By Ryan Bologna
It’s bowl season, and there are some pivotal matchups this weekend in the NFL. Here are some of the games you might want to target with your bets.
Season Record: 18-24-3
Marshall (-11) vs UConn
Pick: UConn +11
I have to pick my alma matter in this game. UConn’s turnaround under Jim Mora has been one of the best stories of the season, and there should be an investigation into why he wasn’t a finalist for national coach of the year. The Huskies might might have lost to some Texas high school teams a year ago, and now they’re going bowling. UConn has won as underdogs a lot this year, and 11 is too many points to not take them in this game. The Huskies should keep the game close against Marshall, who they lost to in their most-recent trip to a bowl game in 2015.
Lions @ Jets (-1.5)
Pick: Lions +1.5
It was just announced that Mike White would not be able to play this weekend, so Zach Wilson will be reinserted as the starter. The Lions have been playing great football since a 1-6 start. They won’t have it easy against the Jets defense this week, but it’s hard to go against them right now. Looking at the remaining schedule, Detroit might run the table. Expect them to take limit a Jets offense that should be conservative and win outright.
Titans vs Chargers (-3)
Pick: Chargers -3
I took the Titans a week ago, thinking they would easily cover against the Jaguars. I’m not falling for it again. The Chargers have been up and down, and tend to play to their opponents level, but I expect them to do enough this weekend. This feels like a one-score game that the Chargers take by more than three points.
Gas Station Sushi (Stay Away)
Falcons @ Saints (-4)
The NFC South is a mess, and you just don’t know who is going to show up for this game. Rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder is starting for the Falcons, so that is an unknown variable. The Saints also seem to let teams hang around a lot, and we saw how that can come back to bite you when they played the Buccaneers. Stay away from betting on this game.
Photo Credit: BrandonKleinPhoto
