Last week was another great success for the LBS NFL Picks in the 2010 season. Both Doc Brown and Del are 8-1 on their Top 3 picks of the week. Can’t get much better than that. If you’re looking to take our picks to the bank, that’s probably you’re best chance when it comes to sports betting. Between the two of us, we’re watching film, scouting teams, and combing through all kinds of football stats to find the best picks of the week. I’m also pleased to say that the Doc got his straight up record back on track with a 10-4 week. We’re expecting much more of that to come.
Taking a look at the odds, it feels like five weeks into the season the linesmakers have a good grasp on the teams. What I mean by that is there were no lines that really stood out to me as obvious choices. This is also the week where things can get wacky. Bad teams like Buffalo, Detroit, Carolina, and San Francisco are all at home and have a chance at getting their first win of the season. The question is which ones will do it?
As inconsistent as the Jags are, they would have to be super pathetic to lose this one. Detroit is set up to get their first win, but I think the Rams are improving each week and should not be overlooked. Carolina has an excellent chance at home and looked good against the Saints, but the Bears defense is very strong. I don’t have much faith in the Niners, but you can’t underestimate the power of traveling cross country to the West Coast as Philly will have to do. The other similar game with which I’m struggling is Atlanta at Cleveland. The Falcons are a playoff team while the Browns are not, but Atlanta had a tough time beating the 49ers at home. Cleveland has a good line and running game and will stay in the game. They can pull off the upset.
The other extra factors we have are bye weeks and quarterback changes. KC, TB, MIN, and DAL are all coming off bye weeks. I like the Bucs and Vikings getting the points (I see Moss catching a big touchdown from Favre on Monday night) coming off the extra week. Dallas and Kansas City are getting tougher assignments unfortunately. As for quarterback changes, I think Todd Collins will be able to manage things well enough for the Bears and that Max Hall will be decent for the Cards. There are tough lines this week and here is my best effort.
NFL Picks Week 5:
