I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas along with my two elves who will be handing out presents thanks to the “Brady Bunch.”
The NFL was a real grab bag with the Packers a no show, the Giants a no show at home, and I guess the Bears can’t win without Jay Cutler as they got blown out at home.
The Dolphins picked up a coachless road win in cold Buffalo and the Texans just didn’t care at home, losing to the Panthers 28-13. The Colts got their first win of the year as the Titans playoff hopes went down the drain.
The Bengals got a much needed win in St. Louis and the Lions somehow pulled out a late victory in Oakland. As advertised, the Pats got the win in Denver and the now high-flying Eagles just blew away the overrated Jets.
The Browns gave one away late, losing in OT in Arizona and, as advertised, the on-coming Chargers just put it to the Ravens.
It won’t be any easier this week in the NFL, but I will pass on just a few plays. First, a look at this week’s college bowls.
Wednesday
Poinsettia, San Diego
La. Tech +10½ vs. TCU (55): The Bulldogs from Ruston, La. will try to win one as a big dog for the WAC conference. They have covered their last seven, lost by just 1 to Houston and by 6 to Mississippi State. Plus, they were a perfect 6-0 ATS as a dog. LA TECH.
Thursday
MAACO Las Vegas
Ariz. St. +14 vs. Boise St. (66): On the service you would think just lay the two TD’s with the Broncos. After looking at their 0-6 ATS mark in their last six, I figured on taking my chances with Arizona State. Then a quick fact check reveals the Sun Devils were 0-4 SU/ATS in their last four. So I will just sit back and bet the total, hoping they just trade punches. OVER.
Saturday
Hawaii
Nevada +6 vs. So. Miss (62): Usually Hawaii hosts this one, but not so this year. I wanted the Wolf Pack who made this trip in the past, but they looked to have packed it in. Nevada was 0-6 SU and ATS, including a season ending 41-20 loss against Idaho as a 20 point favorite. The Golden Eagles were 10-2 SU but did not cover in their last three. One of those was to hapless UAB. Again, we’re looking total. Have a happy Christmas Eve. OVER.
Monday
Independence
UNC +5 vs. Missouri (52½): A good close game. The Tigers won their last three. They covered only once, but in the other two they were double digit favorites. MISSOURI.
NFL
Saturday
I will be betting a lot of totals on Christmas Eve as the players want to get these games done so they can get in some late shopping.
Raiders/Chiefs under
Broncos/Bills under
Jags/Titans under
Cards/Bills under
Browns/Ravens under
Rams/Steelers WAY under
49ers/Seahawks under
Sunday
Bears vs. Packers. At one time I thought of making a good bet on Chicago avenging a 27-17 home loss in Week 3. Instead, I will sit back and enjoy Christmas Day.