Laying Down Your Cheese - NFL Week 13

Thursday December 3rd:
BILLS (+3.0) over Jets (Loss)

And some early picks for the rest of the week...

Sunday December 6th:
Broncos (+5.0) over CHIEFS (WIN)
Raiders (+15.0) over STEELERS (WIN)
Texans (-1.0) over Jaguars (LOSS)
Titans (+7.0) over COLTS (LOSS)
EAGLES (-5.5) over FALCONS (WIN)
BENGALS (-13.0) over Lions (LOSS)
REDSKINS (+10.0) over Saints (WIN)
Bucs (+5.0) over PANTHERS (LOSS)
BEARS (-9.0) over Rams (LOSS)
Patriots (-5.5) over DOLPHINS (LOSS)
Chargers (-13.0) over BROWNS (LOSS)
SEAHAWKS (+1.0) over 49ers (-1.0) (WIN)
Cowboys (-2.0) over GIANTS (LOSS)
Vikings (-7.0) over CARDINALS (LOSS)

Monday December 7:
PACKERS (-3.0) over Ravens (WIN)

Week #13 ATS: 6-10

Laying Down Your Cheese - NFL Week 12

Turkey Day Games:
Packers (-12) over LIONS (WIN)
DALLAS (-14) over Raiders (WIN)
BRONCOS (+7) over Giants (WIN)

Sunday Games (EST):
TEXANS (+3.5) over Colts (Loss)
BENGALS (-14.0) over Browns (Loss)
EAGLES (-9.5) over Redskins (Loss)
Dolphins (-3.5) over BILLS (Loss)
Seahawks (-3.5) over RAMS (WIN)
FALCONS (-13.0) over Bucs (Loss)
Panthers (+3.0) over JETS (Loss)
49ers (-3.5) over Jaguars (WIN)
CHARGERS (-14.0) over Chiefs (WIN)
VIKINGS (-11.0) over Bears (WIN))
TITANS (-1.0) over Cardinals (WIN)
RAVENS (-3.0) over Steelers (PUSH)

Monday Night Football (EST):
SAINTS (-3.0) over Patriots (WIN)

Record ATS for Week #12: 9-7

Overal record ATS since Week #8: 32-38-3

Laying Down Your Cheese - NFL Week 11

Here is Cover the Spread's staff picks for this week.... good luck:

PANTHERS (-3) over Dolphins (LOSS)
LIONS (-3.5) over Browns (Loss)
JAGUARS (-9.0) over Bills (Loss)
Steelers (-11.0) over CHIEFS (Loss)
RAVENS (+2.5) over Colts (Win)
GIANTS (-7.0) over Falcons (Loss)
PACKERS (-6.0) over 49ers (PUSH)
VIKINGS (-11.0) over Seahawks (Win)
Redskins (+11.0) over COWBOYS (Win)
Saints (-11.0) over BUCS (Win)
Cardinals (-9.0) over RAMS (Loss)
PATRIOTS (-10.5) over Jets (Win)
Bengals (-10.0) over RAIDERS (Loss)
Chargers (-6.0) over BRONCOS (Win)
Eagles (-3.0) over BEARS (Win)
HOUSTON (-4.5) over Titans (Loss)

Record ATS for Week #11: 7-8-1

Teaser for the week: Steelers -3.0, Vikings -4.0, Cardinals -3.0, Patriots -4.5, Redskins +18.0, Bills +15.5
(5 for 6 - thanks to the Steelers! Crap!)

Cover the Spread ATS since NFL Week #8: 23-32-2

Early Lines & Predictions for NFL Week 11

Yikes! Another bad week for the Vegas Whale. Keeping my betting units consistent saved me some cheese after going a dissapointing 3 for 7 in week 10. Feeling a bit like Bill Belichick without the three Superbowls at the moment. Definitely he takes over for Andy Reid as goat of the week... baaah!

Back from a mini-vacation, and focused on delivering some good results this week. Here is the early vegas lines for NFL Week #11 and a prediction for the Thursday night game. Subject to change as the week progresses:

PANTHERS (-3) over Dolphins **Thursday Night
Ronnie Brown goes down with ankle injury - not sure how many points the Dolphins can score without him in the lineup. The Panthers have all the sudden become a good team. Could always run the ball and now Delholme isn't looking so terrible anymore along with a motivated defense. I know both teams are 4-5 but this matchup looks a little more one-sided - take the home team here.

The rest of the lines look like this....
Browns (+3) @ LIONS, O/U 38
Bills (+8.5) @ JAGUARS, O/U 43
Steelers (-10.0) @ CHIEFS, O/U 40
Colts (Pick) @ RAVENS, O/U 44
Falconts (+6.0) @ GIANTS, O/U 46
49ers (+7.0) @ PACKERS, O/U 42
Seahawks (+11.0) @ VIKINGS, O/U 46.5
Redskins (+11.0) @ COWBOYS, O/U 41.5
Saints (-11.0) @ BUCS, O/U 51
Cardinals (-9.0) over RAMS O/U 47
Jets (+10.5) @ PATRIOTS , O/U 45
Bengals (-10.0) @ RAIDERS, O/U 36
Chargers (-3.0) @ BRONCOS, O/U TBD
Eagles (-3.0) @ BEARS, O/U 45
Titans (+5.0) @ HOUSTON, O/U 48 **MNF

Laying Down Your Cheese - NFL Week 10

Here are the Vegas Whales Picks for NFL Week#10. Gonna be in Tofino for the weekend, so games going up a bit earlier. Nice to see Bill Simmon and I are pretty close in our thinking. He has the Jaguars, Chargers and his beloved Bengals pulling upsets, otherwise very similar thoughts. Here are the picks:

49ERS (-3.0) over Bears (WIN)
NY JETS (-7.0) over Jaguars (Loss)
Broncos (-3.5) over REDSKINS (Loss)
STEELERS (-7.0) over Bengals (Loss)
TITANS (-7.0) over Bills (Win)
VIKINGS (-17.0) over Lions (Push)
Saints (-14.0) over RAMS (Loss)
Falcons (-2.0) over PANTHERS (Loss)
DOLPHINS (-10.0) over Buccannears (Loss)
RAIDERS (-2.0) over Chiefs (Loss)
CARDINALS (-9.0) over Seahawks (Win)
Eagles (+3.0) over CHARGERS (Loss)
Cowboys (-3.0) over PACKERS (Loss)
COLTS (-3.0) over Patriots (Loss)
Ravens (-11.0) over BROWNS (Win)

Best 5 Bets: Falcons -2.0, Saints -14, Brocos -3.5, Cowboys -3.0, Ravens -11.0

The Vegas Whale's record ATS for Week 10: 4-10-1

Records for the season: 16-24-1 (YIKES!)

NFL Week 10 - Early Lines & Predictions

15 Games this week including the welcome addition of Thursday night football. Here are the Vegas Whales Picks for NFL Week #10 (Home teams are in caps)

49ERS (-3.0) over Bears
Like the home team in this matchup as mentioned in earlier post. The Bears on a short week having to travel to Candlestick and not convinced the Bears are very good at all. Expect a close game but only have to cover 3 points here.

NY JETS (-7.0) over Jaguars
The Jets will be at home coming off a bye which is a strong betting play. We've been burned way too much by the Jaguars this season so can't bet them anymore. They are not a great team this year and are 1-3 on the road so take the home team here.

Broncos (-3.5) over REDSKINS
Surprised at the lack of respect the Broncos are getting (a 6-2 team) gets versus a very poor Redskins squad (a 2-6 team). No Portis, no Samuels, and no chance of winning here. Take advantage of Vegas on this one.

STEELERS (-7.0) over Bengals
The Steelers are maybe the hottest team in football and with Polamalu back for this rematch, their defense is again one of the best in the league. The Bengals need to prove they can win this type of game and until they do, I ride the Super Bowl champs who will be up for this division contest.

TITANS (-7.0) over Bills
No bet here. The Bills are terrible and if they weren't coming off a bye I would lay money on the Titans in this matchup. Hard to expect a Vince Young run offense to win by at least a touchdown, so will probably stay away from this one with better plays out there this week.

VIKINGS (-17.0) over Lions
Expecting an absolute beat down here. 17 points is a lot to lay down, but if you have seen the Lions play the past couple weeks, you have to like your chances!

Saints (-14.0) over RAMS
Almost exact same type of game as the one above. I know the RAMS are at home and coming off a bye, but com'mon man, its the RAMS! Be surprised if this isn't a 30 point beat down.

Falcons (-2.0) over PANTHERS
I admit some love for the Falcons lately, and was shocked at the small vegas spread on this one. Stack to the box, put your best corner on Steve Smith, and force a Jake Deholme to beat you with his pop-gun arm. I'm hoping that the Falcons show they are solid team this week and will bet accordingly.

DOLPHINS (-10.0) over Buccannears
I am a little worried that the Dolphins could be down emotionally after throwing a lot at the Patriots and coming up short. 10 points is a lot, but TB is not that good so expect a cover, might be some better plays out there this week with 10+ points needed.

RAIDERS (-2.0) over Chiefs
Don't like either team, so not gonna bet the spread here. Probably the better bet would be to take the UNDER 37 on this one based on their last matchup. (Week 2 - Oakland won 13-10.)

CARDINALS (-9.0) over Seahawks
This is the make or break the season game for the Seahawks. I think they are a bad team this year and expect the Cardinals to show they are the class of the NFC West. (Yikes)

Eagles (+3.0) over CHARGERS
Mostly a gut feel on this one, but may change my mind before kickoff. The Chargers were not overly impressive against the Giants other than the last minute drive to win the game. (The Giants are pretty bad too.) Sad to see the dimise of LT. Eagles are such a shizzo team this year - hoping this is a good week for them. Line seems appropriate.

Cowboys (-3.0) over PACKERS
I'm a little scared about the Packers being mad after the embarrassing loss to the Bucs last week. A bit of a rivalry game here too. But I also believe the Pack are not that great of a team this year. Take the boys to cover the small 3 point spread as they seem to be hitting their stride and joining the elite squads in the NFC.

COLTS (-3.0) over Patriots
Watch this one as a fan and stay away from betting either team here. The Patriots want this one, but the Colts will be at home and are among the league's best.

Ravens (-11.0) over BROWNS
Ravens should easily cover against the worst team in football. Too bad ESPN has to show this one on Monday Night Football. Ugh.

NFL Week 10 - The Start of Thursday Night Football

Mid November means Thursday night football is finally back - gotta love being able to watch games three times a week!

This Thursday we got to see the Bears travel across the country to Candlestick Park to play a reeling 49ers squad. Coach Singletary will have his old team in town, and he needs to get his squad to start playing defense like he did back in the day. The 49er offense depends very heavily on Frank Gore as their quarterback play is very suspect and their offensive line is really banged up at the moment.

Opening line has the 49ers as an early 3 point favourite at home. Take the home team here, but don't bet the farm on this one. The Bears are proving they can't compete against any teams of quality - not sure if the 49ers qualify as one - but regardless thinking this contest is shaping up to be a close one.

Goat of the Week - Coach Andy Reid

Wow - A great Sunday Night game was shaping up tonight between the Cowboys and the Eagles. For all of those who believe coaching doesn't have a major affect on the outcome, this game is proof that it most certainly does. Coach Reid completely wasted two timeouts on some questionable challenges which turned out to be vitale down the stretch. Burning your final timeout with 8 minutes to go in a close game is just plain dumb!

Dude unless you got the call from the gambling sharks from Vegas, you certainly cost quite a few gamblers some money this weekend. For that reason you are the Goat of the Week. Baaaaaah to you!

NFL Week 9 - Laying Down Your Cheese

Here are my picks for NFL Week #9 - best bets and 6 game parlay to follow just before kickoff:

Chiefs (+7.0) over JAGUARS (Win)
Ravens (-3.0) over BENGALS (Loss)
Texans (+8.5) over COLTS (Win)
ATLANTA (-10.0) over Washington (Win)
Green Bay (-10.0) over BUCCANEERS (Loss)
Cardinals (+3.0) over BEARS (Win)
PATRIOTS (-11.0) over Dolphins (Loss)
SAINTS (-12.0) over Panthers (Loss)
SEAHAWKS (-10.0) over Lions (Win)
49ERS (-5.0) over Titans (Loss)
Chargers (+4.5) over GIANTS (Win)
EAGLES (-3.0) over Cowboys (Loss)
BRONCOS (+3.0) over Steelers (Loss)

Record ATS for the Week: 6-7
Overall Record ATS since Week #8: 12-14

5 Best Bets: ATLANTA -10, Green Bay -10, Cardinals +3.0, Chargers +4.5, Eagles -3.0
Result: 3-2

6 Game Teaser: JACKSONVILLE -1.0, Houston +14.0, ATLANTA -4.0, Green Bay -4, Arizona +9.0, & Miami (+17.0) Teaser result was 5 for 6 (It's official - GB sucks!)

Good Luck this week.

Bill Simmons Picks for NFL Week #9

Not only did the Cover the Spread staff have a tough week, but so did Bill Simmons. As Bill says in his recent column....

"My Best Record Ever. It's gone. Out the window. And all because my book tour prevented me from properly following football. Or, because I suck at picking games and was destined to go cold. It's one or the other.

Because I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy, I have decided to blame the tour for my picking woes. In 11 days, I went from Washington to Philly to Bristol to Manhattan to Boston to Los Angeles to Chicago to Phoenix to San Francisco to San Diego."

Much like Bill, we are coming back strong this week. Here is Bill's quick picks for NFL #9:


FALCONS (-10) over Redskins
"Most despised owner by his own fans" rankings for November: 1. Snyder; 2. Sterling; 3. Angelos; 4. Cohan; 5. Lerner; 6. Davis; 7. Sarver.

Cards (+3) over BEARS
Just when you think Zona will zig, they zag. And when you think they'll zag, they zig. By the way, Kurt Warner is one game away from passing Joe Namath as the Hall of Fame QB with the most "don't you feel dumb for gambling on me" stinkbombs in NFL history.

Ravens (-3) over BENGALS
A little AFC North revenge. There's a decent chance that Baltimore isn't losing again until Week 16 (at Pittsburgh). Not a reverse jinx, I swear.

Texans (+9) over COLTS
Seems a little high. Also, congrats to Steve Slaton for somehow edging LDT and Matt Forte as this year's biggest fantasy murderer. No small feat. There needs to be a fantasy awards show where these awards are actually handed out. Uh-oh, Erik Kuselias is buying a tux and renting out a banquet hall … somebody stop him! I was just kidding!

Chiefs (+6.5) over JAGS
Will there be 20,000 people at this game? It's a serious question. They should even black out this game from the Red Zone Channel.

Packers (-9.5) over BUCS
Mayday! Mayday! The Josh Freeman 2009 White Flag has been thrown. By the way, Aaron Rodgers is this year's Great Game Against A Bad Team MVP. His stats have no correlation with his actual effectiveness. Even Al Bundy didn't hold his balls this long.

Dolphins (+10) over PATS
When's the last time the Pats played a real team? A month ago? Expect a little rust from my boys. Also, this has all the makings of a classic Belichick "we have some big games coming up, I don't want to give too much away in this one, let's grind out an ugly home win" game. I hate those. Not good for my nervous system.

NINERS (-4) over Titans
The strangest line of the year. I don't get it. Vince Young on the road against a good defense getting just four? Really? We're afraid of Chris Johnson that much?

Panthers (+13) over SAINTS
Why do I feel like this is a good matchup for Carolina? And when will Jake Delhomme stop roping me in? This decade, has anyone either (a) murdered more suicide pools and three-team teasers than Jake, or (b) made more people feel dumb more times for picking him? He should wear the number 666.

SEAHAWKS (-10) over Lions
Look, I can't believe I'm laying this many points, either. Can you really take a team that's 2-29 in its last 31 games at Qwest Field? I say no.

Chargers (+4.5) over GIANTS
Phil Rivers, would you like some ketchup or A1 sauce with the Giants' secondary? And how would you like them cooked? Is medium rare good? I'm making this my Underdog Lock of the Week. Chargers 38, Giants 30. By the way, I watched the G-men self-destruct against Philly with my dad last Sunday. At one point he said sadly, "Why didn't we get this Eli for the [Giants-Pats] Super Bowl?" He's still not over it. And neither am I.

EAGLES (-3) over Cowboys
Tony Romo hasn't had one of those goofy, surreal, gambler-assassinating, "What the hell is he doing?" Tony Romo games in a while. He's overdue.

BRONCOS (+3) over Steelers
I am not buying the whole "Baltimore proved how to stop Denver's offense" thing. At all. Guarantee Josh McDaniels studied what the Ravens did for 75 hours this week and made all the necessary adjustments. Beware of the altitude; beware of Elvis and Knowshon; and most of all, beware of the Neck Beard.

Last week: 4-9
Season: 68-47-1
Underdog locks: 5-5

NFL Week 9 - Early Lines & Predictions

Go figure. Last week I start a new feature for the Cover the Spread Blog by adding my picks ATS for everyone to see and proceed to have my worst week of the season. 6-7 ATS is not completely disasterous, but if you are betting on the losing games, it can be. Like a prize fighter after losing an early round, I'm back and ready to go!

Here is The Vegas Whale's early picks for NFL Week 9 (home teams are in CAPS):

JAGUARS (-6.5) over Chiefs
Tough game - two really bad teams here. Won't be betting the spread on this one but may be tempted by the UNDER. Watch the weather report before laying down any cheese on that selection. Taking the under was the only lesson I got reminded of this past week when seeing two bad teams play each other like the Rams vs Lions. (See also Chiefs vs Raiders or Rams vs Redskins from Week #2 as further proof of this theory on the Under!)

Ravens (+3.0) over BENGALS
Ravens will be looking for some revenge after losing to the Bengals earlier this season. Cincinnati is coming off a BYE, but not convinced they are legit.

COLTS (-9.0) over Texans
The Texans lost stud TE Owen Daniels for the season to an ACL injury against the Bills. Be surprised if they can come up with two straight road wins - thought the opening line would be higher on this one, so this is looking like a strong play this week.

ATLANTA (-11.5) over Washington
Washington is a bad team that has lost their best O-lineman for the season. Portis looks slow and old and Atlanta is pretty dominate at home the past two years. Figured out who I like in this one yet?

Green Bay (-10.5) over BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay might not win a game this year. Best chance will be Week 13 against the Panthers. At least with the Rams and Titans getting their first wins this means better chance at 1st overall pick in draft for them. Tim Tebow stays in Florida perhaps?

Cardinals (+3.0) over BEARS
The Cardinals looked really bad this past week against a below average Panthers team. Six turnovers will do that to you AND YET they still had a chance to make it close in the 4th quarter until turnover #6 happened. The Cards seem to be better on the road this year and the Bears have failed to impress against anyone good this year - an unmotivated Steelers team comes the closest. Not a strong play, but hard to take the Bears until they start beating above average teams like this on a consistent basis.

PATRIOTS (-11.0) over Dolphins
Dolphins got a lot of points last week off special teams - their offense was pretty bad and managed to do just enough not to lose the game against the Jets. (Way to go combine player of the year Ted Ginn Jr. You saved your starting job, but you still suck as a wide-receiver.) Patriots will be at home off a Bye, gotta like this pick.

SAINTS (-14.0) over Panthers
Panthers beat a team by getting six turnovers last week, that is not happening against the Saints. This should be a beat down. Keep riding the Saints as long as you can.

SEAHAWKS (-10.0) over Lions
Dangerous game. The Seahawks are so decimated by injuries, but play well at home against teams that have to fly across the country to play them. The Lions are pretty bad, as witnessed by their loss to the Rams last week. IF Megatron is back healthy I might reconsider this pick, otherwise the Hawks should roll.

49ERS (-5.0) over Titans
The 49ers are better with Gore in the lineup. The Titans will be happy to have won a game and will be more relaxed on the flight to Candlestick, but I'm not buying that they are decent team. They beat a bad Jaguars team and 49ers will be hungry to keep pace with the Cardinals in their division.

GIANTS (-3.5) over Chargers
The Chargers can put up points, but their once strong defense isn't what it used to be. Tough to put any money on this game though as the Giants haven't beaten any quality teams yet. (Not sure if the Chargers qualify as a quality team though.)

EAGLES (-3.5) over Cowboys
The Eagles are becoming a shizzo team this year. Lose to the Raiders a few weeks ago and then blow out the Giants is proof of that. Think the Eagles will be up for the NBC Sunday night game. Romo is due to throw some picks with the spotlight on him.

BRONCOS (+3.0) over Steelers
Good game. The Broncos may be coming back down to earth after a great start to the season, but will try riding them for one more time and see if I get bucked.

Let's hear what you got to say.

The Vegas Whale record ATS since Week #8: 6-7

Week 8 - Afternoon Recap

OAK 16 @ SD 24: As of now, JaFarcus Russell still remains the Worst Player in NFL History, but he does have a cannon of an arm, so he also over-takes Ted Ginn as the "Combine Player of the Year". Ted did some good today to warrant being an actual NFL player for one week. No matter how good or bad Russell is, please be aware that the OAKLAND RAIDERS are 4-4 this season against the spread!!!! Thought has to be be done in picking the remaining Raider games for the season. Also, the Chargers are tied with KC in the AFC West ATS Standings at 2-5.

JAX 13 @ TEN 30: We had this all wrong. Putting Vince Young was the right move to do for the 0-6 Titans. I mean they were 0-6!!!! So Vinny had nothing to lose. He didn't lose anything as Titans RB Chris Johnson outran JAX's MoJo Drew to take the game. Now, Vince has a whole week of media hype where he will face the pressure. Will Young answer the pressure or wilt like he has in the past? They're at a disappointing seemingly disappointing San Fran next week....or are they?

CAR 34 @ ARI 21: This caught everybody by surprise!!!! This surprise was due to Carolina Head Coach, John Fox instituting the best game plan of the year by taking the ball out of Jake Delhomme's hands. He went 7 for 14, he didn't have a chance to throw his regular 2-3 interceptions. That, plus the Panthers ran in down Arizona's throat and who knew Warner would throw 5, count 'em 5 INT's!!!!! Anyone who was crazy enough to lay a bet via moneyline won a a sweet +380.

MIN 38 @ GB 26: Before we dispense with the obvious Favra story arc, what was MIN head coach, Brad Childress wearing as a head set? an nfl coaching head set or was he singing back-up for Backstreet Sync!?!?!?!? Bottom line, everybody should be glad that this is all done. Listen, nobody wins and now both teams can go their separate ways. The Vikes are made for now and the Packers are made for not this year. They're close but not there yet.

Favre back at Lambeau: Closure for Cheeseheads

Hey I get it. Favra comes back to Lambeau today and 91% of Fox affiliates are airing this game. It's a huge huge game. I mean I framed Brett's SI Sportsman of the Year cover in his last year with the Pack Attack. Brett was my guy, and the Pack were my team. But now all it is, is that it's not the same.

He jogs onto the field with boos galore. NFL Countdown had a story where all former Packers just roasted him as some sort of traitor for coming back to Lambeau in a Vikings uniform. Holy, I love ESPN Countdown, but talk about a story reeking of hyperbole!!!!

But, I don't hate Brett for leaving. I mean, he could've handled his retirement/non-retirement roller coaster better. But the bottom line is that the Pack were one OT period vs. the NY Giants from going to the Super Bowl in his last year in GB. Does anyone in their right mind think Brett wanted to: A) Retire or B) Leave Green Bay after that amazing season?!?!?!? No and No. The Packer's brass said they didn't want him.

So he goes to the Jets and now the Vikings. Again, the Packers GM did not want him, and we all know how competitive Brett is and how much he loves playing football. So Packer fan, don't hate on Brett for coming back.

This is a bid-ness and the emotional bond of one icon with one team ended 21 years ago with Wayne going to the LA Kings!!!!!

So here comes todays game. And Packer fan, get it out.....boo your face off. That's alright. This is healthy closure to let those emotions out and to just get it over with. Because we all know the second that Favra retires and hands in his retirement papers into the League to STAY retired, Brett will return as a life-long Packer.

Week 8 - Morning Recap

Ouch, whatta beating for the easycovers staff!!!! The money laid down panned out and the games with no money laid down panned out with those teams who we thought would win. Well sorry to say fellas, Should-a's don't pay out!!!!!

DEN 7 @ BAL 30: Well the Tenacious D of the Junk-in-da-Bronc stayed in Denver and the Ravens didn't have their high powered passing offense. This was the George Costanza Opposite-Game-of-the-Week. Quoth the Ravens had ball control the whole game getting a solid 135 yards rushing along with a Special Teams touch down to boot. Wacko for Flacco had an efficient 175 yards passing and 109 passer rating. The Junk-in-da-Bronc were all trash today, and not the 6-0 junk they had to start the season, the sort of junk that could make a Sir Mixalot proud. Back to the drawing board with the Broncos, cuz their ATS/SU wave has come in.

CHI 30 @ CLE 6: Cleveland had another great day from their QB's with a 7/20 performance for 74 yards. Derek Anderson had a 10 passer rating. Drew Brees gets a 20 passer rating from just blinking!!!! Matt Forte finally woke up for da Bears with 2 TD's and the Bears Special Teams are still dangerous.

HOU 31 @ BUF 10: Yep, the HOU offense just finds a way. They score 31 points off of no TD's thrown by Shaub, Slaton benched with his fumble and Andre Johnson coughing up more blood for only 63 yards receiving. No-name Moats rushed for 126 yards for the Texans. No-name B-Lo QB Fitzpatrick did nothing for the Bills. Go balance a check book Harvard boy!!!! Great pick J-Dawg!!

SF 14 @ IND 18: Indy had way too many field goals. They should've covered if they could cash in some touch downs!!! But in looking at the silver lining, this may have tilted Vegas away from setting outragious spreads for one more week.

MIA 30 @ NYJ 25: This would've paid out well by taking the Fish +155, but it's a divisional rival game and anything can happen, and anything did happen. Ted Ginn decided to use his only Combine attribute and score 2 kick-off returns to the house. Who woulda thought!?!?!?

STL 17 @ DET 10: The Shams avoided relegation into the new United League with their first win of the year.

SEA 17 @ DAL 38: Dallas is getting into fine form in their new home. And Bill Simmons couldn't have put it better with the fact that Seattle has passed the point of no return with injuries.

NYG 17 @ PHI 40: Eli is hurting more than any of us know. Desean Jackson is for real.

Final Morning Tally:

STRAIGHT UP:

Favorites: 6-2

Underdogs:2-6

Home: 5-3

Away: 3-5

AGAINST THE SPREAD:

Favorites: 5-3

Underdogs: 3-5

Home: 4-4

Away: 4-4

Laying Down Your Cheese - NFL Week 8

Taking the wise advice from this week's Insanity Report, trusting your gut, here is The Vegas Whale's picks for NFL week 8 (home team in CAPS):

Broncos (+3.5) over RAVENS (Loss)
Texans (-3.5) over BILLS (Win)
BEARS (-13.5) over Browns (Win)
Dolphins (+3) over JETS (Win)
COLTS (-13.5) over Niners (Loss)
COWBOYS (-9.5) over Seahawks (Win)
LIONS (-4.0) over Rams (Loss)
EAGLES (+1) over Giants (Win)
CHARGERS (-16.5) over Raiders (Loss)
Jags (+3) over TITANS (Lose)
Vikings (+3) over PACKERS (Win)
CARDINALS (-10) over Panthers (Loss)
SAINTS (-11) over Falcons (Loss)

Of these games your best bets to lay your cheese on would be: COLTS (-13.5), Jags (+3), COWBOYS (-9.5), CARDINALS (-10), Broncos (+3.5), & SAINTS (-11). Keep riding the last two picks until they fail to cover this season. Both are 6-0 ATS.

The Cover The Spread staff feel confident to take the UNDER 44 points in the Eagles vs Giants game. Both offenses are struggling, feeling a game in the 'teens' is more likely to happen here.

This week our 7 game jackpot parlay ($5 to win $1000): DEN +180, HOU -3.5, IND -14, MIA +165, DET -4, DAL -10, & UNDER 44 for NYG vs EAG. We'll see if we're loaded with cheese by 1:00pm PST!

GOOD LUCK!

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Record for NFL Week 8: 6-7
1:00pm - Apologies on the Giants vs Eagles UNDER. Didn't expect the Giants Defense to be as bad as they were. Denver's ride ATS is over, tough morning for the Cover The Spread staff, but expect a rebound this afternoon.

Bonus Afternoon 4 Game Teaser : SD -11, JAX +9, MIN +9, ARI -4.
(Yikes - we were 1 for 4 on that one... seems like the theme for this weekend.)