Mitch Garrett was kind enough to write this gambling piece for us this week.  Mitch has been on our show, Don't Hassle Us We're Local, as a guest host and is a member of the Hassler Nation.  You can also find Mitch helping to brew the finest Quad City craft beer at Front Street Brewery.  
Back on the wagon this week with some picks of interest for you Hassler Nation. As my Brother of the Books, Dr. Tom, can attest - it’s been a rough start to the football season for us. So probably a good thing no blogs have been put out there on the internet for everyone to mock and tell us how much coin they’ve lost following along. Internet integrity still somewhat in tact, we’re back with a vengeance currently riding a bit of a heater. And just to jinx us I’m throwing out some of the favorite lines of the weekend with action starting tonight. Buckle up, pour yourself a beer (preferably something from Front Street), and hopefully make like a duck and get this bread.
Thursday
Western Michigan (-6, -115)
Virginia Tech (-3, -130) *bought half point*
Friday
 
Los Angeles Dodgers (ML, -155)
Indiana (-3, EVEN)
Bonus Early Weekend: 10-Point Tease
West Virginia (-3.5)
Western Michigan (+3.5)
Utah (-0.5)
Houston Texans (+2.5)
Indiana (+7)
Everyone always says if you have to take points on a tease, you really don’t know how to bet on a particular game. I say give me some extra cushion for a smaller pour of juice every week. If the singles all cash, obviously so does the tease. If you miss one or two calls hopefully it’s not by much and the teaser can help soften any blow to the books. I like the security blanket the tease provides.
Saturday
Iowa (+6, -105)
This Penn State team has proven its beatable, even at home. Iowa is still very much in the hunt for a Big Ten Championship appearance and at the very least keeps this close. The homer in me is taking them ML as well.
Georgia (-7, -105)
Coming off a beat down in Baton Rouge Georgia looks to get back on track against a somewhat surprising Florida squad. Georgia handles their business at home and makes a statement to the playoff committee that they still belong.
Cincinnati (-9, -110)
This Cincy team possesses a well balanced offense and a stingy defense that’s barely allowing 15 points per game. Expect the Bearcats to roll in this one and cover even the -10 some sites have them at this weekend.
NC State (-1.5, -110)NC State got absolutely throttled on national television by Clemson last week to the tune of 41-7. This Wolfpack team isn’t as bad as that loss (the first of their season) might indicate. Especially their defense. Despite losing to players to the draft last year (Bradley Chubb and PJ Hill) this NC State defensive unit is still a formidable bunch. Syracuse has gone into OT the last two games and I expect they’re a little taxed coming into this matchup. An angry Wolfpack team takes advantage and cover a close, sneaky good to watch game.

Wisconsin (-7, EVEN) / (-6, 115)
If Wisconsin wants to have any shot at staying in playoff conversations they need to string together some impressive wins. The Badgers return some starters from injury this week and it’s hard to think they’re not going to come out looking to run the score up on a fairly decent Northwestern team to prove they should still be considered along with the top teams in the Big Ten.
*This line has seen a lot of fluctuation so far this week. We like it in either of the above scenarios
Sunday
Philadelphia (-3, -135) *bought half point*
In what is essentially a home game for Jacksonville in London, still think the Eagles get it done. The Jags seem to be a mess right now and that defense hasn’t been living up to their reputation lately. Philly in what could be a ugly game to watch.
Baltimore (-2, -110)
Boasting what appears to be one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, the Ravens have enough in talent on defense (assuming their starting corners who are listed as questionable as of this writing are a go for this weekend) to contain the Carolina offensive firepower.
Pittsburgh (-8, -110)
These teams (Cleveland) tied the first time in what was surely an early season surprise. Pittsburgh is looking more like the team we thought they would be coming into the season and will be fresh off a bye week against a division opponent at home. A two score victory should be very obtainable.
LA Rams (-9, -105)
The Packers are beat up, like they really have been all year, and are going against an absolute cover monster this year in the Rams. I think the Packers make followers of this bet sweat it out with a commendable effort but LA separates late to hit the cover once again.
New Orleans (Pick, -105)
In what might be the truest “coin flip” of a game line in awhile, gotta lean towards giving the edge to the team that surely has a lingering sour taste in their mouth over the Diggs last-second touchdown. New Orleans is looking more and more like a serious Super Bowl contender and this would be a great way to make a statement. Go on the road to the building where your playoff run ended last year with the chance to make a statement, bodes well if you believe in the whole emotional element playing a part in a game.
New Orleans vs Minnesota (over 52, -115)
Thinking that this matchup will contain all the excitement of last year’s playoff matchup, and with that - a shootout. Expect plenty of scoring here with both defenses, who were each respectable in their own right last year, looking slightly less formidable this year. Plus who doesn’t like rooting for points in a prime time game?
Sunday Special: NFL 7-Point Tease
Houston (-0.5) *Thursday Night Football*
New Orleans (+7)
New Orleans vs Minnesota (Over 45)
New England (-7) *Monday Night Football*
LA Rams (-2)
Pittsburgh (-1)
Baltimore (+5)
Kansas City (-3)
Best of luck Hassler Nation, hope these picks do you well and boost that book!
Remember that you can always open up an account at My Bookie and use the promo code QCHassle and they will match your first deposit up to $100.

 

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