We look at the best bets for this week’s NFL and college football games, starting with rookie quarterback Kyler Murray coming to New Orleans. Meanwhile, heavy rains across the country on Saturday could affect college games; so make sure you check the weather report. Here are the best bets for this week’s games.
Arizona @ New Orleans
No matter the quarterback for the Saints on Sunday, I see no problem with the Saints scoring here. The Cardinals have won three straight, but the combined record of those teams was 3-18 (the Giants, Falcons and Bengals).
With a rookie quarterback in Kyler Murray coming into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, I see the Saints defense keeping this low scoring. I do think if Brees were fully healthy and starting, this line would be 14-15 points. Take the Saints in a 28-13 victory. Saints (-10.5)
Tampa Bay @ Tennessee
Jameis Winston's play hasn’t given Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians full confidence so far this season. Winston is currently second in the NFL in interceptions thrown (11). Meanwhile, the Titans have already switched quarterbacks, replacing Marcus Mariota for Ryan Tannehill. I do think QB play will matter, as Tampa Bay’s secondary is the worst in the league; so this one could go back and forth.
I like the Bucs in this game even though to this point they’ve played below expectations. Tampa does have wins in at Carolina & Los Angeles. Tennessee, on the other hand, really hasn’t beaten anyone other than an overrated Browns & Chargers team and the 1-6 Atlanta Falcons. Give me the team that’s shown they can win on the road and the points. Bucs (+2.5)
Oakland @ Houston
Both of these teams are coming off losses. The Texans took a loss to their divisional rival, the Indianapolis Colts, while the Packers put it all over the Raiders in Green Bay. I expect both offenses to have no trouble moving the football.
Derek Carr and Deshaun Watson are both capable of making big plays, and I think both secondaries have been exposed this season. While the Texans are known for their pass rush, their secondary is giving up the fourth most passing yards per game this season. Meanwhile, we saw what Aaron Rodgers was able to do against Oakland (429 yards passing, 5 TD). This game being played indoors also will help the offenses. Over (51.5)
By all indications, this is going to be an ugly game. Both teams have struggled offensively, and points will be at a premium in this one. This is Iowa’s third road game this season. The other two resulted in a 18-17 win vs Iowa St and a 10-3 loss to Michigan. That’s just 21 points scored on the road this season.
Northwestern got beat in every phase of the game last week by Ohio St 52-3. Luckily for the Wildcats, the Hawkeyes don’t have the same athletes as the Buckeyes. Northwestern has been known for the upset in the underdog role, so the moneyline could be an interesting bet here. Northwestern (+10)
Ohio @ Ball State
I call this pick "Operation fade Ball State."
The Cardinals have pulled up three straight wins, but they are not as convincing as you may think. In the 27-20 win over Northern Illinois, the Huskies blew a 17-0 first half lead. I do give them credit in their win against Eastern Michigan. Then in the blowout win against Toledo, the Rockets are without their starting quarterback.
The Ohio Bobcats want to run the ball; and in a game that will have a high chance of rain, give me the team that can control the clock. These teams currently lead their respective divisions in the MAC, so it’s a huge game for conference standings. Ohio (+2.5)/ML
Memphis @ Tulsa
We saw the Memphis Tigers dominate the Green Wave last week, but this week I think it’ll be a little different. The Golden Hurricanes of Tulsa have been in every game this season, outside their loss to Navy. Preparing for an option team on a short week can be very challenging.
I think the Tigers are the second best team in the American conference behind SMU, but they’ll get their best shot from Tulsa. I expect Tulsa to hang on for all four quarters and cover the spread. Double digit points at home is too many. Tulsa (+10.5)