by Bob Gaughan, Buffalo Sports Page
2020 record 11-7-2
2019 Record 62-41-2
2018 Record 72-50-3
Mr. Over/Under: Saints/Chargers Over 51
After 4-weeks in the NFL, there are still three teams that have yet to cover the point spread. Houston, Dallas and the Jets. Only two teams have covered the point spread every week, Seattle and Green Bay, and not surprisingly, they’re also undefeated. Three teams have gone over each week, the Bills, Raiders and Saints. In their first four games New Orleans and their opponent have scored 57, 58, 67 and 64 points combined. This week the Saints host the Chargers, who scored 31 points last week against Tampa Bay. The over/under for Monday night’s game is 51. I like the over.
Man in Stripes: Bills over Titans NL at the time
If this game is played I’m a big fan of the Bills. The league is furious with the Titans and their non-compliance this past week. The Titans facility closed this past week gives the Bills a big edge. Beane and company have one of the more focused teams in the league and there’s no way the Titans can be as focused. Number most likely Bills -3 but no matter. The Titans have a little shot if this game goes off. This makes up for Homerun Throwback.
If the Bills game isn’t played give me Miami +15 over Clemson. No real home field advantage with the small crowd on hand. Miami defense has been strong and it looks like weather will be a factor. Take the Hurricanes with the remnants of a hurricane going on.
Mono: Florida Atlantic -2.5 at Southern Miss
FAU was able to play their first game last week against an experienced Charlotte team. FAU came out a little rusty but Willie Taggert’s team was able to gut out a 21-17 win. Southern Mississippi was able to get a win last week but it was against a rebuilding North Texas team. Earlier this year against a strong rushing attack with Tulane, Southern Miss gave up 476 yards. FAU’s backfield features a duo of upperclassmen in BJ Emmons and Malcolm Davidson as well as a true dual threat QB in Nick Tronti. Considering they got the rust off last week I expect the FAU offense to torch a bad Southern Miss defense.
I’ll give you a Sunday game as well if the rain cancels the Southern Miss game. The Falcons -2 over the Panthers. These two teams are in different positions after the first quarter of the season. Carolina has overachieved with new coach Matt Ruhle. Atlanta has underachieved with a couple of double-digit collapses. Julio Jones will be healthier in this game and I expect a shootout. Atlanta should be able to hold on for their first win of the season.
Brutal: Miami +9.5 over San Francisco
Miami isn’t that bad this year. They’ve played a brutal schedule. Their losses have been to the Bills, Seahawks and New England. I’m just not impressed with San Francisco so far. I know they have had a ton of injuries but they haven’t played at the same level they did last year. I like Fitzpatrick with too many points for a team that is decent on both sides of the ball.
Bob Gaughan: Indianapolis and Cleveland Under 47
Fantasy football players will tell you the best defense in the league is the Colts. It’s a bit of a shock but they have played solid all year long. Film study guys will tell you that the Colts defense is very fundamentally sound. Both teams like to run the ball. The Browns will be without Nick Chubb but they will still try to pound the rock. I’m not a big fan of either Phillip Rivers or Baker Mayfield as quarterbacks that are going to light up the scoreboard. I see a slugfest and this is too many points.
Leave a Reply