The public got hammered last weekend when it came to their NFL betting, starting with Tennessee’s backdoor cover against Indianapolis. The Doc checked in at a game below .500 and the Top 3 went 1-1-1, but should have been 2-1 if it weren’t for a mistake by the chain gang with 20 seconds left at FedEx Field. That’s no matter, because Doc has been proving his knowledge all season with uber strength percentages.
In what probably marks a first in the Doc vs. Del NFL picks, the two savants oppose each other in their Top 3s. The Doc likes Tennessee at home against Houston. Doc believes Houston has to be somewhat defeated after their heartbreaking loss Monday night to the Ravens. The Titans have been brutal but that’s because they’ve had several injuries. With Kerry Collins recovered from his foot and ankle problems, and Kenny Britt back from his hamstring injury, the Titans are coming closer to resembling the team that started off the year well. The two of them should be able to pick apart Houston’s pathetic secondary. Lastly, Mario Williams was placed on injured reserve meaning the Texans will have a weaker pass rush than usual, giving Collins even more time to throw. The Doc likes the Titans to prove they’re not chumps with a win at home.
The Doc also likes the Saints at Baltimore. The Ravens are a very good team, but their defense isn’t invincible. Their secondary is vulnerable (as you can see checking the NFL pass defense stats) and the Saints have the type of passing game to exploit that weakness. Despite being a dome team, New Orleans has played well on the road this year, even if it was against weak competition. It won’t be easy, but the Doc thinks the defending Super Bowl champs are hot and will continue their streak in week 15.
Rounding out Doc’s top 3 is Atlanta -6 at Seattle. Though the Seahawks are infinitely better at home than on the road, they’re still a bad team. They don’t have a reliable running game, their passing game turns the ball over, and their defense isn’t strong. The Falcons are a much better team and the only thing that can keep them from covering is a lack of desire. They’ve won seven in a row and should make it eight as they inch closer towards clinching a playoff spot. Here’s a look at the rest of Doc’s picks:
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
