by Bob Gaughan, Buffalo Sports Page
Last Week 1-5 Yearly Record 46-31-2
Last Year Weekly Record 12-6-3, Overall Record 72-50-3
Mr. Over/Under: Philadelphia -4.5 over Giants
When it comes to betting in the NFL, week 17 can be the worst. I call it the “Shoulda/Coulda week. Buffalo, Green Bay and Kansas City SHOULD win and SHOULD cover….depending on who COULD play? And there lies the problem. So I like to look at who NEEDS to win, in order to make the playoffs? Tennessee and Pittsburgh both need to win, but there’s only one playoff spot available between them. Unfortunately the NFL screwed up the scheduled time of the KC/Chargers game. You see if KC wins their 1pm game, then Houston (which plays Tennessee at 4:25pm) won’t be able to move up in the playoffs standings, and COULD rest certain starters, giving Tennessee a better chance to win. Therefore, Tennessee could be a good bet, if KC wins, but you won’t have much time to get that bet in. However I feel the real must win team is Philadelphia. If they beat the New Jersey Giants,(There’s only one NFL team that plays in NYS) they win their division and make the playoffs. If they lose, and Dallas wins, then Dallas wins the division and makes the playoffs. Both teams play at the same time, so you won’t have to worry about who SHOULD be playing. Fly with the Eagles -4.5
Man in Stripes: 6 point teaser- Air Force +3, Air Force/ WSU OVER 61.5
This game is one of the most compelling bowl games, 2 uniquely different styles.. Air Force is 3rd in nation, averaging almost 300 yards on the ground, while Wash St. is #1 in total passing in the nation.. However, Air Force is a different type of offense, that a bad WSU defense will struggle against.. The Falcons are 7-, 5 ATS, 5-2 last 7, while Mike Leach is a terrible 1-8 last 9 ATS in bowl games, they are 4-8 ATS all year.. Lets tease the total down and the points for the Falcons up, even though you wont need them.. Good luck, and enjoy the game!!
Mono: Penn State -7 over Memphis
This is a Penn State team that was ultimately 2 wins away from the playoff. Memphis snuck by Cincinnati in their conference championship. I believe that the Penn State defense will shutdown and take their frustrations out on the Memphis offense. The Memphis defense will have a tough time shutting down KJ Hamler.
Brutal: Arizona State -4 over Florida State
Arizona State is better coached in this game. FSU has an interim coach in place. ASU should have the advantage with the crowd. This is a much closer venue for the boys from Tempe. Florida State has been undisciplined all year and I don’t expect this coach to get much out of them. FSU has a few players sitting out as well. I question their motivation for the game. The PAC-12 is the much tougher conference. Take out Clemson and the ACC is terrible. The PAC -12 is 5-1 in the last six Sun Bowls.
Bob Gaughan: Iowa State +3.5 over Notre Dame
Iowa State has been my team all year. They have lost a few heartbreakers along the way. They lost to Baylor, Iowa and Oklahoma by a combined four points. I can see many people traveling to Florida from Iowa for a vacation and to root on their Cyclones. Iowa State has the better QB in Brock Purdy. This has to be a downer for Notre Dame considering they were in the playoff last year. Cyclones will be pumped up for this one. Notre Dame offense still a mystery after letting OC Chip Long go.
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