“A lifestyle is what you pay for; a life is what pays you”- my fortune cookie from Magic Dragon.

Gambling is a lifestyle that you pay for, but also can be the life that pays you in so many ways. This week it was a lifestyle, and a very dirty rotten one.

It was one of the worst weeks of my gambling season as I went 3/10. Very rough, but winners don’t quit, they just keep whining and move on!

So here are your best bets of the week, and yes this is a shorter list. I think both slates are terrible, and I don’t want to stretch for any picks. Ya, maybe I’m being a big wussy after last week, but trust me I’ll make up for it next holiday week with some surprises. STAY TUNED!!!

NFL

3. Ravens -3 @ Rams

I’ll admit it, I was wrong about the Rams. I’ve been harping on them as a top 5-7 team for the last couple of weeks, and they might not even be a top 12 team. The offense looks lost, and that defense can’t hold up forever especially against an MVP candidate like Lamar Jackson who has also opened up the running game. Even though the Ravens are on the road, I think they handle the Rams pretty easily and keep chugging along as one of the best teams in the NFL. Ravens 27 Rams 17

2. Seahawks EV @ Eagles

I try not to bet on the Seahawks because they are my childhood team that I still fervently root for, and I don’t want to get my emotions involved in gambling (too bad that already has happened). But this line is too tempting not too pass up when I think about it more. Playing on the East coast does not worry me as the Seahawks have proven that doesn’t mean much anymore, and the Seahawks are the better overall offensive team. The key for the Seahawks to pull off this victory against a hungry Eagles team is to establish the run against a very good Eagles run defense. If the Hawks can get Chris Carson and maybe even another running back going, I see them winning this game. Seahawks 28 Eagles 23

1. Bucs @ Falcons -4

The Falcons are back baby and the Bucs are still the Bucs. In their last two games the Falcons have beat the Panthers and the division leading Saints by a combined score of 55-12. The defense is finally flying around and creating pressure on the quarterback, which leads to a now healthy offense to make some big plays. I like the Falcons big in this game. Falcons 30 Bucs 20

NCAA

4. Penn State +18.5 @ Ohio State

I’ve made a lot of money on Ohio State this year and have lost a lot on Penn State, so of course I am going to bet on Penn State this weekend to cover. Yes this game is on the road, yes, Penn State’s best offensive player might be out, and yes, Ohio State is overall the way better team. But, Ohio State hasn’t quite played anyone like Penn State quite yet (Penn State hasn’t played anyone like Ohio State either…) and I still think Ohio State handles this game pretty easily. I just think Penn State maybe comes away with a backdoor cover. Ohio State 35 Penn State 21

3. Oregon @ ASU +14

Oregon is fighting for a playoff spot and to represent the Pac 12, but first they’ll have to fight off a scrappy ASU squad. I think this ASU team is going to be extra scrappy too, at home under Herm Edwards off a bye week. Oregon is still a much more talented team and will win this game, but ASU should be able to keep it within 10 points. Oregon 28 ASU 21

2. Utah -22.5 @ Arizona

Utah is also fighting for a playoff spot and to represent the Pac 12 (I’m a Pac 12 guy so here we are) and they have the fortune to face a very soft Arizona team. I fully expect Utah to absolutely blow the doors off Arizona mostly due to the battle in the trenches. Utah has defensive line talent at every single position, meanwhile Arizona just fired their defensive line coach. On the other side of the ball Utah should be able to run the ball down Arizona’s throat. Utah 45 Arizona 14.

1. Texas AM @ Georgia -13

Georgia is coming off a huge win against Auburn to keep their playoff hopes alive and now they get to face a pretty soft Texas AM team at home to help boost their chances. Texas AM is just not quite the physical team that Georgia is, and I expect that Georgia defense to keep Kellen Mond and the Texas AM offense in check. Georgia 31 Texas AM 14