When I can go 3-3 with that slate of NFL action that we had yesterday, I’ll take it. While most of the country was watching “sure things” like the Bills go down, the early games actually went quite well for us, as the Falcons, Browns and Patriots all came through. We’ll just forget about that Dallas disaster for the time being.
We’re just a day from college basketball season, but there’s plenty of action available before we get to my favorite time of the year. Here are my picks for November 8.
NETS, +100
Brooklyn has won five straight, and the Bulls are coming off a pair of tough games with Philadelphia. Chicago is about to become a solid play as the public starts to think the Bulls are cooling off after a 6-1 start, but I think it’s best to fade the Bulls one more time before we hit that point. The Bulls don’t defend the 3-pointer very well, and the Nets rank third in the league in triples. Brooklyn should be able to get out with a win.
LAKERS, -130
This road trip cannot end soon enough for Charlotte. There is no way that I’m trusting the Hornets to knock off the Lakers when they’ve lost four straight and they’re 0-3 in California on this swing. The Lakers have won four of their past five at the Staples Center, and they shouldn’t have a problem swatting the Hornets here.
RANGERS, +105
The Panthers’ run is going to end at some point, and it might very well happen here. New York is likely better than its stats suggest because the Rangers have played nine of their 12 games on the road in 2021-22. Plus, the Panthers do have a weakness: they rank dead last in faceoffs won. New York should be able to control the puck a fair amount and ride the thrill of finally coming home after the western Canada swing to a surprise.
STEELERS, -290
All we’re doing here is taking a win. Pittsburgh should be fine covering the spread, too, because the Steelers will likely overwhelm the Bears’ offensive line. Chicago ranks last in the league at keeping its quarterback upright, and the Steelers bring pressure roughly once every three plays. Justin Fields isn’t experienced enough to beat this defense, so even if it’s a low-scoring pillow fight, the Steelers should be able to do enough on offense to pull ahead and pick up a win.
