It’s time for yet another week of football prognostication here at The Wife Hates Sports (and in collaboration with the SportsChump). Last week’s 4-1 record was a big one at TWHS, although we can add LSU to the list of teams that I can’t seem to figure out this season. The shoe seems to be on the other foot this week, as I waited for the Chump to send me his picks. He’s not hanging out in Buffalo right now, so pretty sure he has no other excuse. Let’s end the delay and pivot to this week’s favorite College Football picks and Week 11 NFL Bets.
Here are our TOP FIVE Best Bets for the week (all against the spread), including our Week 11 NFL Bets and Week 12 College Football Best Bets. This includes picks from the SportsChump (when available).
Our lists are ranked in order of confidence, from 50 “points” down to 10. Please note that the lines for my picks are all taken from DraftKings Sportsbook (maybe some day they’ll notice).
DraftKings Sportsbook: Week 11 NFL Lines | Week 12 College Football Lines
The Wife Hates SportsChump: Week 11 NFL Bets and Top College Picks
KP’s Picks: The Wife Hates Sports
$50: Washington Commanders (-3) at Houston Texans
Here’s hoping for no short rest, road game letdowns. The Commanders were a team possessed on Monday Night Football, taking down the Eagles and leaving the NFL with no more undefeated teams this season. Many focus on a few questionable calls and instead not think about Washington’s strong run game, better OL play, and domination when it comes to time of possession. Running well on the Eagles, now Washington faces a Texans defense that ranks last in the NFL against the run (181.8 ypg allowed). Time for a heavy dose of Robinson and Gibson. Commanders cover on the road.
$40: Detroit Lions at New York Giants (-3)
The Giants do not blow anyone out. That much is true, but this team knows how to win under HC Brian Daboll. So, what is the smart way to take down the Lions? Run the ball and keep their weapons off the field. Detroit ranks 31st in the NFL against the run (160.9 ypg allowed). Only the aforementioned Texans give up more yards on the ground. Enter Saquon Barkley, arguably the most explosive running back in the league. This feels like a run-heavy, grind it out type of game. In front of a rowdy home crowd, New York finds a way to get it done. Giants cover at home.
$30: Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (-2.5)
Neither team has been all that consistent. The Rams are the bigger disappointment, especially on offense. With Cooper Kupp landing on IR, how low can this offense go? While I wait for Odell Beckham to land in L.A. (I have no sources – just a hunch), the Rams have to look to the rest of the offense to step up. That starts with Allen Robinson. Perhaps we will see more of Kyren Williams in the run game. Meanwhile, the Saints rank 13th in total defense and get this depleted Rams group in front of its home crowd. New Orleans isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard, but I think they find a way. In a low scoring game, the Saints cover at home.
$20: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Auburn Tigers (-4.5)
This has “trap game” written all over it. Then again, wouldn’t a trap game be when a top ranked team is facing a lesser opponent with talent? Auburn is a mess this season, but this is still an SEC team in front of an SEC crowd. I mean, they all brag about that being a major advantage, right? The Hilltoppers (7-4) can score and feature the 4th ranked passing offense in College Football (336.1 ypg). WKU has scored 30 or more points in seven games this season. However, most are against lesser opponents. The Tigers, meanwhile, rank 35th in pass defense (202.8 ypg allowed). The defensive unit has allowed 10 passing TD’s in ten games (although, with just 3 INT). The game comes down to that matchup and I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the SEC and its talent pool. Tigers cover at home.
$10: Ohio State Buckeyes (-27) at Maryland Terrapins
I am being a bit conservative considering the four-touchdown ask to cover. Still, while the Terrapins are a good team with solid players, they have fallen short frequently this season. Since hanging with Michigan back on September 24, Maryland has lost to Purdue, Wisconsin, and Penn State. Last week at Penn State, Maryland had just 134 total yards and 11 first downs for the entire game. The Terps averaged 2.2 yards per play and were frequently owned in the trenches. Enter the Buckeyes, a team that has scored 40 or more points eight times this season. Ohio State simply needs to play its game and not look forward to next week’s clash with rival Michigan. Bank on that happening. Buckeyes cover on the road.
SportsChump’s Picks
Note: Will include when available
Chime in with top picks for the week. Also, if you have interest in being a guest picker, please let us know via the comments below. Thank you for visiting The Wife Hates Sports!
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