Now that we have reached the halfway point in the NFL season, it will be crucial for Del to establish some consistency going forward. Last week, Del posted an impressive 8-5 record against the spread while going 2-1 in the top three. If we can string together a couple more weeks like that, we can finally get above the 50% mark for overall picks and locks.
One theme you’ll likely notice with the Week 9 lines is that injuries are starting to influence spreads. Green Bay a 10.5-point favorite over Chicago? Don’t forget Jay Cutler is hurt. Oakland laying 2.5 against Philadelphia? The Eagles quarterback situation remains a mess. You get the point. Here are Del’s Week 8 NFL picks against the spread, with analysis of the top three after the chart. Check back later for Doc Brown’s picks.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
For starters, I’m taking the Saints to cover six points against the Jets on the road. New Orleans looked vulnerable at times against the Bills, but do we even need to get into how bad Rex Ryan’s team looked against the Bengals? New York’s defense was torched and made Andy Dalton look like Peyton Manning. Geno Smith was benched after throwing two interceptions, which can’t be great for the rookie’s confidence. If the Jets can keep it close, they stand a chance. If the Saints jump out to an early lead, which I’m anticipating, this could easily get ugly in a hurry.
From there, we move to the Chargers laying one point on the road against the Redskins. What have the Redskins done this season to show us they are a decent football team? Their defense has been horrendous and Robert Griffin III still looks shaky — seven games later. The Chargers have had an extra week to prepare and have looked great offensively this year. Until the Redskins show us they are capable of stopping an opponent and not turning the ball over, there’s simply no way they can be trusted.
And finally, I’m looking to prey on the Eagles’ horrific quarterback situation. Nick Foles has reportedly passed his concussion tests and will play, but how can Philly’s offense establish any type of rhythm when a new quarterback is under center every week? Oakland’s defense has been underrated this season and Terrelle Pryor is coming along. He seems to make one or two big plays most weeks that keep the Raiders in the game. I’m expecting Oakland’s defense to feast on the reeling Eagles in the Black Hole.
