October is one of the best months of the year for NJ online sports bettors as we’re knee-deep in the NFL and NCAA Football action, the NHL is back, the NBA is right around the corner, there’s weekly MMA and golf, and we’re coming down to the wire in the baseball playoffs.
With a full menu of options to choose from, especially Eagles vs Cowboys, here are the best bets of the week:
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
Odds: Bills -16.5 at PointsBet
Date: Sunday, October 20th
The Buffalo Bills are laying a massive number, which is not something they often do. They haven’t been favored by 10 or more over the last three years and it’s happened just 15 times since 1992. They’re 10-5 ATS in those games. They’ve only been a home favorite of 14.5 to 21 points five times in the last 28 years.
I do like the Bills in this spot because the Dolphins are absolutely pulse-less. Miami had a good shot to win last week when they were at home, coming off a bye, facing a winless Washington Redskins squad. Instead, they mostly beat down, being outgained 311-271. Washington was up 17-3 entering the fourth quarter, so the 17-16 final score is a tad misleading.
This week, the Dolphins will visit the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo has a really strong defense, so I’m not expecting much from Miami’s offense in this game. The Bills are also coming off a bye week, so they’ll be fresh and crisp while Miami will be flat here. It’s a big number but I would lay the points.
Pick: Bills -16.5
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Not many people will be tuning into this blockbuster showdown (that’s sarcasm) but I do see some betting value in this contest.
The Chargers are a team that’s really banged up as they’re missing several members off their offensive line, receiving corps and defense. While Philip Rivers and Keenan Allen are still around, it’s hard to lose guys like All-Pro safety Derwin James and pass rusher Melvin Ingram and still compete at the same level.
Overall, if you take a look at the Chargers season, their two wins have come against the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts win came in overtime in Week 1 when Adam Vinatieri missed two field goals and an extra point. This Chargers team could easily be 1-5.
The Titans are a train wreck themselves but a lot of that has to do with quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was benched last week. A switch to Ryan Tannehill should give this offense a bit of a spark. With the renewed threat of a passing game, the running game should operate much better. It’ll help that the Chargers give up 120.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 22nd in the NFL.
On the other side of the ball, the Titans defense has played well this season. They’re fifth in points allowed per game (15.3) and shouldn’t have too many problems with a Chargers offense that has labored all season long. They’re averaging just 18.0 points per game this season. Lay the points with the Titans.
Pick: Titans -2
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Date: Sunday, October 20th
The Eagles vs Cowboys rivalry is epic, and this game should be no different.
The Cowboys started the season 3-0 but have since lost three in a row to even up their record. We’ve seen two completely different teams but it’s worth pointing out that the Cowboys first three opponents have a combined record of 3-14 whereas their last three opponents have been much more competent. Another competent one is in front of them this week and the Cowboys have to figures things out quickly or they’ll fall to 3-4.
One of the biggest issues for the Cowboys right now is injuries. They played last week without Tyron Smith and La’El Collins on their offensive line. Wideout Amari Cooper was also banged up. If the Cowboys don’t get these three guys back, they’re not going to win next week.
A bigger issue is that it feels like head coach Jason Garrett has lost this team. The Cowboys didn’t look like they were prepared for Sunday’s game at the New York Jets when they allowed the Jets to score 21 of the game’s first 24 points.
Eagles’ head coach Doug Pederson guaranteed a win for his team in this game and I’m on-board. We’re getting three points, so I at least expect them to cover.
Eagles vs Cowboys… who you got?
Pick: Eagles +3
Other Things To Watch This Week
Houston Astros at New York Yankees – Game 3 of the American League Championship Series will take place on Tuesday as the venue switches to Yankee Stadium. The Yankees took Game 1 but a Carlos Correia home run in extra innings gave the Astros the win in Game 2. Gerrit Cole will take to the mound versus Luis Severino.
No. 12 Oregon at No. 25 Washington – The Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies will clash in a Top 25 matchup on Saturday. The Ducks have won five in a row since losing their opener to Auburn but this will be their toughest test since. Washington is 5-2 and is typically a really tough team to beat at home.
No. 16 Michigan at No. 7 Penn State – It hasn’t been pretty for Michigan this season but they’re still 5-1. They might be a five-win team but it’s by the skin of their teeth. They’re a nine-point underdog at Penn State, who has surprised a lot of experts this season. They’re 6-0 and ranked seventh in the country.
See you same time next week when we start off the week with our Best Bets Of The Week!
