jason Garrett can’t feel too great about his standings as the “coach-in-waiting” at this point either. Their offense has been inconsistent and the defense have regressed every season since Phillips has been head coach. This Dallas team isn’t the one that was favored to win the NFC a few years ago, this team will probably go 10-6 or 9-7 this year. Can Carolina win tonight? Absolutely. Will they win? We’ll see, but don’t count them out just yet.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

NFL Football – Week 3 Betting Picks

There are some nice NFL games out there to bet on this week. I see a few must-bet games out there and even a few upsets in Week 3’s games. Can the Jets keep up their winning ways? Are the Panthers really that bad? Are the Lions ready to win a game? Here are my picks against the spread for the NFL games in Week 3 of the season.

I don’t think home-field advantage is as important so far this season as it has been in the past. It will change later on in the season when snow and heavy winds may sway the momentum of the game. This early in the season, teams are still tweaking with the offense and many lack an identity. The good teams will win on the road and the bad teams will lose at home.

Tennessee Titans (+3) at New York Jets (-3) – My pick is Tennessee

The Titans have lost two close games against potential playoff teams this season and they have a very potent offense. The Jets have beaten two potential playoff teams, but won those games. If the Titans lose this game, their season could seem to be over, so they are desperate for a win. The Jets beat the Patriots and they will not be as pumped up as last week. The Titans will win this game in a close one.

Cleveland Browns (+13) at Baltimore Ravens (-13) – My pick is Baltimore

I know that 13 points are a lot for a game between two NFL teams, but at this point, the Browns barely qualify as an NFL team. Baltimore have looked great and they have an offense this season. Joe Flacco will have a big game and cover the spread.

New York Giants (-6.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) – My pick is New York Giants

It doesn’t seem like home-field advantage means a lot this season so far, if you take away the Patriots/Jets game last week, I can’t think of a game that it mattered. The Giants are a better team than the Bucs and Leftwich will be on his back most of the game. The Giants will get their running attack going and cover the spread.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5) at Houston Texans (-3.5) – My pick is Houston

Jacksonville aren’t anything near the team that made the playoffs two seasons ago and the Texans looked great against the Titans last week. Jones-Drew may have a good game, but I like the spread in this game and think Houston will win by at least a touchdown.

Sam Francisco (+6.5) at Minnesota Vikings (-6.5) – My pick is Minnesota

The Vikings can stop the run and at this point the 49ers can only run the ball. It sounds like a simple pick, the Vikings will ride Adrian Peterson to a victory and cover the spread.

Atlanta Falcons (+4) at New England Patriots (-4) – My pick is Atlanta

Tom Brady is skittish in the pockets and their defense lacks playmakers, it could be a long season in New England. Matt Ryan went to Boston College and it is a little homecoming for him. I see him have a big game and targeting Tony Gonzalez all game long. I like the Falcons not only to take the points, but to win the game.

Washington Redkins (-6.5) at Detroit Lions (-14) – My pick is Detroit

It has been 19 games since Detroit has won a game and this one could be winnable for the Lions. Washington looks confused out there and their offense is stagnant. If the Lions can get a couple turnovers, they can win the game. If they can’t win the game, the Redskins barely squeak by, but give me the points and the Lions.

Green Bay Packers (-6.5) at St. Louis Rams (+6.5) – My pick is Green Bay

St. Louis looks like they could be this year’s Detroit Lions. I haven’t seen one good thing about that team. The Packers have revamped their defense and Marc Bulger will have a long day. The Packers will win this game easily and cover the spread.

Chicago Bears (-2) at Seattle (+2) – My pick is Chicago

It’s official, I have picked the entire NFC North to win against the spread this week. Frank Gore ran all over Seattle last week and it looks like they will be without Matt Hasselbeck this week. Qwest Field is an extremely tough place to play, but Matt Forte will carry this team and win this game by at least a field goal.

New Orleans Saints (-6) at Buffalo Bills (+6) – My pick is New Orleans

The Saints have put up some ridiculous offensive numbers the past two weeks and the Bills have looked good. This line is pretty close to where I believe the score may be, but I feel that the Saints will be able to win this game by more than 6 points. They will be one-dimensional, with their running backs banged up, but Brees is a special player and it won’t matter.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (+4) – My pick is Pittsburgh

The Steelers own the Ohio teams and it doesn’t matter that this game is being play in Cincinnati. The stadium will be filled with Steeler fans and I see Willie Parker finally have a good game against the Bengals defense. The Steelers win this game easily and cover the spread.

Denver Broncos (-1.5) at Oakland Raiders (+1.5) – My pick is Oakland

Denver is 2-0, but they played the Browns and Bengals, while Oakland is 1-1 and could have beaten the Chargers if they didn’t lose their minds the last 5 minutes of the game. I believe Oakland will win this game and they will keep feeding the ball to Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

Miami Dolphins (+5.5) at San Diego Chargers (-5.5) – My pick is San Diego

The Chargers will be out for blood this weekend after losing to the Ravens last week and squeaking out a win against Oakland. The Dophins ran the wildcat, but it wasn’t enough to win against Indianapolis. The wildcat will not work against the Chargers defense and they will have a hard time scoring points. The Chargers will win this game big and could embarrass the Dolphins.

Indianapolis Colts (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) – My pick is Indianapolis

The Colts are 2-0, but the games have been close. Arizona lost to a possibly good 49ers team, but bounced back and embarrassed Jacksonville last week. The Cardinals are good at home, but they have trouble with non-divisional teams. I like the Colts to go to Arizona and win this game, Boldin isn’t 100% and Tim Hightower is not an every-down back.

Carolina Panthers (+8.5) at Dallas Cowboys (-8.5) – My pick is Carolina

Dallas is on Monday Night Football and Tony Romo have had some rough games on Mondays. “The Death Star,” the Dallas Cowboys stadium’s nicknamed by Bill Simmons, could be a bad luck charm, since Carolina will be desperate and show up to play. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will have big games and make this game close. Give me Carolina and the points in this game.

I hope you enjoy our picks. They are for entertainment purposes and please bet responsibly.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2009 NFL Preview: NFC South

As I was predicting all the games this season, something stay consistent with 2008, the NFC South will be very close. Last year, nearly every team in the division had the lead at some point in the season. Can Reggie Bush be a showstopper for the Saints? Can the new regime in Tampa Bay keep up with their winning ways? Can Jake Delhomme rebound from a rought post-season and help lead the Panthers to a division crown? Can Matt Ryan survive a sophomore jinx? Check out the NFC South portion of our 2009 NFL Preview.

New Orleans Saints– (Projected Finish 11-5)

Drew Brees had a career year last season, but the Saints fell short of their goals as a team. Reggie Bush missed a good portion of the season due to injury, but they found a potential future star in Pierre Thomas in the process. Deuce McAllister is no longer with the team and they will need Thomas to produce. If he is unable, Mike Bell and P.J. Hill will have to take over. The Saints receiving corps are loaded with guys with great hands. Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, and Robert Meachem are all due to have nice seasons since Brees spreads the ball around. If their offensive line holds up, their offense will be fierce.

The Saints defense has been their weakest part of their game, mostly their secondary. Scott Fujita and Jonathan Vilma are a good duo at linebacker and Charles Grant and Will Smith should get to the quarterback with efficiency. They drafted Malcolm Jenkins in the first round this summer and they will need him to contribute immediately. If he stays at corner, which is still in question since he would be a nice safety, he will be tested often by NFL quarterbacks. If they can stop the run and be able to play in 3rd and long situations in a dime or nickel defense with added help in the secondary, the Saints will go a long way this season.

The NFC South play the NFC East and AFC East this season and they will have a tough schedule. Both of those divisions are good, but they lucked out since they get the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys all at the Superdome. The other non-divisional games are at St. Louis and they get Detroit at home, you couldn’t ask for an easier two opponents. The Saints have a little edge with the schedule and in such a tight race, they should win this division.

Atlanta Falcons– (Projected Finish 10-6)

It’s rare that a team can improve as much as the Atlanta Falcons did in one season. They went from 4-12 in 2007 to 11-5 in 2008, a lot of it had to do with the additions of Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. They both produced better than expected in their first seasons in Atlanta. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins improved with Ryan at quarterback as well. Management started to worry about the receivers, but last season changed their mind. I was looking for Harry Douglas to have a breakout year this season, but an injury will keep him out all year. The addition of Tony Gonzalez at tight end will make this offense better than last season, since they barely targeted the position last year.

John Abraham and Mike Peterson are the two veterans on this very young defense. Some of the young players like Jamaal Anderson will need to step up if they plan on staying in the playoff race. I think the Falcons take a small step back this season because of their defense

Atlanta have a tough schedule ahead of them. They had tough road games at New England, New York Giants, and Dallas. Their other non-divisional games are at San Francisco, and home against Chicago, which they should split these games. As I look farther into their schedule, 10-6 may be their best case scenario, but it’s definitely plausible.

Carolina Panthers– (Projected Finish 9-7)

The Panthers looked great last season, until Jake Delhomme decided to throw passes to the other team in their playoff game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were a great duo and each saw their share of the end zone. Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammed contributed and they received better than expected contributions from the tight ends, Dante Rosario and Jeff King. They will need to rely on their tight ends again, since a third-option at wide receiver has yet to emerge, but Dwayne Jarrett may step up and be that option. If the Panthers can keep running the ball on defenses, they will win, but if they get behind and Delhomme has to pass the ball, it could be a long season.

Julius Peppers had a long off-season and finally settled with the idea of being a franchise-tag player this season. He will want to have a great season to garner a huge contract, so Peppers will be a beast this season. Jon Beason and Dan Connor are a great young linebacking corps and should only get better and better. Their secondary could use another impact player, but Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall will need to hold their own against the pass. If Peppers can stay healthy and if they are able to put points on the board, the Panthers will be alright, but Peppers has been known to miss a few games.

Carolina is in the same boat as Atlanta when it comes to their schedule. They also play at New England, New York Giants, and Dallas, and hav a tough non-divisional schedule with Minnesota and Arizona on their schedule. Carolina will had a tough road ahead if they plan on making the playoffs, so I them about a game out of the last Wild Card spot in the NFC.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers– (Projected Finish 5-11)

Jon Gruden is out as the head coach and Monte Kiffin followed his son to the University of Tennessee. Raheem Morris is the new head coach and he plans to implement a new defense and the “Tampa 2” will no longer be ran. That is the biggest difference that is taking place in Tampa, but their quarterback situation is also clear as mud. Byron Leftwich is the leader out of the clubhouse, but Luke McCown is second-in-line, and Josh Freeman is the quarterback of the future. They added Derrick Ward this off-season and they should have a nice three-headed attack with Cadillac Williams and Ernest Graham seeing carries. Their wide receiver corps lacks depth and experience. Antonio Bryant is the #1, but he’s dealing with an injury. Maurice Stovall is stepping up his game and Sammie Stroughter is said to be a hard worker. Kellen Winslow will be needed a lot if the receivers don’t step up and produce. The offensive line will have their hands full with Leftwich’s slow release. He will be on his back a lot this season, they can’t get discouraged since many of the sacks won’t be the fault of the O-line, but should be blamed on his slow release.

Tampa Bay have cleaned house, Derrick Brooks and Cato June are no longer at the core of the defense. Ronde Barber is the only elite player left from their Super Bowl team. They will have to rely on their young players developing into Pro Bowlers. Gaines Adams and Aqib Talib are the players with the most pressure to produce. It may be a long season for the Tampa Bay defense and may take a year to get the personnel to fully implement the new defensive scheme.

The Bucs have a non-divisional schedule of Green Bay and Seattle, much better than Atlanta and Carolina’s schedule. Their regular games against the AFC East and NFC East are favorable as well, since they play a lot of the better teams at home. The easier schedule may be wasted on them, since Tampa Bay may have a hard time notching wins this season. The changeover on the roster and the new coaching staff may lead to some growing pains in 2009.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.