College Football Week 6 and NFL Week 5 Preview: 10/5 - 10/9

 

College Football Week 6 and NFL Week 5 Preview: 10/5 - 10/9

Thursday, October 5th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Bears at Commanders

Al Michaels is going to be pithy on the call in this one. Sam Howell has done well this year, and the Bears showed some life last week, but this looks rough. Could the over be in play? Both teams have given up a ton of points but are hit and miss at putting some up themselves.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Sam Houston State at Liberty

Liberty has had a good start to the year and have a program builder in head coach Jamey Chadwell. I won't be watching, but you do you if you need some college football.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u44.5 (-110) Bears vs Commanders

The under has hit a lot in primetime this year (often when I don't bet it). Let's try to capitalize on the trend this weekend. Offenses are heating up (shocker that it took 3 weeks when teams don't play starters during the 3 week preseason, what a coincidence) so this could be old news. But I'll take the bait.

Friday, October 6th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Kansas State at Oklahoma State

Kansas State is quietly lurking in the shadows of the Big 12 if Texas or Oklahoma falter. A night game in Stillwater, with the paddles smacking the walls, could throw a wrench in their plans. Kansas State is a big favorite, but I think the Pokes get up for this one.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Nebraska at Illinois

Another Big Ten West rock fight. Nebraska has some talent on the roster, but they love to turn the ball over. Illinois got smacked by Purdue and don't look the same on defense that had some bite the previous two years. If you like fall colors and low scoring, this is for you.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u43 (-110) Nebraska vs Illinois

See above notes. Honestly the thing to worry about is these teams trading pick sixes and that blows the under. Now that I've said it, bet the over.

Saturday, October 7th

Game of the Day: Oklahoma vs Texas (Dallas)

Todd McShay said on Ryen Russillo this week that the intensity at which this game is played on the field rivals the on-field intensity of Alabama-Auburn and Michigan-Ohio State. These two teams always get up for each other and seeing the Cotton Bowl half orange and half red is electric. Oklahoma is starting to get some national love, can they get movement against Texas' vaunted front? Has Venables made the Sooners good enough on defense to slow down Ewers? Settle in for a good one.

Most Entertaining Game: Washington State at UCLA

The Cougars head to the Rose Bowl and are underdogs to the Bruins. Does the home game get UCLA rolling after they only put up 7 points against Utah? Cam Ward will be able to put up points, so Dante Moore has to get rolling.

A Game for the Football Crazies: William & Mary at Virginia

You have to be a real sicko to watch this one if you aren't a William & Mary fan. The school that thinks they are rivals with UVA gets to play in Charlottesville against a really bad Cavaliers team. Is this going to be rock bottom for them? William & Mary has a ton of former Presidents and NFL coaches as alums, we will see if they get back at their old rivals.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Alabama ML (-130) vs Texas A&M

I know Milroe lost last time in College Station and Saban finally lost to a former assistant. But I think the Tide are going to be there right to the end this year. If they lose this one, Georgia is the only hope for the SEC to make the CFP (and a great hope).

Second Pick: Michigan -19.5 (-110) vs Minnesota

The Brown Jug is up for grabs on Saturday night (no one cares)! Minnesota is physical and wants to run the ball. I would rather try to run through a brick wall than Michigan's front. Michigan jumps out to a lead here and then pulls the starters yet again, the matchup in Happy Valley can't come soon enough.

Third Pick: Arizona +21.5 (-110) vs USC

PAC-12 after dark! USC's defense is bad and was exposed on a national stage last weekend. Dreams have a way of dying at night in Tucson. I am not saying the Trojans lose, but I think things are weird until the end.

Sunday, October 8th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Cowboys at 49ers

This game could be a classic. Two iconic teams, battling on Sunday Night Football. Both teams have stars on both sides of the ball. The best matchup will be how Kyle Shanahan tries to neutralize Micah Parsons. The pocket will be moved on passing plays, there will be pre-snap motion, and Trent Williams has been known to get in motion on big plays. Will there be a play or two where it's George Kittle vs Parsons? What happens on that play? That's the matchup to watch this entire weekend of football.

Most Entertaining Game: Ravens at Steelers

Even though Kenny Pickett is not 100% and may not play, this game is a must watch rivalry. The AFC North just hits different. The Ravens seemed to have grabbed the reigns of the division, but Tomlin finds a way every year. Let's see if TJ Watt can wrangle up Lamar.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Bengals at Cardinals

"I'm always f*cking open". As soon as that was said by Jamarr Chase, this became a game of interest. Things are not going great in Cincinnati. The Cardinals have been a tough out and kept Dak under wraps. Burrow is not healthy, the team is struggling on all fronts, can they get right in the desert? Or will things really start to spiral for a team with a lot of long-term contract issues?

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Saints ML (+102) vs Patriots

The Saints looked bad last weekend, but I can't believe they are not favorites. The Patriots have terrible weapons, no one is dynamic. This is the perfect team for the Saints' veteran defense to stay in front of and Kamara gets going just enough to win.

Second Pick: 49ers -3.5 (-105) vs Cowboys

I think the 49ers are the class of the NFC and they will show it on Sunday night. I think Deebo and Aiyuk are too much without Diggs in the lineup for the Cowboys and Purdy will have time.

Monday, October 9th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Packers at Raiders

I want to see those Wisconsinites tear up the Strip. The stories of the bar tabs will be better than this game. Which team gets their quarterback comfortable will be the difference maker. My money would be on the Raiders because I think Maxx Crosby is going to eat.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u45 (-112) Packers vs Raiders

See the Thursday night rationale. Both teams will be quite protective of their quarterbacks and that is music to the under's ears.

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 16-17-1 (-0.90 units)
NFL Picks: 5-7-1 (-2.32 units)
Overall: 21-24-2 (-3.22 units)

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